Today, with the center rebuilt many times since colonial days, the major interest lies in the beach communities south of the city center rather than in Rio's buildings and monuments. For some 60 years, the beach districts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon have been Rio's heart and soul, providing a constant source of recreation to maintain the city's fame as the most dynamic and captivating tourist capital in South America.

Today, with the center rebuilt many times since colonial days, the major interest lies in the beach communities south of the city center rather than in Rio's buildings and monuments. For some 60 years, the beach districts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon have been Rio's heart and soul, providing a constant source of recreation to maintain the city's fame as the most dynamic and captivating tourist capital in South America.

Today, with the center rebuilt many times since colonial days, the major interest lies in the beach communities south of the city center rather than in Rio's buildings and monuments. For some 60 years, the beach districts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon have been Rio's heart and soul, providing a constant source of recreation to maintain the city's fame as the most dynamic and captivating tourist capital in South America.

Portuguese for beautiful island, Ilhabela carries its name well. Considered a natural paradise by both locals and visitors alike, the island is a kaleidoscope of beautiful beaches, lush tropical rainforests and an incredible 360 waterfalls. Located a four hour drive (and a 15-minute ferry ride) from São Paolo, 85% of the island is a UNESCO-Biosphere Reserve. View less While people may come initially to Ihalbela for its famous beaches, (one of which was named as a top ten worldwide beach by The Guardian), expect much greater things that just sunning and relaxing in the shade from this little island. With almost 25 miles/40 kilometres of pristine beaches, fun in the sun is certainly always an option, but Ilhabela is also a vibrant little city, full of vivacity and history, just waiting to be discovered. Located on the west coast of the island, Ilhabela town still shows signs of its colonial past, examples of which can be see through the local architecture. Perhaps one of the most photog…

Porto Belo is a municipality in the state of Santa Catarina in the South region of Brazil.

Renowned for its international conferences and film festivals, Punta del Este is one of the finest beach resorts in South America. Many wealthy Uruguayans, Argentines and Brazilians have built spectacular mansions along the magnificent coastline. Celebrities and jet-setters from across the globe frequent Punta del Este for the beaches, fresh air and nightlife. For many of Montevideo's residents this fashionable resort provides a popular weekend getaway. With a skyline of alternating high-rise towers and million-dollar mansions, Punta del Este is host to a sophisticated culture and a swinging social scene. During the day locals and visitors hit the beaches of the peninsula that provide a perfect setting for a variety of watersports. The land side, with its sand dunes, large forests of pines, eucalyptus and mimosa, makes a fitting contrast. A marina full of sleek yachts, excellent restaurants, chic boutiques, art galleries, a renowned museum, casinos and three golf courses add to a Rivi…

With its population of 1,362,000, 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. Montevideanos themselves travel to Buenos Aires and São Paulo when they crave big-city excitement. As Uruguay's cultural, political and economic center, the city boasts a good number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture. There are sidewalk cafés, fine restaurants, chic shops, casinos and miles of clean beaches. For such a small country, Uruguay boasts an astonishing literary and artistic tradition. Theater is a popular medium and playwrights are very prominent. Uruguayan artists such as Pedro Figari have earned recognition well beyond the country's border. The tango is nearly as popular here as in Argentina. Afro-Uruguayan Candomblé music and dance add a unique dimension.

Passionate, and alive with an infectious crackling energy, the Argentine capital is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends old-world colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays, and expertly seared steak slabs, a visit to Buenos Aires is a fiery fiesta for the senses. Parque Tres de Febrero is a 400-hectare oasis where 18,000 rose bushes bloom, and skyscrapers give way to still lakes and pretty paths of rollerblading locals. Mighty palm trees - that look like exploding fireworks - stand tall in Plaza de Mayo, the heart of this sprawling cosmopolitan capital of 48 barrios. The square has served as the stage for many fundamental events in this country’s history, and the location where the seeds of independence were sewn continues to serve as the city’s gathering point - and is a place for solidarity, rebellion and revolution. The presidential Casa Rosada’s salmon-hued Palatial Palace borders the plaza, while nearby Museum Naci…

Passionate, and alive with an infectious crackling energy, the Argentine capital is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends old-world colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays, and expertly seared steak slabs, a visit to Buenos Aires is a fiery fiesta for the senses. Parque Tres de Febrero is a 400-hectare oasis where 18,000 rose bushes bloom, and skyscrapers give way to still lakes and pretty paths of rollerblading locals. Mighty palm trees - that look like exploding fireworks - stand tall in Plaza de Mayo, the heart of this sprawling cosmopolitan capital of 48 barrios. The square has served as the stage for many fundamental events in this country’s history, and the location where the seeds of independence were sewn continues to serve as the city’s gathering point - and is a place for solidarity, rebellion and revolution. The presidential Casa Rosada’s salmon-hued Palatial Palace borders the plaza, while nearby Museum Naci…