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There's no getting away from it: this region is simply huge. From the rainforests of Costa Rica to Argentina's remote south, from history-laden towns to party cities, it's a place of contrasts.
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic to the north and east and the Caribbean to the northwest, there's coastline aplenty and an interior packed with national parks and jungle.There are two rules for seeing this part of the world. Number one: plan your trip according to time available - trying to see too much is futile. Internal flights are time-saving, but buses are comfortable and efficient if time permits - as well as money-saving and allowing you to enjoy scenery. Rule two: learning some basic Spanish (or Portuguese) can prove invaluable.Brazil
Portuguese-speaking Brazil, the world's fifth largest country, is renowned for its hedonistic lifestyle, stunning beaches and beautiful Amazon rainforest. The capital is Brasilia but Rio de Janeiro or cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) is the city of choice, with its party beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, atmospheric neighbourhoods, world-class museums and galleries and imposing Jesus statue atop Corcovado mountain, which, along with Sugar Loaf Mountain, offers breathtaking city views. Carnival is in February but this city parties all year long. The next top attraction is the Amazon rainforest in the north, a vast jungle that's home to numerous wildlife species, lush foliage and the world's second longest river. Travelling by boat is the most satisfying transport, but you can fly between Amazonian towns. Also worth visiting is the vast wetland of The Pantanal, one of the world's greatest wildlife preserves.
Argentina
Extreme is one word to describe Argentina. Buenos Aires is an elegant European-style capital while its hinterland can seem unbelievably remote; it can be as hot as hell in one part of the country and as cold as ice in another. Buenos Aires is both atmospheric and affluent, with excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife - try out your tango moves in a local club. But it's the country's landscape that mesmerises, from national parks like Valdés Peninsula to world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazá Falls. You can ski in the Andes or hike around the desolately beautiful region of Patagonia in the south which includes the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost point in the world.
