PESTANA HOTELSRio de Janeiro and beyondYou could easily spend all your holidaywithout straying from the country's partycity, Rio de Janeiro, and its sub-tropicalhinterland. The state can be enjoyed all year round: you might immerse yourself in the frenzy of Carnival, at the height of Brazil's sultry summer or the quasi-religious spectacle of New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach. Alternatively, pick a quieter, cooler time in the 'low' season of May or September.There's Rio itself: savour the legendary panoramas from the top of the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado mountains: we've found novel ways to explore, from jeep tours of the forest-clad hills to helicopter rides and boat trips round the bay. Combine a tour of the city's main sights with a stroll down stately palm-lined trails, serenaded by the hum of cicadas, in the botanical gardens; or the Bohemian quarter of Santa Teresa, where traditional bodegas and rickety trams are now frequented by artists, TV celebrities and intellectuals. Not far beyond, the hilly coastline carves a myriad of little bays dotted with densely wooded islands, host to a choice of hotels and resorts of all standards, many self-contained, with pools, spas and high-class cuisine. Indulge in the intimacy of a restored historic house, Picinguaba; or Pestana Angra (below), an informal hideaway on a rugged peninsula on the Emerald Coast, so named for the verdure of its forest-smothered slopes. Or for real get-away-from-it-all relaxation there are simple timber-framed 78 Brazil

Below The colonial sea port of Paratí, 4hrs' drive south of Rio.ALEX ROBINSONORIENT EXPRESSRio de JaneiroIguaçú FallsBRAZIL.ARGENTINACHILEIlha GrandeParatí..URUGUAYBuenos Aires..Coloniapousadas perched above the barefoot sands of Ilha Grande, a hilly island with walking trails but no motor vehicles.Head east from Rio past a string of lagoons and wild surf-lashed beaches to Casas Brancas, a cool boutique hotel overlooking the ocean at the chic resort of Búzios, renowned for arty shops and fine dining. Here, a peninsula of cliffs and low hills is dimpled with little coves and speckled with boutique-style hotels. Further on inland from Rio in the upland state of Minas Gerais there's a series of quaint colonial towns, dating back to the years of precious stone mining in the region. Wander the cobbled streets of the university town of Ouro Preto, perhaps pausing at the museums and jewellery shops.Rio to Buenos Aires 17 days, 14 nightsRio 2 nights, Ilha Grande 3n, Paratí 2n, Rio 1n, Iguacú 2n, Buenos Aires 4n.Day 1 Overnight departure to Rio from the UK. Days 2-3 Excursions are included to Christ the Redeemer's statue on Corcovado Mountain and the cable-car to the top of the Sugar Loaf. Days 4-6 Drive (4hrs) down the Emerald Coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande, forested island ringed by over 100 silver to saffron beaches. Stay in one of the handful of guesthouses, eat in an open-air restaurant nearby and explore the walking trails and coves. Days 7-8 Return to the mainland and the colonial port of Paratí, whose Portuguese architecture (including the grand houses converted into pousada boutique hotels) has remained unchanged. The cobbled centre is brimful of galleries, boutiques, seafood restaurants and bars; explore the dimpled coastline by romantic period schooner (optional). Day 9 Return to Rio. Days 10,11 Fly to Foz do Iguaçú to visit the gargantuan waterfalls (see p80) on the sub-tropical border with Argentina. Days 12-15 Fly to Buenos Aires, elegant capital of Argentina. Following a guided city tour, choose from a number of options, including a boat trip on the sinuous channels of the delta and a crossing of the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay. Day 16 Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK arriving day 17. Prices from £1,898pp (standard); £2,876pp (superior) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights Daily departures from the UK hotel copacabana palace Why not splash out and spend a few days at Rio's most distinguished address? Its imposing, classical exterior is an icon of Copacabana beach, and the place to stay in Rio. Still steeped in tradition, the hotel (above) has welcomed a succession of famous guests since opening in 1923-try a bit of celebrity-spotting, sipping a cocktail on a sun-bed around the marvellous semi-Olympic swimming pool, the largest of any hotel in Rio, or in one of the sumptuous restaurants. 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 79 The Copacabana Palace Hotel was perfect and we wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else but this classic old-world but modernised establishment. MP, Devon