Brazil is set to dazzle in 2014 and beyond! Travellers are treated to buzzing cities, gorgeous white sand beaches, untouched rainforests, colonial-era architecture, intriguing history, dramatic waterfalls, distinct local cultures and pristine tropical islands.
Admire the bold architecture of Brasilia
The capital of Brazil is Brasilia, and not Rio de Janeiro, as many assume. Itโs a modern town planning dream come true: the city was built from scratch in 1956. Together the dedicated town planner ad architect set about creating a city that would exist in harmony. The result is an architectural spectacle bursting with notable buildings, in particular the official structures – so much so that the city achieved UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1987. Donโt miss the stunning modernist Brasilia Cathedral, aka Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida, which features 16 concrete โarmsโ reaching towards the heavens. Gawp at the iconic Palรกcio da Alvorada (Palace of Dawn) which is the presidentโs official residence and take in the awesome Congress, Presidential Palace (Palรกcio do Planalto) and the Supreme Court within the Three Powers Square.
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, and is roughly divided into 5 separate regions (see map).
- The North (in green) is dominated by the mighty Amazonia region, which is the most biologically diverse area on earth.
- The Northeast (in orange) is authentic Brazil, where the impressive coastline really dominates. Expect superb watersports, excellent deep sea fishing opportunities and boat trips to idyllic tropical islands.
- The Central West (in yellow) is home to Brazilโs pulsating capital city of Brasilia.
- The Southeast (in pink) is considered the cultural hotspot of Brazil, thanks to the colourful city of Rio de Janeiro and diverse Sรฃo Paulo which is actually the largest city in the country.
- The South (in blue) has a strong European influence running throughout its cities, which are small and laidback. The south is home to the world-famous tourist site of Iguaรงu Falls.
Climb Corcovado and admire Rio de Janeiro beneath you
The ultimate must-see sight in Rio has to be the Cristo Redentor statue, which is the largest (and most impressive) Art Deco monument on earth.ย Located in the Tijuca National Park, the mighty Christ the Redeemer statue rises to 130 feet (40 meters) and is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The statue of Jesus Christ sits proudly atop the granite Corcovado Mountain at a height of 2,329 feet (710 meet), allowing all of Rio to witness its majestic grandeur. Travel trivia: did you know that โCorcovadoโ translates as โhunchbackโ in Portuguese!
Lose yourself in the mighty Amazon
Not literally you understand! The Amazon is home to the most diverse assortment of plants and animals on earth, in fact some 10% of all the worlds species reside here, including over 2,000 different species of fish. Amazonia, to give it its correct name has always fascinated serious adventure travellers who want to kayak the vast lagoons, cruise the Amazon River waterways and bed down at one of the eco lodges that have sprung up in recent years. The mighty UNESCO-listed Amazon is the biggest tropical rainforest on earth, spanning over 2.3 million square miles and part-covering 9 countries in total.
Immerse yourself in the wild Rio Carnival
The world famous Rio Carnaval is held each year before Lent – 28 February to 4 March in 2014 โ and offers 24/7 festival atmosphere with elaborate street processions of opulent floats. Throw in skimpy costumes adorned with sequins, infectious samba music and non-stop parties and youโve got the Rio Carnival in a nutshell. Youโll need another vacation to recover!
Explore the historic architecture within Downtown Sรฃo Paulo
The pulsating city of Sao Paulo, aka Sampa, is the largest, most diverse and most cosmopolitan city in Brazil. Its Downtown area was founded in 1554 and the compact area is bursting with neoclassical and baroque architecture. People watch at the central square, aka Praรงa da Sรฉ, admire the 17th century church and monastery of the Largo Sรฃo Bento Square and soak up the architectural diversity within the Praรงa da Repรบblica, from the Edifรญcio Esther of 1935 and the Edifรญcio Copan which represents the letter โSโ.
Hike the Parque Estadual Serra do Mar
Just south of Sao Paulo is the pristine Parque Estadual Serra do Mar which forms a part of the Atlantic Forest Reserves. The lush rainforest topped mountain is the perfect eco getaway destination and offers a welcome respite from the hectic city life. Visitors can hike, trek and mountain bike the 315,000 hectare park, spotting rare birds and primates.
Experience the grandeur of the former capital city of Salvador
In the northeast of Brazil is the very first capital city of Brazil: Salvador, which was founded in 1549. This lively, colourful and exciting city is nicknamed the โCapital of happinessโ thanks to its very own carnival and packed annual calendar of year-round festivals. Itโs also proud of its diversity, with African and European influences in evidence in its culture. donโt miss the seriously impressive colonialย Igreja de Sรฃo Francisco, shop for handcrafts in the Mercado Modelo Market and watch displays of capoeira (traditional martial arts dance) in the public squares.
Donโt miss Iguaรงu Falls
Probably the most famous waterfalls after Niagara, the mighty Iguaรงu Falls are an absolute must-experience! This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on the border with Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and is known locally as โbig waterโ. At a height of 269 feet (82 meters) Iguazรบ is noteworthy because of its sheer ferocity of its 275 awesome drops.
Soak up the colourful culture of Fortaleza
The northeastern city of Fortaleza is often compared to Rio, thanks to its lively nightlife and bustling commercial center. Take time to explore the colourful heritage within its architecture and culture. Donโt miss the exquisite Gothic-Roman Fortaleza Cathedral (which also happens to be the third largest church in the country) and stop by the impressive 17th century Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. And when the museums, galleries and markets take their toll, chill out on one of Fortalezaโs stunning beaches; try the Praia de Iracema and Praia do Meireles right next door which really come alive at night.
Hunt for gold in Ouro Preto
The old gold-mining town of Ouro Preto is bursting with colonial heritage, so much so that itโs a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of 19 within Brazil. The name itself means โblack goldโ which reflects the past glories of the 18th century where the area saw a fervent gold rush. The remaining legacy boasts ornate churches, inspiring bridges and pretty fountains.
Discover Oscar Niemeyer works in Belo Horizonte
The cosmopolitan metropolis of Belo Horizonte is notable for its contributions from the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who designed many of the concrete masterpieces at Brasiliaโs inception. Spot Niemeyerโs influence within the Pampulha Architectural Complex and the Praรงa da Liberdade square which is lined with sumptuous 19th century architecture.
Soak up the atmosphere on Brazilโs beaches
The glorious Brazilian coastline is punctuated with powder-white sandy beaches set against a stunning backdrop of azure blue Atlantic Ocean. Besides the functional activities of watersports, swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling, the main beachside activity is people watching. Brazil is best known for its skimpy swimsuits and bikinis and the endless parade of the beautiful people. Nowhere is this more evident than the world-famous beaches ofย Ipanema and Copacabana. But if you donโt fancy the competition, there are hundreds more superb beaches including the Taipus de Fora which sits within the 1,100km coastline of Bahia, the secluded Praia da Fazenda, which is between Sรฃo Paulo and Rio and the world-class Porto da Barra which is one of the best beaches on earth and is pictured above.
Admire the Portuguese influence in Paraty
The Portuguese settled in Paraty in 1667, attracted by the surrounding waterfalls, islands and emerald waters. Their rule has left an intriguing heritage set around the cobbled central streets, of ancient churches, fascinating monuments and the 18th century Forte Defensor Perpรฉtuo, which defended the hoards of gold from invaders. If youโre craving a spot of scuba diving, take a short boat trip over to Ilha dos Meros, which has superb facilities.
Soak up the European influences of Porto Alegre
Southern Brazil is a land of pampas and valleys and its best known for its gaucho culture. Known as the book capital of Brazil, Porto Alegre boasts a strong European heritage, which is evident within its museums, parks and public buildings. Donโt miss the 17 meter high Monumento aos Aรงorianos which commemorates the first settlers which came from the Azores. Catch the contemporary art on display at the Fundaรงรฃo Iberรช Camargo and wander the Parque Farroupilha which hosts the local antiques fair each Sunday.
Experience Recife, aka The Brazilian Venice
The major city of Recife is best known for its myriad of waterways between its many islands, which earnt its moniker, the Veneza Brasileira, aka Brazilian Venice. Recife was originally settled by Dutch colonizers in 1637 and is rich in art, history and folklore. Recife actually means โreefโ in Portuguese. Highlights include wandering the beautiful streets, admiring the many beautiful old churches and spotting the traditional Dutch-origin buildings. Donโt miss the exquisite 17th century Santo Antonio do Convento de Sao Francisco church, the pretty Santa Isabel theatre which dates back to 1850 and the fascinating Museu do Acucar which tells the tale of local sugar production.
See the old-school cowboys of Cuiabรก
The small and laidback town of Cuiabรก lies in the very heart of the Brazilian cattle country. As well as picking up supplies of cowboy clothing and equipment, Cuiaba is a pleasant town to while away a few days. Browse the natural history museum housed within the baroque Palรกcio de Instruรงรฃo and wander the Municipal Aquarium. Cuiabรก is also the perfect gateway into The Pantanal (see next).
Explore the rich birdlife of the Pantanal Wetlands for yourself
The ultimate eco experience within Brazil can be had at the awesome Pantanal wetlands, which lie in the central west region and are more than ten times the size of the Everglades in the US. In fact the Pantanal is the largest freshwater wetland in the world and home to an extremely active habitat. The Pantanal has a huge advantage over the Amazon โ the wildlife is more visible. Here you can spot marsh deer, jaguars, anacondas, caimans and giant otters. Keen birdwatchers can catch glimpses of hawks, kites, ibis, egrets and herons. In fact there are over 700 bird species here including many feathery migrants from North American. There are around 100 different mammal species, 260 fish species and around 80 different reptile species within the Pantanal. This is the ultimate destination for eco wildlife enthusiasts and one of the best things to do in Brazil.
Discover Brazilโs awesome biodiversity from Manaus
The majestic city of Manaus lies on the Rio Negro, in the very heart of the Amazonas (see listing above). Itโs here that the Negro and Solimรตes Rivers converge to create the mighty Amazonas River. Manaus is a great base to explore the rainforest as well as being a gateway to Anavilhanas: the 400 island complex which boasts a diverse ecosystem and incredible biodiversity. Itโs also a great base to explore the Jaรบ National Park, the biggest forest reserve in South America, which covers some 5.6 million acres. Spot dolphins, jaguars and Amazonian manatees here.
Wander Natalโs historic city center
The Atlantic coastal city of Natal, which mean Christmas in Portuguese, was settled in 1599. The historic center is a particular highlight, with its architecture spanning colonial, neoclassic, art-deco and modern. Indeed the modern elements are again the legacy of the incredible architect Oscar Niemeyer, who created the cityโs Parque da Cidade which is a tower structure, somewhat resembling an eye shape. Donโt miss the 1875 Memorial Cรขmara Cascudo which is in memory of the anthropologist Luis da Cรขmara Cascudo and admire the French style Teatro Alberto Maranhรฃo which as constructed in 1898.
Walk Curitibaโs cidade velha district
The other large city within the south of Brazil (in addition to Porto Alegre, see above) is Curitiba, which boasts a beautiful โcidade velhaโ, aka old city. Throw a penny into the Memory Fountain, admire the Moorish style Arab Memorial and climb the 95 meter tall Mercรชs Tower which has superb panoramic views over the city and Paranรก region; one of the ultimate things to do in Brazil!
Map Credit: Wikitravel