Miami to Buenos Aires

The island of Barbados is rimmed with mile after mile of pristine beaches. The eastern edge, rugged and hilly, lies on the Atlantic Ocean. The west coast, washed by the calmer leeward sea has most of the resort hotels. It is here that you will find the capital, Bridgetown, and older colonial settlements. Tour the meticulously restored 17th-century Sunbury Plantation House or admire the spectacular views from Gun Hill Signal Station. Adventures abound at sea by catamaran or Atlantis submersible and on land by an off-road island safari. Not to miss delicacies include the sweet and tender flying fish, washed down with a glass of Barbados’ famous Mount Gay rum.

The first settlement in Santarem was a Jesuit mission built in 1661. Today, Santarem is one of the Amazon's most important trading centers, and is rich in legend and nature. The town is situated at the point where the Tapajos and the Amazon waters meet. This is called the "Wedding of the Waters" and is one of Santarem's major attractions. The lakes and forests of this area are home to numerous species of birds, particularly the white egret.

We travel to experience life beyond the ordinary. Nestled on a 400 ft hill overlooking the Amazon, Boca Da Valeria is an Indian village located between Parintins and Santarem. This is an opportunity for you to wander at leisure through the small settlement or simply relax on board and take in up-close views of the rich equatorial vegetation from the ship. Ashore, you will find log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since the time of the early explorers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Manaus, the “Paris of the Jungle,” is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro, which merges with the mighty Amazon. Carved from the dense jungle by rubber barons in the 19th century, Manaus has become an ideal starting or ending point for visitors to the mid-Amazon region. Riverboats can be taken through the myriad of tributaries, estuaries and small creeks, where the richest wildlife can be seen. Attractions include the stunning Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, prefabricated in Liverpool England complete with clock tower and known as “Little Big Ben.”

The small village of Parintins on Tupinambarana Island is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. Steeped in centuries-old Indian culture, this village is celebrates an annual “Boi Bumba” festival. The yearly folkloric festival, considered second only to Carnival in Rio, is held in June but the townspeople reenact the festival for visitors throughout the year.

Twenty-five miles from the city of Santarém in Brazil is the Amazon River community of Alter Do Chao, named after the flat-topped hill that provides a natural backdrop. This small island is located on the Rio Tapajos, offering quaint cottages along the white-sand beaches lined with leafy palm trees. Thanks to its Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, turquoise lagoon and amazingly clear water, Alter Do Chão has become a popular destination for travelers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

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.

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.

Santos, a coastal city in southern Brazil's São Paulo state, is a major seaport stretching from the mainland to São Vicente Island. The island's urban center borders the Bay of Santos, known for its wide beach and adjacent 5.3km-long garden. The Museu do Café, occupying a 1922 commodities exchange preserved in the historic district, explores the area's key role in Brazil's coffee trade.

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.