Nights of Samba & Tango

There’s a little bit of Carnival celebrated here everyday. From its famous beaches to its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio radiates an air of exuberance that is hard to find anywhere else. Make the scene on trendy Ipanema or take a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain and enjoy the amazing views. Sway your hips to the rhythm at a samba show or enjoy the tranquility of king Dom João VI’s Botanical Gardens and verdant Tijuca Forest.

The tiny fishing village of Búzios, just 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, is considered one of the ten most beautiful spots in the world. The village burst into prominence when French actress Brigitte Bardot visited here in her heyday (there’s a statue of her looking out to sea on the Orla Bardot). Today, this once sleepy village is an international resort — St. Tropez, with a unique Brazilian beat. Búzios offers some of South America’s most attractive beaches. Indeed, you could lounge on one magnificent beach each hour of the day, sipping a delicious caipirinhas of course.

Some of Brazil’s most gorgeous beaches and exotic rainforests can be found 120 miles south of Rio de Janeiro on the Ilha Grande. Ilha Grande boasts over 200 beaches and historically was a pirates hideaway. Enjoy exploring this beautiful island hiking its trails, kayaking, snorkeling, diving to spectacular sites or simply relaxing on its gorgeous beaches. Savor the dense Atlantic forest, the birds, flowers, iguanas, monkeys and myriad wildlife found in this protected reserve. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Ilhabela is an archipelago off the southeast coast of Brazil. The main island, Ilha de São Sebastião, is known for beaches like Castelhanos, Curral and Jabaquara. On the island’s west coast, Ilhabela city is home to the white-and-blue Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda church. In vast, forested Ilhabela State Park, trails lead to Gato and Água Branca waterfalls. Offshore dive sites include the Aymoré and Velasquez shipwrecks.

Discover the quaint fishing village charm and lively beach atmosphere of Porto Belo, tucked at the base of lush mountains on a sparkling emerald bay. Take a few moments to peruse the wharf shops before shuttling off to the main square in downtown Porto Belo. Look for unique Brazilian beachwear, jewelry and hand carved wooden art pieces. Enjoy a tour of the area. Then, visit Quatros Ilhas Beach to enjoy fresh seafood, shrimp, and the famous Caipirinha made from Brazil’s sugar cane liquor, cachaca at a beachside café. Relax to the soft whisper of the waves in this beach lover’s paradise.

Explore this lovely old Portuguese city, its gracious squares and beautiful churches. Visit the Museum of Sacred Art and the fascinating Oceanographic Museum. Or see the vast pampas and feel the gaucho life on a local estancia.

Laid-back Montevideo is home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population. The relatively small capital is the nation’s only major city, yet visitors do not come here in search of the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis. It is said that Montevideanos themselves travel to Buenos Aires and São Paulo when they crave big city excitement. As Uruguay’s cultural, political and economical center, the city boasts a good number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture.

Laid-back Montevideo is home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population. The relatively small capital is the nation’s only major city, yet visitors do not come here in search of the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis. It is said that Montevideanos themselves travel to Buenos Aires and São Paulo when they crave big city excitement. As Uruguay’s cultural, political and economical center, the city boasts a good number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture.

Rivaling Madrid or Paris for sophistication and culture, the tree-lined boulevards of fashionable Buenos Aires are home to superb restaurants, art galleries, museums, the magnificent Teatro de Colon and the brightly colored houses of La Boca barrio. As the sun sets, Recoleta awakens and the passionate melodies of the tango rise from the milangas along San Telmo’s cobbled streets. Few cities in South America share the ambiance, lifestyle and amenities that make Buenos Aires so endearing.