The Best Views

Rio at Your Feet: Whether you hike, drive, or take the cogwheel tram (our preferred method) to the top of Corcovado Mountain, the view from just below Christ's toes is stunning.

Sugarloaf (Rio de Janeiro): It may be the most visited tourist attraction in town -- and tacky as hell -- but views over the bay and the ocean beaches are tough to beat. If you don't want to be seen boarding the silly tram, you can always hoof it up.

Elevator Lacerda (Salvador): The cheapest ride in town (only US5¢), this Art Deco elevator whisks you from the lower town of Salvador to the historic heart of the city. Views of the bay and the city are fantastic but quick. Linger at the top of the elevator platform to savor the views, or splurge and take another trip.

Farol da Barra (Salvador): The view at the foot of the lovely lighthouse on Barra beach is not of the city, but of the bay and most spectacular at sunset when the red glowing ball drops just behind Itaparica Island, casting a deep red glow over the sparkling ocean.

The TV Tower in Brasilia: It figures that in a modern town the views are high tech. The TV Tower, in the center of the Eixo Monumental, offers spectacular views up and down the main avenue, aligning buildings the way they were meant to be seen by architects. The famous big sky sunsets of Brasilia make the view even more impressive, lending a hint of color to the pale concrete of the buildings.

Banespa Tower (São Paulo): The best view of the biggest city in South America is from atop the Banespa Tower. Ascending to its 35th-floor observation deck, you get an incredible view -- high-rise towers, 360 degrees of them, filling every inch of land for as far as the eye can see. Even better, it's free.

Peering into Iguaçu Falls: Get as close as you can to the waterfalls at Iguaçu and the power of the water is hypnotizing. Watch for those cute swifts that manage to sneak in behind the falls.

The Lookout at Araras Eco Lodge (Pantanal): A rickety wooden platform high above the Pantanal provides sweeping views of the surrounding fields. Monkeys play in the trees -- and if you have the time to sit patiently, you'll see hyacinth macaws, toucans, roseate spoonbills, and storks fly by in the greatest nature show on earth.