Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a magnificent city, made famous by its fantastic beaches and outrageous parties. The annual celebration of Carnaval is a raucous one, and if you are in Rio during March or April, you will see that it is everyone's focus. The citizens of the city are passionate and enthusiastic, and these characteristics are extremely contagious. You will find yourself motivated to either get out and party or else travel all around and see the sights.
On January 1, 1502, a group of Portuguese sailors landed in an area they named Rio de Janeiro. The ship's captain, Goncarlo Coelho, named this city as such because he thought he had anchored at the mouth of a river. He has been given credit for naming the city, even though the river's mouth is, in actuality, Guanabara Bay. During a festival in the year 1567, the city was given the official name Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. Brazil became independent in 1889, and Rio was made the capital of the Republic. This was the case until 1960, when Brasilia became home to the federal government.
For all of the wild people and miles of beach paradise, Rio de Janeiro has many more wonderful features that are not beach-related. The architecture of Brazil is wonderful, and there are a number of fabulous museums to catch your attention. The dining facilities are excellent, and the nightlife extremely active. During the day there is so much to choose from, and the locals are friendly and quick to invite you to a party. The spirit here is one of enthusiasm and zest for the everlasting carnival.
All the best sights and activities in Rio de Janeiro are in close proximity, making this an extraordinary city for walking. The weather will most likely be downright gorgeous, so get outside and see the city! Rio will indulge you with great meals, constant invitations to drink, and opportunities to dance all night.
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, which is one of the smallest yet most popular countries in all of South America. More tourists visit Uruguay every year than Brazil, Argentina, or Chile. The city is full of excitement and beauty. The territory is marvelously scenic, and many say it is the most picturesque area on the continent. The restaurants and shopping facilities are fantastic, and the locals are friendly and always eager to help. The amenities and accommodations are also top notch, and so it is no wonder that Uruguay is so popular among American and European tourists. Uruguay is located south of Brazil and bordered by Argentina to the west. Everywhere you travel within Montevideo and beyond, you will be treated to a wide array of extraordinary visual pleasures. Hilly green meadows laced with sparkling rivers and streams comprise a large portion of the landscape, and near the coast, the beaches are excellent. The conditions at a number of the beaches are near perfect, and the hot springs just outside Montevideo are enormously popular. Sports are adored in Uruguay, and there are opportunities everywhere to play your favorite game or sport.
In addition to being the capital, Montevideo is also the trading center and the main draw for visiting Uruguay. From December to April, Montevideo is the liveliest place around. But to really experience the best of Montevideo, go during Carnival. Carnival in Uruguay is probably the safest in all of South America, and the most fun as well. Montevideo really comes alive during March and April as preparations get underway for celebrating this enchanting weeklong event. As crazy as it gets, there are relatively few problems because everyone is in such good spirits.
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