16 Nights South America

Barbados' capital and primary seaport was founded in 1628 by 64 British settlers. A significant amount of historical landmarks are located in Bridgetown including the Parliament Building, home to a 355-year-old Westminster style democratic tradition, and the Synagogue, the oldest Jewish building in the Western Hemisphere.

Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, has the tall buildings, neon lights and crowded streets of many cities, but also a multicultural Caribbean character and a homegrown calypso soundtrack. The best-known occasion is the flamboyant pre-Lenten Carnival. Among the city's other offerings are cricket and football matches, year-round festivals, a botanic garden, malls, an art and history museum and historic buildings

This small island off the coast of French Guiana is notorious for its collection of atrocious prisons that constituted the toughest penal colony ever. For some 80,00 French convicts (50,000 who died), it was "an excursion into hell". Now, it is lovely tropical island resort.

Beaches are the top draw in this sunny, rapidly developing city, particularly bohemian, party-hearty Iracema, family-friendly Meireles, fishing and boating base camp Mucuripe and low-key Praia do Futuro. Stalls at the Mercado Central or Feirinha Beira Mar brim with local handicrafts, ranging from ceramics to lacework and leather goods

Gateway to the stunning beaches of Rio Grande do Norte, the city of Natal is perched on Brazil's Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Potengi River. Escape the bustle at secluded Pipa and Pirangi beaches or live it up at Genipabu and Tibau do Sul. The city is surrounded by Dune State Park. Go on a buggy ride over 30-foot sand dunes or tour the dunes on a dromedary tour. The city is home to the cleanest air on the continent, according to NASA, and also to the world's largest cashew tree.

Brazils former capital is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Known as "the Capital of Joy," because of its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, Salvador brims with contemporary music and art amid architecture that has gone untouched since the 17th century.

If there's a "beach economy," Buzios is its Wall Street. Its more than 20 beaches, world-class galleries, clubs and boutiques draw an elite set of travelers. Surfers love Geriba Beach, snorkelers enjoy Ferruda, hip Ossos Beach offers upscale beachside cafes and laid-back Ilhabela Beach offers a more down-to-earth Buzios experience

Named for a local swamp fish, Paraty sits on Brazils southeastern coast, 125 miles south of Rio, with the Bocaino Mountains at its back. The small colonial towns center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. Take a boat trip out into the bay to the flotillas of islands and coves nearby. Explore sugarcane plantations and hike or take a train through Atlantica Forest. Keep an eye out for the monkeys that roam the cobblestone streets

Rio is a city of stunning architecture, good museums, and marvelous food. Take a cable car up Corcovado/ Sugerloaf Mountain (1300 ft. above sea level) for a specatular view of Guanabara Bay and the city. Stop on the way to the summit at Morro da Urca to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, symbol of the city and of its people. Visit Parque Nacional da Tijuca, home to 2,600 species of plant life, particularly bromeliads and orchids and a wealth of wildlife, including Toucans, Tanagers, Marmoset monkeys and brilliantly-colored butterflies.