Great Cities of Latin America

Buenos Aires
You’ll have a hard time visiting Argentina without touring the country’s political, economic and cultural capital. Buenos Aires is the ninth largest city in the world and home to roughly one third of Argentina’s citizens. With its museums, clubs, live music, classical dancing venues, high-class restaurants and highly effective public transportation system, Buenos Aires is a traveler’s dream.

Buenos Aires has less Spanish influence than most South American cities, reflecting its varied indigenous and European roots. Each of its 48 neighborhoods has a distinct character, and they all blend together to give this city a unique sort of beauty that entrances residents and visitors alike.

Rio de Janeiro
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio is famous as a hotspot of passion and sensuality. Its legendary nightlife embodies the deeply rooted fervor of a city that has no room for worry or inhibitions. The Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, where ocean waves lay the foundation for the city’s atmosphere, lie just steps away from the most popular clubs.

If it is possible for Rio to explode with more verve and vigor than it already possesses, it does so during the annual Carnaval festival, a celebration of life, love, religious faith and fleshly carnality. Rio de Janeiro exists for travelers looking for another world.

Sao Paulo
The largest city in the southern hemisphere (and fourth largest in the world) meets every expectation one might have for a major cosmopolitan center with its artistic and cultural offerings as well as its 24-hour party atmosphere. As home to more ethnic groups than any other Brazilian city, it has a unique atmosphere that reflects its multifaceted cultural heritage.

Montevideo
Uruguay’s capital city is the political, economic and cultural heart of the country. Its value as a vacation destination is not immediately apparent, as it has few actual tourist attractions, but the city’s laid-back charm and friendly, optimistic citizens keep travelers coming back for more.

San Jose
Costa Rica’s capital is far and away its biggest, most populous city. Set on a plateau in the central valley, it is surrounded by majestic mountains. Besides its natural beauty, San Jose also offers cultural experiences including several excellent museums, scrumptious restaurants, botanical gardens and immersion language classes.

San Jose is also a hub of ecotourism. While staying in the city, you can visit butterfly farms, take canopy tours, raft down a river, climb a volcano and tour a coffee farm. The city also has a thriving club scene. It is a metropolis in the middle of an untouched wilderness, embracing modernity and nurturing nature.

Mexico City/Cuernavaca
From the moment you touch down, you’ll know that the beating heart of Mexico lies in Mexico City. A modern, sophisticated metropolis with museums, shopping and nightlife to suite every taste.

Enjoy the grandeur of Chapultepec Palace. Lose yourself in the stunning architecture and monuments of the Paseo de la Reforma, a grand thoroughfare. See how the modern world integrates gracefully with the enchanted past at the floating gardens of Xochimilco.

Just one hour to the south is the charming city of Cuernavaca, where lush gardens of bougainvillea and natural heated springs resemble a veritable Garden of Eden.