Eden Islet is a small volcanic tuff cone rising from the clear waters off the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island. Though visitors cannot set foot on the rocks, the islet’s dramatic shapes and steep cliffs offer striking views as boats circle its perimeter. Guides often point out coastal mangroves and lava formations that hint at the volcanic forces that shaped this part of the archipelago.
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s most vibrant and unpredictable cities. Sprawling along the banks of the Congo River, it’s the third-largest city on the continent and pulses with music, art, and personality at every turn. Across the river lies Brazzaville, making Kinshasa part of the only pair of national capitals facing each other across a single waterway.
Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, is a city of wooden cathedrals, tree-lined canals, and street corners alive with music, food, and political discussion. Located at the mouth of the Demerara River, the streets still follow the Dutch grid system, and the city’s architectural signature, with its elegant wooden buildings with louvered shutters and fretwork, make it one of the most visually distinct capitals in South America.
João Pessoa is the capital of Paraíba on Brazil’s northeastern coast, with an urban landscape that extends from the historic center to a long Atlantic waterfront. Its beaches include Tambaú, Manaíra, Cabo Branco, and Bessa, while the Sanhauá River borders the older part of the city. João Pessoa is also known for its abundant public greenery, including parks, tree-lined areas, and the Jardim Botânico Benjamim Maranhão.