December: Brazil

Brazil’s beaches sizzle in the Southern Hemisphere summer (December to March), so a South America cruise that calls on Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Buzios, or other coastal ports or islands makes a great holiday gift to yourself.  Some itineraries even visit Punta del Este, Uruguay, world-renowned as a beach retreat for the wealthy and famous.

When you think of Brazil and its beaches, two in particular come to mind: Copacabana and Ipanema. Both are located right in the center of Rio de Janeiro and offer splendid views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Ipanema and Copacabana also have photogenic pedestrian promenades paved in wavy Brazilian Modernist mosaics that are equally celebrated around the world.