Comprising 275 cascades and straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguassu Falls are taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide. Small wonder in 2011 they were declared one of the UNESCO New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A choice of walking trails and footbridges allows travellers to get right up close to the thundering falls while observing the local flora and fauna, which includes toucans, monkeys, coatimundis and butterflies. 

Rio de Janeiro’s celebrated Carnival typically falls in late February, but in this vibrant city, the party continues for 365 days. From your hotel, which overlooks the storied Copacabana Beach, you can explore at your leisure, with scenic drives past the city’s beaches to the foothills of the Tijuca National Forest and cog-wheel train rides up Corcovado Mountain. From the summit, enjoy the world-famous panoramic vista of Rio, featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue. Alternatively, take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy sundowners as the sun sets over the city.