Brazil’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and the massive, majestic statue of Christ atop the Corcavado peak. The highlight of Rio’s social calendar is Carnaval, in the weeks leading up to Lent, when the city becomes a riot of colour, music and festivities, with thousands of costumed revellers parading through the street in what the locals call the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.
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.
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.
