Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth, nightlife, and a diverse culture define this cosmopolitan city. South Beach draws crowds, while the Art Deco District is the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture. Shop from Bal Harbour to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove, enjoy Cuban culture on Calle Ocho, or visit the historic Venetian Pool. There's something for everyone in this "Gateway to the Americas."

Barbados is ringed by pristine beaches: rugged, hilly east coast on the Atlantic; calmer west coast with most resort hotels, Bridgetown, and colonial settlements. Visit the restored 17th-century Sunbury Plantation House or enjoy views from Gun Hill Signal Station. Go catamaran sailing, Atlantis submersible tours, or off-road island safaris. Don't miss flying fish with a glass of 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.

Boca Da Valeria is an Indian village on a 400-ft hill overlooking the Amazon, between Parintins and Santarem. Wander the small settlement or relax aboard and enjoy close-up views of lush equatorial vegetation. Ashore, see log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since early explorers. 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 Amazonas state. Once a river village on the left bank of the Rio Negro, near its meeting with the Amazon, it was shaped by 19th-century rubber barons and is now a key gateway to the mid-Amazon. Riverboats explore tributaries, estuaries, and creeks rich in wildlife. Highlights include the Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, built in Liverpool and nicknamed "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.

About 25 miles from Santarém, Brazil, Alter do Chão is an Amazon River community on the Rio Tapajós, named for a flat-topped hill backdrop. This small island features white-sand beaches, palm trees, cottages, Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, a turquoise lagoon, and exceptionally clear water, making it a popular destination. Note: due to its underdeveloped nature, 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.

"A healthy and fresh land and good waters" is how the first Jesuit priests who crossed the Serra do Mar mountains in 1553 described the area that would become the largest and wealthiest city in South America. Explore the old and the new downtown sections, the Cathedral of São Paulo, the Oriental District, the Higienopolis District, and Pacaembu Stadium. Nearby Santos, the port-of-call, is a holiday resort with magnificent beaches and the lovely Orchid Gardens.

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.