Author: Usha Shergill

The city of the Samba, Copa Cabana , Sugarloaf and of course football.

The legendary Copacabana beach lives up to its reputation! You can brush past the swaying palm trees and drink Caipirinha whilst the soft sand on the beachfront slides through your toes.

Watch the sunset on Epanema that is an amazing spectacular visual experience. A perfect social setting to mingle with local Cariocas and exchange stories and get useful tips on navigating Rio de Janeiro.

No trip to Rio is complete without venturing into the Favelas. This is the beating heart of Rio where many a football success story was born. The maze of this shanty town with its myriad of alleyways and footpaths has a certain captivating charm. However, do not go to there on your own!

A trip to the legendary Statue of Christ, The Redeemer, is an absolute must.  This landmark dominated the Rio cityscape and defines the unique character of this vibrant city. From the top of the hill where the statue stands, you can see the famous Maracana stadium and the incredible Sugarloaf mountain.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The peak is named for its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar.

If you want to experience poetry in mosaic visit the Escadaria Selarón Stairs created by Jorge Selarón. This unique and vivid mosaic steps is a visual representation of the energetic vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro. The Escadaria Selarón is 125 metres of steps covered in the most exquisite tile designs and is a product of sheer determination by Selarón.

Rio nightlife is Samba, Drums and Dance!

The Rio Scenerium in downtown Lapa is one of the most salubrious clubs. The decor is stunning and the music is mesmerising. The expert local dancers are only too happy to oblige if you want to join in! Rio leaves a permanent stamp in your soul and it is not just another holiday destination. It’s an experience and you live it for every minute you are there!

The following captures further illustrate the vast panoramic scenery of the Iguazu Falls, complemented by vibrant wildlife:

No words can ever encapsulate the magnificent, dramatic  landscape of this natural wonder that is the heartbeat of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The Iguazu is nature’s gift that is breathtaking as it evolves and envelopes you. It is captivating and your senses literally drown, as you witness the roaring impounding of the Devil’s Throat falls. 

As you walk the giddy heights of the walkways the spray of the waterfall skim past your face, and your heart skips a beat when you see the tourist boat navigating the furious whirlpools under the Three Musketeer Falls. Only the attached photos can do true justice to the wonder of Iguzau.  So feast your eyes on this visual wonder that we must treasure for an eternity.

The Birds, Flora and Fauna of the Iguazu are truly remarkable and the alluring Parrots are fascinating and enthralling, as they display their bewitching multicoloured feathers and crowns.

Estancia El Ombú de Areco radiates the aura of an epic, vast and panoramic landscape of lush greenery. Nestling in this Pampas grasslands are the farm livestock and the handsome Criolo Horses that are a sight to behold.

The Estancia consists of a magnificent 1880 Farmhouse that has belonged to the Boelcke family since 1934. Visitors are treated to a gastronomic feast of Empanadas, Wood Roasted Chicken, Lamb and Steak, followed by delectable home made Pasta with limitless Malbec Wine.  

The most unforgettable experience of the day is the demonstration of the Doma India, which is the special Horse Whispering. The video below displays true justice to this art form.

The dance with the Gauchos and a Horseback Ride around the Estancia are treats not to be missed, as you absorb the scenic flavours of this idyllic countryside.

Buenos Aires is the most alluring and fashionable city in Argentina. One finds the ambience of the Chic Parisienne fashion aura, the delectable Italian eateries and the charm of an old world European architecture. The Teatro Colon is a testament to the grand Italian architecture with its imposing columns.

Avenue de Liberators in the Recoletta district is not to be missed. A must go to restaurant is Sotto Voche, where the Malfatti Pasta is to die for. The Patio Ullrich has a great range of coffee shops and eateries. The Italian Ice Creams and Dulce de Leche pastries are simply divine.

A stroll down Posados Street takes you to the sought after Perez Sans Boutique, selling signature handbags.  Nearby is the Alvear Palace Hotel where it is said that Eva Peron once stayed. The Palermo District has the finest cafes, where one can just sit and literally watch the world pass by. I recommend Cafe Tabac where the Matte drink is very popular. 

Whilst in Buenos Aires, do take a trip to the River Tigre and see where the residents of Buenos Aires spend their weekends in panoramic surroundings. No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without a visit to La Boca, the home of the late great Maradona, and an evening Tango Show at La Ventana that is simply mesmerising.

Mendoza, the wine heartlands of Argentina is a perfect weekend getaway. It is a divine and surreal experience to do the wine tasting at the Al Grahanda and Alta Vista wineries. The experience of sipping Malbec wine and nibbling empanadas under the olive trees set against the background of the rugged Andes mountains, abounding in picturesque and sublime scenery is just magical.

A tour of the winery at Al Grahanda is a must, and you are drawn into the heavenly intoxicating aroma of the various wines nestling in oak barrels.

The guided tour is informative and provides historical snippets into the origins of the winery and the process of creating this liquid delight. It is a unique liquid art craft and it would not be an understatement to say that it is comparable on all levels to a rare painting that engulfs the senses.