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.

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.

Ilhéus is a city on the banks of the Cachoeira and Almada Rivers, in the eastern Brazilian state of Bahia. Its known for its colonial architecture and beaches, including Millionaires Beach in the south, lined with palm trees and food stalls. A Christ statue watches over central Christ Beach. Praia da Avenida beach skirts the center, offering views toward the striking spires of 20th-century St. Sebastian Cathedral.

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.

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.