Day-trip distance from Buenos Aires, the Tigre River Delta offers porteños (Buenos Aires residents) and tourists alike a playground for everything from horseback riding and hiking to fishing and swimming. Comprised of hundreds of tiny islands, the Tigre is about 20 miles northeast of Buenos Aires and is reachable from the city by trains, then by boat from the train station. While the main attraction here is the delta itself (formed where five rivers come together), you’ll also find a Naval Museum, restaurants and playgrounds for kids. Several tour companies offer day-trip excursions to the Tigre River Delta—but visitors also can book stays in area bed & breakfasts and adventure lodges.

The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. The area, located in southwestern Uruguay on the Rio de la Plata, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. It's an easy day trip by ferry from Buenos Aires, making the beaches a popular Argentinean escape. Major sights include Iglesia Matriz, the country's oldest church, the Municipal Museum and a 17th-century port jutting into the river.

A compact small town nearly 70 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco is in the heart of the Argentine Pampas region. It’s a great 1½-hour day trip by car or bus from Buenos Aires—or the perfect jumping-off point for those who choose to visit at a nearby estancia, or a traditional large rural ranch and estate. Major attractions here include the colonial sights of San Antonio de Areco itself, the Museum of the Gaucho (which celebrates Argentine cowboys), and a variety of estancias themselves, which are located within two hours of San Antonio de Areco. If you don’t feel like planning your own itinerary, several tour and travel companies will coordinate your visit and arrange your estancia stay.

The French-inspired Botanical Garden of Curitiba is one of the Brazilian city’s most popular attractions, its colorful flowers, ponds, paths, and art nouveau greenhouse creating a sweet-smelling fairyland. After a floral stroll, continue to explore Curituba’s lovely landscapes at Parque Estadual de Vila Velha and Parque Tanguá. Visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer, a celebration of the architect’s bold, abstract works, then enjoy a performance at the marvelous Ópera de Arame, built to look like it’s fashioned out of wire.

If there’s a "beach economy," Buzios is its Wall Street. Its more than 20 beaches, world-class galleries, clubs and boutiques draw an elite set of travellers. Surfers love Geriba Beach, snorkelers enjoy Ferruda, hip Ossos Beach offers upscale beachside cafes and laid-back Ilhabela Beach offers a more down-to-earth Buzios experience.

Llamas, sheep and alpacas roam the plains of Puno, a port city in southeastern Peru. Their fleeces are used to make the area’s signature textiles, which make excellent souvenirs. You’ll do a lot of walking here, as many of the streets are too steep for cars. But the climbs are worth it for the excellent views of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat to the Floating Islands or get up close and personal with the four-legged locals at a llama farm.

In friendly Great Exuma, you'll want to be up early so you don't miss a moment outdoors. From fishing and sailing to snorkeling and windsurfing, there's almost too much to do. Design your own adventure and plunge in—particularly around Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, where the scuba diving is world-class.