Grand South America Adventure

Miami, located on the Atlantic coast at the southern tip of Florida, where outdoor sports are open all seasons and dress is casual, is a melting pot of cultures. Miami and Miami Beach are in effect two distinctly different cities, as Miami Beach is almost exclusively tourist orientated, while Miami is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctly Latin American flavour. Don’t miss the South Beach section where fashion designer Gianni Versace lived and died that is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the world. Read more about Miami, USA

Charlotte Amalie is the capital and largest city of the US Virgin Islands, located on the island of Saint Thomas. It is famous as a deep-water harbor that was once a haven for pirates. Indeed, Blackbeard's Castle, named after the notorious pirate of the same name, is one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Read more about Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands that forms part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. Its capital is Road Town, situated on a pleasant harbour. Interestingly, Columbus noted the island during his second voyage. Read more about Tortola, Virgin Islands (British)

The island is shared in two parts as: the northern part Saint-Martin (a French overseas collectivity) and southern part Sint Maarten (of the Kingdom of the Netherlands): hence its name St-Martin / St Maarten. It lies in the NE Caribbean, located 300 km E of Puerto Rico. This tiny island is an extremely popular holiday and duty-free shopping destination famous for its variety of 37 palm-treed beaches that include salt-water ponds. Read more about St Martin (Philipsburg), Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Saint-Barthelemy (St Bart’s) is a French island located in the Caribbean among the Leeward Islands. St Bart’s has long been considered a playground of the rich and famous, and is known for its beautiful pristine world class beaches, gourmet dining in chic restaurants, and duty free high-end designer shopping. Two interesting fact are: firstly, that the population is nearly entirely of European ancestry, and secondly that the island - consisting principally cliffs and hills - has no rivers or springs. Read more about St Bart's, Guadeloupe

Basseterre is located on the SW coast of St Kitts Island in the Leeward Islands group, and is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. Subsequently, it is very well known for its variety of architectural styles and fascinating buildings, set against dense tropical forests and a huge dormant volcano. The domed colonial Treasury Building, or customs house, is a reminder of the value of these islands as sugar colonies. Read more about Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

St John’s, the capital of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda (two islands) in the Caribbean, sits on the NW coast of the tropical island of Antigua that is home to magnificent beaches. St John's was hit significantly by Hurricane Irma (Sep 2017) but tourist infrastructure remained intact. St John’s reflects its British heritage with such edifices as Fort Barrington overlooking the shoreline, and 17th C Fort James. Read more about St John's, Antigua and Barbuda

Roseau, a small, compact and most important urban settlement, is the capital and largest city of the island of Dominica, in the Caribbean. Dominica has been nicknamed the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean’ for its unspoiled natural beauty. Interestingly, it is built on the site of the ancient Kalinago Indian village of Sairi. Read more about Roseau, Dominica

Martinique is a Caribbean island that is an overseas department of France. It truly is a ‘little bit of France’, and visitors quickly become aware that very little English is spoken. On the other hand, it is intriguing in that it is one of the few islands where the lush countryside reflects the growth of sugar cane and bananas. Read more about Fort-de-France, Martinique

Castries is the capital of the volcanic island country of Saint Lucia, part of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its popularity stems from the tropical weather (the dry season runs from December through May), scenery, and numerous beaches. Saint Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, and while the official language is English, French-Creole is spoken by 95% of the population. Read more about Castries, Saint Lucia

The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the island country of Barbados, a major tourist destination in the West Indies. The city has numerous attractions, landmarks, monuments, museums, and art galleries of an international standard. It is also a starting point for visiting many other popular cities on the island. Read more about Bridgetown, Barbados

Kingstown is the chief port of the island of St Vincent and the capital of the St Vincent and the Grenadines island nation in the Southern Caribbean. Often referred to as the ‘City of Arches’, Kingstown is a lively town, and the close proximity of the wharf adds vitality, noise, and colour to the small but busy capital. Arches, cobbled streets, magnificent churches and historic stone buildings blend with the functional and the modern. Read more about Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

St. George's is the capital of Grenada, British West Indies. The city surrounds a horseshoe-shaped harbour, and is an attractive colonial-era town with a distinctly Mediterranean feel that appears to spill down the hill side. Read more about St George's, Grenada

Devil’s Island (14ha), along with Île Royale (28ha) and Saint-Joseph Island (20ha), form the Salvation’s Islands, lying 13km NE off the coast of French Guinana in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands were part of the penal colony of Cayenne from 1852 to 1953, that also included mainland sites. Most of the 80,000 prisoners never returned to metropolitan France, dying from tropical diseases and brutal conditions. Read more about Devil's Island, French Guiana

Fortaleza is a major fishing port and fast growing tourist destination in the NE of Brazil. The warm climate, warm ocean waters, and the 25 km of urban sandy beaches are its major attractions. The scenery is complemented by the jangadas, small rafts used by many of the fishermen, while the Beach of the Future is a popular location with many restaurants built in the local style using straw and called Barracas de Praia or beach huts. Read more about Fortaleza, Brazil

Recife is one of the largest and most important cities on the NE coast of Brazil. This lively capital, originally founded by the Dutch, is brimming with a vibrant culture. The many rivers, small islands and over fifty bridges found in the city centre gives it the title of ‘Brazilian Venice’. Read more about Recife, Brazil

Maceio is the capital city of the northern Brazilian state of Alagoas. Its principal attraction would have to be its 20km of urban beaches, as well as the delightful sandy beaches to the north and south. Of particular interest are the northern beaches of Ponta Verde with the boardwalk lined with beach bars, and Pajucara Beach that hosts a nightly craft market. Read more about Maceio, Brazil

Salvador, Brazil's former capital and fifth largest city in the country, is situated on a high bluff that circles around the eastern side of the magnificent All Saints Bay. This intriguing city with a population of over two million has a strong African influence that derives from the slaves brought here to work in the sugar cane fields more than 400 years ago. Their rich cultural heritage is evident in their music, dance, cuisine and religion. Read more about Salvador, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ilha Grande - aka Big Island - is located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis. The island is largely undeveloped and noted for its scenic beauty, which includes tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation and a rugged landscape. Ilha Grande is one of the most pristine remnants of Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, one of the richest ecosystems in the world, and a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation. Read more about Ilha Grande, Brazil

Buzios in Brazil is situated 169 km NE of Rio de Janeiro, a small and sophisticated paradise that was popularised by legendary movie star Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and her statue still graces the main street. Today it is the haunt of the rich and famous of the world who flock to the city to enjoy the more than 20 stunning beaches in the vicinity. The peninsula is a sophisticated beach resort with a very active night life and fine restaurants. Read more about Buzios, Brazil

Paraty is a Brazilian coastal town that lies on the border between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states. First settled by the Portuguese in 1667 and then neglected for many years, this authentic colonial beach town is effectively an historical museum set in a tropical paradise surrounded by beaches and beautiful islands. Its old churches, and nearby forests, waterfalls, islands and emerald-green sea, attract lots of tourists interested in mixing cultural tourism in a natural setting. Read more about Paraty, Brazil

The municipality of Santos, in the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil, is the largest seaport in Latin America. It is a beehive of activity that offers an intense cultural experience. It is in fact a great city to explore, with its own idiosyncrasies, and the exquisite way of living of its inhabitants. Read more about Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil

Known as the quaintest port on the Emerald Coast of Brazil, Porto Belo still maintains the look of an ancient fishing village to this day. However, Porto Belo was recently discovered by vacationing Brazilians drawn to its fabulous beaches, so that the surrounding waterfront communities are becoming larger and very popular. Porto Belo is a tender port. Read more about Porto Belo, Brazil

Rio Grande is the oldest city in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and is one of the most important ports in Brazil. The areas in the north of the state are characterised by the elevated plateau on which they lie. From this plateau, a number of low mountains stretch across the state, broken by the grassy plains of the west and the coastal zone of the east. Read more about Rio Grande, Brazil

Punta del Este, known as the St.Tropez of Uruguay, is an upscale vacation spot on the southern-most tip of the country, just an hour and a half by car from Montevideo. Today this area is known worldwide as a very scenic resort area with great shopping, a temperate climate, and kilometres of beautiful beaches. These include Mansa - or gentle beach - that faces the bay, and Playa Brava, a beach that faces the Atlantic and is home to the sculpted Dedos fingers - better known as ‘the Hand in the Sand’ - a well known city landmark. Read more about Punta del Este, Uruguay

Montevideo is the largest city, capital, and chief port of Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate (Silver River), it is also home to almost half of the nation's population, and subsequently is a modern metropolis, though with a fascinating historical old town dating back to colonial times. Described as a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life, it is the hub of commerce. Read more about Montevideo, Uruguay

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the SE coast of South America. The birthplace of the tango, the city is as bustling with energy as the dance itself. Stroll neighbourhoods with romantic restaurants, past its architecture and parks. Read more about Buenos Aires, Argentina

Port Stanley is the capital and only town in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). It is located on the isle of East Falkland, on a north-facing slope, south of Stanley Harbour, in one of the wettest parts of the islands. It is very easy to see most of the islands’ worthwhile sites on a short walking tour. Read more about Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, is located on the Beagle Channel, where soaring mountains, ice-blue glaciers, and an historic lighthouse create an ideal backdrop. The capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, it was first settled by British missionaries. During the first half of the 20th C the major building of the city was a prison, built by the Argentinian government for repeat offenders and serious criminals, as the subpolar oceanic climate made escape difficult. Read more about Ushuaia, Argentina

Punta Arenas, overlooking the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia, Chile, bustles with windswept trekkers en route to glacier-filled Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise. Before leaving, be sure to take note of the mansion-lined main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero where local vendors sell homemade crafts, the City Cemetery with its elaborate tombs, the Sara Braun Palace, and Braun Menendez Residence that presents great insight of the city's wealthy pioneer past. The city is also home to the former British Navy base and early Spanish colony of Puerto Hambre, and a popular ski centre that overlooks the Strait of Magellan. Read more about Punta Arenas, Chile

Chacabuco - aka Puerto Chacabuco - is a Chilean town located at the head of Aisén Fjord in Aisén commune. Ships anchor in the bay of Chacabuco and passengers are tendered to shore. This is a small isolated settlement with no clearly defined town centre, consisting of one main road, a fish processing facility, and a pier. Read more about Chacabuco, Chile

Puerto Montt is a fast growing city in the south of Chile, just north of Chiloe Island. At the southern end of the Pan American highway in Chile, Puerto Montt is not only the end of the road, but the beginning of the fabled land of fjords, canals, islands, and the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. Fertile agricultural fields and green forested hills also add to the enchantment of Southern Chile. Read more about Puerto Montt, Chile

San Antonio, Chile, is a Pacific port 63 km south of the port of Valparaiso. San Antonio is the largest freight handling port on the western coast of South America. The city lies on hills and coastal dunes north of the mouth of the Maipo River. Read more about San Antonio, Chile

Lima, although a sprawling desert city, is the capital and largest city of Peru. The Historic centre of Lima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. In particular, visit the Plaza Mayor with the 16th century Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Read more about Lima (Callao), Peru

Lima, although a sprawling desert city, is the capital and largest city of Peru. The Historic centre of Lima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. In particular, visit the Plaza Mayor with the 16th century Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Read more about Lima (Callao), Peru

Salaverry, known as "The City of Eternal Spring" because of its very sunny and pleasant year-round weather, is the port for Trujillo as well as the second largest city in Peru. It has numerous interesting archaeological sites of the Moche and Chimu civilizations, and has managed to retain much of its colonial flavour, as reflected in its historical city centre. Here are found not only the cathedral and city hall, but also numerous colonial mansions that have been preserved and are open to visitors. Read more about Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru

Manta is a major commercial and holiday resort centre and the second major port of Ecuador. It is possibly best known for the Playa (beach) Murciélago area of the Malecón, where not only is the seafood excellent, but also on offer is great music, beach aerobics, parties, and general night life ambience. Gathering momentum among tourists is the fact that this is the home of seeds of particular palms that are almost indistinguishable from ivory after they have been dried. Read more about Manta, Ecuador

Puerto Quetzal is a city on the Pacific Ocean in the south of Guatemala in Central America. While the city offers family fun, upscale restaurants and markets, it mainly serves as a tourist's gateway to the inland attractions of the unique ecosystems and remains from the Maya civilisation. Many visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Antigua, about two hours away, and on the trip are amazed by the green tropical vegetation of the beautiful tropical lowlands, as well as the views of active volcanoes. Read more about Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Cabo San Lucas, or just Cabo, is an interesting destination that captures the essence of the Baja Peninsula Mexico. Once a base for pirate vessels waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships, today with its many resorts, championship golf courses, world-class dining, and amazing outdoor activities, it is a great tourist attraction. Future plans include an artificial island to sit in the bay, complete with restaurants and bars. Read more about Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Los Angeles, also called LA, or the City of Angels, is situated in southern California, and as the home base of Hollywood is the Entertainment Capital of the world. There is so much to do in this famous city, such as visit LA's most popular beach Santa Monica that offers ocean activities, shopping, street performers and more, or simply investigate the fantastic shopping venues. Helicopter tours are now becoming extremely popular, as one gets to see beaches, movie star homes, the Hollywood sign, downtown, and all of the attractions through the eyes of an expert. Read more about Los Angeles, USA