FROM CURAçAO TO BUENOS AIRES

Scarborough, the capital of Tobago, is the gateway to exploring the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, which is known for its tropical landscapes and cultural diversity. While the larger island of Trinidad attracts visitors with white sandy beaches and fascinating animals such as leatherback turtles and scarlet ibises, Tobago offers a captivating array of lush rainforest and mountainous terrain. The Caribbean rhythm of calypso, whose roots go back several centuries, can be felt all over the island and makes the way of life in Trinidad and Tobago so special.

The rocky island of Ile Royale welcomes you with a mix of Brazilian rainforest and Caribbean palm trees as a cinematic backdrop. It was used as a French penal colony until 1951 – made famous by the book “Papillon” by Henri Charrière and its 1973 film adaptation starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The island invites you to go on an exciting journey through time – from arriving by Zodiac at the old landing site, which was once built by the prisoners, to looking into the cell blocks overgrown by vegetation. Enjoy the freedom to explore this secluded island independently. No film can capture the experiences that you’ll gather on your cruise.

When cruising through the Breves Channels, the advantages of your small expedition ship will become apparent. The calls of the toucans, yellow-headed caracaras and saffron finches will accompany you. The lush banks close in around the ship, while it confidently negotiates challenging changes in direction – much to the delight of the locals, the Caboclos, who you will meet on their boats, both large and small.

Like the branches of the Amazon, history, culinary delights and a tropical zest for life flow together in Belem. The historic district of Cidade Velha is the colonial heart of the city, a living open-air museum with magnificent buildings, colourfully decorated mansions and centuries-old churches. Here you can feel the influence of the Portuguese conquerors and explorers, which is also reflected in the Forte do Presepio fortress. The pulse of the jungle beats at Ver-o-peso market, one of South America’s oldest markets – a sensory experience with exotic fruits, acai, spices and medicinal plants. Embark on a culinary journey of discovery and try specialities such as tacaca, a soup that combines the flavours and traditions of the Amazon region.

In north-eastern Brazil, right on the Atlantic coast, Natal invites you to enjoy adventures amidst endless sand, wind and waves. The “city of the sun” boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year and combines both history and natural wonders. Among the most important buildings are the star-shaped fortress Forte dos Reis Magos, built at the end of the 16th century by the Portuguese, and Natal Cathedral, a striking example of contemporary sacred architecture. The Morro do Careca, a forested sand dune over 100 m (328 ft) high, rises above the popular Ponta Negra beach with its bars and music. The famous dunes of Genipabu are also unique – ideal for fast buggy rides or camel rides.

Tucked away on the wild coast of Bahia lies Trancoso – an insider tip for explorers seeking authenticity. In this once sleepy fishing village, you can still feel the relaxed spirit of Brazil. The heart of the village is the historic Quadrado, a grassy village square lined with old trees, pastel-coloured colonial houses, small cafes and craft shops, as well as the white 16th-century Jesuit church of Sao Joao Batista. At the edge of the square, the view opens up over the coast. Explore this coastal gem at your own pace – whether on a stroll through the village or swimming at the nearby beaches. There you will find a lively atmosphere with beach bars and quiet spots in the shade of coconut palms.

The beauty of Rio de Janeiro is as diverse as it is fascinating. From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain and the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado to the colourful samba dances and carnival celebrations – Rio is inspiring simply everywhere. In the midst of the tropical metropolis, there are over 50 museums that give visitors interesting insights into Brazil’s rich culture and history. Rio is a samba stronghold even outside of the carnival: the intoxicating rhythms of the country, a symbol of the Brazilian love of life, can be heard in numerous clubs and bars.

Your cruise takes you to the sun-kissed beaches of the Uruguayan Riviera, where the turquoise waters of the Atlantic invite you to relax and explore. But Punta del Este offers much more than just the joy of swimming – with a high glamour factor in the high season and significantly quieter in the off-season. Amidst stylish beach villas, you will discover a variety of art galleries, the remarkable Museo Ralli with Latin American and European art and a lively cultural scene. Local and international artists shape the creative life of this dynamic city. Beach enjoyment is also combined with art – for example, at Playa Brava with the iconic sculpture La Mano, the landmark of Punta del Este. Enjoy quieter hours at Playa Mansa with views of the bay and the offshore islands.

A laid-back attitude to life and a high quality of living make Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, one of the most charming cities in South America. The cosy city, which has around 1.3 million inhabitants, stands in contrast to restless megacities like Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. Its many little streets have museums that are worth visiting, such as the Carnival Museum and the historical National Museum. At the Plaza de la Constitucion, the cathedral and lovely cafes invite you to while away some time. Barbecue lovers will enjoy parrilla culture at the Mercado del Puerto, while those who love fine wine can discover the local wineries rivalling those of Argentina. Montevideo combines cultural experiences with a laid-back atmosphere – perfect for relaxing and unwinding.