It is almost as impossible to describe South America in a few sentences as it is to ascertain all the various facets of the varied South American cultures and lifestyles. Rio de Janeiro conjures up images of Copacabana and the joie de vivre of the world famous carnival. Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, claims: “I see a hill”. Take a look for yourself and discover an unusual mixture of landscape extremes. Buenos Aires, in the country of the Gauchos and steers, where the world’s finest Polo players come from. Travel northwards along the west coast of the country of fire and discover the Valparaiso, the "Valley of Paradise" on 45 hills, whose town centre is protected as a UNESCO world heritage monument. From Buenaventura, whose economic significance lies in the export of coffee, gold and platinum, it is only a “hop" to the Panama canal and the homeward journey.