Brazil, as the world's 5th largest country and covering half of South America, offers an amazing variety of attractions, both natural and cultural. These range from the vivid life and excitement of Rio, the vast rainforests of the Amazon, the architectural marvel of Brasilia, the old colonial gold towns of Minas Gerais, the other natural jewels of Pantanal and the stunning Iguacu Falls, to the incredibly friendly and approachable Brazilians themselves.
Brazil’s vast interior encompasses underpopulated bush, swamps and Amazon rainforest. Most Brazilians live close to the 8,000 km coast where the main cities are located. Little is known of Brazil’s indigenous before the Portguese arrived in 16th century, but it is estimated that around 5 million Amerindians were in tribes around the country. Of these less than 300,000 now remain, many in very remote parts of the Amazon, and some thought still to be as yet uncontacted.
Brazilians are world-famous for their exuberant music and dances, the most developed in South America, their passion for life and football, and their larger-than-life parties – at Carnaval and New Year. Brazilian food is marvelously varied, with for example excellent steakhouses (rodizios), and their lime-based cocktail, the caipirinha, is simply the most addictive drink there is.
Rio de Janeiro Breathtakingly located between jungle-covered mountains and beaches, and one of the world's most exciting cities, the cidade marvilhosa (marvellous city) enthralls with its varied attractions: the imposing statue at Corcovado of Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Loaf mountain cable-car ride, the green tree-lined suburb of Santa Teresa, the ferry across to Niteroi, the cathedral and Contemporary Art museum, and the hyperactive beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.
Iguaçu This wonder of the world, with 275 connected falls stretching over 3km wide and plunging off a 80m high drop, straddles the border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Its enormous subtropical reserve has a well-designed trail system and plenty of wildlife. The most breathtaking spot is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Here 14 falls combine to form the world's most powerful single waterfall.
Salvador da Bahia Once the country's main slave port, Brazil’s oldest city still retains a strong African culture, notable in dance and music, in the spectacular martial art of capoeira frequently practiced by small groups on the street, and candomble, an Afro-Brazilian religion. The colonial quarter is charming, with its churches, narrow streets, and lively restaurants.
Bahia State Great beaches include Porto Seguro, and Morro de Sao Paulo, a string of white sandy beaches with a funky atmosphere on the island of Tinhare. Outside the state capital of Salvador the surrounding verdant countryside has two attractive colonial towns, Santo Amaro and Cachoeira. Further west, in the dry scrubland known as the ‘serrao’, can be found a cowboy culture in Feira de Santana and in Jacobina, a mining town. Beyond is the Chapada Diamantina national park with its unusual rock formations, rivers and waterfalls.
Carnaval and New Year’s Eve Brazilians love partying, and these, particularly Carnaval, are world-renowned. The most famous Carnaval locations are Rio, where beautifully-clad samba schools parade through the streets to an arena, Salvador in Bahia, where bystanders participate more in the street parades dominated by large drumming bands, and Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a more intimate and picturesque Carnaval crowded into the narrow streets of one of Brazil's prettiest towns.
Brasilia Brazil’s capital is a planned city in the interior built in the 1950s,with interesting modernistic architecture. The politicians, government officers and embassies working leave the city completely at weekends.
Amazon 15,000 animal species, 6,000 plant species, 20% of the planet’s birds and fresh water, and unique indigenous cultures are just some of the features of the world's longest river and largest tropical rainforest. Manaus, colourful capital of the region with its market and turn-of-the-century Opera House, is the start point for exploring the jungle, often from a nearby jungle lodge. A boat ride along the vast river is a fascinating and compelling experience, particularly down tributaries such the Negro, Solimoes, Madeira, and Tapajos where wildlife is best spotted. Between Belem and Manaus recommended stops include Monte Alegre and its 10,000-year-old rock paintings, and Santarem with the Alter do Chao river beach.
The Pantanal Probably the best place in South America to watch wildlife close up, with over 250 bird species including jabiru storks, toucans and rare hyacinth macaws, and jaguars, armadillos, giant ant-eaters and anacondas all commonly sighted. An enormous swamp whose size may reach that of Kansas or half that of France when inundated, the flat open terrain of the Pantanal makes it easier than the Amazon to see wildlife close-up. As access into these swamplands is difficult, the Pantanal still is a relatively pristine area.
Costa Verde A string of still pristine beaches backed by lush forest, this is one of the country’s most beautiful coastlines, stretching for 300km south of Rio de Janeiro. Worth visiting in the area are Parati, a beautiful colonial town, and the former penal colony island of IIha Grande.
Colonial cities Minas Gerais, the state north of Rio, was an active gold and diamond mining region in the 18th century and a number of colonial towns sprang up. Now these towns, such as Ouro Preto, Diamantina and Tiradentes, are small peaceful well-preserved architectural beauties.
Fernando de Noronha A pristine group of islands off Pernambuco’s coast, this is a marine national park and appealing nature destination with a wide range of birds and sea creatures including sharks, turtles, and whales. |
