World Heritage: The Best Representatives of Latin America. Attractions in Latin America Attractions in Latin America
From the deepest wilds of Peru to the crystalline underground cenotes of Mexico, Latin America has many attractive destinations. However, the most interesting places that have not yet been flooded with tourists can be difficult to find on your own. This article does all the hard work for you, as it contains the most impressive and amazing places in Latin America, which only a few tourists tell about. From exploring an unspoiled paradise on unknown islands to traveling to an active volcano, surfing the north coast of Nicaragua and meeting sea lions in Uruguay, this article will bring you all the best places in Latin America that you will want to travel to right away.
Semuk Champay in Guatemala
You will have to work hard to see what many call the most beautiful place in the entire country. It is known for its natural three-hundred-meter-high limestone bridge, at the very top of which there are pools with cool flowing river water.
National Park "Lenuis Maranhenes", Brazil
This is a 1,500-kilometer national park, which at first glance may seem like a place from another planet, as it is full of white sand dunes, among which you can find aquamarine pools.
Sacred Valley, Peru
If you are looking for the least popular tourist destination in Peru, you should definitely go to the Sacred Valley, which is a large plain that connects the capital of Cuzco with the world famous mountain Machu Picchu.
San Blas, Panama
If you find yourself at the yacht club in either Panama or Cartagena, Colombia, you can board a ship and sail between Central and South America, and get the added bonus of staying on the beautiful and largely uninhabited island of San Blas.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a remote city in the middle of the Atacama Desert, which is the driest in the entire world. This small town represents the final frontier, after which a new and exciting adventure begins.
Nicaragua's North Coast in Apponentillo
If you're looking for adventure in Central America, head to the north coast of Nicaragua, where you will find great surfing spots. In particular, we are talking about Apponentillo, located near the border with El Salvador.
Chachapoyas and Cuelapa ruins
If you're looking for a less touristy alternative to Machu Picchu, or just want to immerse yourself in the local culture, head to Chasapoyas. All history buffs looking to escape the crowds on Machu Picchu should visit the impressive citadel in Cuelapa.
Acatenango, Guatemala
You should go hiking to the Acatenango volcano, which is located near Antigua in Guatemala. Here you will find the erupting volcano in Fuego and have the chance to see a real eruption en route to Acatenango.
Capurgana and Sapzuro, Colombia
Nothing says you're on an exotic vacation, brighter than a fishing boat ride by the locals. Capurgana and Sapzuro are two idyllic villages located in the Choco region on Colombia's Pacific coast, near the border with Panama.
Cocora Valley near Salento, Colombia
The Cocora Valley near Salento, a colonial city in Colombia, is a very interesting place. You should definitely go hiking in this valley, where you can enjoy the view of tall wax palms.
Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
The small town of Rurrenabaque in northern Bolivia is worth a visit. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and see the Bolivian Amazonian jungle, then Rurrenabaque is the perfect remote and hidden place.
Cenotes in Mexico
Cenotes are natural funnels filled with fresh water, and there are several thousand of them in Mexico. The underground cenotes will definitely be the most outstanding part of your trip to Latin America.
Ecuadorian Amazon
Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, many kilometers from the nearest road or village, the Quechua people of Wachitaka live. This is a very close-knit community in which people live off what the land gives them and also fish in the river.
Santa Ana volcano in El Salvador
You should definitely go hiking to the nearby volcano, as from its summit you can see the miles of Cerro Verde National Park.
Angel Falls in Venezuela
It is the tallest waterfall in the entire world. But at the same time, it is incredibly difficult to get to him. You can only get to Canaima National Park by air, as any travel and trekking on the ground is incredibly dangerous.
Cape Polonio, Uruguay
It is still not a very popular destination and can only be reached by jeep through the sand dunes and along the beach. There is no running water or electricity, but this is part of the charm here.
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
If you want to get away from the stress of everyday life, then Jaibalito in Guatemala is the ideal place to do so. The small town is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan and can only be reached by boat.
Providencia Island, Colombia
This striking island is very small, but definitely on the list of must-see places in Colombia. It has retained its traditional and tranquil charm thanks to its secluded location.
Puebla, Mexico
You should also drop by to see the local art and enjoy the chocolate. It is a beautiful colonial city that is often overlooked due to its proximity to Mexico City.
Cerro Negro, Nicaragua
You should also visit the active volcano Cerro Negro in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountains. Central America is known for its ideal hiking mountains, but it is one of the more attractive destinations.
Cabo de la Vela, Colombia
You should head out into the desert and reach Cabo de la Vela, where you can learn how to kite surf. Plus, you'll only find locals here and not the crowds of tourists.
Quilotoa in Ecuador
If you travel to Quilotoa, you will meet at most one foreigner on your way. This hiking route will take you three days, during which time you will pass through the Andean Hills and villages of Ecuador.
Huanchaco in northern Peru
Many people who visit Peru don't travel that far north, so they don't end up in Huanchaco. But if you are looking for a place to relax, then this beach town is a great choice for you.
Chiriqui Bay in Chiriqui Province, Panama
Chiriqui Bay in Panamanian province of Chiriqui is home to the Chiriqui Bay National Marine Park, which is about 177 square kilometers and protects 25 islands, 19 coral reefs and a huge amount of wildlife.
Nosara, Costa Rica
If you want to find the perfect place to get away from everything, then this small village on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is perfect for you. Here, instead of an alarm clock, you will wake up to the screams of monkeys, and the only decision you have to make every day is to surf, explore one of the pristine beaches or enjoy the view of the jungle from the cable car.
The countries of South America received their independence only at the beginning of the 20th century. In a difficult struggle, they won the right to their coat of arms, flag and their own state policy.
The vast majority of Latin American states are unitary. With this arrangement, the administrative-territorial formations within the country do not have sovereignty and live according to the same laws. This group includes Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Jamaica, etc.
Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina have a federal form of administrative-territorial structure. In these states, territorial units have greater independence, are subject to their own legislation and regional government.
In the constitutions of Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Paraguay and other countries, the special status of the country's president is enshrined. The law defines the broad powers of the father of the nation, his unconditional right in all structures of state power. This form of government is called a presidential republic.
Geographical position of Latin America
The huge territory is located on the American continent and covers an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 20 million square kilometers. It includes the southern part of the mainland North America and almost all of South America. Latin America stretches from north to south for almost 13 thousand km, from the southern borders of the United States to Cape Horn - the southernmost point of the island of Tierra del Fuego.
The eastern coast of Latin America is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, and the western coast by the Pacific waves. The distance between the oceans is more than 5 thousand km, they are connected by the Panama Canal - the most important transoceanic transport artery, which plays a huge role not only in the Latin American economy, but throughout the world.
List of countries
More than 45 countries and independent territories have settled in the Latin American region. They differ greatly in their geographic location and socio-economic development.
The largest countries in the region by area:
- Brazil - 8.5 million km²;
- Argentina - 2.8 million km²;
- Peru - 1.3 million km²;
- Colombia - 1.1 million km².
The longest and at the same time the narrowest Latin American state is Chile. Its length from north to south is almost 4.3 thousand km, with an average width from west to east of less than 180 km. The state capital of Chile - Santiago - is located at the foot of the Andes, in the zone of frequent earthquakes.
The smallest state on the map of Latin America is located on two islands in the Caribbean. Saint Kitts and Nevis covers an area of \u200b\u200b261 km². The island capital of Buster was founded in the early 17th century and is the oldest city in the West Indies. 11-12 thousand people live permanently on its territory.
The multinational republic of Bolivia is located in the highlands of the Andes. The country is one of the poorest states in the region. But it is distinguished by its unique originality and culture. The population leads a sober lifestyle. The Bolivian government is based in La Paz. It is the highest (unofficial) capital in the world. It is located at an altitude of 4 thousand meters above sea level. The air is very thin, so it is very difficult to breathe there. Rich city dwellers choose deep mountain gorges for life.
Population
Latin America belongs to the sparsely populated regions of the planet. Today, a little more than 625 million people live throughout its territory. The average population density remains low - 31.5 people per km². Densely populated areas include the states of the islands of the Caribbean and the Atlantic coast. The population density in the central part of the region does not exceed 5 people per km².
Urbanization in Latin American countries has reached European heights. Almost 80% of the population lives in cities. Today the region has more than 100 large cities (with a population of 250 to 500 thousand people) and the same number of largest (with a population of 500 thousand to 1 million inhabitants). More than half of the entire urban population lives in millionaire cities, the number of which has reached 37. The leader among them is the Mexican capital Mexico City, where about 20 million people live. In second place is Brazilian Sao Paulo (11 million people). The capital of Peru - Lima (7.6 million people) closes the list of record holders.
One of the problems caused by the rapid growth of cities is the formation of a belt of poverty around megalopolises. This process of false urbanization is driven by the desire of the poor for a better life. According to demographers' estimates, the slums of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Caracas are home to 40-50% of the urban population.
Ethnic composition, languages, religions
The territory is characterized by a complex ethnic composition, which includes:
- indigenous population - Indian tribes and nationalities. Descendants of the ancient Aztecs, Mayans and Incas inhabited the New World long before the arrival of the colonists. Today their number does not exceed 15%;
- creoles - descendants of Spanish, Portuguese and French settlers make up about a quarter of the population;
- afro-Latinos - dark-skinned descendants of slaves from Africa, whose number is about 10%;
- descendants from mixed marriages (mestizo, mulatto and sambo) make up more than 50% of the population.
Mixed marriages are characteristic of modern Latin America, so ethnic lines between residents are gradually blurring.
In the era of colonization, priests preaching Catholicism actively arrived on the continent. Today, this religion is practiced by the overwhelming majority of Latin Americans.
The beautiful sonorous name of Latin America is the historical and cultural heritage of the region, which was formed during the years of colonial dependence on European countries. The colonization of peoples began here in the 16th century. Immediately after the discovery of the New World by Columbus, crowds of immigrants from Spain, Portugal and France poured into the continent. Each of them dreamed of starting a new life here. Some wanted to get rich, while others wanted to hide from religious, political persecution and government persecution. But they all spoke Romance languages. And the origin of the languages \u200b\u200bof this group is based on Latin.
The colonial history of Latin American countries is in the distant past. Today, almost all of them have the status of independent states (except for a few dependent territories). But the population still speaks Spanish, Portuguese and French.
The economic state of the countries
Latin American countries are emerging economies. This is facilitated by the favorable geography of the region. Almost all countries have access to the ocean, which expands the opportunities for world exports. The main income of the Latin American countries is derived from the trade in fossil fuels and agricultural products (coffee, wheat, sugar, soybeans, cotton, bananas, etc.).
The vast territory of Latin America is divided into sub-regions. They include countries with specific features and characteristics of the economy.
The first subregion is Central America. It includes Mexico and the countries of Central America.
Extractive industries and agriculture play a huge role in the economy of the Andean subregion. Due to the unique climatic conditions of the highlands, coffee, sugar cane and cotton are cultivated on its territory.
Another sub-region is the countries of the La Plata basin. The most economically developed Argentina produces tobacco products, cellulose, oil products and building materials. And the underdeveloped agricultural Paraguay and Uruguay specialize in the production of mate, palm oil and cotton.
Suriname and Guyana specialize in bauxite mining. The backbone of Guyana's economy is agriculture. Livestock and shrimp are raised here.
The richest sub-region of Latin America is Brazil. The former Portuguese colony now ranks ninth in the ranking of the world's fastest growing economies. The Federation is the largest supplier of mineral raw materials in the world market. Exports oil and ore minerals. The favorable climate encourages the cultivation of cocoa beans, wheat and soybeans. The country is rich in forest resources.
Climate
Most of the states have a hot climate, the average temperature per day exceeds 20 degrees.
Brazil is known for its constant heat, the average monthly temperature in the country does not drop below 16 degrees. Rare frosts are possible only on the high eastern massifs.
Mexico has a tropical and subtropical climate. In a number of areas located above 2.5 thousand meters above sea level, the thermometer is shown at least 2 degrees in winter and up to 15 in summer. At the same time, on the coastal plains, the indicator does not fall below 24 degrees.
The climate of Cuba is characterized as tropical, trade wind. In the coldest month of the year - January - the average temperature is 22.5 degrees. The weather is rainy from May to September, and the period from October to April is considered dry.
An interesting fact is that in Chile and Peru for a whole year it may never rain, while on the slopes of the Andes it can go for months.
Cultural values
The largest cultural confrontation in Latin America is the introduction of Christianity into the Indian tribes, which began during the landing of the Portuguese and Spanish conquistadors. Surprisingly, this planting was successful.
In general, if we talk about the cultural values \u200b\u200bof the countries of the territory, it is necessary to note the general widespread religiosity, which is not limited to Catholicism alone. For example, the state of Haiti professes voodoo, a traditional African religion.
Culture varies greatly from country to country. This is due to the fact that some states actively form and support the values \u200b\u200bof nationalities (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina), while others, despite the common commonality and language, gravitate towards highly developed countries (Uruguay).
Crime
The countries of Latin America are considered the most crime-prone areas of the modern world. At the top of the ranking of the most dangerous countries are El Salvador and Honduras - in these countries there are 64.7 and 77.5 murders per 100,000 people, respectively. These characteristics are due to the drug traffic that passes through Central America.
The third place was taken by Jamaica, where crime is high due to poverty and drug trafficking (52.5 murders).
When traveling to the Western Hemisphere, remember that this is where more than 40% of all crimes on Earth are committed. One of the most dangerous cities in the world is Bogota, the capital of Colombia. In addition, this country is the largest producer of cocaine in the world.
Major cities and their attractions
On the territory of Mexico and Peru there are sights of the great Maya and Inca times. The cult buildings of Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu will reveal secrets and help to touch the history of ancient civilizations.
In Mexico City, you can visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, an incredibly beautiful opera house built of Carrara marble. It was built in the 30s of the last century according to the idea of \u200b\u200bthe Italian A. Boari. It is worth noting the Zocalo square, which is the largest in Latin America.
Arriving in São Paulo, be sure to look at the cathedral of the same name, which is considered the fourth largest Gothic structure in the world. You can also go to the Paulista Museum, built in honor of Brazil's independence.
You should visit Rio de Janeiro in order to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Another miracle - Machu Picchu - is located in Peru.
Machu Picchu - the ancient city of the Incas Remains of ancient civilizations
Before the Europeans came to Latin America, the Mayan, Inca and Aztec civilizations existed on the territory. After them, there were cultural monuments, for example, Chichen Itza - a city built by the Mayans. On the territory of Mexico, there are the ruins of another ancient city, in which the Totonac people used to live. Now the monument is called El-Tahin.
The nature of Latin America
On its territory there is the largest active volcano on the planet - Cotopaxi, the longest mountain range - the Andes, and the highest waterfall - Angel. In Latin America, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are not uncommon. The fauna is amazing for its animals - guanaco llamas, American ostriches and sloths, which are not found elsewhere on the planet.
City landmarks
Some of the most iconic places of the territory are:
- The historic center of Lima, located in the capital of Peru;
- University campus in Caracas;
- Jesuit Quarter and Missions of Cordoba.
Going on a trip to one of the countries of Latin America, you must definitely think over the route of the places visited in advance.
Popular Latin American countries for Russian tourists
Thousands of Russian tourists annually travel to Latin America and their capitals. Russian travelers tend to go there to admire the unique nature of the continent and the rich culture of the peoples.
Holidays in Latin America are truly worth flying there halfway across the world. We bring to your attention 10 popular destinations that will tell you about all the advantages of this distant land. Salvador, Brazil. Many tourists who have visited Salvador dubbed it the South American New Orleans. Life in Salvador is in full swing. Enjoy a tropical climate and delicious street food, visit art galleries and dance the night away. 
Cartagena, Colombia. A divinely beautiful fishing town on the Caribbean coast has been overshadowed by its older sister, Bogota, throughout its history, but believe me, it is worth appreciating. The port city attracts tourists with cobbled streets, colorful architecture, delicious food (especially fine pastries and, of course, Colombian coffee), and white sandy beaches. 
Ambergris Cay, Belize. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has a lot to offer tourists, but if you're looking for a similar but less crowded destination, Belize is the place to be. In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef can compete with the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and will delight lovers of diving and snorkeling. 
Havana, Cuba. A city that needs no introduction. Among the buildings from the era of colonialism, you will find vintage cars, countless shops offering national cuisine and cigars, as well as Cubans dancing salsa and mambo. It doesn't matter in which part of Cuba you decide to stay, because the beaches on the island are almost always within walking distance, or they are easily accessible by transport. 
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. If you prefer to socialize with wildlife over sipping refreshing cocktails on the beach, head to the Galapagos Islands. This is the only place on Earth where you can see sea iguanas and elephant turtles, which can live up to 150 years. 
La Paz, Bolivia. The city is located on the hills at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level, from where a panorama opens up from which you will take your breath away. Be sure to take the time to visit the world's largest salt marsh Uyuni. The sky reflected in the thin layer of water that covers the salt marsh after the rains is the perfect backdrop for selfies. 
Bocas del Toro, Panama. In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, everyone will find entertainment to their liking: hiking in untracked places, underwater excursions and nightlife that rages until dawn. Real adventurers are offered excursions to the caves with bats. 
Cuzco, Peru. The city of Cusco has such a long history that it is sometimes called the cradle of the world. No tourist should leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. If you're tired of the summer heat, head to the cool Argentinean Andes for a wide variety of adventures to suit all tastes. Bariloche is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, be it rowing, paragliding, skiing or rock climbing. 
Montevideo, Uruguay. The capital of Uruguay is a vibrant city with great dining and nightlife. Fans of cities such as New York, Barcelona and Buenos Aires will appreciate the atmosphere that reigns in Montevideo. Have fun at the beach party, take an Argentine tango lesson at the bar, or visit the flea market for real treasures.
Holidays in Latin America are truly worth flying there halfway across the world. I bring to your attention 10 popular destinations that will tell you about all the benefits of this distant land.
Salvador, Brazil.
Many tourists who have visited Salvador have dubbed it the South American New Orleans. Life in Salvador is in full swing. Enjoy a tropical climate and delicious street food, visit art galleries and dance the night away.
Cartagena, Colombia.
A divinely beautiful fishing town on the Caribbean coast has been overshadowed by its older sister, Bogota, throughout its history, but believe me, it is worth appreciating. The port city attracts tourists with cobbled streets, colorful architecture, delicious food (especially fine pastries and, of course, Colombian coffee), and white sandy beaches.
Ambergris Cay, Belize.
One of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has a lot to offer tourists, but if you're looking for a similar but less crowded destination, Belize is the place to be. In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef can compete with the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and will delight lovers of diving and snorkeling.
Havana, Cuba.
A city that needs no introduction. Among the buildings from the era of colonialism, you will find vintage cars, countless shops offering national cuisine and cigars, as well as Cubans dancing salsa and mambo. It doesn't matter in which part of Cuba you decide to stay, because the beaches on the island are almost always within walking distance, or they are easily accessible by transport.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
If you prefer to socialize with wildlife over sipping refreshing cocktails on the beach, head to the Galapagos Islands. This is the only place on Earth where you can see sea iguanas and elephant turtles, which can live up to 150 years.
La Paz, Bolivia.
The city is located on the hills at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level, from which a panorama opens up from which you will take your breath away. Be sure to take the time to visit the world's largest salt marsh Uyuni. The sky reflected in the thin layer of water that covers the salt marsh after the rains is a wonderful backdrop for selfies.
Bocas del Toro, Panama.
In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, everyone will find entertainment to their liking: hiking in untracked places, underwater excursions and nightlife that rages until dawn. Real adventurers are offered excursions to the caves with bats.
Cuzco, Peru.
The city of Cusco has such a long history that it is sometimes called the cradle of the world. No tourist should leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
If you're tired of the summer heat, head to the cool Argentinean Andes for a wide variety of adventures to suit all tastes. Bariloche is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, be it rowing, paragliding, skiing or rock climbing.
Montevideo, Uruguay.
The capital of Uruguay is a vibrant city with great dining and nightlife. Fans of cities such as New York, Barcelona and Buenos Aires will appreciate the atmosphere that reigns in Montevideo. Have fun at the beach party, take an Argentine tango lesson at the bar, or visit the flea market for real treasures.Chichen Itza was once the most powerful city of the Yucatan Peninsula. According to one version, it was built in the 5-6th century, and in the 10th century it was captured by the Toltec tribe, later turning it into the capital of their state. At the end of the 12th century, Chichen Itza was captured by other city-states, and soon fell into disrepair.
The most famous monuments are located in the so-called "new zone", the one where the buildings of the Toltecs are located. White roads paved with limestone lead from building to building. Opposite the main entrance rises the famous El Castillo pyramid, dedicated to Kukulkan, one of the Mayan supreme deities, who was depicted as a feathered serpent.
4 stairs with 91 steps lead to the central platform of the pyramid. The total is 364 steps, which together with the central platform symbolize 365 calendar days. On the days of the equinox, light falls on the steps of one of the stairs in such a way that you can see the image of a "creeping" snake on it - this spectacle attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you go down the stairs under the pyramid, you can see a more ancient temple with a throne in the form of a red jaguar.
Chichen Itza is also famous for its ball courts, such as Huego de Pelota, the largest court ever built by the Maya. On the walls around the site there are many scenes with participants in the games, some of which are depicted decapitated.
Christ the Redeemer statue, Brazil
One of the most famous monuments in the world - Christ "embracing Rio de Janeiro" - stands on the highest peak of the city, Mount Corcovado. The idea to erect a monument to Jesus on a picturesque mountain in honor of the centenary of Brazil's independence appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, but the construction was completed only in 1931.
A railway leads to Corcovada, the oldest in Brazil, it is 50 years older than the monument - it was along this road that massive blocks were subsequently delivered to the mountain for the construction of the statue. Today, only bright red tourist trains run along this road, taking guests to the foot of the statue. Then tourists and pilgrims have to overcome the last leg of the journey - on the escalator or along the winding staircase, which was nicknamed Karakol ("Snail").
Inside the marble pedestal, there is a small chapel in honor of the patroness of Brazil, Virgin Mary Aparecida. In the evening, the statue is illuminated by several hundred spotlights and is visible from anywhere in the city.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient city of the Incas is located in an inaccessible place among the Peruvian mountains. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built by the supreme Inca Pachacutek in the middle of the 15th century, but after a century the city was abandoned for unclear reasons. In 1911 it was opened, and since then it has been constantly surrounded by hypotheses, legends, speculations. You can get to Machu Picchu by train or bus, as well as on foot, following the original "Inca path".
There are more than 200 buildings on the territory of Machu Picchu - palaces, temples, residential buildings. All buildings are built of carefully fitted stones, without any bonding material! On the slopes of the mountain, the Incas also built impressive stepped terraces on which crops were grown.
The cult site of Machu Picchu is the Temple of the Three Windows, through which the rays of the sun enter the sacred square, where the sacrifices of the lamas were performed. Another famous landmark of the city is Intihuatana, the stone of the sun. This is a huge monolith on a triangular platform, which, according to one version, served as a sundial, according to another - a place for rituals and festivities dedicated to Inti, the sun god.
Zipaquira Salt Temple, Colombia
The Salt Temple is entirely carved into a salt rock near the Colombian town of Zipaquira. For many centuries, salt mines have been developed here, and now, at a depth of 200 meters, a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Rosary, the patroness of miners, and many other premises have been built.
It is believed that about 90 years ago, miners placed the image of the Mother of God in one of their mines, and then built an altar in the middle of 4 tunnels. However, the temple itself is quite young - the first religious building appeared here in the middle of the 20th century, and the modern premises were opened in 1995.
To get to the temple, you need to walk through the tunnel past 14 small chapels, reminiscent of the sufferings of Christ. After the chapels, guests get to numerous passages, balconies and labyrinths of mines, as well as to the dome, from where a view of a huge cross opens. Going further, you can see the exposition of objects made of salt and stone.
Every Sunday in the temple there are masses, and sometimes live music concerts, and in the neighboring caves there is a cinema, souvenir shops and even an underground cafeteria. More recently, the temple has been equipped with a modern lighting system, thanks to which all the salt vaults and statues are illuminated in different colors.
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Titicaca is not only one of the largest, highest and deepest lakes in the world. According to the legend of the Incas, it was from Lake Titicaca that the god Viracocha came out and created the sun, moon and stars, and then made the first people out of stone - Manco Capac and Mama Okllo. Thus, Titicaca is the birthplace of all Incas, the place where their souls return after death.
About 10 years ago, an ancient temple was discovered at the bottom of the lake, the age of which, according to various versions, is from 1000 to 1500 years. There are 41 islands throughout the lake that are also considered sacred. The largest and most revered of them is the island of the sun - the abode of the Inca sun god Inti. The island is home to the famous Chinaka labyrinth and the "fountain of youth", to which 206 stone steps lead - the steps of the Inca.
Moon Island, in turn, is considered the home of the goddess Mama Kilia. During the time of the Incas, the so-called "maidens of the sun" lived here - women who lived in seclusion and held ceremonies in honor of the sun god.
