Archives 2022

Argentina is a vast country with four distinct seasons and a variety of landscapes and activities to choose from. With such an array of options, picking what to do is no easy task.

City lovers are drawn to Buenos Aires, one of the most enchanting capitals in Latin America, with its tango shows, culture, soccer matches and fantastic gastronomy.

Visit Iguazu Falls, explore the relics of the Indigenous communities in the Quebrada de Humahuaca and enjoy a great wine in Mendoza, overlooking the Andes Mountains.

Here are our picks for the top things to do in Argentina.

1. Watch a fútbol match in Buenos Aires

Do you want to see, first-hand, just how deep the Argentines’ passion for fútbol (soccer) runs? Head to a game in Buenos Aires. La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) and El Monumental (River Plate) stadiums are the most popular but they’re also hardest to get match-day tickets for.

A more reasonable option is checking out the smaller teams like Argentinos Juniors, Huracàn and Vélez Sársfield. All of them are located in different neighborhoods of Buenos Aires but good transportation makes getting there easy. You’ll still get to see a match and all the shouting, insults and celebrations accompanying it.

Planning tip: Keep an eye on the match schedule, which can be chaotic in Argentina. You can go alone or look for agencies organizing tours, like Tangol. They offer a multiday tour, with admission to a Boca Juniors or River Plate match, plus visits to the clubs’ museums.

2. Witness the power of Iguazú Falls

The Iguazú Falls are a natural wonder shared by Argentina and Brazil. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the series of waterfalls is split between two national parks: Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.

The main attraction is Devil’s Throat, measuring an astonishing 82m (269ft) high and 150m (492ft) wide. The falls can be reached in several ways, including by trails, from viewpoints and on boat rides.

You’ll end the hike wet even if you’re wearing rain gear, but you’ll be charged with positive energy.

Planning tip: The falls are worth seeing from both sides. You can visit any time of the year, but temperatures are pretty high between December and February. Try to enter the park early in the morning to avoid crowds – you’ll also have a better chance of spotting animals. Last entry is at 4:30pm.

3. Eat an authentic Argentine asado

Argentina ranks among the world’s top cattle producers, and Argentines take great pride in their meat. The variety of cuts to choose from is vast and has become more complex over time – it’s now a job to be a meat sommelier.

On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, the estancias (cattle ranches) offer barbecue meals to enjoy in the outdoors. In the city itself, if you’re not invited to an asado (Argentine barbecue) in a family home, you can always book a reservation at an excellent restaurant.

The best known is the Michelin-starred Don Julio. It’s not easy to get a table and it is expensive, but it is worth it. Located on the corner of the streets Gurruchaga and Guatemala, the restaurant specializes in cuts of beef from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford steers fed only on natural pasture.

It’s also the favorite grill of the Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi. Their butcher shop, La Carnicería, specializes in pastured meats and sells cuts of meat on the bone.

Alternatively, Fogón offers a nine-course tasting menu featuring seasonal vegetables, quality cuts of Argentine beef and delectable desserts like crepes with dulce de leche.

Planning tip: Both restaurants are located in the heart of Palermo, renowned as Buenos Aires’ neighborhood with the highest concentration of restaurants.

Read more: The best places to eat and drink in Buenos Aires

4. Marvel at the Route of the Volcanoes

Catamarca, in the northwest of Argentina, offers stunning views of volcanoes over 6000m (19,685ft) high. This region of the Andes Mountains stretches almost 200km (124 miles) and is filled with colorful peaks, valleys, lagoons and Andean salt flats where pink flamingos live.

Planning tip: You can visit it all year round, although October to April is recommended because the rains can interrupt the route between December and March. It is essential to make the trip in a 4×4 truck, accompanied by a specialist guide.

5. Taste the wines of Mendoza

Mendoza produces more than 78% of Argentina’s wine. Undoubtedly, this midwestern province of the country is a paradise for lovers of good wine, and especially its most famous grape variety – Malbec.

Go in March to celebrate the National Grape Harvest Festival, which features concerts and parades with floats from all the wine regions. Visitors can also participate in a grape harvest, visit dozens of wineries, attend tastings and even stay overnight at some of them. At Entre Cielos, you can spend an night in a suite on stilts, right above a vineyard.

Maipú Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley are some of the province’s best-known wine regions.

Read more: 10 ways to eat and drink your way across Argentina

6. Discover the majesty of Patagonia’s glaciers

Witnessing the fall of a giant iceberg is an experience that is hard to forget. You hear (and feel) a roar, as large chunks of glacier break away.

You can see this spectacle in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, in southwestern Patagonia. The park’s most famous site is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a magnificent wall of ice with icebergs more than 30km (18 miles) long.

There are vantage points and steel catwalks that let you close enough to the action while keeping you at a safe distance. In addition to touring the park, you can navigate among the glaciers and hike on the ice. In both cases, it is necessary to take an organised tour.

Planning tip: The best time to go is from November to March.

7. Navigate the wetlands of Esteros del Iberá

Esteros del Iberá is a natural paradise of more than one million hectares – one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world. The most popular activity in the area is a boat ride through the wetlands.

There, you can see caimans, capybaras and birds such as southern screamers (chajás), herons (garzas) and southern lapwings (teros) in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the palm groves and grasslands on horseback, and take in the enormity of one of the country’s best skies for stargazing.

Planning tip: The marshes have multiple access points such as San Nicolás, Cambyretá and Carambola. The most developed is Portal Iberá, found in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, accessible from either Posadas (Misiones) or Mercedes (Corrientes). The best seasons are autumn and spring; when the weather is milder, the plants bloom and the birds return.

8. Cycle through the Lake District

The road that joins the cities of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Argentina. Many travelers journey through the region in a day by car or on a private tour, but why not take it slow and embark on a 100km (62-mile) bike tour? The effort is worth it.

You’ll visit the national parks of Huapi and Lanín, pass by lakes and forests, and marvel at snow-capped mountains along the paved route.

Join up with a company to organize the whole trip, including camping or hostel accommodations. All you have to bring is your desire to do it.

Planning tip: To enjoy the trip, allow four days to complete it. The route from south to north is best since the road slopes down more than it goes up.

9. Learn about Indigenous culture in the Quebrada de Humahuaca

Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mountainous valley in the Jujuy Province, with several towns that cross the Rio Grande along a 155km (96-mile) stretch. For those who make the trek (and not many do) there’s a bounty of beautiful landscapes. For over 10,000 years, numerous Indigenous cultures have called this place home.

It was an important place in northwestern Argentina for the Incas in particular. Hike the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), located in Purmamarca, and stand in awe of reddish and ocher colors etched on rock formations, trace the the paths forged by the Incas, and discover charming villages.

10. Enjoy the arts in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is one of the great cultural capitals of Latin America. Tango is the music of the city, formed from a mixture of cultures and migratory currents that arrived at the end of the 19th century.

The city is full of milongas (dance schools or halls), where you can learn to dance to this music. Good places to try include La Viruta, Villa Malcolm and La Catedral. The first two are open daily, and the last from Tuesday to Sunday.

There are also places where you can listen to tango singers, full of expressiveness and feeling for this music representing the porteños (people born in Buenos Aires). El Boliche de Roberto and Los Laureles are two old bars where you can listen to the singers with a good glass of wine.

Buenos Aires also has more than 300 theaters spread throughout the city. Performances take place Monday through Sunday and cover diverse genres including drama, comedy, musical theater and a large number of stand-up shows.

Corrientes Ave, between Callao and Cerrito, has a large number of theaters and restaurants. Watching a play and eating a slice of pizza is a popular activity among porteños.

11. Sail the Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel, which joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is full of stories. In 1833, Charles Darwin’s voyages through these waters shaped his groundbreaking theory of evolution.

The classic boat tour to cross the channel departs from the remote city of Ushuaia, known as “the City at the End of the World.” The tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the place and to see marine wildlife such as sea birds and, if you are lucky, whales, dolphins and sea lions.

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is another of Patagonia’s icons, along with the Bridges Islands, where you can disembark if the weather is good. The lighthouse was important in navigation history because it guided numerous ships towards the Pacific Ocean.

Planning tip: The trip takes about three hours. The best time to make the excursion is early summer.

Keep planning your trip to Argentina:

• Save these top places to visit to your profile

• Find the best time to visit Argentina for your perfect vacation

• Be in the know with these top tips from Argentina locals

The epicenter of Mayan culture in Central America, Guatemala is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, black-sand beaches, remarkable biodiversity, historic Spanish cities, thriving Mayan communities and the stunning ruins of Tikal – perhaps the most spectacular of the ruined Mayan cities scattered around the jungles of Central America.

There’s loads to see here, and it’s worth taking your time to roam from the coastal beaches to the temperate highlands, and from Mayan ruins to wildlife-filled national parks. The country’s abundant natural attractions are topped off by the urban charm of Antigua, the country’s former Spanish-era capital, where visitors can find some of the best food in Central America.

Everything in Guatemala feels vibrantly alive, from the Mayan culture of Chichicastenango to the sublime serenity of Lake Atitlán with its guardian ring of volcanoes. One trip will likely have you hooked for life, so here are the best places to start your adventure in Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring.

1. Antigua

Best for architecture, history and volcanoes

Just a 45-minute drive from Guatemala’s main international airport, Antigua is most travelers’ first and last stop in Guatemala, and it rarely disappoints. A sprawl of cobblestone streets, historic basilicas and colorful homes, the city is surrounded by towering volcanoes, the most impressive of which is El Fuego (“the fire”), whose steep slopes are regularly marked by low-level eruptions.

Antigua is a place to explore in depth, posing for selfies under the iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, shopping for Mayan handicrafts, taking stunning photos of volcano-backed street scenes and colonial architecture, studying Spanish at local language schools, and refueling in the city’s many excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.

Some of Guatemala’s best restaurants can be found in Antigua, which has excellent global cuisine and traditional and contemporary Guatemalan fare. Eat delicious, budget-friendly street food at the night market or splurge on somewhere elegant and atmospheric such as Meson Panza Verde, a cozy boutique hotel where creative fusion dishes are made with local ingredients.

Detour: For days out of town, wake up early to hike to the nearby Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes, or wake up late and enjoy a laid-back brunch made with homegrown ingredients at the charming Caoba Farms. There’s plenty here to fill many days of exploring!

2. Lago de Atitlán

Best for chilling out amidst volcanic scenery

Tucked away deep in the western highlands and framed by three towering volcanoes, Lago de Atitlán is considered by some to be the most spectacular lake in the world. The waters of this deep and mysterious crater lake turn turquoise to deep green to dark blue as the light changes with the time of day and season. Because of its unique beauty, travelers have been known to get stuck here for weeks, months or even years.

Several small villages with distinctively different moods dot the lakeshore. Party people head to San Pedro La Laguna, while those interested in meditation and yoga love quieter San Marcos La Laguna. Spanish classes are widely available, but the main order of the day is simply chilling by the lakeside and marveling at the wonders of nature.

Planning Tip: For those who simply can’t sit still, more energetic activities include paragliding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking trips and hikes to the top of the dormant Volcán San Pedro. The lake also has some of Guatemala’s best swimming beaches.

3. Chichicastenango

Best for experiencing Mayan culture

Chichicastenango, aka “Chichi,” not only hosts the most impressive Maya market in the country, but it also has deep cultural significance to the Maya people. The town served as the main trading center for the Quiché region before the conquistadors arrived, and the tradition of people coming from hill villages to trade continues to this day.

Nestled amidst lush green mountains in the Guatemalan highlands, this sprawling market town fills with market traders every Sunday and Thursday, as visitors surge in on day trips from Lago de Atitlán. You’ll find a labyrinth of stalls full of local products, carved masks and gorgeous textiles, including the traditional huipil blouses that Indigenous women weave and wear.

Every region has a different style of huipil, and the intricate patterns of natural designs and abstract symbols can take months or even a year to weave. Other goods sold in this atmospheric market include wood carvings, leather goods, pottery and jade, silver and gold jewelry.

Planning Tip: While you’re in Chichicastenango, drop into the small archeological museum and the museum of ceremonial Mayan masks and spend some time people-watching on the incense-cloaked steps of Iglesia de Santo Tomás.

4. El Petén and Tikal

Best for Mayan ruins in the rainforest

The Guatemalan department (province) of El Petén is one of the most biodiverse regions in Central America, and this is also the setting for the towering Mayan temples of Tikal. The ruins of this ancient city, which rose to the height of its power in the 7th century, are buried deep in the jungle, visited by howler monkeys, coatis, agoutis and tropical birds and cloaked in lush vegetation. It’s worth spending a few days here exploring the region around beautiful, deep-green Lago Petén Itzá.

Several small communities line the water’s edge, but the island town of Flores is where most people stay while visiting Tikal, with a good selection of hostels and hotels, fun-filled nightlife and good amenities. However, the often-overlooked village of El Remate is another excellent option for those looking for a more tranquil vibe.

El Remate is tiny, but it has a handful of hostels, and it’s on a much better stretch of the lakeshore for swimming. As a bonus, the village is located closer to Tikal, meaning a quicker journey to the ruins. Check out the long-established Mon Ami hostel and restaurant for lakeside accommodations and lake-fish lunches, and Las Orquideas for delicious Italian food.

Detour: Quieter than Tikal, but equally worth visiting, are the ruins of Yahxá, a smaller ceremonial site located between two lakes, which is famed for its epic sunsets. For the more adventurous, five-day jungle treks to El Mirador, the largest Mayan site in Central America, can be arranged through local outfitter Carmelita Tours.

5. Río Dulce and Livingston

Best for river adventures

The largest lake in Guatemala, Lago Izabal is known for its geothermally heated waterfalls and fringing mangroves teeming with wildlife. The lake empties into the Río Dulce, which runs directly to the town of Lívingston, a busy hub for Garifuna people located on the Caribbean coast. Many travelers stop here en route to the coast and hire a boat to take them down the river.

Río Dulce is hot, humid and lush, and the vibe is surprisingly international, thanks to a string of marinas, restaurants and bars along the river that cater to visiting sailors. Stay at the excellent Tortugal, a boutique guesthouse located on a marina, and let the water lull you to sleep, or take a pickup to stay at one of the more remote riverside hostels in the jungle – Hotelito Perdido is a top choice.

6. Semuc Champey and Lanquín

Best for splashing in jungle pools

With its serene turquoise pools and natural limestone bridge, the national park of Semuc Champey is one of the most beautiful places in Central America. It’s a bit of a challenge to get there, but the trip is well worth the effort to swim and relax surrounded by tranquil natural beauty.

The pools are quite remote, and many visitors choose to stay in Lanquín, a village about a 45-minute drive from Semuc Champey with a handful of excellent hostels. Check out Zephyr Lodge, a popular party hostel with an infinity pool and unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains. El Retiro Lodge is more relaxed and just as pretty, with simple huts located right beside the river. Day trips to the pools are arranged by both hostels.

Planning Tip: If you’re looking to stay as close to the pools as possible, Greengo’s Hotel has A-frame cabins just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the park.

7. Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle

Best for uncrowded hiking trails

The isolated township of Nebaj is located in the remote highlands of the Cuchumatanes Mountains, a region referred to as the Ixil Triangle. It’s an excellent hub for hiking off the tourist trail. Visitors can trek between the peaks of the tallest mountain chain in Central America, traversing verdant slopes and valleys that alternate between subtropical forests and sweeping shrublands.

It’s possible to hike from the Ixil triangle to Todos Santos, a small town famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations every November. Starting from Nebaj, hikes are run once or twice a month by the excellent Quetzaltrekkers, based out of Quetzaltenango.

8. Monterrico and El Paredon

Best for black sands and surfing

Monterrico is a popular beachside getaway for Guatemalans, and it offers a fine expanse of black sand where you can relax, swim and watch the most incredible sunsets. By day, take a tour through the protected mangrove forest to see tropical birds and other wildlife or visit the Tortugario Monterrico sanctuary in the evening to help release baby turtles from September to January.

A two-hour drive away, El Paredon is the smaller of the two beaches, but it’s becoming increasingly popular thanks to its reliable surf breaks and the emergence of some great places to stay, including hippy-chic Swell. Head to this chilled-out beach for a backpacker vibe, easy-going Spanish classes, surfing lessons and socializing at the Driftwood Surfer hostel, which always has something going on every night of the week.

9. Laguna Lachuá

Best for escaping the tourist trail

Located in the middle of Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá, in the coffee- and cardamom-growing region of Alta Verapaz, this idyllic lagoon is quickly gaining traction as one of the country’s best off-the-beaten-track destinations. Reached by a humid 5km (3-mile) hike, this perfectly round, turquoise lake is flanked by interpretive trails, and it’s a lovely place to swim.

Visitors can only get to the lagoon after hiking through dense areas of tropical rainforest, home to howler monkeys, tarantulas, colorful birds and tropical flowers. After working up a sweat on the way here, the deep, cool lagoon is the perfect place to dive in, cool off and relax.

Planning Tip: The park doesn’t have any restaurants, so you’ll need to bring your own water and food. The easiest way to get here is on a tour from Cobán, about 147km (91 miles) south of Laguna Lachuá in the central highlands.

10. Quetzaltenango

Best for relaxing in the highlands

Quetzaltenango, or Xela (pronounced shay-la) as almost everyone calls it, is a place to linger. A big city with a small-town vibe, Quetzaltenango has pretty cobblestone streets, crumbling colonial buildings and a central park bookended by an ornate cathedral. Many visitors come here to study Spanish, volunteer, or take some serious hikes in the western highlands.

With the high elevation, expect pleasantly cool evenings that are perfect for sitting out in candle-lit bars and restaurants. Spanish students mingle with NGO volunteers, and chatty local residents are happy to help out with verb conjugations. Check out Mandarina on Calle 13-21 for the best lattes and salads in town. Don’t leave without trying shecas, a local sweet bread stuffed with either beans, cheese or jam, typically consumed with afternoon coffee.

Detours: Sights worth visiting outside the city include the hot springs tucked into the forest at Fuentes Georginas, Laguna Chicabal – a sacred lake that is often shrouded in mist, reached via a five-hour tramp up a volcano – and the twin volcanoes of Volcáns Santa Maria and Volcán Santiaguito, which can both be visited on a rewarding day hike. Huehuetanango, 90km (56 miles) north of Quetzaltenango, is another good base for hikes.

11. Guatemala City

Best for neighborhood exploring

Guatemala City is Central America’s largest metropolis, and how you experience the city will depend on where you spend your time. For those looking for a soft place to land, Zone 10 is the upscale neighborhood of the city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards full of high-end restaurants, hotels and trendy shops. This is also where you’ll find Museo Ixchel, an excellent museum focused on Mayan textiles and weaving.

For a more historic vibe, head to Zone 1, home to the Parque Central and the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, once the residence of dictator General Jorge Ubico. The park is popular for street food and occasional live music, or just as a place to sit for a while and watch the city going about its business.

Heading south from Zone 1 is Paseo de la Sexta, a pedestrian-only area studded with cafes, restaurants and shops. Here, you’ll find the famous Hotel Pan American, popular with revolutionaries, artists and writers since its construction more than 70 years ago. Across the street from the hotel is the equally famous Portalito, the bar reputedly frequented by Che Guevera whenever he visited Guatemala.

Detour: Zone 4 has been transformed from a once-dicey neighborhood full of abandoned factories into a trendy area with a post-industrial vibe. Once dilapidated streets are now alive with colorful street art, art galleries, digital workspaces, craft breweries and cafes serving up local beans that have until recently been reserved for export. Coffee District is a good place to start, with city views and an easygoing vibe.

At every majestic red, brown and pink turn, Grand Canyon National Park wows, with nature’s utmost beauty on full display.

The Grand Canyon is a global destination that offers more than 1.2 million acres of rocky, woodsy and riverine landscapes. It’s a paradise that appeals to travelers in search of many sorts of excursions, from family-centric outings to the most challenging of hikes.

Geologic forces have been molding this scenery for millions of years – and how you choose to take it all in, and which activities you opt for, will define your impression of this natural icon. The Arizona park features more than 130 trails, plus museums to explore, lodges to cozy into and water activities to enjoy.

Amid the many options, here are the top things to do in Grand Canyon National Park.

1. Ride the train to the South Rim via Grand Canyon Railway

Getting to the Grand Canyon is half the fun. Sure, you can embark on a desert journey from Las Vegas via car, or weave through towering hardwoods en route from Flagstaff. However you choose to arrive, consider completing the last leg via the Grand Canyon Railway. With daily routes from Williams, Arizona – approximately 60 miles south of Grand Canyon Village – the railway provides the perfect hybrid of desert and forest landscapes. And it’s always a hoot onboard, with Western-inspired entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.

Planning tip: The train departs Williams at 9:30am daily and returns at 3:30pm (with the exception of November and December). This schedule leaves you approximately three hours and 45 minutes at the canyon.

2. Absorb the canyon’s majesty from several viewpoints

You can plausibly argue that every step in Grand Canyon National Park provides a memorable viewpoint. Yet a handful of lookouts within the park along the South Rim’s main drag (Desert View Dr / Rte 64) – easily accessible to all, and all with guardrails – truly stand out. These include the primed-for-a-sunset Mather Point, partially paved Mohave Point and Grandview Point, from which you can see a bend in the Colorado River below.

3. Admire landscape-inspired art at Kolb Studio

Grand Canyon National Park is a piece of art in itself, true – yet there is an actual art studio within its limits, too. Situated on a cliff along the South Rim, Kolb Studio was once a family residence and photo studio. Today, the multi-level cabin boasts vintage photos from its namesakes – brothers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb – as well as paintings and portraits of folks exploring the canyon’s acreage in times past.

4. Take a hike along Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail

Once you lace up your hiking boots, everything from a death-defying, drop-filled, 11-mile jaunt (the Nankoweap Trail) to a flat straight shot to panoramic vistas (Shoshone Point) awaits. Yet the quintessential trails at the Grand Canyon – each containing a range of difficulties along them – are the nearly 8-mile Bright Angel Trail and the 6-plus-mile South Kaibab Trail. They’re both located in the South Rim, and provide stunning lookouts (such as Ooh Aah Point on South Kaibab) as they descend into the canyon.

Planning tip: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with its busiest hours from 10am to 4pm. Arrive early (or late) to avoid the crowds.

5. Check into Phantom Ranch or another woodsy in-park lodge

The only lodging option below the canyon rim, Phantom Ranch is nestled alongside Bright Angel Creek, just a half mile from the banks of the Colorado River. On its grounds, visitors can check into one of 11 cabins as well as single-sex dormitories. (Reserve early, as accommodations typically book up months in advance.) Beyond Phantom Ranch, a handful of above-rim lodges lie within the park, including the Maswik Lodge South, which opened in 2022; Charles Wittlesey-designed El Tovar; and the contemporary, cement-draped Kachina Lodge.

6. Kayak curvy Horseshoe Bend

You guessed it: Horseshoe Bend is sheer sandstone wizardry, sculpted by nature in the form of its namesake. Dipping more than 1000ft to the Colorado River below, the trailhead to this popular attraction is located just south of the town of Page. While the trail itself provides 1.2 miles of sweeping beauty, opt for a kayak adventure for a bottom-to-top perspective. Companies like Kayak Horseshoe Bend and Kayak the Colorado have the goods – and, if desired, the guides – to make it happen.

Detour: For more boating adventures, head 15 minutes north to Lake Powell, where operators like Lake Powell Boat Tours offer excursions.

7. Go white-water rafting on the Colorado River

There are few things more refreshing than a hearty splash of Colorado River water after a trek through an often blazing-hot canyon. Go for more than just a quick dip and make a day out of it with a rafting trip. April through October are the best months for rafting, and companies like Grand Canyon Expeditions know exactly where to take thrill seekers and tranquil floaters alike.

Planning tip: Beyond half-day and full-day adventures, three- to five-day rafting and boating trips can take you to the canyon all the way from Las Vegas. Advantage Grand Canyon is a comprehensive site that has a list of all your rafting choices.

8. Take in layered vistas with a bike ride along the South Rim Trail

Between driving, hiking and strolling the viewpoints, add in a bike ride for a full canyon experience. Along the South Rim, a wonderfully paved, 13-mile route offers canyon vistas with every rotation of the pedals. Bikes and e-bikes are now permitted in the park; if you left yours at home, Bright Angel Bicycles and GC-Bikes are tucked near the rim in Grand Canyon Village, with offerings for both adults and kids.

Local tip: When you tire, the park’s shuttle-bus system has bike racks. The shuttle stops almost every mile of the 13-mile stretch, and runs every 15 to 30 minutes.

9. Don’t forget a North Rim excursion

The bulk of the Grand Canyon’s buzziest spots – Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower and the Trail of Time being among them – are found at the South Rim. But let’s not forget the generally more remote and less developed North Rim. Some of the best viewpoints in all of this part of the Southwest are to be found here, including Cape Royal and Point Imperial.

Planning tip: The North Rim is open May 15 through December 1 annually, and is otherwise closed to vehicular traffic.

10. Explore the East Entrance and Desert View Watchtower

The East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park offers access to the Desert View Watchtower, a historic stone structure designed by architect Mary Colter. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River, making it a prime spot for photography. The watchtower also features a gift shop and interpretive exhibits.

11. Admire the view from Roosevelt Point

Roosevelt Point is a lesser-known but spectacular viewpoint along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to sweeping, panoramic views of the canyon’s vast expanse and the winding Colorado River below. Unlike the South Rim’s bustling lookouts, Roosevelt Point offers a tranquil atmosphere. The overlook is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

12. Embark on a mule trip to the bottom of the canyon

For a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon, consider a mule trip. These guided tours descend into the canyon, offering a different perspective of the rugged terrain. Mule trips are available from the South Rim and can be a memorable way to reach Phantom Ranch or the Colorado River.

Planning tip: Mule trips are popular and often require reservations up to 13 months in advance.

13. Visit the Trail of Time for a geologic journey

The Trail of Time along the South Rim offers a self-guided walking tour that illustrates the geological history of the Grand Canyon. Markers along the trail highlight significant rock layers and geological features, providing a fascinating educational experience about the canyon’s formation.

14. Tour the East Cabin at Pipe Spring National Monument

Located near the Grand Canyon, Pipe Spring National Monument is home to several well-preserved historical structures that reflect early pioneer life in the American Southwest. The East Cabin, one of the key buildings on the site, was originally built as a residence. Visitors can explore its rustic interior and learn about the daily lives of those who lived and worked here. While not within the Grand Canyon itself, the East Cabin adds depth to the broader history of the region.

15. Marvel at the night sky

With its clear, high-altitude skies, the Grand Canyon is an excellent location for stargazing. Join a ranger-led astronomy program or simply lay out a blanket to enjoy the night sky. The park’s remote location minimizes light pollution, offering spectacular views of the Milky Way.

16. Step back in time at Bright Angel Lodge

Experience the historic charm of Bright Angel Lodge, an iconic destination located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Built in 1935 by Mary Colter, the lodge features a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to charming lodge rooms, all designed to reflect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. Guests can enjoy the lodge’s historic dining room, which serves hearty meals with stunning canyon views.

Planning tip: The lodge is a historic site with limited rooms, so book well in advance, especially for the peak summer season. It also offers guided tours of its buildings; inquire about tour times at the front desk.

17. Walk the edge of the Skywalk

For an unparalleled thrill, visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a stunning glass bridge extending 70 feet beyond the edge of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. Suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, the transparent floor and walls of the Skywalk allows visitors to look straight down into the canyon.

Planning tip: The Skywalk prohibits personal cameras, so consider purchasing the professional photos taken on-site.

18. Soar high on a scenic helicopter tour

For a bird’s-eye view of Grand Canyon National Park, consider taking a helicopter tour. These tours provide a breathtaking perspective of the canyon’s vast expanse, highlighting landmarks such as Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River from above. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters offers tours over the South Rim, North Rim, and a combination of both, as well as excursions that explore the Las Vegas Strip.

Planning tip: Helicopter tours offer various routes, so choose one that includes the landmarks you’re most interested in.

Keep planning your trip

Find the best time to visit.
Discover family-friendly activities.
Plan your road trip route.