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
The Cariocas (residents of Rio) have a saying that God created the world in seven days, the eighth he devoted to Rio de Janeiro. The sheer beauty of Rio is breathtaking, and the vibrancy is captivating.
Castelinho38 is a small but very comfortable nine bedroom hotel in the colonial centre of Rio de Janeiro.
The Astoria Palace delivers good value right on Copacabana beach.
Situated on the Copacabana beach front and affording superb views across the bay, the Hotel Rio Internacional is an excellent mid range choice and excellent value for money.
The hotel is located just two blocks from Copacabana beach front and equidistant to the nearest metro station - a good way to get around Rio.
The Marina Palace Hotel has a privileged location in Leblon, steps away from Ipanema and with views to both beaches as well as the Lagoa and Christ the Redeemer.
A lovely hotel, the Olinda Othon is suited to those who like refined surroundings and has seen significant investment in rooms and staff in the last few years.
Though scarcely twenty minutes from the beach, Mama Ruisa is an elegant and serene retreat.
The Windsor Martinique enjoys a good location in the city only 30 metres from the famous Copacabana beach.
Located on the headland that separates Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the rooms at Sofitel Rio de Janeiro are well sized and contemporary, with all the facilities you would expect of a Sofitel.
One of the big advantages of this hotel is its location. It is situated in the Ipanema area of Rio which is the best area for classy restaurants and bars for an evening drink or two.
The Santa Teresa Hotel has been carefully restored to produce a beautifully finished hotel.
This Orient-Express owned hotel is located overlooking its namesake beach, and is regarded as the most traditional, luxurious and elegant hotel in Rio.
Located at the far end of Ipanema beach, where it meets Copacabana, the hotel has unrivalled views over this beautiful stretch of coastline.
11 days from £4,070pp
12 days from £2,875pp
15 days from £3,895pp
85 miles away
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Further reading:Tours in BrazilWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout BrazilCountry Guides
Other countries in South America:ArgentinaBoliviaChileColombiaEcuadorGuyanaParaguayPeruThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela
