Afterward, journey through the Serra do Mar mountains in Brazil’s southern Atlantic Rainforest. Rolling green hills, farms and Araucária forests decorate the landscape. Arrive in Curitiba, named “Best-organized City in South America”, and check into your hotel before savoring a delectable dinner to get a taste of the region’s mix of cultures.

In the evening, get ready to celebrate the world’s most colorful and biggest new year’s party on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. Festivities begin with traditional African performances dedicated to Yemanjá, the African goddess of the seas. Watch the cariocas proudly displaying their Afro-Brazilian heritage. Then join in, dancing on the streets near Ipanema and Copacabana to the vibrant rhythms and enjoy the food, music and laughter with the locals. Ring in the new year and watch fireworks light up the night sky.

To extend your Brazilian adventure, consider adding a 3-day trip to Salvador in Bahia to experience the rich Afro-Brazilian culture of the country’s original capital, or venture into the Amazon Rainforest for a 3-day river cruise.