Situated on Argentina’s stunning Rio de la Plata coast, Buenos Aires is a thriving portside capital defined by a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong European influence - thus nicknamed the Paris of South America. Countless museums covering a cornucopia of subjects; an active theatre culture; carnivorous buffets second to none; sensuous tango performances; a mosaic of architecture; and shops to fit all fancies – all these facets and more make up the seductive blend that is Buenos Aires. Some of the city’s highlights include the buzz of the La Bombonera Stadium; tango and milonga venues like the Bohemian La Catedral; and heritage architecture such as that at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, where visitors can wander through a ‘city’ of massive statues and marble mausoleums. Don’t miss the International Festival of Independent Cinema and the vibrant annual Pride Parade.
Colonia del Sacramento is located in southwestern Uruguay, separated from Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires by the Rio de La Plata. The historic downtown area (Barrio Historico) of this charming city (often simply referred to as ‘Colonia’) has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its fine collection of colonial-era buildings. Begin at the Porton de Campo, the impressive city gate dating back to 1745, and then wander through the romantic Historical District, stopping in at some of the city’s fine museums along the way (such as the Museo Municipal and Museo Portugues). Climb the 19th-century lighthouse (Faro) for great views of the city, before sampling some of the city’s renowned local fare (Asado) and checking out some local music (such as 'candombe' bands).
Flanked by two beaches on either side, José Ignacio is small village resting on a tip of land that pokes out into the ocean on the southern coast of Uruguay. For a few frenetic weeks Beginning in November and running through February, when the social high season kicks into high gear, José Ignacio transforms from a sleepy fishing village into a vibrant destination popular with surfers and international jet-setters. For the remainder of the year the village serves as quiet semi-rural beach town, a refuge from the glamorous A-list party scene of nearby Punta del Este. José Ignacio appeals to those who prefer the bohemian, informal atmosphere of dirt roads, hand-painted street signs, and charming little bed-and-breakfasts that exude barefoot elegance. For outdoor enthusiast, there's horseback riding, biking, and invigorating swims and for the chaise lounger, there's poolside cocktails, indulgent massages, and long lazy lunches. There truly is something for everyone in the laidback beach hideaway of José Ignacio.
The name Mendoza is synonymous with wine. Surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful Andean scenery, the Mendoza Wine Region is known for its vast vineyards, a wide variety of exceptional wines, and spectacularly majestic scenery. The landscape features desert terrain and mountain vistas interspersed with lush Visitors can look forward to sampling the regions vast selection of world-famous, award-winning vintages including a variety of malbecs at an endless array of fantastic wineries. Other popular activities include: white-water rafting, rock-climbing, skiing, horse riding and other adventures in the nearby Andes. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike several magnificent peaks on the Cordon del Plata reaching over 6000 metres above sea level and take on the highest peak in the Americas, Mt Aconcagua.
This magnificent waterfall marks the confluence of the Iguazu River in Argentina and the Parana River in Brazil, and the meeting of the two countries is marked by stone pillars rising from the water. It is said that the former first lady of America, Eleanor Roosevelt, exclaimed her ‘pity’ for her country’s Niagara Falls when she first encountered the beauty of Iguazu Falls. Roughly half the combined volume of both rivers thunders into the Devil’s Throat, a U-shaped cataract that delivers a torrential deluge of water into the wide basin below. Visitors can look forward to ample opportunities for excellent jet boat safaris, kayaking, hiking, biking, and more. Make sure to visit the extraordinary Iguassu Bird Park to see toucans and other brightly coloured exotic birds in their natural habitat.
A dynamic coastal neighbourhood synonymous with leisure, luxury and nightlife, Copacabana is characterised by million-dollar penthouses, stunning neoclassical buildings and tiny apartments set against a magnificent backdrop of jungle-clad mountains in Rio de Janeiro. From its humble origins as a small fishing village, the "Princess of the Sea" is now a leisure seeker's paradise, bursting with restaurants, nightclubs, bars and hotels, and emits a lively, effervescent energy, perfect for the social traveller. To learn its history, visit Forte de Copacabana, a fort and museum that traces the early days of the Portuguese colony through to the mid-19th century. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to The Eva Klabin Foundation (Casa Museu Eva Klabin), a historical home of famous art and antique collector Eva Klabin that houses over 1000 art pieces from all over the world. A visit to Copacabana is incomplete without the world-famous Copacabana Beach, a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand dotted with brightly-coloured umbrellas, bars and a popular playground for watersports, football, volleyball, or simply lazing in the sun.
