Reasons To Visit Brazil
Discovering that the indigenous peoples did not take well to forced labour, the colonial Portuguese shipped thousands of Africans to Brazil to work. Upon their emancipation at the end of the 19th Century, Afro Brazilians became integrated into society, resulting in the beautifully diverse people we see today.
From the beautiful towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes in Minas Gerais state, Natal and Salvador in the northeast to the cobbled backstreets of Santa Teresa in Rio, there are numerous fine examples of colonial architecture in Brazil. For a different type of architecture the retro designs of Brasilia dating back from the 1950's divides opinion!
With almost 3,000 km of coastline, it isn’t surprising that Brazil has some of the best beaches in Latin America. There’s a beach for every taste, miles of deserted sand and palm trees, havens for surfers, beaches to spot whales and beaches to watch the locals parade themselves in the latest swimwear trends.
One of the world’s most famous celebrations, Brazil’s annual carnival takes place across the country preparing for the start of Lent. Most well-known for the celebrations in Rio, thousands of sequin and feather-clad dancers samba their way through the parade ground.
Football is in the veins of Brazil and seen at every turn. Brazil has given us such footballing greats as Pelé, Ronaldo and Kaka and the love and passion shown by the children passing balls in the street leave little doubt that more stars will follow.
The Amazon rainforest is a haven for wildlife and a must for both nature lovers and those who are simply curious. It covers a vast area of Brazil and can be explored from a number of simple lodges or boats, most of which are easily accessible from the tropical city of Manaus.
For wildlife viewing, there are few better places in the world than the Pantanal between April and September. The animals and birds found here are similar to those found in the nearby Amazon, but they are much easier to spot in the Pantanal. Animals seen here include capybara, caiman, anteater, armadillo, otter, marmoset and even jaguar and puma.
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South America
As you head west of Rio, the high-rise suburbs give way to mile upon mile of luscious emerald rainforest covering rolling hills and tropical white sand beaches. This is Rio state's Costa Verde, or Green Coast.
With just 12 rooms decorated in a rustic style, Pousada Naturalia has an elevated position on Ilha Grande just 50 metres from the sea. The rooms all have a small private balcony offering beautiful panoramic sea views, and each room has air conditioning and a mini bar.
A traditional yet characterful pousada of 27 rooms, ideally located in Paraty just a few minutes from the beach.
A great place to stay in Paraty, Pousada do Sandi is brimming with charm and character. It offers spacious suites with air-conditioning and a TV and a lovely restaurant.
Pousada Picinguaba is the perfect hideaway destination. Located in a sleepy fishing village just south of Paraty, it is surrounded by stunning beaches and verdant rainforest.
Pousada Sagu Mini Resort is located between the beautiful Comprida and Brava beaches and is a 10 minute walk from Villa do Abraao. Each of the nine rooms has air-conditioning, a mini bar, telephone, mosquito nets and private bathroom.
Casa Turquesa is a modern hotel that manages to retain some of its 18th century colonial charm. The rooms are crisp and refreshing and all a very good size - an excellent choice if you're looking for a little extra luxury during your stay in Paraty.
12 days from £2,265pp
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Further reading:BrazilWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout BrazilCountry Guides
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