Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina’s capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

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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 Nacional de Bellas Artes houses the largest collection of public art in Latin America. Teatro Colón, the opulent 1908 opera house, is one of the world’s finest venues – musical performance here take on an ethereal quality, with the exceptional acoustics transferring every quiver of bow, and tremor of vocal cord, to the audience in spine-tingling clarity. The gargantuan, precipitous terraces of Bombonera Stadium form another of Buenos Aires’s incredible venues, and a wall of noise emanates from it when Boca Juniors take to the field. Juicy steak and punchy Malbec flow in the city’s parrillas – steakhouses – while glitzy bars and thumping nightclubs welcome revellers late into the night. It’s not just the meat that sizzles here either – tango dancers fill milongas – dance halls – to strut passionately until the early hours. Sip steaming mate, the country’s national drink, shop in covered markets, and explore Cementerio de la Recoleta – a city of grand graves and intricate memorials honouring presidents, politicians and notable Argentine heroes from history.

Uruguay’s capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) that passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks recalls the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and is always dotted with Montevideans strolling, exercising, and lounging along the water. Montevideo has its share of glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina’s capital.When the weather’s good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

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Uruguay’s capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) that passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks recalls the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and is always dotted with Montevideans strolling, exercising, and lounging along the water. Montevideo has its share of glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina’s capital.When the weather’s good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

Often likened to the Hamptons or St-Tropez, Punta del Este is a flashy destination where parties run nonstop in peak season. But it is also a destination that draws a range of beachgoers to its shores, from summering families to the celebrity jet-set. There’s a bustling city on the beach downtown, as well as quiet countryside populated solely with upscale ranches called chacras or estancias, and creative, buzzing hamlets like La Barra and José Ignacio. Though it’s pricey and at times a logistical challenge to get around, everyone finds something about Punta to love.The resort takes its name from the “east point” marking the division of the Río de la Plata on the west from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also lends its name to the broader region encompassing the nearby communities of Punta Ballena and La Barra de Maldonado. These days even José Ignacio, some 20 miles away, is grouped in. It’s usually a given that Argentina’s upper class spends at least part of the summer in Punta, soaking in the ample rays.

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The fingertips of a showstopping sculpture, emerging from Punta Del Este’s golden sands, is the perfect example of this chic beach city’s creative outlook. Stunning stretches of shining sands line the peninsula’s coast, attracting the great and glamourous from across Uruguay and Argentina. Drawn to the beautiful beaches of this seaside city, the well-heeled visitors are joined by a flotilla of yachts, which park up for summer in the ‘Monaco of the South’ – the continent’s city to see and be seen. One of Punda del Este’s main beaches, Playa Mansa, enjoys calms seas and a sun-soaked location – overlooked by a soaring lighthouse, which is orbited by gliding sea birds. The sand is soft and inviting, so lie back to soak up the intense sun, before views of Gorriti Island just offshore. On the other side is Playa Brava, where the city’s signature artwork, ‘The Hand’ – one of many quirky sculptures that litter the streets – grasps at the sky. Relax your way – whether that’s cracking golf balls along coastal courses, cycling beside washing waves, or swimming in tempting waters. Bustling nightlife, art galleries, and museums give Punta del Este an artsy, eclectic atmosphere. Close to the port, you can discover fancy restaurants, serving up stacks of fresh seafood – and enjoy opulent meals while relishing golden views down over the port, where lavish yachts and modest fishing boats mingle. Head down to the harbour to see fishermen selling freshly caught produce and sea lions gathering to feast on the scraps.

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Balneário Camboriú has been dubbed the Dubai of Brazil for its futuristic skylines, beautiful miles of sandy beaches, wild nightlife and its plentiful tourists which swell the city’s population to over one million in summer. Located in the southern part of the Brazilian state of Caterina, you’ll see a line of soaring green hills which swoop from the skyline down towards the deep blue South Atlantic Sea as you draw close. Gleaming rows of skyscrapers stand tall along the golden sands and holidaymakers on the beaches. Head to Central Beach for people-watching and to soak up the sunshine, there’s a boardwalk which lines the sand and is ideal for an afternoon stroll. You could walk to Molhe – Barra Sul, which is a picturesque pier that reaches into the sea and offers a stunning view of the city. Another place that has gorgeous vistas is Morro de Careca which is a hill that offers a panoramic view of three of the local beaches. A 33-meter high (108 foot) statue of Christ called Cristo Luz looks out over the city from its place on top of Morro da Cruz hill, it portrays Jesus with a round spotlight on his shoulder which symbolises the sun with a light inside which shines out over the city at night. A swooping cable car ride at the Unipraias Tourist Complex links Laranjeiras Beach on Isla Camboriu with Central Beach. This affords you a 360-degree view of the city from above.

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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.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 photogenic chapels you will see on the island is the Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda. Built in 1806, the Catholic church is a pretty little white-washed building set on a hill, positioned as if protecting over the town. Decked with colourful bunting much of the time, the church is filled to the rafters on holy days with locals expressing their faith.

Around two hours from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios is a string of beautiful beaches on an 8-km-long (5-mile-long) peninsula. It was the quintessential sleepy fishing village until the 1960s, when the French actress Brigitte Bardot holidayed here to escape the paparazzi and the place almost instantly transformed into a vacation sensation. Búzios has something for everyone. Some hotels cater specifically to families and provide plenty of activities and around-the-clock child care. Many have spa facilities, and some specialize in weeklong retreats. For outdoor enthusiasts, Búzios offers surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as leisurely rounds of golf.

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Upscale and desirable Buzios is a beachy escape to a land of sun and thick palm-clad hills. With 17 luxurious horseshoe-shaped beaches spreading out nearby and a lively nightlife and culinary scene Buzios is a place to kick back and soak up some of the best of Brazil’s envied beach life. Formed from three separate towns Manguinhos Armação de Búzios and Ossos Buzios is an attractive Portuguese-flavoured corner of this stunning country. Stroll the cobbles of Rua das Pedras for a taste of old-time colonial charm. Elevated viewpoints let you rise high and admire the weaving coastline and turquoise waters below – dotted with paddleboarders pushing through waves and green islands emerging. Just like St Tropez Buzios came to the wider world’s attention when Brigitte Bardot visited the shining white sands imparting a head-turning sprinkle of stardust and an air of allure that hasn’t faded since. Look out for the waterfront statue of the influential French actress. Growing from fishing village origins Buzios is now one of Brazil’s favoured places to soak up the magic of this coastline. Snorkel with sea turtles gliding around you or lie back and enjoy the rejuvenating sunshine – which bathes the heavenly coves here. Sail on the deck of a catamaran to take in the beauty off-shore dropping in at beaches of varying character – from fiery red sands to hidden banana bends and overlooked islands.

Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa, or the Marvelous City, as Rio is known in Brazil. Synonymous with the girl from Ipanema, the dramatic views from Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, and fabulously flamboyant Carnival celebrations, Rio is a city of stunning architecture, abundant museums, and marvelous food. Rio is also home to 23 beaches, an almost continuous 73-km (45-mile) ribbon of sand.As you leave the airport and head to Rio’s beautiful Zona Sul (the touristic South Zone), you’ll drive for about 40 minutes on a highway from where you’ll begin to get a sense of the dramatic contrast between beautiful landscape and devastating poverty. In this teeming metropolis of 12 million people (6.2 million of whom live in Rio proper), the very rich and the very poor live in uneasy proximity. You’ll drive past seemingly endless cinder-block favela, but by the time you reach Copacabana’s breezy, sunny Avenida Atlântica—flanked on one side by white beach and azure sea and on the other by condominiums and hotels—your heart will leap with expectation as you begin to recognize the postcard-famous sights. Now you’re truly in Rio, where cariocas (Rio residents) and tourists live life to its fullest.Enthusiasm is contagious in Rio. Prepare to have your senses engaged and your inhibitions untied. Rio seduces with a host of images: the joyous bustle of vendors at Sunday’s Feira Hippie (Hippie Fair); the tipsy babble at sidewalk cafés as patrons sip their last glass of icy beer under the stars; the blanket of lights beneath the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain); the bikers, joggers, strollers, and power walkers who parade along the beach each morning. Borrow the carioca spirit for your stay; you may find yourself reluctant to give it back.

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Lie back on the golden sands to soak up the extraordinary setting – or watch on as muscled cariocas – locals – perform effortless athletic feats, during casual volleyball matches. A trip up to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic art-deco statue of Christ the Redeemer is, of course, a must do – offering an extraordinary view of the city rolling out before your eyes. You’ll also want to take a cable car to swing by the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which juts sharply into the sky from nowhere. Brazil’s second largest city moves to an infectious samba beat, and the famous thumping Carnival floods colour and floats down its streets each year. Of course, Rio is also a city of sharp cultural contrasts – offering fun in the sun for some, while life goes on very much as it always has for others. Take a guided tour, led by a resident, to see the conditions inside these complex tapestries of colour and chaos first-hand. Tijuca National Park, offers easy-to-access tranquillity, immersing you in dense forestry and whopping birdsong. Later, watch the fiery shades of sunset spread across the sky in the city’s oh so famous evening light show. With so much to offer, you’ll quickly learn how Rio earned its other name ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ – The Marvellous City.

Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa, or the Marvelous City, as Rio is known in Brazil. Synonymous with the girl from Ipanema, the dramatic views from Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, and fabulously flamboyant Carnival celebrations, Rio is a city of stunning architecture, abundant museums, and marvelous food. Rio is also home to 23 beaches, an almost continuous 73-km (45-mile) ribbon of sand.As you leave the airport and head to Rio’s beautiful Zona Sul (the touristic South Zone), you’ll drive for about 40 minutes on a highway from where you’ll begin to get a sense of the dramatic contrast between beautiful landscape and devastating poverty. In this teeming metropolis of 12 million people (6.2 million of whom live in Rio proper), the very rich and the very poor live in uneasy proximity. You’ll drive past seemingly endless cinder-block favela, but by the time you reach Copacabana’s breezy, sunny Avenida Atlântica—flanked on one side by white beach and azure sea and on the other by condominiums and hotels—your heart will leap with expectation as you begin to recognize the postcard-famous sights. Now you’re truly in Rio, where cariocas (Rio residents) and tourists live life to its fullest.Enthusiasm is contagious in Rio. Prepare to have your senses engaged and your inhibitions untied. Rio seduces with a host of images: the joyous bustle of vendors at Sunday’s Feira Hippie (Hippie Fair); the tipsy babble at sidewalk cafés as patrons sip their last glass of icy beer under the stars; the blanket of lights beneath the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain); the bikers, joggers, strollers, and power walkers who parade along the beach each morning. Borrow the carioca spirit for your stay; you may find yourself reluctant to give it back.

Day itinerary:

Lie back on the golden sands to soak up the extraordinary setting – or watch on as muscled cariocas – locals – perform effortless athletic feats, during casual volleyball matches. A trip up to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic art-deco statue of Christ the Redeemer is, of course, a must do – offering an extraordinary view of the city rolling out before your eyes. You’ll also want to take a cable car to swing by the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which juts sharply into the sky from nowhere. Brazil’s second largest city moves to an infectious samba beat, and the famous thumping Carnival floods colour and floats down its streets each year. Of course, Rio is also a city of sharp cultural contrasts – offering fun in the sun for some, while life goes on very much as it always has for others. Take a guided tour, led by a resident, to see the conditions inside these complex tapestries of colour and chaos first-hand. Tijuca National Park, offers easy-to-access tranquillity, immersing you in dense forestry and whopping birdsong. Later, watch the fiery shades of sunset spread across the sky in the city’s oh so famous evening light show. With so much to offer, you’ll quickly learn how Rio earned its other name ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ – The Marvellous City.