In addition to its cultural offerings, Salvador de Bahia also features 50 kilometers of fabulous beaches.

Salvador de Bahia has always had an important place in Brazilian history. The first Portuguese sailors and settlers to colonize the coast in the early 16^th century made this town into the capital of colonial Brazil. Salvador served as a sea port and as the center of the sugar industry and the African slave trade for the Portuguese Empire. The capital was moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1763, but at the time of the American Revolution, Salvador was one of the largest cities in the New World.

Visitors to Salvador de Bahia today will find a vibrant city, one of the wealthiest and most populous in Brazil. The city’s history as a center of political and economic power, as well as its role in the slave trade, still give shape to Salvador’s present. The African influence in particular is visible everywhere – in food, music, religion, and celebrations – to the extent that the city is indisputably considered the epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Pelourinho in Salvador de Bahia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Visitors to Pelourinho, the historical center of Salvador, will find examples of colonial architectural jewels that act as reminders that, after Lisbon, this was once the most important city in the Portuguese Empire. The square and surrounding cobblestoned streets are filled with former administrative palaces, restored mansions, and gold-ornamented churches. The district was named after the numerous pillories, or wooden posts, that were erected in the public square and where escaped slaves and other criminals were tied to receive public lashings.

Elevador Lacerda, built in 1873, connects the lower and upper sectors of the city. The port and the Mercado Modelo are in the background. Travelers can visit the market’s underground tunnels, which are said to be haunted by slaves who were held in chains during the slave trade.

Carnival in Salvador de Bahia is one of the best in Brazil, almost rivaling the world-famous Rio de Janeiro carnival. Salvador’s celebration distinguishes itself for its emphasis on music and the scale of its street festivals. Trucks known as “trio elétricos,” measuring over 60-feet in length trucks, are equipped with booming sound systems and carry dancers, musicians, and singers through circuits that traverse 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) through Salvador’s neighborhoods. Artists perform samba, but also afoxé, a folkloric music and dance that reflect the region’s African traditions in rhythm and dress.

The Bahian Carnival surges through Salvador’s streets in a mass celebration.

Salvador’s West African roots are also visible in various other cultural practices. Capoeira, a martial art with roots in the 16^th century that combines music and dance, is practiced in public spaces all over Brazil, but Salvador boasts some of the original modern schools.

Candomblé is a religion with roots in present-day Nigeria. Faced with forcible conversion to Catholicism, enslaved Africans maintained their religious practices by adapting them to Catholic ones. Worship of native deities, known as orixás, continued under the guise of devotion to Catholic saints.

Finally, Bahian cuisine also features a heavy African influence. For example, many dishes use azeite-de-dende, or palm tree oil, as a base ingredient particularly with seafood.

Brazil will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, both of which will have venues in Salvador de Bahia. Find more excuses to visit this and other Brazil destinations by visiting our Brazil For Less page.

In the years that followed, Búzios became the go-to beach retreat for the rich and famous in South America and around the world. Mick Jagger and his entourage famously made an appearance in 1976, riding through Buzios’ dusty dirt roads in a black limousine.

Today, the dirt roads are paved, and visitors to Búzios on a Brazil vacation will find a world class sea resort that offers the best in boutique shopping, dining, fine arts, ecological attractions, and varied nightlife.  First class amenities set amidst a spectacular beach setting – not for nothing is this charming town known as the Brazilian Saint Tropez and listed among one of Brazil’s top beaches. In recognition of Bardot’s lasting influence, Búzios has a beachfront promenade, known as Orla Bardot, dedicated to the French actress, as well as a bronze statue, a theater, and a café or two.

The tranquil waters of Praia do Armacao with a slice of the Orla Bardot visible on the right.

Búzios’ Beaches

For a vacation in Brazil’s tropical paradise, the key word is praia, which means beach in Portuguese, and the beach is certainly the main attraction on a Búzios tour. Located 105 miles (170 kilometers) northeast of Rio de Janeiro, the town is on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. As a result of this geographical attribute, it has 5 miles of undulating coast formed into natural coves and stretches of semi-secluded beaches surrounded by Atlantic forest. Only a 2-hour drive from Rio, Búzios is the ideal weekend getaway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

A unique characteristic of Búzios beaches is that they receive equatorial currents from the north as well as Antarctic currents from the south. This means that beach-goers are sure to find something to suit their taste in one of the 20 beaches on the peninsula.

The north-facing beaches feature tranquil, crystalline warm waters, while those facing south have larger swells and colder waters. The colder, southern beaches have consistent wind and excellent conditions for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing, whereas the gentler northern beaches are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Buzios has two dozen beaches, each with its own unique character and all of them worth a visit.

Among Búzios most popular beaches are Praia da Armação and Ossos, which bookend the center of town; Azeda, accessible via a short hike from the center; Ferradura and Ferradurinha, which offer clear and tranquil waters and swimming pool conditions ideal for kayaking and romantic beach picnics; João Fernandes, with an excellent offering of bars, seafood, and beach parties; and Geribá, which is the go-to spot for surfers and also the site of fabulous New Year’s Eve parties.

Multiple methods exist for exploring Búzios beaches. The quickest is a 3-hour tour in the open air trolley, which starts from the center of town and stops at the 12 of Búzios’ most beautiful beaches as well as 2 lookout points with panoramic views of the peninsula. Visitors with a bit more time to spare have the option taking a guided catamaran tour along the beaches and surrounding islands, with stops for swimming and diving.  Finally, for travelers with their own agenda, a water taxi departs from the main dock and, for about $1 USD per ride, shuttles passengers between the northern beaches.

Búzios Centro

The center of Búzios, with restaurants, shopping, and cultural offerings, is concentrated on a few streets within close proximity to coast. Rua das Pedras, or Stone Street, is the focal point of Buzios’ commerce during both the day and night hours. There are multiple areas, including cafés and tree-shaded benches, ideally suited for people-watching, meeting locals and fellow travelers, and strolling.

Buzios center is the perfect place to relax under the Brazilian sun.

Also in the center of Búzios is the previously mentioned Orla Bardot, which runs between the beaches of Canto and Armação. On this stretch of avenue lined with trees and dotted with gardens and benches, travelers can find the statue of Brigitte Bardot. Sculpted by the artist Christina Motta, the life-size bronze statue of the actress wears a blouse that models the now-ubiquitous Bardot neckline. She sits on her suitcase, sun hat dangling from one hand, and gazes into the distance, no doubt appreciating one of the countless beautiful sunsets that grace this scenic Brazilian town.

Brigitte’s statue on the Orla Bardot. Travelers pose for pictures while sitting on her knees, as a result of which they have become worn.

A visit to Búzios is a must as part of a Brazilian beach vacation To start planning your fully customized Brazil vacation, contact one of our expert travel advisors at Brazil For Less.

Throughout the festival, music and dance literally invade all parts of the city and its inhabitants. Day and night, people gather in the streets to show off their samba moves, musical talents, complicated costumes, and more than anything, to have fun and share their culture and cheerfulness with the rest of the world.

Samba is at the heart of the Rio Carnival. This typical Brazilian dance and music originated in the Afro-Brazilian community in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th century, and is now one of the core elements of the Brazilian culture. The term samba derives from the Angolan word “semba” which referred to a type of ritual music in African countries.

During Carnival, all the best samba schools of Rio participate in a contest, the Samba Parade, the highlight of the entire week. Each school represents a specific neighborhood, with its own dances, music, and costumes. They practice for months before the Carnival to make sure they put on the best show in the Sambodromo, a gigantic hall where the parade takes place every year.

Other noteworthy events are the Carnival Balls, which are held in all the most popular venues in the city. The most famous (and expensive) one takes place at the Copacabana Palace, a 5-star luxury resort. If you’re on a budget, there are many other balls to attend, with tickets ranging from $70 to $150. Everyone dresses up in shiny party costumes and come to the ball to dance the night away. There are balls scheduled every night during the length of the Carnival. Check out the official Rio Carnival 2012 website to find the detailed program.

Of course, there are also ways to partake in the festivities without spending too much money. It can be expensive to purchase tickets to the Samba Parade or to the various balls. However, it’s free to enjoy the hundreds of bands and parties that take to the streets every day. Some parties are held in specific places, such as the city’s parks, and others are processions of dancers and merrymakers that just follow bands as they play. The largest street party takes place in Cinelandia Square. And even if you don’t have a ticket to the parade, it’s worth taking a look outside the Sambodromo on parade days as the street is generally packed with people that just want to join in on the fun.

June is one of the busiest months of the year in terms of cultural events in Brazil, and probably one of the best times to immerse yourself in the rich Brazilian culture, and soak up the sun in some of its most picturesque beach towns. Read this guide to Brazil’s cultural calendar in June and start planning your exciting Brazil vacation. Although this is a time when temperatures can drop, as it coincides with the South American winter, the country enjoys a mild and pleasant climate year round. Just pack a light sweater for the chillier nights and you’re ready to go!

June is a month of many religious celebrations in Brazil, which are generally held with great excitement and always involve massive festivities. Most of the population is fervently catholic and the country almost seems to come to a halt to celebrate Christianity. The main commemoration, Corpus Christi, celebrating the Holy Sacrament during the Last Supper between Jesus Christ and his disciples, is one of the most important days in the Catholic calendar, and will be held on June 23^rd this year.

This is a national holiday, so be prepared for most shops and some restaurants to be closed. Some of the most impressive festivities are held in Sao Paulo. Streets are covered with colorful carpets made of wooden shavings and other materials representing scenes of the Last Supper, and the city gives way to the joyful and moving “March for Jesus,” a parade that moves to the sounds of live Christian bands leading the way on decorated trucks.

Known as the Festas Juninas (June parties), a tradition imported from Portugal under colonial times, the celebrations of Saint Anthony (June 12^th), Saint John the Baptist (June 24^th), and Saint Peter (29^th) punctuate the month and are observed throughout the country with festivities including live music, food, and of course Catholic ceremonies.

If you’re not so much into religious celebrations, don’t worry; Brazil holds many other noteworthy events in June that will make for unforgettable sights and memories. If you are traveling to Brazil with your other half, this is the perfect moment to show them your love on Brazil’s Valentine’s Day, known as the Dia dos Namorados, on June 12^th. The day is celebrated widely all over Brazil with lavish parties on the same day as Saint Anthony’s day, who is the saint patron of marriage. Another curious tradition which has made its way through the centuries is for single girls to pray to Saint Anthony on this day so he will find them a husband.

Every year in June, Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most avant-garde city, is home to the world’s largest and most exciting Gay Pride Parade (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transvestites and Transexual Pride Parade, or LGBT). This year, the 15^th edition of the parade will overcome the entire city on June 26^th with over 4 million people are expected to attend.

Be prepared to be shocked and dazzled as you find yourself taken in the whirl of music, costumes, and partying. Gigantic theme-decorated trucks ride throughout the city with thousands of followers dancing to the sounds of loud music and slogans. The slogan for 2011 will be “Love one another. Enough with homophobia”. The first parade was held in 1997 with a mere 2,000 participants, and is today one of the most long-awaited festivities in the country. And if you can’t make it to Brazil in June, Rio de Janeiro will be housing its own edition of the Gay Pride Parade on November 14, 2011. Book your Rio de Janeiro tour now and take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The impressive Iguazu Falls

The Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguazu Falls, is a force of nature. The 275 separate cascades make up a thunderous flow over basalt rock which gushes over 250 feet down, hence the meaning of “Iguazu” which means “big water” in Guarani, the regional indigenous language. At the Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in the circuit, water plunges over a U-shaped cataract that is 490 by 2300 feet. Spectators can get close enough to be surrounded by 260° of water. Numerous catwalks allow visitors to view and experience Iguazu Falls from many angles. Another possibility for prime viewing capabilities is a helicopter tour around the falls.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest and a reddish soil that contrasts with the green canopy. The Parque Nacional Foz do Iguaçu is well worth exploring and there are many peaceful hikes where you will have the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep your eyes open for brown capuchin monkeys and colorful birds such as toucans. The town offers plenty to do and has a large choice of hotels, restaurants, and shops. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site lies on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay so while visiting the falls you can easily make your way into three South American countries and have even more to brag to your friends and family about.

Another South American escapade to be proud of is a trip to breathtaking Easter Island. Nearly 2,500 miles west of Chile’s coast, it is one of the world’s most famous archeological sites bound to leave travelers amazed. Easter Island is a nature and culture lover’s dream getaway in the Pacific Ocean.

The mystical moai statues

One of the most isolated places on earth just got easier to travel to. The mystery of Easter Island and its indigenous inhabitants, the Rapa Nui, are intriguing to scientists and travelers alike. This triangular island is full of an extraordinary collection of archaeological wonders, including the iconic moai. These statutes form one of Rapa Nui’s most enduring images. These famous moai sculptures may be what first come to mind when picturing Easter Island, but the island has many other worthwhile attractions. On Easter Island you will be amazed by the 20,000 archeological sites, rich culture, two volcanoes, scuba diving, and white sand beaches.

You can now stand in the mysterious presence of Easter Island and be splashed by Iguazu Falls after a simple flight from the United States.

For more information on Brazil and Chile vacations, contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your next big adventure.

Parading through Rio de Janeiro during Carnival.

Characterized by the enjoyment of all excesses one can imagine, Carnival is celebrated as a farewell to the bodily pleasures that are relinquished during Lent. This year, the carnival will start on Saturday March 5^th and end on Fat Tuesday, March 8^th.

Although almost every town and village throughout Brazil and other catholic countries in Latin America have their own festivities, Rio de Janeiro has long been considered the premier place to celebrate the sensual feast of Carnival.

Not only is the Rio celebration the biggest one in South America, it is also the reference for any carnival and one of the most fascinating events on the planet. Up to 500,000 foreign visitors make the trip each year to take part in the celebrations.

The Rio Carnival is a truly euphoric and cheerful event that sums up the Carioca culture and way of life, with dancing, singing and partying taking over the whole city and culminating in the famous Samba Parade. This world-famous parade features a display of dances and competition between Rio’s top samba schools.

The Parade has been held in the famous Sambadrome since 1984, a building especially constructed for this event as the parade was becoming too big for spontaneous gatherings. However, historically Carnival looked a little different.

The spectacular views of Rio from its most famous landmark.

The first records of carnival festivities date back to 1723 when Portuguese immigrants introduced the Entrudo. The Entrudo involved throwing water bombs, mud pies, and flour missiles at unsuspecting, and suspecting, neighbors.  In the beginning of the 20^th century, the Rio carnival became more organized with dance and costume competitions known as ranchos. These ranchos eventually morphed into the development of the world-famous samba schools that began in the late 1920s.

Millions of people attend the Rio Carnival so you have to plan your trip carefully and well in advance to make sure that you get the most out of this spectacular event, although the last minute traveler can occasionally find special offers. Flights and hotel prices tend to increase drastically at this time of year, and tickets for the shows and parade are sold months in advance.

Others events that should not be missed during the Carnival are the many costumed balls taking place all over town. You can easily purchase tickets for most of them and enjoy the parties without having to spend a fortune. For those travelers who decide to wing it, there are street parties on almost every corner of the city that are still a lot of fun. Check out the open-air dances and concerts organized all throughout Rio and you will not be disappointed.

For last minute Rio Carnival travel deals contact one of our Travel Advisors who can arrange your Brazil vacation for you.

Dancing the passionate tango through the streets of Buenos Aires.

Argentina came in at number seven for best value destinations in 2011, which is no surprise to us.  Argentina pesos make the country an excellent deal for international travelers who can dine on delicious steaks and full-bodies red wines for a fraction of the cost they would pay in their home country.  Unlike in the United States where a nice hotel costs upwards of a few hundred dollars per night, in Argentina chic accommodation doesn’t carry a hefty price tag. Take a look at our Argentina tours for great ideas about how to plan an Argentina vacation for less.

Famous for their passionate tango dances, emulated in most American movies, and by children and adults worldwide, the fact that Argentina came in second for the best place to get your groove on in the world, is less than shocking. And, of course, there is no better city to clasp a rose in your teeth and dance with your love than the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. On a Buenos Aires Tour through the city of tango you can explore the best of Argentina while learning the intricate steps of this romantic dance.

The charming streets of colorful Bahia, Brazil.

Just two spots down the list at number four, Bahia in Brazil also deserves honorable mention.  If rhythmic dance circles, a festive atmosphere, and Afro-Brazilian culture sounds enticing to you, head to the colorful streets of Bahia where some of the finest and most energetic dancing in the world takes place in colonial plazas by moonlight. Created in Brazil by African slaves during the sixteenth century, Capoeira combines dance, music and martial arts. Characterized by broad, sweeping movements, playful sparring, and a whole lot of energy, this is far from your typical ballet and a must-see for travelers on a Salvador de Bahia tour.

For more information about visiting either of these two destinations on your next South America vacation, please contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your trip.

Rio de Janeiro's famed beaches.

Brazil has always been a favorite destination in South America and anyone who visits the country quickly realizes why.  Famous for its stunning scenery, lively Carnaval celebrations, and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Brazil is a fabulous destination in South America.  So, why did it make the list this year rather than the previous year?

Brazil just recently won bids to host the World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016, which means the country is investing billions of dollars into developing infrastructure. Budget airline companies such as Azul and Jetblue are creating a healthy dose of competition and forcing other airlines to lower their prices.

These relatively new changes will make Brazil travel easier and less expensive for foreign visitors.  Additionally, private corporations are in a flurry to create more hotel rooms in a hurry, which means hotel prices will see a dramatic, although possibly short-term, drop.

Iquitos is often overlooked by travelers to Peru which is a real pity. Iquitos is an enchanting river city in the middle of the Amazon and only accessible by boat or plane. Despite its remote location, the city was part of the rubber boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s when wealthy plantation owners built mansions along the river’s banks. The city currently has a cosmopolitan climate with a mixture of Peruvians, Columbians, and expatriates, as well as a sizzling nightlife.

Iquitos is also one of the best places to begin an Amazon tour. Travelers can spend a few days in Iquitos before venturing into the jungle to stay at a jungle lodge, or take a luxury Amazon River cruise to see wildlife.

The grounds of a jungle lodge near Iquitos.

Situated in northeastern Peru, Iquitos used to be somewhat difficult for travelers to reach. However, Peruvian airlines LAN just recently opened a new direct flight from Cusco to Iquitos which makes it easy for travelers to combine a stay at a jungle lodge with a Machu Picchu tour.

For more information about visiting either of these two destinations on your next South America vacation, please contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your trip.