Rio de Janeiro:
Rightly called the Cidade Maravilhosa or the Marvelous city, Rio de Janeiro is pulsating with energy – from passionate football matches, friendly beach games, foot tapping night parties, raucous carnival and perennial celebration of life to the rhythm of Samba – just some of the many reasons that makes Rio one of the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the famed Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and take in the grandeur of Rio on a cable car trip to the summit of the Sugarloaf Mountain to get the first glimpse of landmark Christ the Redeemer statue – one of the 7 wonders of the world, while a ride on the cogwheel train to the Mount Corcovado will bring you to the feet of this iconic 38m wonder. The city also offers a great beachfront promenade with its beautiful art galleries of the elite Santa Teresa district, and lush expanses of the Botanic Gardens. Apart from the iconic landmarks, beaches, music and lightheartedness, Rio also offers spectacular natural landscape that can be explored through picturesque hiking and cycling trails as well as short sailing trips to the nearby islands off its golden beaches. For nature lovers, a Jeep tour of the Tijuca rainforest is highly recommended.
Iguaçu Falls:
Located on the bordering province of Brazil and Argentina, the Iguaçu are the largest waterfalls system in the world, and are formed by the mighty Iguaçu River, flowing from Brazil into Argentina. In fact, below the falls, at the confluence with River San Antonio, the Iguaçu River forms the national boundary, dividing the two countries. The majestic falls have been a major tourist attraction, driving thousands of visitors to the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Brazil, where once can enjoy panoramic views of over 250 cascading water-falls from an elevation just above the river.
Buenos Aires:
Home to some ancient European architecture, Buenos Aires is a city of passion and creativity. Celebrating the quintessential Latin lifestyle, the capital of Argentina is a pulsating metropolis that thrives on the beats of Tango, perfectly grilled steak, parties that go on it dawn and an indomitable lust for life that is just overwhelming and contagious. From the grandeur of the Plaza de Mayo, the plaza in the city center to the majestic architecture of Cementerio de la Recoleta, the resting place of Argentina’s elite, Buenos Aires, spectacular structures dominate the streets, even as contemporary artists with their graffiti add a strong Latin signature to the city. You can spend your days visiting the folk markets of Feria de Mataderos or spend a few quite hours at the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur nature reserve, but it is only when you truly participate in the cultural celebration of Buenos Aires, can you truly live their passion. Drown into the sensual beats of Tango at one of the numerous ‘dance salons’, party until dawn at the various live music venues, clubs and bars, sample some of the world’s best steak, washed down with the generous serving of malbec or bonarda and of ‘course, finish with the perfect cone of dulce de leche (caramel) helado ice cream. And just like that, Buenos Aires, like the perfect ice cream, is enjoyed best with all its accompaniments!
Lima:
Located on the arid pacific coast of Peru lies its capital city Lima, counted among South America’s largest metropolises. The city is bustling with energy and chaos but at its center are a well preserved colonial past and a series of tales from its ancient civilizations! Among its famed possessions are the priceless museums of Museo Larco – housing a rare collection of pre-Columbian art and Museo de la Nacion – chronicles of Peru’s ancient civilizations and the Plaza de Armas and historic 16th Century cathedral at the heart of Lima Centro. Also significant are archeological ruins of Pachacamac, the pre-Columbian citadel of stone palaces and temples that were a major site of the Inca civilization. Lima is also famous for its gastronomic offerings with some authentic indigenous recipes being as old as 400 years! Come night and just like the rest of South America, Lima is bustling with music and celebrations, with an active nightlife at par with its other counterparts on the continent.
Cusco
Famed as the richest heritage city of the Southern Hemisphere, Cusco, perched high above in the Peruvian Andes is the site of the ancient Inca ruins and one of the most visited sites on the continent. Also a getaway to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, Cusco chronicles human evolution and South American history, as the present day market brands scream for attention amidst its colonial cathedrals and Inca temple ruins. Notable among the heritage sites are the Plaza de Armas – the central square of the old city, Incan wall ruins and the baroque Santo Domingo Convent that stands atop the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), with its archaeological remains of Inca stonework.
Machu Picchu:
This 15th century capital city of the Inca’s is a revered archeological and tourist site. The fact that it managed to be hidden from the Spanish invaders and has since retained its mystery and grandeur, is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone wall architecture, intriguing structures to predict time and seasons, aligned with astronomical movements and the sheer brilliance and majestic panoramic views from this old city, are an experience not be missed. For a closer understanding of the people and the cultures, visit the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. Alternately, for adventure lovers, a day long Inca Trail is ideal.
