Very few cities in the world can offer visitors such an abundance of natural beauty as Rio de Janeiro . The splendor of its coastline and the green of its mountains and forests have been preserved, despite urban growth, and the combination of the blue sky and sea and the green of the forests is incomparable.

Rio de Janeiro is the cultural capital of Brazil . Over its nearly 500 years of history, it has been the spring board for all the country's principal cultural exports, and the port of entry for major international art exhibitions or musical events bringing top names from the classical to the contemporary.

Rio's architecture embraces buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, blending with the world renowned designs of the 20th. Rio was home to the Portuguese Imperial family and capital of the country for many years, and was influenced by Portuguese, English and French architecture. Today, these wonderful old buildings contrast with the high rise ultra-modern intelligent structures, in a city that knows how to progress while at the same time preserving its past.

The Iguazu Waterfall is a true wonder of nature and is heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in the world by many visitors. The waterfall is located right at the border of the countries of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay about an hour and a half flight from Buenos Aires.

The waterfall itself is physically located in Argentina, but it is very common to also visit the Brazilian side as well. On the Argentinean side of the waterfall you can walk right around the falling water, take a boat tour to the mouth of the waterfall, and explore the National park next to the waterfall. On the other hand, the Brazilian side offers beautiful panoramic views and displays the full splendor of the wonder of the world.

Although Iguazu is best known for their waterfalls, the surrounding jungle is well worth including in your explorations. A plethora of animals and birds make their home in the lush vegetation around the Iguazu National Park. There are also a number of other highlights in this region such as The San Ignacio Jesuit Mission Ruins, The Itaipu Dam, and the Yacutinga Lodge wild preservatory.

Garganta del Diablo

The Devil's Throat is the site of the biggest waterfall and the greatest sight Iguazu Falls have to offer. You can see a great amount of water falling over 230 feet from above the waterfall or from many different angles in the surrounding area. There are even helicopter tours that let you see the amazing spectacle from above for a fairly reasonable rate.

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina.

Buenos Aires, located on the coast of the De La Plata River, with more than 13 millions, is one of the biggest cities of South America. Being an important economic and cultural center, it is considered the capital of the Tango (Argentinean Dance).

Its architecture shows the combination of different styles, and gives it a special beauty, which makes it an irresistible city to visit.

Buenos Aires is also called the "Paris of the South" strongly influenced by European culture while retaining Latin charm. It is one of the most sophisticated cities in Latin-America renown for its nightlife and cultural activities. With its countless bars and cafés, bustling streets and nocturnal population, Buenos Aires is a place of infinite movement. It seems hard to find another city in Latin America with so much passion and excitement. Largely because Buenos Aires is amazingly still undiscovered by most tourists, you will quickly be embraced by locals (porteños) happy to meet foreigners. With high standards of living and an underdeveloped tourism crowd, our students have found Buenos Aires an ideal place for learning Spanish.

Buenos Aires Main Tourist Attractions

National Fine Arts Museum: Here you will find the most complete collection of fine Argentine paintings (2nd floor), as well as European (1st floor). Avenida del Libertador 1473.

Avenida de Mayo: It is interesting to see the variety of cupolas and different building styles of this lovely main road leading into Plaza de Mayo (Mayo Square). There you can see the Pirámide de Mayo (Mayo Pyramid), which commemorates the independence of the first Argentine government. Other important buildings are the Cabildo (town hall of colonial times), Palacio del Gobierno de la Ciudad (Municipal Executive Building), the Cathedral and the Casa Rosada (Government House), seat of the Executive Branch of the Argentine Government. Nearby, you can find the "Manzana de las Luces", a group of buildings related to Argentine history and culture. Towards the river, the renewed Puerto Madero is worth visiting.

Cafe Tortoni: Perhaps the oldest and most traditional cafe in Buenos Aires. The place has an important literary, political and journalistic history and is frequented by a colorful crowd. Avenida de Mayo 829.

Colon Theater: One of the best lyric houses in the world, also renowed for its Classical Music seasons. There are guided tours and performances from March to November.

Obelisco: Intersection de Avenida Corrientes & Avenida 9 de Julio; The Obelisco is 70 meters high and inside has a 200-step stairway used to do maintenance jobs. It is a meeting place for musical performances and celebrations and political demonstrations for the city.

Puerto Madero: The latest big development project. Covered old red brick warehouses on the dock side. Walking down Avenida Dávila, between Córdoba and Tte. Gral. Perón you will find several elegant cafes and restaurants beside the De la Plata River. Try Cabaña Las Lilas restaurant for an unforgettable trial of the Argentine beef, Cholila for Argentinean nouvelle cuisine, of Katherine -top restaurant managed by Katherine herself- a kind, Norwegian girl.