The Rio Times

Tatón Dunes, Catamarca – Argentina’s “Other Planet” In the far west of Catamarca, the Tatón Dunes form a sea of white sand that many describe as the highest dunes on Earth, with the Federico Kirbus dune rising more than 1,200 meters from base to crest at around 2,845 meters above sea level. From the air they look like something out of Dune or Arrakis: endless ridges shaped by the wind, “sand glaciers” flowing down from the hills and a desert that changes color with the light, reminding travelers that Argentina really does contain almost every landscape imaginable.

Plaza del Congreso and Argentina’s Grand Dome Plaza del Congreso stretches out as a green forecourt that announces the grandeur of the Palace of the Argentine National Congress, aligning lawns, fountains and monuments directly with the building’s monumental façade. From here, the bronze‑plated dome dominates the skyline, making the square one of Buenos Aires’ most imposing urban stages and a place locals proudly call the heart of their city and country.

A Normal Day at Arpex, Rio de Janeiro A “normal” day at Arpex, the carioca nickname for Arpoador, means waves rolling in between Copacabana and Ipanema while surfers, swimmers and beachgoers share a short strip of sand backed by the famous Pedra do Arpoador rock. From this rocky lookout, people watch the coastline curve toward the Dois Irmãos mountain and linger for the end‑of‑day ritual, when the sun sinks into the sea and applause breaks out—a daily scene that makes many locals call this spot their backyard and the place they miss most when far from Rio.

Good Night, São Paulo – MASP on Avenida Paulista A night view of MASP shows São Paulo’s most iconic museum floating above Avenida Paulista, its concrete volume suspended between four red pillars and framing an open plaza that glows under the city lights. Around it, the traffic, towers and illuminated signs of Paulista—São Paulo’s financial and cultural spine—give the scene that mix of intensity and elegance that makes locals sign off with a simple “Boa noite, SP” full of pride.