Hidden attractions of South and Central America -

South and Central America—often collectively referred to as Latin America— are well-trodden destinations. But hidden away in some of the 20-odd countries found from Mexico to the southern tip of the South American continent are places that still remain relatively unexplored. 

Click through the gallery and discover Latin America off the beaten track. 

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Guatemala - The stepped, natural pools embedded within this natural monument known as Semuc Champey, which means "where the river hides under the stones," sparkle in glorious turquoise. No wonder it's a desired (albeit remote) swimming destination.

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Suriname - Paramaribo has to be one of the most ornate capital cities in the world. Its historic inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated as such for the elaborate and highly decorated wooden Dutch colonial buildings that illustrate the gradual fusion of Dutch architectural influence with traditional local techniques and materials.

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Colombia - Isla de Providencia, also known as Old Providence, falls within a UNESCO Marine Protected Area, the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. The island exudes a distinctly Caribbean flavor, and the inhabitants mostly speak an English-based creole language rather than Spanish.

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Chile - The Cuevas de Mármol (Marble Caves) are located on a peninsula of solid marble bordering Lake General Carrera in Patagonia. Often cited as the most beautiful cave system in the world, the cave interiors can be explored by kayak.

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Peru - Wander Arequipa's UNESCO-protected historic center and be transported back to the mid-1500s, a colonial era characterized by a fascinating blend of indigenous and European architecture.

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Ecuador - Up for a hike? If you're in the Otavalo region then make for the Cuicocha crater lake. The word cuicocha means "lake of guinea pigs" in the indigenous Kichwa language. Use your imagination and the island in the middle of the lake does indeed resemble the shape of one of these furry rodents.

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Brazil - The boundaries of the Serra da Capivara National Park encompass the Pedra Furada and Sítio do Meio archaeological sites, both noted for their extraordinary prehistoric cave paintings. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Chile -

Here's something different! Sewell is an uninhabited mining town located high up in the Andes. They used to mine copper here but by 1977, after over seven decades of active life, the mine was closed and with it the lifeblood of the community. The town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Guatemala - Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America, and one of the most visually stunning bodies of water in the world. Volcanic in origin, Atitlán is fringed by several villages in which Maya culture is still prevalent.

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Brazil - Where can you find ribbons of sand dunes lapped by freshwater lagoons? Well, head for the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the rainy season (January to May) and be amazed by this seasonal phenomenon. The park is a favorite destination for ecotourists.

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Bolivia - Admittedly, the city of Sucre is hardly off the beaten track, given that it's the sixth most-populated city in the country. But it's easy to lose yourself among the beautiful 16th-century colonial buildings that make up Sucre's UNESCO-protected historic core. Don't miss the outstanding Convento de San Felipe Neri (pictured).

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Panama - Scattered along the Caribbean side of the country are the San Blas Islands of Panama, an archipelago of about 378 islands, renowned for their clear waters and pristine environs. In the late 17th century, San Blas was a notorious pirate haven.

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Argentina - The frigid splendor that is Los Glaciares National Park is simply breathtaking. Named after the Andes' ice cap—the largest outside of Antarctica, Greenland and Iceland—the park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Guatemala - Only the brave venture near Volcán de Fuego, a bad-tempered active volcano that's been erupting frequently since the Spanish conquest of the late 1500s. Definitely one of the country's more unusual visitor attractions.

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Mexico - Yucatan has the world's highest concentration of cenotes, or underwater caves or sinkholes. These make for great natural swimming pools (but don't swim smothered with oil or lotions, regarded as pollutants) or for the more adventurous, fantastic and mystical cave diving.

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Honduras - Moored in the Bay Islands region roughly 65 km (40 mi) off the mainland is the charming retreat of Roatán. The largest of eight islands, Roatán exudes a wonderfully laid-back Caribbean vibe and prides itself on its ecotourism credentials.

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Guyana - Did you know that the Kaieteur Falls is the world's largest single drop waterfall by the volume of water flowing over it? Don't leave Guyana without feasting your eyes on this staggeringly impressive natural wonder.

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Nicaragua - An active volcano in the country's Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range, Cerro Negro offers adventure tourists a very special experience: an opportunity to sandboard down its knee-jerking steep-sided slopes.

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Chile -

You're unlikely to gaze upon a more dramatic and breathtaking South American canvas than that of the soaring, snow-capped Towers of Paine, the three distinctive granite peaks of the Paine mountain range, and the signature landmark of the National Park Torres del Paine. 

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Mexico - There are more impressive ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula, but if you want to ponder the remnants of the once mighty Maya civilization without being interrupted by hoards of selfie-stick-waving tourists, then head for the remote Becan archaeological site, located in the center of the peninsula.

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Colombia - As a major port city, Cartagena can get a tad busy. But it's the old walled city you want to head for. Inside is a wealth of colonial-era churches, convents, and other 16th and 17th century buildings. Make sure to pause in San Pedro Claver Plaza (pictured). UNESCO has it all covered.

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Peru - Located about 50 km (31 mi) from Cusco, the visually stunning Inca ruins of Moray resemble a Roman amphitheater. Set in the Sacred Valley and little visited, Moray is a contemplative and humbling experience.

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Costa Rica - Blessed with outstanding biodiversity, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is not your average wildlife refuge. Around 2,500 plant species (including the most orchid species found in a single place), 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, and thousands of insects call this humid, verdant environment home. A network of trails run through the reserve, as well as suspension bridges and zip-lines.

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Guatemala - The trick in visiting Tikal National Park and the ruined ancient city of Tikal is to arrive super early, and never during summer and winter solstice celebrations (unless you want to be buried in a throng of international tourists). Seek out a trusted local guide and travel solo, or go as a part of a very small group.

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Colombia - Resembling toothpicks piercing an emerald carpet, the wax palms decorating the floor of the Cocora Valley in the Los Nevados National Natural Park stand as the national tree and symbol of Colombia.

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Bolivia - Anybody exploring Bolivia's Santa Cruz region should seek out the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos. The six missions date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are all collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pictured is the mission of San José de Chiquitos.

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Chile - If you want to work up a thirst, take a stroll through the Atacama Desert. This arid, unworldly environment is one of the driest places on the planet.

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Peru - The Chan Chan archaeological site near Trujillo is the largest adobe city on the Americas. Capital of the historical empire of the Chimor from 900 to 1470, Chan Chan today is threatened by erosion due to changes in weather patterns. It remains on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger.

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Colombia - El Chocó on Colombia's remote Pacific-Caribbean coast is a gorgeous region. With beaches lapped by warm crystalline water and fringed by tropical jungle, this is a destination that will appeal to adventurous free-spirited travelers out to reconnect with nature.

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Peru -

While Machu Picchu remains the travel brochure favorite, Kuélap, a walled settlement located in the mountains near the towns of María and Tingo, is the lesser-known and uncrowded archaeological gem you need to see. It's set in the spectacular surroundings of the Utcubamba Valley.

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