Baltra, also referred to as South Seymour Island, is one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos, with an area of roughly 8 square miles. The island lies in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of Ecuador. The significance of Baltra rests in the fact that it is the main entry point into the Galapagos Islands. The main airport of the archipelago is located on Baltra (a second smaller one is in San Cristobal). Before Volcanic faulting occurred, Baltra was part of Santa Cruz, making it the newest of the islands. Due to its small size, there are no visitor accommodations in Baltra. Though the island is dry and the vegetation desolate, a large number of birds-frigatebirds and boobies- can be seen at the harbor. Land iguanas, marine iguanas and marine turtles can also be observed. After your arrival at Baltra, take the time to visit Bachas Beach, where you will be introduced to the wonders of the Galapagos. Also, don’t miss the chance to take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mangroves.

Rio de Janeiro is an awe-inspiring city of contrasts. Impossibly steep granite mountains jut out of the ocean between glorious stretches of golden sand, impeccable colonial buildings nestle in between modern glass skyscrapers and verdant forests tumble down hillsides into densely populated residential areas. It is a city high on life, a city of beach worship, football, samba and Carnival. And high above all this fun and frivolity stands Rio’s iconic landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer – an ever-present vision. The continuing strength of foreign currencies against the Brazilian Real and the national football team’s success in the recent World Cup both have helped to make Brazil – and Rio in particular – an increasingly popular and affordable year-round destination. As well as the city’s well-known landmarks of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains, Rio boasts a wealth of attractions and activities, plus great food, music and entertainment – enough to keep a visitor busy for any length of stay. Situated in southeast Brazil, on the natural port of the Baia de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay), Rio is a city of over ten million people squeezed between the ocean and the mountains. The cidade marvilhosa (marvellous city) is a melting pot of cultures and peoples in varying degrees of wealth or poverty. In Rio, the rich and poor live together and the exclusive areas stand in stark contrast and close proximity to the slum areas or favelas. But no matter what their background or economic standing, the Cariocas – as the citizens of Rio are known – are characterised by a passion and enthusiasm for life, which is on full show during Rio’s famous annual Carnival. Central to the Carioca lifestyle is the beach. From dawn until dusk and even after dark, the residents of Rio can be found enjoying the long stretches of sandy coastline with which the city is blessed. The beach is not merely a place to absorb the sun’s rays but also an important venue for sports, socialising and even business. It is a people-watcher’s paradise – clothing is minimal and bodies are bronzed and beautiful. The famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are magnets for Brazilians and tourists alike. It has taken five hundred years for Rio to transform itself into one of the world’s greatest cities. On 1 January 1502, Portuguese explorers sailed into Guanabara Bay and named it Rio de Janeiro (River of January), under the mistaken impression that it was an enormous river mouth. The French attempted to gain control of the bay in 1555 but were finally evicted by the Portuguese in 1567. The Portuguese colony was based on sugar cane and agricultural products throughout the 17th century, until the discovery of gold in the nearby Minas Gerais region led to the city’s emergence as a control, export and taxation centre. Black slaves formed the majority of the population in these early days of trading and the African influence is still present in the city’s culture. The capital of colonial Brazil was moved from Bahia (now Salvador) in 1763 to Rio de Janeiro and the city began to flourish, especially when coffee became the predominant export in the 19th century. After the Portuguese monarchy were exiled from Portugal due to Napoleon’s taking Lisbon, Rio became their home and eventually the capital of an independent Brazilian Empire. Finally, Brazil became a Republic in 1889 and Rio de Janeiro remained its capital until 1960, when the Federal government was transferred to Brasilia in 1960. Rio has continued to grow and has become a popular destination not only for tourists but also for migrants from other parts of the country. Despite its development, the city still has more than its fair share of social problems. Strong divisions exist between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’. Attempts have been made to curtail crime, although both residents and tourists still must remain alert to petty thieves. Rio’s best season is undoubtedly the summer months, between December and February, culminating with Carnival. Temperatures can rise to around 40ºC (104ºF) or more, which, if tourists do as the Brazilians do and visit the beaches and not rush around, is ideal weather.

In February 2nd, 1892, the Port of Santos - considered the largest Port in the Southern Hemisphere - was opened, when the Companhia Docas de Santos - CDS, consigned to the world navigation the first 284 yards of docks in the area called Valongo. The mooring of the Nasmith British Steam Ship was set on this date. In 1980, Companhia Docas do Estado de São Paulo - CODESP - www.portodesantos.com.br, a semipublic company, in which the Federal Government has the majority of stocks, took over the management of the port. The Port of Santos has the largest container terminal in Latin America, with 135 acres. It has 7.5 miles of docks with terminals specially assigned for grains, fertilizers, bulk liquid and containers. It also has two railways with 124 miles of railway lines. The Port's geographical location is crucial for the development of the intermodal transportation (road-maritime), guaranteeing a fast economical alternative for the cargo transportation in the Mercosur countries. We must point out that 30% of all Brazilian exports are shipped through the São Paulo ports and airports. Presently, the Port of Santos interchanges more than 38 million tons of cargo per year. To guarantee new investments, a faster and more effective structure, many of the Port's services are being taken over by private companies. More than 120 companies operate in the area and the investments for the next five years should amount to US$ 1 billion. CODESP is developing the Santos 2000 Project, considered to be an ambitious modernizing plan that is ranking port as one of the most important ports in Latin America in the 21st Century. The target is to turn Port of Santos into a more modern, competitive, faster and well-equipped port.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mounts. It is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands Province, and its superlative location allows you to enjoy sea, mountains and forests at the same time. Besides, it is a great place for shopping: the whole island is a tax free zone, thus you can find lots of imported goods along with regional products.

The second-largest city in Chile, Valparaíso enjoys a spectacular location between the mountains and the sea. This coastal city boasts a romantic, time-worn elegance of cobbled streets and Victorian houses. The Chilean Congress recently moved to Valparaíso from Santiago, giving the city a fresh boost of energy. Just ten minutes north of Valparaíso lies Viña del Mar, Chile's premier coastal resort. You'll find fabulous beaches and a bustling commercial sector. Viña del Mar is known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City) thanks to its lavish gardens and subtropical atmosphere. The weather is often cool and foggy. The nightlife is better in Viña del Mar than in Valparaíso, so plan to head there to check out the cinemas and dance clubs. Near these twin cities are loads of beaches and stunning coastline. Be sure to check out the fabulous seafood. The Reserva Nacional Lago Peñuelas near Valparaíso is a popular spot for weekend outings. The Parque Nacional la Campana is a great place for communing with the outdoors as well.