South America Castles & palaces, Central + Water sports pictures

• World

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play. 

Visit a quaint 17th-century island fort, take a banana boat out on the ocean and fill up on tasty snacks from the stalls.

Explore dreamlike landscapes of untamed wilderness and crystalline waters at the very southern tip of the Americas.

Encounter a range of tropical vegetation and animals in the lush terrain of this area where you will find one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

Take a boat to a natural shallow pool and cycle along the promenade in this busy beach area of bars and restaurants.

Beaches, watersports, island tours, nightlife and celebrity-spotting make this one of the most exclusive coastal resorts in South America.

Ride big waves in chilly waters at this Pacific coast town, which has a striking blend of ocean and rural landscapes. 

Swim in the glorious rock pool of this picturesque stretch of sand that lies beneath a historic fort and a church.

The capital city of Chile is famous for its colonial-era architecture, lively arts scene and breathtaking mountain scenery.

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play. 

Adventure sports and wildlife spotting amid striking landscapes help to make the state of Mato Grosso do Sul one of Brazil’s leading ecotourism destinations.

Swim in the glorious rock pool of this picturesque stretch of sand that lies beneath a historic fort and a church.

Tour the fortress home of Francisco Piria, founder of the seaside town of Piriápolis, to discover the beliefs and motivations of this fascinating man. 

Considered the birthplace of Brazilian surfing, this small beach is also one of the most popular places to catch Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular sunsets.

Take a tour of Brasília’s ministry of external relations and see works of art and one of the Federal District’s architectural masterpieces.

Appreciate modern style and simple elegance in design while you learn about the office of Brazil’s most important figure.

Swim in the secluded bay, hike up into the wooded hills and dine on the fruits of the sea at beachside restaurants at this beach, one of Rio’s best kept secrets. 

Tour the fortress home of Francisco Piria, founder of the seaside town of Piriápolis, to discover the beliefs and motivations of this fascinating man. 

Feel like you are in 18th-century Europe at this mock-gothic homage to a rustic French château with a well-kept garden and panoramic views of the city.

Feel like you are in 18th-century Europe at this mock-gothic homage to a rustic French château with a well-kept garden and panoramic views of the city.

Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue.

Museums and art galleries, a riverboat casino and a lively nightlife await at Buenos Aires’ sparkling waterfront neighborhood.

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.