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.
With its quaint architecture and cobbled streets, Armação dos Búzios, popularly known as Búzios, combines an old-world village charm with a sophisticated offering of boutiques, restaurants, and spas. Once a simple fishing village, it grew to its status as an upscale and fashionable tourist destination after French actress Brigitte Bardot visited with her Brazilian boyfriend in the early ‘60s. Situated on a jutting peninsula roughly two hours from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios’s west beaches offer clear, calm waters and gorgeous views, while the east side facing the open ocean draws water-sports enthusiasts from far and wide.
Situated in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis encompasses 365 small picturesque islands and it is also the name of the town which serves as an excellent jumping off point for visitors wishing to explore the beautiful island of Ilha Grande. Renowned for its natural beauty and pristine beaches, the area boasts over 2000 magnificent beaches lapped by impossibly blue crystalline waters. Visitors flock here to immerse themselves in this picture-perfect beach paradise, explore adventure trails, discover waterfalls and view the mansions of the rich and famous dotting private islands. Other popular activities include: swimming, snorkelling, diving, boating, and lazing on idyllic beaches.
Resting at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu rivers, Puerto Iguazu is a charming tourist city that serves as the gateway to Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side of the border. It is surrounded by red rocky landscape interspersed with verdant forest inhabited by abundant wildlife. The city is a popular tourist destination and draws visitors from around the globe to visit the Iguazu National Park and its breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can also explore the spectacularly scenic surroundings through a variety of activities including: jumping on one of the many tours on offer, enjoying an array of outdoor activities, visiting the Guira Oga - 'The House of Birds', and soaking up the views from the Hito de las Tres Fronteras, a magnificent natural park.
Situated in the Misiones Province of Argentina, in the beautiful Iguazu Department, the Iguaza National Park is a phenomenal wonderland of natural beauty and ecological importance. At the centre of the Paranaense Rainforest, the majestic Iguazu Falls tumble in a display of 275 cascades, and constitute one of the largest waterfalls in the world, earning it a classification as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’. The entire park has been recognised as a UNESCO site, due to the falls as well as its abundance of important (and often endangered) flora and fauna. Look out for colourful butterflies, numerous wild cat species, and rare, threatened animals such as the jaguar, yacare caiman, and tapir. Thrill-seekers can take part in white river rafting, while those seeking more leisurely pursuits can take in the views from the park’s excellent restaurant.
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.
Located in the heart of Argentina, the town of San Antonio de Areco rests on the southern bank of the magnificent Areco River. Set just an hour's drive from Buenos Aires, the town is a fantastic day-trip option for those staying in the capital. This charming 18th-century town has been named the National Capital of Tradition, as it is infused with authentic cultural heritage and is felt by many to be the home of the gaucho lifestyle. Stroll along the lovely riverside promenade, visit the fascinating Ricardo Guiraldes Gaucho Museum in Criollo Park and wander down quaint cobblestoned streets to discover the picturesque, historic Ruiz de Arellano Square. Visitors can also enjoy cultural tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and numerous other activities. The river is a great location for rowing (multi-lingual classes are on offer).
As previously described
