Rio de Janeiro is a lively city, day or night.

Jennie has traveled extensively throughout Latin America from Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Belize, to Guatemala and Argentina. Brazil was an obvious choice for her next Latin America travel adventure. Jennie is a fun and free spirited traveler and Brazil provided her with a great travel tale to share.

Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu falls and on to Sao Paulo her trip was full of city tours, beach days, and exploring some of the world’s greatest waterfalls. However the highlights of Jennie’s trip to Brazil were in the city of Rio de Janeiro, here are some trip ideas and advice about what to do and see in this lively city.

Rio de Janeiro held some of the best moments of Jennie’s adventure, from walking along the Copacabana beach to seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio de Janeiro was the perfect place for her and probably any traveler for that matter.

The Corcovado sits in the center of the city and at its summit is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands at 130 feet tall; it is no wonder this was one of the highlights of Jennie’s trip. Jennie enjoyed getting to see views of the city from above, as well as taking pictures with the impressive statue. She advises that it is typically crowded, as many tours arrive at the summit at the same time. Travelers shouldn’t expect to get pictures without other tourists in the frame, there just isn’t the space. However even with the crowds Jennie says it is well worth the journey. Check out Jennie under the massive Christ the Redeemer statue!

Jennie with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

If you want more great views of the city, but with less crowds Jennie suggests taking a tour to Sugar Loaf Mountain.  She explained the in’s and out’s of the tour, “we passed the Sambodrome, went into the Metropolitan Cathedral, and passed through the various districts of Rio de Janeiro. However the highlight was the view from Sugarloaf Mountain, which is incredible. I would highly recommend everyone take this tour.” The Sugar Loaf tour allowed Jennie to get some great panoramic pictures of the city. If you want to get a better view of the Copacabana beach and in general have more time to take pictures she suggests taking the Sugar Loaf tour because it is less crowded and you can spend more time without feeling rushed.

Jennie took this great picture from the cable car on the way up Sugarloaf Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro is also home to the Copacabana beach, perfect for locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy the fabulous tropical Brazil weather.  Jennie’s favorite day in the city included a stop here, “In the morning we hit Copacabana beach to catch up on our tans and to watch the locals play foot volley; foot volley is basically volleyball but you cannot use your hands.” Take a day to relax at the Copacabana as it is one of Brazil’s best beach scenes and a great way to interact with the locals and indulge in the beach culture. Jennie also advises travelers to beware, swimsuits are different on the beaches of Brazil so don’t be surprised to see women and men in less clothing than your typical beach.

Jennie captured some locals playing foot volley on the Copacabana Beach.

Jennie also has a few more pointers for those planning a trip to Brazil. The first is to learn some Portuguese before going. Learning the local language will enhance your experience by being able to interact with the locals better. Check out some Portuguese phrases for your trip.

Most importantly indulge in the culture and delicious cuisine to really experience Rio de Janeiro. The city boasts some of the best Brazilian cuisine, which Jennie enjoyed; “we went to a local churrasqueria to eat some Brazilian food, the Brazilian way: as much meat as you can eat served to you at your table.”  Here are some more great ideas on where to eat in Rio de Janeiro.

If you are going to spend some time in Rio de Janeiro take some of Jennie’s advice and make the most out of your Brazil vacation.

The magnificent coastline of Manaus, Brazil

Manaus located in the northern region of Brazil, in the heart of the lush Amazon Jungle is a city within one of nature’s most spectacular environments. Manaus is mostly used as a starting point for Amazon Jungle tours. Within the city many different options are available for accommodations; however it is outside of the city in the jungle where some of the most spectacular Jungle retreats can be found.

Ariau Amazon Towers:

The spectacular treetop hotel, Ariau Amazon Towers

Located two hours outside of the city of Manaus, by boat, you will find one of the most spectacular hotels in the entire Amazon. The Ariau Amazon Towers puts guests up in the air, literally, as it is the largest treetop hotel in the world. With 268 rooms connected by a system of walkways  of approximately five miles in total, this extensive treetop maze is set 30 feet above the ground putting guests eye-level with monkeys, macaws, and other jungle inhabitants. Apart from the up close and personal views and interactions with wildlife guests also have views of the Rio Negro and Rio Amazonas, truly creating an ‘at one with nature’ experience.

There a wide variety of rooms offered at the Ariau Amazon Towers, from the standard room to the private tree houses, accommodations include air conditioning, hot water, mini bars, and private bathrooms. Suites and Private Tree houses provide private balconies, and more spacious accommodations. The hotel also has four bars, two open-air restaurants serving Brazilian cuisine, two treetop swimming pools, and a gym. The Ariau Amazon Towers is the perfect location for jungle activities, and will ensure you have the ultimate Amazon experience.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge:

The luxurious Anavilhanas Lodge

Nestled far into the Amazon, 112 miles outside of the city of Manaus, the Anavilhanas Jungle lodge, sits across from the Anavilhanas National Park, and provides a retreat amidst the wonders of the forest. Described by National Geographic as one of the most authentic and unique hotels in Brazil, and for good reason, Anavilhanas provides 20 luxurious suites all equipped with the top amenities and decorated to perfection. The 16 two-room cottages are all equipped with air conditioning, hot showers, mini bars, and a private balcony with hammock. The four exclusive bungalows provide privacy as well as luxury, creating the ultimate jungle oasis. Equipped with LCD TV, work desk, air-conditioning, hot shower, mini bar, roof fan, and a private balcony with two hammocks, it provides the perfect place to escape.

The hotel also provides a library, game room, swimming pool, restaurant, and jungle activities such as dolphin feeding, piranha fishing, and various jungle hikes.

Amazon Ecopark:

The Amazon Ecopark located on the Taruma Riverbank

Only a thirty minute boat ride outside of Manaus travelers will find a jungle retreat located on the Taruma Riverbank. With 20 rustic bungalows divided into 64 apartments, the Amazon Ecopark provides absolute comfort, an oasis on the white-sand beaches of the Rio Negro. Each room comes with the modern amenities of air conditioning and hot water and are decorated with rustic décor, including thatched roofs, wide screened windows, and private porches.

Guests can explore the Amazon with the many jungle adventures provided by the hotel, such as hikes, canoeing, and wild life activities.

Get up close and personal with nature, on your Amazon Jungle vacation, by choosing one of these top class retreats for your Amazon accommodations. Let your Brazil vacation lead you to discover the mysteries of the Amazon Jungle.

Start planning your fully customized Amazon tour  by contacting one of our expert travel advisors at Brazil For Less. 

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.

The Amazon Rainforest is just one of Brazil’s 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the country in South America with the most honors.

One of the most distinguished recognitions an attraction, cultural facet, or geographical region can earn in the travel industry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, comprised of members from 21 countries, meets once per year to determine the best that nature and humanity have created, and which of those should be particularly honored and preserved for future generations. There is a stringent list of 10 criteria that each site, either in the cultural or natural category, is compared against in order to qualify its outstanding significance.

On the South American continent, the country leading the count for the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites is Brazil, a testament to its excellent cultural and natural wonders on an international scale. Brazil has a total of 18 declared UNESCO sites, and Peru comes in second in South America with 11 sites to boast about. Plan to visit at least one or two of the following top UNESCO destinations, officially some of the best in the world, on your next Brazil vacation.

The historical downtown of the old mining town, Ouro Preto, still promotes the gorgeous aesthetics and heavy atmosphere of its colonial days.

Historic City Centers

Per the old European styles, practically all cities and towns in South America, no matter what their size, have a central plaza around which everything else revolves. Historically, these centers were the hub for a mixture of commercial, administrative, religious, and social activities. Due to the Portuguese colonization of Brazil starting in the mid-1500s until the early 1800s, the majority of the country’s towns feature stunning examples of Portugal’s architecture, earning their downtowns UNESCO recognition.

For example, the town of Olinda about 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Recife has beautiful scenery and buildings dating back to the 17^th century. The intricate balconies, heavy doors, and painted walls all remind of an era long gone. Ouro Preto is a former mining town, whose glory peaked during the Brazilian gold rush and golden age in the 1700s. The vast riches to be had attracted some of the most high-level Europeans to the New World. Today, few modern buildings exist in Ouro Preto because all new constructions must adhere to UNESCO-valued Baroque historical standards.

The colorful center of Sao Luis

The city center of Salvador de Bahia, a top Brazil destination particularly during the Carnival month of February every year, was honored in 1985 and referred to as the Pelourinho. This area was vital as Salvador was the first colonial capital of Brazil. Today, the Pelourinho is a fantastic and charming place to spend your Brazil holiday strolling down its old avenues taking in the sight of more than 800 restored facades and interiors, not to mention countless churches, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Diamantina, an old diamond mining town as its name suggests, has a marvelous city center featuring dated gems such as the quaint blue and white Capela Imperial do Amparo church whose construction began in 1773 but was not completed for another 4 decades. São Luís, on the other hand, is known for its historical city center where the buildings are covered by vibrant and delicately designed tiles, forming seemingly endless mosaics on the architectures themselves. This fascinating sight has led the city to earn its nickname as “The Tiles City.”

Iguazu National Park, which includes the spectacular Iguazu Falls, is one of Brazil’s most popular destinations and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Iguazu National Park

Many might already be familiar with the legendary Iguazu Falls, but in fact, the entire area around it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 17, 1986. Iguazu National Park spreads over an incredible 555,987 acres across Argentina and Brazil, and within its grounds are a multitude of diverse animal and plant species including endangered types such as jaguars, anteaters, South American tapir, and more. Visitors at the site as part of an Iguazu Falls tour can go on a boat trip from the Argentina side for a more intimate encounter with the 8,858 feet (2,700 meters) wide waterfall, see sweeping panoramas of the landscape from the Brazil side, and discover the luscious national parks available on both sides, all within a single (but long!) day. Most recently, Iguazu Falls was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature alongside peers such as the Amazon Rainforest, Table Mountain in South Africa, and Komodo National Park in Indonesia.

Spot a variety of exotic wildlife during your trip to the Pantanal, including caimans and herons.

The Pantanal

The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest wetlands, covering somewhere between 54,000 and 74,000 square miles. The rainy season every year is the source of its fertility, providing resources to all that is around it and those animals that depends on the Pantanal for life itself. There are more than 1000 bird, 400 fish, 300 mammal, 480 reptile, and 9000 invertebrate species to be found on its premises. On a Pantanal tour or boating excursion, lucky visitors might even get to spot some endangered creatures such as the jaguar, mane wolf, giant anteater, or yacare caiman, or perhaps the rare giant river otter!

What kinds of animals would you like to see during your Pantanal trip in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul?

Are you looking to visit a new South American destination unlike any you’ve already experienced? The state of Mato Grosso do Sul in southern Brazil will hit your travel lusting spot. This region’s beauty is absolutely unmatched, with sunken water-filled caves, the most incredible wetlands on earth, and modestly-sized cities that showcase the best of Brazilian culture. Better yet for the traveler, Mato Grosso do Sul is just a short internal flight from the legendary Iguazu Falls that linger with the border of Argentina. Thanks to the tropical and subtropical climates, there is never a bad time to visit. January is the warmest month with the most rain, and July is the coolest.

What are you waiting for? Be sure to speak with your travel advisor to ensure these gorgeous locations in Mato Grosso do Sul are not left off your Brazil travel plans!

Go diving in Bonito’s underwater caverns to see magnificent wildlife hidden from landlubbers.

Bonito
The name says it all—“pretty” in Portuguese—and the town does not disappoint. Or rather, it is the municipality’s natural treasures that travelers go seeking for. This eco-tourism capital is just a short 180 miles (300 kilometers) from Mato Grosso do Sul’s capital, Campo Grande, and about 16 hours by bus from Iguazu Falls with a transfer in the middle. The Pantanal wetlands are also not too far away up in the northwest. A small airport makes travel easy for those with little time. A number of adventure tours can be booked on-site, but organizing something as part of a Brazil vacation package beforehand is generally less of a hassle.

Cavern diving is the most popular recreational activity to try in Bonito, especially in Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave) where the azure hues at more than 325 feet (100 meters) deep remain as clear as if they were at the surface, giving way to spectacular underwater fish performances. Snorkeling in the Rio da Prata (Silver River) is also an unforgettable experience putting you within arm’s reach of exotic wildlife.

Don’t miss out on a walk along Bonito’s forest trails and listen to the bird symphonies scattered throughout the dense foliage. The best time to visit Bonito is between December and March during the rainy season when everything is green and the rivers are swollen with possibilities.

Sunsets seen in the Pantanal wetlands are some of the most staggering in Brazil.

The Pantanal
The Pantantal wetland is so large that it actually spreads over both Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states. In fact, it dominates the international stage as the largest of its kind on earth and the third largest environmental reserve in the world. Perhaps the most visually appealing aspect of the expansive, 88,800 square mile (230,000 square kilometers) lowlands is the fact that it curves up on all sides, leading to various mountain ranges seen in the distance.

Seen from the air, the sapphire rivers that cut through the Pantanal contrasted with the rich greens of the flora is a spectacular sight indeed. Back down on earth, a slow cruise to observe the incredibly diverse ecosystem up close is a must-do experience during any Brazil holiday. Make your Pantanal tour reservation in nearby Campo Grande, or in the gateway town of Corumbá. See if you can spot some of the wetland’s endangered species during your trip, or go fishing between March and October!

Set in the middle of cattle country, the city of Campo Grande is a grand mixture of the traditional with the contemporary.

Campo Grande
As the largest and capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul with a metro area population of just about 1 million, Campo Grande is perhaps the most accessible destination in the state. The Campo Grande International Airport mainly caters to domestic flights, although a few fly to neighboring countries.

Located in the middle of the state, the city also well serves other favorite places such as Bonito and the Pantanal; Rio de Janeiro is just a 20-hour bus ride away if you have the time to traverse Brazil’s immense properties. Spend some time learning about the regional traditional lifestyles at the insightful Memorial da Cultura Indigena (Indigenous Culture) museum, as well as the Parish of San Francisco de Assis which stands as a respected icon in the old city.

Parque Ecológico do Sóter (Sóter Ecological Park) is a great place to spend an afternoon no matter what your age, skating along the walkways or maybe just lying in the soft grass. Finally, don’t forget to do your souvenir shopping at the House of the Craftsman or Barroarte Fair which have great varieties of delicately made artisan goods to choose from.

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.

Why not use your South American vacation to rejoice in the good and bad of the old year and get a vigorous jump into the fresh one? Who knows, you might even get to check off a few New Year’s resolutions ahead of time!

The mainly Catholic Christmas traditions of the continent below the equator, where the seasons are inverted with those of the northern hemisphere, have flair of their own. Generally, the major festivities with friends and family are held on Christmas Eve. After mass at the local church, neighborhoods ring with traditional music and food-filled parties (centered on an immense turkey) that continue until the early morning. Fireworks are also shot off in the dark of night. On Christmas Day however, much of South America is closed for rest. That means you get to explore your destination in a unique atmosphere of peace and quiet!

Here are our top suggestions for the best places in South America to spend your holiday season.

Doesn’t Paraty, Brazil look like the perfect place to spend your holidays and launch into the New Year?

Paraty, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro might steal the spotlight the rest of the year, but come New Year’s Eve, it’s Paraty’s time to shine. The ocean waters are pristine cerulean, the nearby jungle gives way to an exotic escape, and the fully developed region has all the modern comforts and indulgences for ending 2011 in style. Travel to Brazil for the ultimate New Year’s where dozens and dozens of nightlife options, from the trendiest clubs to the finest restaurants, await. When you begin to seek some new sights, just venture up and down the brilliant Brazilian coast to other beachside corners such as Ubatuba and Trindade.

Wake up to the dawn of a new year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Full of life, laughter, and soul, Buenos Aires is the cultural capital of Argentina and arguably the entire continent. Its nickname as “The Paris of South America” draws from its cosmopolitan air, charming wide avenues with sidewalk hangouts, and chic population. It’s the ideal place to spend the end of the year surrounded by fashion and style. But to party where the Argentines are on New Year’s Eve, you’ll have to take a short trip to one of the nearby beaches, particularly Punta del Este. Dress in your fanciest, drink, and dance at some of the glitziest clubs and bars in the area. Learn to dance the tango, a must-do on any Argentina trip, and then spend the rest of the first day of the new year resting as the locals do.

Although a great milestone for celebrating the holidays, Machu Picchu is great any time of the year.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This may seem a most unconventional location for spending your holidays, but that’s exactly what makes it so amazing! Machu Picchu is great at any time of the year, but what better place to spend Christmas and ring in the new year than by gazing at and wandering the grounds of the more than 600-year-old Inca citadel? The archeological site is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and as such, regularly tops lists for being the ultimate travel destination. It will likely give you the inspirational boost you might be looking for! If seeing the ruins isn’t enough for you, then also look into climbing Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that lurks in the background of most Machu Picchu photographs. However, you probably won’t be the only ones hoping to get here during the holidays, so make sure to book your Machu Picchu travel packages as soon as possible in order to snag a ticket.

The massive fireworks display of Valparaiso, a colorful Chilean town along the Pacific coast, makes it the ultimate celebration spot.

Valparaiso, Chile

Although the capital city, Santiago, might be your first stop in Chile, the real place to be for Christmas is Valparaiso just 1.5 hours by vehicle. On New Year’s Eve, the streets of Valparaiso come alive with a major carnival and spectacular, out-of-this-world fireworks display, guaranteed to add some “oohs” and “ahhs” to your Chile vacation. Almost a million audience members have been known to come out to see the presentation, so get there early if you want to find a good spot to watch the show. The next day as you are regaining your energy, relax on the hot beaches and go for a dip in the Pacific Ocean.