Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa, or the Marvelous City, as Rio is known in Brazil. Synonymous with the girl from Ipanema, the dramatic views from Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, and fabulously flamboyant Carnival celebrations, Rio is a city of stunning architecture, abundant museums, and marvellous food. Rio is also home to 23 beaches, an almost continuous 73-km (45-mile) ribbon of sand. As you leave the airport and head to Rio's beautiful Zona Sul (the touristic South Zone), you'll drive for about 40 minutes on a highway from where you'll begin to get a sense of the dramatic contrast between beautiful landscapes and devastating poverty. In this teeming metropolis of 12 million people (6.2 million of whom live in Rio proper), the rich and the poor live in uneasy proximity. You'll drive past seemingly endless cinder-block favela, but by the time you reach Copacabana's breezy, sunny Avenida Atlântica—flanked on one side by a white beach and azure sea and on the other by condominiums and hotels—your heart will leap with expectation as you begin to recognise the postcard-famous sights. Now you're truly in Rio, where cariocas (Rio residents) and tourists live life to its fullest. Enthusiasm is contagious in Rio. Prepare to have your senses engaged and your inhibitions untied. Rio seduces with a host of images: the joyous bustle of vendors at Sunday's Feira Hippie (Hippie Fair); the tipsy babble at sidewalk cafés as patrons sip their last glass of icy beer under the stars; the blanket of lights beneath the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain); the bikers, joggers, strollers, and power walkers who parade along the beach each morning. Borrow the carioca spirit for your stay; you may find yourself reluctant to give it back.

Day 2 - Parati

Parati, Brazil: The Costa Verde's main attraction, the coastal village of Parati, is about 180 miles south of Rio de Janeiro. Inhabited since 1660, this small town has remained fundamentally unaltered since its heyday. It was a staging post for 18th-century trade in Brazilian gold from Minas Gerais to Portugal. Raids and pirate attacks necessitated the establishment of a new route linking Minas Gerais directly with Rio de Janeiro. A decline in Parati’s fortunes resulted; being off the beaten track, it remained quietly hidden away. Today, the entire town has been declared a national historic monument by UNESCO as one of the most important examples of colonial architecture. With its newly acclaimed status, Parati has become a popular destination. Its beautifully restored colonial buildings line narrow, cobbled streets which are closed to vehicular traffic. Parati's population of some 15,000 people depends on fishing, farming and tourism for its livelihood. Local artists display their attractive crafts in galleries and souvenir shops. The town, reached via a long pier from the tender landing, must be explored on foot. Among Parati’s attractions is the 1722 Church of Santa Rita de Cassia, a classic example of Brazilian baroque architecture. The surrounding area boasts a scenic backdrop with green-clad mountains and numerous islands scattered across the bay.

Day 3 - Ilha Anchieta State Park

Ilha Anchieta State Park, Brazil: Explore the untouched beauty of Ilha Anchieta State Park, an idyllic location that offers an array of natural wonders. Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to a variety of wildlife species and pristine natural landscapes. You can enjoy hiking trails that wind through lush forests or relax on secluded beaches offering spectacular views. This hidden gem is a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity amid stunning scenery.

Day 4 - Porto Belo

Porto Belo, Brazil: Nestled along the Santa Catarina coast, Porto Belo is a charming town known for its beautiful beaches and crystalline waters. This quaint destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. You can spend the day lounging by the beach or embark on a boat trip to discover nearby islands. The local cuisine, rich in fresh seafood, presents a culinary journey that complements the serene environment. Porto Belo’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it an ideal spot for a tranquil getaway.

Day 5 - São Francisco do Sul

São Francisco do Sul, Brazil: As one of the oldest cities in Brazil, São Francisco do Sul captivates visitors with its historic charm and waterfront allure. Discover the preserved colonial architecture in the city's historic centre, with its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. The island is a cultural treasure trove and beckons with inviting beaches, making it perfect for both history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Day 7 - Punta del Este

Punta del Este, Uruguay: Often likened to the Hamptons or St-Tropez, Punta del Este is a flashy destination where parties run non-stop in peak season. But it is also a place that draws a range of beachgoers to its shores, from summering families to the celebrity jet-set. There's a bustling city on the beachfront, as well as quiet countryside populated solely with upscale ranches called chacras or estancias, and creative hamlets like La Barra and José Ignacio. Though it's pricey and at times a logistical challenge to get around, everyone finds something about Punta to love. The resort takes its name from the "east point" marking the division of the Río de la Plata on the west from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also lends its name to the broader region encompassing the nearby communities of Punta Ballena and La Barra de Maldonado. These days even José Ignacio, some 20 miles away, is grouped in. It's usually a given that Argentina’s upper class spends at least part of the summer in Punta, soaking in the ample rays.

Day 8 - Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay: Uruguay’s capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks, recalling the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and attracting Montevideans who stroll, exercise, and lounge by the water. Montevideo features glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina's capital. When the weather's good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

Day 9 - Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavours are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.