South America Castles & palaces, Flowers + 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. 

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

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.

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. 

Take a leisurely stroll along the wide sandy berth of the longest beach on the archipelago in this popular surfing spot.

In a city dominated by concrete and skyscrapers, these sophisticated gardens are the perfect place to get some fresh air and spot local wildlife. 

Take a leisurely stroll along the wide sandy berth of the longest beach on the archipelago in this popular surfing spot.

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.

Horseback rides, nature walks, water sports and wildlife spotting are just some of the activities on offer at this adventure sports resort situated on a bend of the Formoso River.

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. 

Porto Seguro’s Old Town is where the Portuguese first settled in Brazil. Wander the dusty streets, visit 16th-century churches and enjoy superb coastal views.

In a city dominated by concrete and skyscrapers, these sophisticated gardens are the perfect place to get some fresh air and spot local wildlife. 

Join surfers and nature lovers that flock year-round to the glorious beaches of this coastal town.

Horseback rides, nature walks, water sports and wildlife spotting are just some of the activities on offer at this adventure sports resort situated on a bend of the Formoso River.

Join surfers and nature lovers that flock year-round to the glorious beaches of this coastal town.

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. 

Join surfers and nature lovers that flock year-round to the glorious beaches of this coastal town.

Meander through rows of majestic trees, cacti and colorful flowers on the way to a tranquil, picturesque lake at the heart of these well-kept gardens.

Head to the offshore pools to snorkel among colorful fish and wander around the shallow water caressing this long beach.

See clifftop forts and rock formations silhouetted by the sunset. Swim alongside colorful marine creatures in the ocean.

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.