South America Castles & palaces, Theme parks + Water sports pictures

• World

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

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. 

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. 

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 boat trips, go diving in crystalline water and snap memorable photos of jagged coastline, remote beaches and peaceful islands.

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.

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

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. 

The splendid former residence of a German philanthropist affords great views of Viña del Mar’s coastline and hosts rotating art exhibits.

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

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.

Visit this islet in May for the pious celebrations and hear the intriguing tales of this chapel’s miraculous inception.

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.

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

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.

Colonial landmarks, emerald waters, dozens of white-sand beaches and forest-clad tropical islands make this a quintessential beach town on the Costa Verde.

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

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

The heart of Chile attracts those eager to ski and hike in the snowcapped Andes, explore rocky river canyons and relax on golden sandy beaches.

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

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

Colonial landmarks, emerald waters, dozens of white-sand beaches and forest-clad tropical islands make this a quintessential beach town on the Costa Verde.