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.
Resting in the foothills of Argentina’s Andes Mountain Range, Mendoza has a rich gastronomic heritage, and produces some of Argentina’s most exceptional wines and olive oil. Gourmands can participate in tours and tastings at the many wineries and sample delicious local cuisine at the laid-back cafes. The city also boasts a number of historic attractions, most notably the Museo Fundacional which displays the town’s progress through human evolution, and the Museo Historico General San Martin which honours Jose de San Martin, the general who liberated Argentina from the Spanish. Other highlights include: charming, well-kept parks; bustling, fountain-adorned plazas; and the opportunity for picturesque hiking, skiing and rafting in the nearby Andes. Several exquisite churches and art-deco architecture add to the town’s landscape.
The Argentinian Lake District’s most popular destination, San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly called Bariloche, is a city for all seasons. It features a setting second to none – stretching along a glacial lake shoreline, surrounded by a national park in Argentina’s pristine Patagonia region. The region offers myriad activities and leisure opportunities: whether you want to go skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, or simply kick back and indulge in an epicurean feast, it’s all there for the taking. The city's numerous cafés and chocolate shops are a delight to explore by day; while after sunset, the city lights up with bars and nightclubs, where locals and visitors can dance the night away. Don't miss the opportunity to view the unique Swiss alpine-style architecture and discover the spectacular surrounding Andes Mountains.
Widely regarded world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is a strikingly beautiful destination on the southern coastline of Tierra del Fuego Island, backed by mountains and facing onto Beagle channel. The city’s elegant commercial centre offers a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, while its natural location means that adventure enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with kayaking, skiing, hiking and sailing all on offer. For a more serene excursion, boat cruises are a popular way to view the glacier off Ushuaia’s coast.
This remote Chilean island - some 3200 kilometres from the South American mainland in the Pacific Ocean – is one of the most isolated populated places on earth, endowed with a rich and enigmatic heritage. Historians believe the first inhabitants were Polynesians from neighbouring islands who travelled for days on open seas in crude catamarans and canoes to settle on what locals call Rapa Nui, known to the Western world as Easter Island. The destination is best known for the hundreds of huge, ancient statues that surround its coastline, believed to have been carved by the island people to represent ancestral deities. Apart from its outstanding archaeological offerings, Easter Island has a unique natural habitat that lends itself to fantastic trekking and scuba diving.
Las Condes is found within the greater Santiago Metropolitan Region in central Chile. Nicknamed ‘Sanhattan’ (along with neighbouring district Vitacura), Las Condes is an affluent area home to some good cultural sights in addition to some of the continent’s largest skyscrapers. Check out Santiago’s glitzy CBD around Boulevard Nueva Las Condes, before visiting the Museum of Chilenidad (found in the beautiful patronage house of Santa Rosa de Apoquindo) and the Cultural Centre of the Counts, which features rotating temporary exhibitions. Take a walk through flower-filled Araucano Park to recharge your batteries, and then shop for exquisite handicrafts at Pueblito Los Dominicos, before visiting the Cerro Calan Observatory to learn more about its impressive collection of telescopes. Finally, note that – with more than 500 restaurants to choose from – Las Condes is a gourmand’s delight.
Located on Central Chile’s Pacific Coast, Vina del Mar is a resort city and commune popular for its modern high-rise buildings, long stretches of white sandy beaches and lush city gardens. Commonly referred to as ‘The Garden City’, Vina del Mar boasts pristine palm-lined boulevards dotted with old-world mansions. It also features a picturesque promenade boasting wonderful outdoor activity spots and a famous beach known for its spectacular sunsets. Visitors can discover the fascinating Museum of Archaeology and History Francisco Fonck, explore the pristine Quinta Vergara Park with its palace, amphitheatre and museum, and laze on the pristine beach. Don’t miss the annual Vina del Mar Song Festival held in February.
The small town of San Pedro de Atacama is a scenic oasis in the Atacama Desert, surrounded by the imposing volcanic peaks of the Chilean altiplano and located close to several major archaeological and natural attractions. The fascinating ancient sites of Tulor and Quitor, the enthralling Atacama Salt Flat, the jaw-dropping turquoise Altiplanic Lagoons, and the other-worldly Tatio Geysers all lie nearby, and as a result, the village has become a significant tourist destination. Despite its small size it encompasses a wide range of restaurants; however, it is also known for its ‘western feel’ and retains an old-world charm. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the atmospheric 17th-century Iglesia San Pedro. However, it is really the breathtaking surroundings that make this destination special.
Once called the ‘Navel of the World’ by the Incas, Cuzco remains a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more austere remains of pre-Columbian glory – one can still see the foundations of Inca structures on many of its city streets today. Cuzco’s most important landmarks include sites from both Inca and colonial times, such as the Korikancha (the ancient Temple of the Sun), the Inca street of Loreto with its 12-cornered stones, the cathedral, the Museum of Colonial Art, the archaeological park of Saqsaywaman (the fortress-temple), the nearby funerary shrines of Kenqo, and the water-worship site of Tambomachay.
Manaus, located in northwestern Brazil on the banks of the Negro River in northwestern Brazil, is the capital of the Amazon, its largest city and primary tourism hub. Manaus is a bustling urban centre permeated with brightly coloured residential homes, modern high-rise buildings and tour offices where you can book jungle lodges and river cruises. The town lies near the confluence of the Negro and Amazon, known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, which is accessible by boat from Manaus. According to local lore, the two rivers run side by side for six kilometres without mixing and, in fact, it’s possible to feel the different temperatures of the two water sources by dipping your hand into the currents on either side of the vessel.
One of the oldest cities in Brazil, Salvador is known for its rich culture, hospitable locals and laid-back atmosphere. Set against a backdrop of impressive architecture, this attractive coastal destination is a place where entertainment, music and fine cuisine abound, earning it the nickname the 'capital of happiness'. Highlights of the area include its lovely beaches and ocean views, 17th century fort, São Joaquim craft market and array of fascinating museums. The best time to visit Salvador is during the annual Carnaval, when the streets come alive with colours, costumes, dancing and festivities.
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.
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.
