Attractions

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro
From its breathtaking landscapes and its relaxed beach culture and to notoriety of its favelas and its annual Carnival, the 'Marvelous City' is just that. Moving to the beat of the samba and fueled by a love of life that is distinctly Brazilian, Rio is a city that demands your attention, and very often gets it. once you let the city's rhythms seduce you, you'll become even more enchanted by this vibrant gem of a waterfront city.

Cinelandia
A slice of Paris in the center of Rio, the square called Cinelandia is surrounded by some of Rio's most beautiful Art Deco and mid-century Modern buildings and is home to some of the city's most popular street cafés. From the center of the square, you can visit the Traingle of Culture—the National Library, the National Fine Arts Museum and the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, which was modeled after the Paris Opera House—all within the same morning or afternoon.

The National Library
Though its collection is renowned—a Gutenberg Bible from 1492, the Empress Teresa Christina's collection and a 1572 edition of Camões' As Luziadas—its five-story entrance hall is what makes this building a must see.

The National Fine Arts Museum
With a strong focus on highlighting Brazilian art and works from every region dating back to the 18th century, the National Fine Arts Museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the cultures and evolution of Brazilian art.

Praca XV
Praca XV, or XV Square, is the historic spot where Dom Pedro I and II lived and governed Brazil. The Imperial Palace—surrounded by shops and restaurants—holds court over this waterfront square that is also home to the 16th-century Carmelite monastery and the Pyramid Fountain, which once served as a water source for ships docked in the harbor. Today, the square is perhaps best known as the location of the Rio-Niteroi ferryboat terminal.

Guanabara Bay
To get a distinctly different view of Rio, hop aboard one of the ferries leaving from Rio-Niteroi and set out on Guanabara Bay. The views of the city with the mountains serving as backdrop are breathtaking. Not to be missed are the Niteroi Bridge, Fiscal Island—to tour its all-encompassing castle—and Paqueta Island.

The Arcos de Lapa
This 800-foot aqueduct once carried water from the Carioca River to a fountain in Largo de Carioca, where residents drew their water. Today, the Arcos serves as a viaduct, connecting the neighborhood of Santa Teresa to downtown Rio. During the day, the Lapas Square offers a bevy of antiques shops and outdoor markets, but at night, it transforms into a street party, with vendors, guitar players and samba dancers.

Santa Teresa
For a peek into colonial Brazil, Santa Teresa is just a short ride up, into the mountains, that is. With incredible views of both downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay, Santa Teresa has become a haven for the city's artists and intellectuals drawn to its cobblestone streets, Portuguese colonial architecture and excellent restaurants.

Corcovado Mountain
Located in the Cosme Velho district, Corcovado Mountain might just be the most famous pedestal in the world. Since 1931, it has served as the base of the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue, otherwise known as the Rio Jesus, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Take a funicular from the mountain's base to its summit, where you can either climb the 222 steps up to the feet of Christ—a symbol of Brazil's independence from Portugal—or take the elevator.

Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches
One of the highlights of a visit to Rio, Copacabana and Ipanema Beach do not disappoint. Walk along the Avenida Atlantica, the beach promenade, and take in the wide variety of street life that calls this beach district home. And, if the weather's warm enough, a dip in the ocean is always a wonderful idea.

Sugar Loaf Mountain
One of the most iconic symbols of Rio—alongside Christ the Redeemer—Sugar Loaf Mountains guards the entrance to Guanabara Bay. Two cable cars will get you to the summit of Sugar Loaf, with stunning views of Niteroi Bridge, Corcovado Mountain and Guanabara Bay included.

Jardim Botanico
The Botanical Gardens of Rio are located in a posh district of the same name. Here you can get up close to many native species, including bromeliads, orchids, carnivorous plants and cacti.

Argentina

Buenos Aires
An intoxicating city, Buenos Aires is at once reserved and passionate, exuberant and elegant. More European than any of its South American counterparts, it is known for its blend of Italian, German, Spanish and French influences brought together with a truly colorful indigenous flair. The Porteños, as the locals are called, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity, one that the tango exemplifies best.

San Telmo
The oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, San Telmo is also one of its most charming, thanks to its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and ubiquitous tango shops, dancers and artists.

Casa Rosada
The Casa Rosada, or the Pink House, is the Presidential Palace. It's located at one end of Plaza de Mayo, the city's central square.

Plaza de Mayo
The nerve center of Buenos Aires and of Argentina, the Plaza de Mayo is home to the nation's government, the Cabildo, the  Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires and the May Pyramid, holding court and center square. It was named for the May Revolution of 1810, a mostly nonviolent revolution that ousted the ruling Spanish government from the city and elected the first Argentinian government to rule in its place.

Avenida de Mayo
Often compared to the fashionable streets of Madrid, Barcelona and Paris—thanks to its art nouveau and neoclassic buildings, cafés and high-end boutiques—the Avenida de Mayo was in fact inspired by Madrid's Gran Via. It runs from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza de los Dos Congresos.

Caminito
A little street in La Boca, one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, the Caminito is a vibrant blend of pastel-hued buildings and Italian influences. Little more than an eyesore until 1954, by 1960 it had become the neighborhood's jewel, thanks largely to the vision of Benito Quinqela Martin, an Argentinian artist adopted by Italian immigrants.

Cemeterio de la Recoleta
The Recoleta Cemetery is the burial place of Argentina's most influential citizens, including several presidents, scientists, wealthy citizens, and, most notably, Eva Perón.

Corrientes Avenue
One of the city's principal thoroughfares, this avenue is intimately tied to the Tango and Porteño culture.

Avenida 9 de Julio
Named after the date of Argentina's independence, the Avenida 9 de Julio, or 9th of July, is the widest avenue in the world with six lanes in each direction. At its center is the obelisk, built in May, 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city.

Palermo
This hip and bohemian neighborhood, or barrio, is home to trendy shops and restaurants and a distinct hipster scene. It is also home to the Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens, the Buenos Aires Museum of Decorative Arts, the Bosques de Palermo (inspired by the Bois de Boulogne in Paris)—the city's largest park—and the Club de Pescadores. It's most impressive claim to fame, however, is that it was once the home of Che Guevara, before he became a revolutionary, and the poet and novelist Jorge Luis Borges.

Teatro Colón
One of the world's major opera houses, known for its excellent acoustics, the Teatro Colón will be closed for renovations until 2010.