A Journey Through Golden Shores, Rainforests & Tango

Cariocas live life to a different rhythm. If you want to keep up, you need to tune in. Start early on the golden sands of Ipanema and Copacabana, where joggers and sea-swimmers greet the sun, before lunch in the trendy tables of Botafogo and Leblon. Wander the cobbled streets of Santa Teresa; explore mansions and botanic gardens in Cosmo Velho; take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain; and ride the rails to the top of Corcovado, where Christ the Redeemer welcomes all with outstretched arms.

Tucked into a swathe of Atlantic Rainforest between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Paraty flourished in the heady days of the 17th century Brazilian Gold Rush. Colonial-era homes with brightly painted doors and artisanal boutiques line the cobbles in the UNESCO-listed historic centre, where bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls. Jungle waterfalls, sugarcane plantations, indigenous culture and cachaça distilleries invite days of discovery along the old Gold Route, while a day on the water reveals hidden coves, snorkelling spots and lush islets.

A slice of protected paradise on Brazil's southeastern coast, Ilhabela is a land before time. Dense Atlantic Rainforest dotted with waterfalls tumbles down to castaway beaches accessible only by boat or jeep, where the ocean laps against golden sands and capuchin monkeys swing overhead. Pause in traditional Caiçara fishing communities and cool off in rockpools on guided coastal hikes; look out for turtles while snorkelling in the clear water; or explore secluded coves by schooner.

The crown of Santa Catarina's Emerald Coast, Porto Belo was a sleepy village founded by Azorean settlers before becoming a sun-soaked escape. Today the secret's out. There's a beach for every mood: Bombinhas for beachfront bistros; sheltered Caixa d'Aço for its jade-green waters; or quiet Estaleiro in a remote cove framed by lush hills. Offshore, you can snorkel along the calm coast of Porto Belo Island, laze under palms and hike forest trails to panoramic viewpoints before savouring fresh local seafood.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Sea lions bask along the harbourside of Punta del Este's historic peninsula, stretching from the iconic La Mano sculpture to its elegant marina, where yachts jostle for space and restaurants overlook the ocean. Along the coast in Punta Ballena, tune into the region's artistic spirit at Casapueblo, a white cascade of studios and galleries tumbling down to the Atlantic. Golden coastline extends eastward to the surf breaks and beach bars of La Barra and the easy charms of José Ignacio, where open-fire dining spills onto the sand.

Every neighbourhood moves to a different rhythm in Buenos Aires. Recoleta's grand boulevards and marble mausoleums give way to the elegant palaces and European architecture of Retiro and Montserrat. Find street art and football fever in La Boca's colourful Caminito, and settle into vibrant parrillas (steakhouses) and late-night wine bars in Palermo.

In the afternoon, wander the cobbles of San Telmo, where tango drifts across leafy plazas, or explore the revitalised red-brick warehouses of the city's former docklands in Puerto Madero.