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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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 hotel is located on a quiet cobbled street and has wonderful views overlooking...
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.
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.
The Orla Copacabana is a relatively new hotel with an excellent location on the beachfront of Copacabana and a short walk from Ipanema. The rooms are of a decent size and with TV and air...
Built in 1871, and exquisitely renovated by Frenchman Jean Michel Ruis, the Mama Ruisa was once the home of the mayor of Rio, and is among the most historic buildings in the charming...
The new Santa Teresa Hotel, formerly the Guimarães Ranch, has passed through a lengthy process of careful restoration preserving its charming neo colonial style and has now opened its doors...
This Orient Express-owned hotel overlooks its namesake beach, and is regarded as the most traditional and luxurious hotel in Rio. It is an art-deco landmark with 226 rooms and suites, a fine...
The new Fasano Rio hotel is located on the gorgeous Ipanema Beachfront commanding stunning views of this excellent district. The Fasano in Sao Paulo is known for its amazing...
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Further reading:BrazilWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout BrazilCountry Guides
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