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Introducing Brazil
A land of magnificent beaches, vast rain forests and music-fueled cities, Brazil bears an astounding variety of natural and cultural wonders. This is the world’s largest country in the tropics, and the only limit to a journey here is your imagination. Setting the stage are idyllic, unspoiled islands such as Ilha do Mel or Ilha Grande, pristine stretches of coastline fronting emerald seas, and jewel-box colonial towns like Ouro Prêto or Olinda. Then you have the cities: Brasilia, the futuristic inland capital; Salvador, historic and colorful pearl of the northeast; megalopolis-with-the-mostest São Paulo and - of course - Rio de Janeiro. Spectacular, sassy, simply unforgettable - you'll run out of superlatives trying to do this cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) justice.
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Is your head spinning yet? Brazil’s rich ecosystems make for some amazing journeys, too. You can go horseback-riding through the Pantanal near Campo Grande in search of monkeys and capybara, or whale-watching off the coast of Santa Catarina. There are unforgettable river trips up the Amazon from Manaus, descents into waterfall-cooled canyons, refreshing dips in forest streams and ascents up rocky cliff tops to breathtaking views. And so, so much more.
Whether or not you come for Carnaval, music is a big part of the Brazilian experience. There are numerous ways to discover the perfect beat, from dancing with Cariocas at Rio’s atmospheric samba clubs to following powerful drumbeats through the streets of Salvador. There’s dancehall forró of the Northeast, twirling carimbó of the Amazon, scratch-skilled DJs of São Paulo and an endless variety of regional sounds that extends from the back-country sertanejo to reggae-loving Maranhão.
Given the country’s many riches, it’s no surprise that Brazil has been turning heads for centuries. Among the first to fall under the spell was the Portuguese king himself (Dom João VI), who came, fell in love and just couldn’t tear himself away from his adopted homeland – something to keep in mind when booking that return flight.
Make it happen
Ready to go? These recommended partners make it easy:
- journey to the Iguassu Falls
- explore the wildlife of the Pantanal
- sail along the coast of Brazil on the Tocorimé Tall Ship
- search for cheap flights to Rio
Last updated: Oct 22, 2009
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Caffeine-fuelled travel: the world’s top coffee spots
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Brazil
Our Top Picks For Brazil
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1 Rio de Janeiro
An enchanting city of samba clubs, picturesque beaches, football madness and a bohemian arts scene
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2 Iguaçu Falls
More than 250 spectacular waterfalls surrounded by Atlantic rain forest
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3 Manaus
Gateway to jungle trips along the mighty Amazon, the once-glorious city has teeming markets and Amazonian culture
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4 Ilha de Marajó
Vast, rain forest–covered island with good seafood, old ruins and abundant wildlife amid spectacular scenery
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5 Salvador
The Afro-Brazilian soul of the country with powerful drum corps, mystical Candomblé ceremonies and magnificent architecture
Fast Facts about Brazil
- Annual growth
6.3%
- Number of people living below the poverty line
40 million
- GDP
R$3.13 trillion
- Unemployment
10%
- Life expectancy at birth
68 years (men), 76 years (women)
- Monthly minimum wage
R$380
- Population
190 million
- Number of political candidates charged with fraud
1535
- Adult literacy
86%
- Infant mortality per 1000 live births
27 (US: 7)
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Our favourite Brazil Blogs (beta)
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So, What Exactly Is Couchsurfing?
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People mistake this awesome travel community for simply free accommodation...Buy travel insurance from Worldnomads.com (Lonely Planet's preferred carrier) No related posts.
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18: "To the north, to the jungle: Part 2"
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Buzios – Brazil’s Party Beachtown
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 19 October 2009
Once a quiet, picturesque fishing village, Brazil’s Armacao dos Buzios, or Buzios for short, is now a beautiful beach destination known for its thriving, electric night life. A leisurely two hour trip north of Rio de Janeiro, Buzios is a peninsula surrounded by small islands with over twenty beautiful beaches. The beaches of Buzios are all fairly isolated from one another and differing characteristics make each beach unique. Now matter what type of beach you prefer, large or small, waves or no waves, it won’t be difficult to find one ...
