Undoubtedly the highlight of everyone's South American experience, glittering Rio is a city that enchants mind, body and soul. Radiant beaches, like Ipanema and Copacabana, stretch like bejeweled arcs around the city's perimeter. The monumental 120-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer towers over Rio atop Corcovado Mountain. Take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the mountains, beaches and skyline. Visit world-renowned nightclubs where samba bands and disco dancers jump all night long.
Known as the "Venice of Brazil," lovely Recife is built on islands and connected by bridges. The tropical city is graced with churches from its Portuguese colonial past, with their frescoes and bright tiles. Browse the teeming market, spend the day at popular Boa Viagem Beach, or visit the beautiful suburb of Olinda, a perfectly intact 16th century town.
The port of Santa Cruz has colorful markets and fine museums, but be sure to drive through the island's lush landscapes or enjoy the amazing views from the snow-capped peak of Spains highest mountain, 11,600-foot Mount Teide.
The capital of Gran Canaria is a delight for strollers with areas such as Ciudad Jardin, where beautiful gardens surround the Canarians' homes, and the old quarter of Vegueta, where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492. Explore the island's beautiful landscape; the highlight is a visit to the Guanches' caves, where the island's primitive inhabitants once dwelled.
This is a city of incredible lights and sights, a place of dreamy sunsets and gorgeous scenery.The wildlife is remarkable, and the museums are outstanding.Although Funchal is quite built up, the surrounding area is remote and made up of dense jungle.
Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.