7 Nights South America

Candy-colored historic homes set a cheerful tone in Maceio, whose bustling downtown abuts powdery beaches straight from a postcard. Surfers paddle into nearby shorebreaks and make weekend trips to natural pools off the coast, while the local fishing fleet fills tables with ultra-fresh seafood.

Although its also the location of the Latin Americas largest seaport, Santos isnt just a boring port town. The city of 420,000, just 75 kilometers from São Paulo, features a seven-kilometer stretch of beach divided into just as many social cliques as youd find on Ipanema. A verdant promenade separates the beach from the seafront condos and hotels, along which families and friends walk, amble, bike, skate, rollerblade, throw frisbees, you name it. Less sandy points of interest include the Museu do Café Brasileiro (Brazilian Coffee Museum), the Aquário Municipal (City Aquarium), the Orquidário Municipal (City Orchid Garden) and the Neo-Gothic Santos Cathedral.

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

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.

Candy-colored historic homes set a cheerful tone in Maceio, whose bustling downtown abuts powdery beaches straight from a postcard. Surfers paddle into nearby shorebreaks and make weekend trips to natural pools off the coast, while the local fishing fleet fills tables with ultra-fresh seafood.