Valparaíso to Rio de Janeiro

Valparaíso climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. Chile’s main seaport, and accompanying business center, lies in a narrow belt of flatland at the foot of hills. Explore its rich culture and history to understand how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the world’s most picturesque and famous port cities.

At the head of the Pacific inlet known as Reloncavi Sound, Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Bavarian-flavored Chilean Lake District, a region graced with some of the world’s most inspiring scenery. Virgin forests, picturesque towns, snow-mantled mountains and translucent lakes adorn this idyllic setting. Visit a wonderland of scenic splendor, including the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos.

Visitors to bustling, trendy Castro, capital of Chile’s Chiloé Province, are treated to a kaleidoscope of images from the colorful “palafito” stilt houses of Gamboa to the stunning yellow Church of San Francisco, one of an astounding 16 local churches to be named UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore this scenic island, including Chiloé and Tantauco National Parks, by foot, bicycle or kayak, and enjoy a unique cuisine based on indigenous flavors of Chono culture, potatoes and shellfish.

There are few places left on earth as remote and untouched as Chacabuco, situated along the coast of Chile where the Andes Mountains meet the Pacific and miles from civilization. With no town center to speak of, the main attraction of this port is simply the pristine beauty of nature. Here, the northern Patagonian ice sheets plunge into the sea, creating ripples of neon blue brilliance, while in the distance, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls pierce the foggy mist.

San Rafael Lake is an arc-shaped coastal lake located in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region of Chile, within the national park that bears its name. To the north the lagoon is connected to the Moraleda Channel, to the south lies the Ofqui Isthmus.

Chile’s southernmost city of Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, a 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. It is also the bustling center of one of the world’s largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton. A wealth of sightseeing options includes private air charters over Antarctica, museums bringing yesteryear alive, and explorations deep into Patagonia’s frontier regions.

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped islandof Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name “Tierra del Fuego,” Land of Fire.

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped islandof Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name “Tierra del Fuego,” Land of Fire.

The Falkland Islands are situated some 350 miles east of Tierra del Fuego, 1,000 miles north of Antarctica and, as the locals claim, a mere 8,000 miles from Britain. Port Stanley is home to the majority of the island’s residents -1,990 out of a total population of 2,490. These 700 islands have long been of historical importance to scientists and seamen alike. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, they offered safe anchorage and provisions for sailing vessels as they headed around Cape Horn. Today, maritime interests center mostly on the British Royal Navy, fishing fleets from a variety of nations and scientific expeditions to Antarctica. In 1982, world attention was riveted on these islands when Argentine and British forces fought fiercely for the right to call them their own. A number of vessels, numerous aircraft, thousands of troops and many local residents were involved in the conflict. After heavy combat, the will of Britain, supported by the island people, prevailed and the Falkland Islands remain British to this day.

Argentina’s finest wool originates from the Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn, where pioneers from Scotland and England once settled on small farms and sheep ranches. Thecity lies on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, along the southern coast of Argentina, and although not particularly blessed with buildings of great architectural significance or beautiful scenery, it is nonetheless recognized for its wonderful opportunities to view such wildlife as sea elephants, sea lions, penguins and birds.

Argentina’s finest wool originates from the Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn, where pioneers from Scotland and England once settled on small farms and sheep ranches. Thecity lies on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, along the southern coast of Argentina, and although not particularly blessed with buildings of great architectural significance or beautiful scenery, it is nonetheless recognized for its wonderful opportunities to view such wildlife as sea elephants, sea lions, penguins and birds.

An upscale playground for the rich and glamorous, Punta del Este is the South American vacation spot for anyone who’s anyone. Exclusive luxury casinos, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs lure many visitors, but the resort city also offers galleries, a popular handicraft market, colonial architecture, and the historic lighthouse for those looking for simpler pleasures. Sun worshipers enjoy over thirty miles of beaches stretched along the peninsula.

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of “favorable winds,” is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America’s most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,” due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of “favorable winds,” is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America’s most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,” due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America’s second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguay’s land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nation’s largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning “I see a mountain,” exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellan’s fleet first arrived in 1520. Set in a picturesque location along the River Plate’s shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavor of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America’s second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguay’s land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nation’s largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning “I see a mountain,” exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellan’s fleet first arrived in 1520. Set in a picturesque location along the River Plate’s shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavor of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.

Attempts have been made to wrangle the wild islands of Ilhabela (Portuguese for “Beautiful Island”) into some semblance of domesticity by establishing coffee plantations, but the island has pushed back, insisting it be appreciated for its dense jungle, volcanic peaks, gorgeous beaches and nearly 400 waterfalls. Divers, hikers, and anyone with a yen for an off-the-beaten-path experience take ferry trips to the isle to visit remote beaches. 85% of the land is set aside as UNESCO-protected.

Apedestrian-friendly historic center boasting beautifully preserved colonial architecture, cobbled lanes, and horse-drawn carts is among the many charms of Paraty, situated on Brazil’s Costa Verde. Surrounded by a backdrop of steep, jungle-clad mountains and a bay sprinkled with myriad islands, Paraty is tentatively listed for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. The town’s many attractions include an 18th-century church built in the baroque style and well worth a look.

Vibrant Rio lies cradled in the outstretched arms of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which stands atop Corcovado Mountain. At the feet of this magnificent landmark lies one of the world’s most magnificent bays. Golden beaches with such alluring names as Copacabana and Ipanema stretch as far as the eye can see. There are close to two dozen such bays, which serve as a playground for some of the world’s most beautiful people. All along this waterfront, which swirls with mosaic art, are five-star hotels, elegant shops, popular restaurants and a lifestyle to match. Winding its way along this magnificent mile or so is a constant parade of handsome Cariocas, as the local people are known.

Vibrant Rio lies cradled in the outstretched arms of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which stands atop Corcovado Mountain. At the feet of this magnificent landmark lies one of the world’s most magnificent bays. Golden beaches with such alluring names as Copacabana and Ipanema stretch as far as the eye can see. There are close to two dozen such bays, which serve as a playground for some of the world’s most beautiful people. All along this waterfront, which swirls with mosaic art, are five-star hotels, elegant shops, popular restaurants and a lifestyle to match. Winding its way along this magnificent mile or so is a constant parade of handsome Cariocas, as the local people are known.