South America has an incredibly diverse collection of museums that feature pre-Inca art to modern sculptures. If you are feeling the typical church fatigue from visiting too many cathedrals, a healthy dose of South American culture can reinvigorate even the most jaded traveler.

Latin American politics and history feature prominently in its art, making for great afternoon visits, especially on rainy days.

Below is a list of some of the more interesting museums in South America.

Botero Museum, Medellin

Undoubtedly Colombia's most famous artist, the Botero museum is officially named The Museum of Antioquia but if you ask for Botero everyone knows what museum houses the celebrated local from Medellin. Whether through painting or sculpture, his artwork is unique and immediately recognized as his subjects are always on the chubbier side. The museum also features permanent historical galleries, photography, sculptures and contemporary art but most people go to see Botero.

Outside the museum are numerous Botero sculptures and even more entrepreneurs willing to take your photo with the art for a fee.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina, Arequipa

Located in Southern Peru, this is one of the most beautiful museums and the focus of many postcards. The Convent of Santa Catalina, is a small village with picture perfect cobblestone streets lined with colorful Spanish architecture. While only a new nuns remain, it was once the home to 200 sequestered nuns once lived.

Isla Negra, Chile

There are many great South American poets but no one more famous than Nobel Prize-winning Pablo Neruda.

South of Valpariso, Neruda's Isla Negra home features his poetry and other writing, including great political works. The design of the house is appreciated by even those who don't know Neruda's work as it was built to resemble a ship with low ceilings and nautical objects adorning the rooms, a tribute to his love for the sea.

While Neruda lived in three homes, he and his wife are buried here.

Museo de la Nación, Lima

Museum of the Nation is located in Lima, the country's capital and is a great introduction to Peruvian history and culture. This museum has thousands of pieces from all cultures that have occupied Peru including the ancient Incans, Moche, Wari and Nazca.

If you cannot make it to Northern Peru, there is also a great recreation of Lord Sipan's, the King Tut of South America, burial chamber.

MALBA, Buenos Aires

The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires is a private museum but boasts one of the largest collections of Latin American art. A mandatory for art lovers, this non-profit has become the cultural center for promoting and preserving Latin American art while supporting new work and its identity.

Exhibits feature famous artists such as Antonio Berni, Pedro Figari, Frida Kahlo, Candido Portinari and Diego Rivera.

Museo Nacional del Banco Central, Quito

The Central Bank Museum is the most popular museum in Quito. Featuring art from pre-Inca to current day from all over Ecuador.

The most impressive exhibit is undoubtedly the ceremonial gold mask which many come to see; however, there are a number of interesting artifacts from the pre-ceramic era (4000 BC) through the end of the Inca era (1533 AD). For those that prefer newer exhibits there is a significant collection of colonial, Republican and contemporary art that shed light on Ecuador's recent history.

Casa de la Moneda, Potosi

Home to Bolivia's history and culture, The National Mint is one of the most visited museums for its diverse exhibits.

Potosi once flourished because of its rich silver mine at Cerro Rico making it very attractive to the Spanish. While that declined today it remains a popular tourist destination particularly for adventure enthusiasts. Its culture is preserved in this great museum which features art, fossils and silver artifacts from its more prosperous times.