30-Nights Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines - 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Buenos Aires

Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve an all manner of world cuisine, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night. Cultural hub of a society which traces its roots to European immigration, it is famous throughout South America for its theatres, museums and galleries. Gucci, Armani, Prada, to name a few, line the boulevards catering for the fashion conscious porteños, their offerings as stylish as anything found in the cities in Europe or North America.

Montevideo

Slightly threadbare and charmingly out of date, Montevideo harks back to pre-war days when it was the "Switzerland of South America." Art deco and art nouveau façades reflect this flourishing past, while the impressive Plaza Independencia, with its colonnades and open-air cafés, is a perfect place to savor the present.

Rio de Janeiro

Brazilians say that God made the rest of the world in six days, and devoted the seventh to Rio. The jagged Sugarloaf rises from dark blue Guanabara Bay, with legendary beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema in the foreground, forested mountains behind. This great city has an enticing atmosphere of samba and fun, and its locals are as joyous as they are beautiful.

Iguazu Falls (Iguacu Falls)

Iguazu Falls are greatest waterfalls in the world in their spectacular panorama, situated on the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay in South America. The falls consist of 275 cascades spread nearly 2 miles including the famous 'Devil's Throat'. The biggest and most brilliant rainbow in the world around Iguazu falls provides fantastic experience. Also, the nature of 'The Iguassu Natural Park', listed as World Natural Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1986, is also mysterious, where thousands of wonderful trees, birds, and animals are abundant and easily seen.

Ilha Grande

This island off the southern coast offers the best of tropical Brazil in one compact area (300 km sq). Ilha Grande offers more than a hundred pristine beaches, a extensive network of hiking trails through its lush interior rainforest, and rumors of buried pirate treasure. Especially recommended is the trek to the ghost town of Praia da Parnaioca, once a fishing village.

Parati

The entire city of Parati (Paraty) is considered a national monument as it was deemed by UNESCO to be one of the world’s most illustrious examples of Portuguese colonial architecture. A virtual museum within a tropical paradise, it is located southeast of Rio de Janeiro. The streets are lined with beautifully whitewashed buildings and many have colorfully painted trim. Motorized vehicles are forbidden on the majority of the narrow, cobblestone streets, so you can wander freely, absorbed in the tranquility and meticulously preserved architecture. Highlights of this quaint city include numerous churches, in particular the Portuguese Baroque-style Church of Santa Rita, built around 1720. Once all of the city’s beauty is explored, take some time out for a leisurely stroll along the shore or dine at any of the waterfront restaurants serving locally caught fish. There are also several shops in the historic area catering to local artisans and merchants.

San Pedro de Atacama

The charming village of San Pedro de Atacama, located at 2,450 meters above sea level, is one of the places in Chile which offers the widest number of attractions. The village is located in one of the many oases originated by the ‘Bolivian winter’, in the driest desert of the world: the Atacama Desert - an incredible place with exuberating vegetation. In the plains, covered by a green color that seems to come from more rainy areas, agriculture is practiced from ancient times, maintaining the same cultivation methods used thousands of years ago. The native inhabitants thank nature for this miracle through different religious festivities and ceremonies, mixing Catholicism and ancient beliefs into one of the most characteristic cultural manifestations of northern Chile. Walking around the farming lands and watching the traditional design houses, built in adobe, makes visitors feel transported into another age.

Colonia del Sacramento

Facing Buenos Aires across the broad Rio de la Plata you find one of Uruguay’s oldest and most picturesque cities. Recently declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Old City with its charming streets is one of South America’s jewels that should be on the list of all visitors to the region. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, the city was fought over for nearly a century by Spain and Portugal due to its strategic location as a commercial port. Today, the past can still be felt and seen in the city’s cobblestone streets and stone houses. Colonia complements its historical value with natural beauty and miles of fine sand river beaches.

Sucre

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Salta

Salta is situated in the Lerma Valley on the northwestern part of Argentina. The town was founded in 1582 by a Spanish explorer named Hernando de Lerma. The weather in Salta is mainly classified as subtropical with warm and comfortable conditions. There is so much to see and experience in the city, enjoy a day visiting some of the museums in the area, partake in outdoor activities or take a tour of the most amazing architectural buildings and cathedrals in Salta.

Uyuni

In an isolated corner of southwestern Bolivia sits the desert-like landscape of Uyuni. It was founded in 1889 by Bolivian president Anicento Arce who operates a military base outside of the town. Uyuni's economy has blossomed from the many visits to the world's largest salt flats.

La Paz, Bolivia

Potosi

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Uyuni Salt Flats

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Estancia

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