Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro invokes images of a never-ending festival as one of the most celebrated cities in the world. From dancing samba on the beach of Ipanema to exploring the art deco influences of Copacabana, it comes alive. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, seen for miles in any direction, encapsulates the city’s grand feel. On the mouth of Guanabara Bay lies the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can take a cable car ride to the top for exhilarating, bird’s-eye views of city structures expanding to the edges of lush green cliffs into blue waters. Just on the outskirts of the city, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits to be explored – Sítio Roberto Burle Marx – a garden designed by the landscape architect it’s named after.

Buzios, Brazil

Buzios, the vibrant heart of Brazil, surrounds you with amazing beaches and high-energy vibes that always feel on the verge of carnaval. Cobblestone streets in its historic districts take you on a journey to the past for a deep dive into how the city came to be. The taste of authentic ethnic and international cuisine that erupts with flavor takes you on a culinary adventure through Brazil’s rich culture.

The resort town of Buzios lies on a peninsula east of Rio de Janeiro. Once a quiet fishing village, it now attracts many visitors with its pristine beaches and mild, tropical climate. But it never feels crowded. It comes alive with just the right mix of travelers and locals.

Praia do Forno offers a unique beach experience with red sands, rocky shorelines, and sea green waters. This beach is less frequented by tourists, providing a more tranquil and remote experience. It has all the benefits of a day spent sunbathing and swimming with less noise and a rare environment.

An experience that mixes the rustic with the touristic calls for a visit to Praia da Tartaruga. Shallow waters and a smooth stone path dividing the sandy shore in two make it a laid back atmosphere for a quieter beach day. You may even spot a sea turtle as you snorkel the beach’s clear waters.

When making your way through Buzios, it’s impossible not to sample the local fare. Flavors of jerk beef, fried potatoes, and Brazil’s unforgettable version of barbecue — churrascaria – create a festival for the taste buds

Ilha Grande, Brazil

An island paradise off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande offers beautiful beaches with pristine waters and a colorful array of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for toucans, caimans, capuchin monkeys and the wondrous scarlet ibis. Discover the secluded shores of Lopes Mendes Beach, which you can reach by hiking the trail from Abraão to Pouso or by boat. Explore the Cachoeira da Feiticeira waterfall, the largest on the island, and a spectacular scene of natural beauty. Take a journey through history, learning about the island’s indigenous populations, Portuguese exploration and even tales of pirates. Fresh seafood is easy to come by on this island, so make sure to stop by a local restaurant to sample the typical cuisine.

Ilhabela, Brazil

The archipelago of Ilhabela, lying off the southeast coast of Brazil, is one of the region’s most popular weekend escapes for locals. It’s natural beauty, beach scenes and overall picture of a tropical paradise invite residents and travelers alike to come revel in a relaxing day of quiet adventures or water sports. Between the more popular beaches of Feiticeira and Praia Grande you’ll find Praia do Julião, a more secluded gem. Ilha das Cabras, one of the archipelago’s islands, contains the Submarino Ecological Sanctuary, where you may have the chance to go diving or snorkeling with starfish, seahorses and turtles.

Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil

Founded in the 16th century, São Francisco do Sul stands as one of Brazil’s oldest towns. Cobblestone streets and colonial structures, many listed on the National Historic Registry, create a pathway to a rich history waiting for you to uncover it. Its historic center enchants you with colorful facades, clock towers and enticing architectural designs. Strolling along the quay, a serene scene of bobbing boats and perhaps some river dolphins passing through beckons you to revel in the moment. Sandy shores as far as the eye can see create a quintessential scene of Brazil, but Forte Beach holds a particular allure as it takes some effort to get there. Once you do arrive, behold azure seas and verdant forests that invite you to bask in the sun.

Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

Within southern Brazil’s state of Santa Catarina lies Balneário Camboriú, often considered Rio de Janeiro’s “younger sibling.” It’s easy to see the comparison to Rio with the city’s scenic landscape of lush rolling hills, the Christo Luz statue atop Morro da Cruz hill, a charming cable car in Parque Unipraias and vibrant nightlife. Walk along Atlantic Avenue and find your way to Almirante Tamandaré Square, where you can discover clues to the city’s history. Explore the stunning views of Prai do Estaleirinho, a beach that is often less crowded than the visitor’s favorite Praia das Laranjeiras. Make your way to Santo Amaro Chapel, a distinctive piece of architecture constructed with a mix of stone fixing solution and whale oil. From this port, you can make your way to Blumenau, a charming slice of Germany in the south of Brazil with a plethora of local breweries, vineyards and quaint architecture.

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay’s cool capital city Montevideo calls out with its cobbled streets, wide avenues, colonial buildings and verdant cityscapes along the waterfront, known as the rambla. To get social with the locals, share in their tradition of drinking yerba mate. Everywhere you go in Uruguay you see people drinking the strong, herbal tea out of cups that look like gourds, sipping through a long, thick straw. For the full color and vibrant life of the city, head to Mercado del Puerto, where you find a 19th-century restored building housing various stalls and eateries. About an hour drive outside the city explore the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of Atlántida.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay’s cool capital city Montevideo calls out with its cobbled streets, wide avenues, colonial buildings and verdant cityscapes along the waterfront, known as the rambla. To get social with the locals, share in their tradition of drinking yerba mate. Everywhere you go in Uruguay you see people drinking the strong, herbal tea out of cups that look like gourds, sipping through a long, thick straw. For the full color and vibrant life of the city, head to Mercado del Puerto, where you find a 19th-century restored building housing various stalls and eateries. About an hour drive outside the city explore the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of Atlántida.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Few cities in South America share the ambiance and lifestyle that make Buenos Aires so endearing. From the Plaza de Mayo to the milongas along San Telmo’s cobbled streets, Buenos Aires is rife with historical and cultural sites for the curious mind.

The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina lies on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary. The combination of modern skyscrapers and colonial structures blends the country’s past and present in a way that calls out to the adventurer with a thirst for knowledge.

In the Plaza de Mayo you find a dotting of tropical palm trees amid old streets and buildings. The plaza holds much history as the site of the city’s foundation in 1580, the backdrop for the revolution of independence, and the scene of the latest political rallies.

At the heart of this historical site lies Casa Rosada, the Argentinian equivalent of the White House, but pink. It’s more than a novelty sight. It’s a symbol of the executive branch of government that leads the republic. Casa Rosada is best known as the location where famous first lady Evita Peron addressed the crowds.

A trip to Buenos Aires must include a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, the resting grounds of the powerful, rich, and famous. Stone paths lined with extravagant grave markers and aboveground tombs make it a celebration of the legacies that live on long after one is gone. Dive deep into Argentinian culture by joining an asado, a barbecue. As you indulge in the rich flavors of Argentinian steak and Malbec, you will come to understand and appreciate the culture’s finer points.