Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel

If you want to stay close to southern Brazil’s spectacular Iguaçu Falls, nowhere gets you closer than Hotel das Cataratas. Peeking out of the dense Atlantic rainforest, this property is the only hotel within the 715-square-mile Iguaçú National Park. Not only that, but it also directly faces the front wall of the falls, giving you a front-row view of some of the most incredible cascades on Earth.

Built in 1958, the 187-room hotel is a gorgeous example of classical Portuguese architecture. The picturesque pink-and-white facade and red-tile roof stand out in stark contrast to the lush rainforest greenery, while the refined rooms are dressed in creamy, organic tones. Locally commissioned artwork brings touches of regional character to each space, with windows and French doors opening up to the tropical foliage outside. Amid all the Old World elegance, there are still plenty of modern touches like air-conditioning and spa-like bathrooms decked out in Portuguese tilework. It can get pretty humid in the heart of the rainforest, so book one of the private pool suites or plan for plenty of downtime next to the main outdoor pool.

Start the day with an early-morning walk to watch the sunrise illuminate the falls before hopping in a boat to sail right up to the foot of the cascades. As the heat of the day hits, grab a chair by the pool to cool down with a caipirinha before heading out again for full-moon hikes or stargazing. Plenty of leisure and low-key activities are on hand as well, like discovering the burgeoning world of Brazilian wine through wine flights or tapping into the healing powers of the rainforest with wellness treatments made from forest-foraged materials at the spa. Sophisticated cocktails and hearty Brazilian barbecue are among the culinary stand-outs, awaiting after a full day of rainforest adventure.