BRAZIL TRAVEL

Brazil

2014-02-12T02:31:00.000-08:00

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Brazil (pronounced /brezil/; Portuguese: Brasil [braziw]), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil), is the largest country in South America and the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French overseas department of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay. Numerous archipelagos form part of Brazilian territory, such as Fernando de Noronha, Rocas Atoll, Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, and Trindade and Martim Vaz.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822. Initially independent as the Brazilian Empire, the country has been a republic since 1889, although the bicameral legislature, now called Congress, dates back to 1824, when the first constitution was ratified. Its current Constitution defines Brazil as a Federal Republic. The Federation is formed by the union of the Federal District, the 26 States, and the 5,564 Municipalities.

The Brazilian economy is the world's eighth largest economy by nominal GDP and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity. Brazil is one of the world's fastest growing major economies. Economic reforms have given the country new international recognition. Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, the G20, Mercosul and the Union of South American Nations, and is one of the BRIC Countries. Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.

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TRAVEL TO BRAZIL, GO FOR THE THRILL

by Frank Johnson

Brazil is the largest and most dynamic South American country, bordering all but two of the continent's other nations. In Brazil, wild Amazon adventures can be coupled with stimulating city sights and leisurely beach escapades. Brazil's Portuguese colonization along with its participation in the Atlantic triangle slave trade with Africa produced a fusion of cultures that is celebrated today in the form of fantastic food, unmatched festivals, eclectic music beats and a diverse national identity that is finally being embraced.

When Portuguese settlers arrived in 1531, the native population that existed was relatively small and decentralized compared with other indigenous empires on the continent. They were quickly enslaved on sugar plantations but soon replaced by Africans. Today, their small surviving populations live mainly hidden in the interior of Brazil's thick jungles; however, their influence in art and abundance of intricate handmade crafts are unavoidable, especially inland. The history of Brazil's entangled interior is also touched by African slaves who escaped the coastal plantations and built secret settlements. Quilombo dos Palmares was the most impressive of these settlements; with a peak population of 30,000 inhabitants and over 200 buildings, the town functioned independently for nearly a century until a bloody battle with the Portuguese erupted in 1694.

Eco-Sensations

Brazil's expansive terrain is endless with natural wonders. Nearly forty percent of the world's remaining tropical rainforests is part of Brazil's Amazon and Atlantic forests, which are home to over 2.5 million species of insect and one-fifth of the world's bird species! The notorious carnivorous piranha lingers in numerous quantities in the Amazon River's waters, along with the fascinating Boto, the largest species of river dolphin. The mysterious Anaconda snake also lurks in the river's basin; but have no fear, they are generally harmless to humans. At the Argentinean border, Iguaçu Falls embodies the extent of Brazil's beauty with over 275 different waterfalls merging together into one harmonious rush of thunder with a vast number of scenic trails winding around the cascading cliffs and lush estuaries. Another aquatic phenomenon occurs 10 kilometers upstream from the city of Manaus where the dark waters of the Negro River join the yellowish Solimoes River without blending for a few kilometers. This dual colored waterway is the beginning of the Amazon River.

Carnival, and That's Not All

Though some claim that the festival of Carnival is the best time to visit Brazil's liveliest city, Rio de Janeiro, this pulsing metropolis is booming with life all year long. The dense population provides unrelenting entertainment while the beautiful beaches tend to be the ultimate draw. The urban centers of Sao Paulo and Brasilia, the official capital, are also teeming with nightlife, activities and history. Remember when you travel to Brazil that the southern urban regions experience a (very) mild winter during the months of June to August and the peak of summer is in January. The northern tropical regions are steadily warm year-round.

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BRAZIL´S FAMOUS PLACES
by Kashmira Lad

Beautiful sun-kissed beaches and a colorful, lively atmosphere; Brazil is a country that has all this and much more in store for you. The culture of Brazil is very diverse with many influences. This fifth largest country in the world has some of the most famous attractions for tourists from all over. In Brazil, there is something for everyone! Here is a look at some famous places in Brazil.

Brazil’s Famous Places: Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro is amongst the most famous places in Brazil. A tourist has loads of things to look forward to in Rio de Janeiro. From the natural beautiful surroundings to the glorious music and celebrations, one can discover a whole lot of things. Out here, you can find the two largest forests of the world. One can also revel in the carnival celebrations, which includes parades and loads of music and dance. Copacabana, which lies in the Southern zone of Rio de Janeiro is most famous for its beach. This place is the hot spot especially during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

São Paulo: São Paulo is located in South Eastern area of Brazil and is also known as the richest city. This is also the most populated place. The São Paulo fashion week is one of the most celebrated weeks, which marks Brazil’s first entry into the world of international fashion. Apart from this there are many events that draw in huge crowds from various fields.

Santa Catarina: This state that lies in the Southern region of Brazil particularly attracts crowds for its beautiful beaches. Florianópolis is the city that probably remains to be the biggest attraction. One can find more than 500 gorgeous beaches out here. Besides, at Santa Catarina, there are plenty of events and themes being planned regularly throughout the year as a means of tourist attractions. Santa Catarina has varied climates to offer and this itself proves to be one of the reasons why people flock out here in large numbers.

Fortaleza: Fortaleza is located in the Northeastern area of Brazil. Fortaleza remains to be a popular tourist destination that enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. The warm waters in particular are one of Fortaleza’s major attractions. Every beach over here has its own uniqueness. For example, Iracema is where people meet together to party till the next morning where as Praia do Futuro is one that is most recommended for surfing!

Salvador, Bahia: Salvador is located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The prime attractions of the city of Salvador are the sumptuous cuisine, the beautiful music and the grand architecture. This city also has the longest of coastlines amongst all cities in Brazil. The beautiful beaches are an ideal hotspot for people who want to explore the underwater life or even surf the large waves. Apart from the beaches, Salvador also has some of the best shopping malls for the shopaholics!

Armação dos Búzios: This place remains to be one of the major meeting points for all the rich and famous people. The famous statue of Brigitte Bardot stands testimony to this fact. This peninsula is also known as Búzios. This area is actually a very sophisticated beach resort that has some of the finest facilities. From extravagant luxurious things to delectable cuisine, one can enjoy a very rocking nightlife out here.

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Major Cities of Brazil

By Manali Oak

Brazil, the fifth-largest country, occupying almost half of South America is also the fifth most populous country in the world. The Atlantic ocean on the east of Brazil has given it a 7,491 km-long coastline. Originally, a colony of Portugal and an empire since 1822, Brazil established itself as a republic in 1889. Currently defined as a Federal Republic, Brazil consists of 26 states and 5,564 municipalities. Most of the state capitals are the largest cities in their respective states. Brazil is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with nearly 8 out of every 10 Brazilians inhabiting cities. Here is a tour to some of the major cities of Brazil. Come along!

Major Cities of Brazil

Brasilia: Located in the central-west region of Brazil, Brasilia is the country's capital, since 1960. The architecture and town planning of this city has influenced many urban areas that developed in the 20th century. Interestingly, when seen from above, the shape of the planned part of this city resembles that of a butterfly. Brasilia is home for about 2,557,000 people. Many of the Brazilian companies are headquartered in Brasilia. This major city of Brazil finds a place in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

Rio de Janeiro: Literally meaning, 'River of January', Rio de Janeiro is the second-largest city of Brazil and South America. The city is the capital of Rio de Janeiro state. It was the national capital for two centuries and an independent nation for over 130 years. Rio houses Christ the Redeemer, a giant statue of Jesus, which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Marcana stadium, the largest football stadium in the world and Sambodromo, a gigantic parade stand are some of the other important landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. The year-round carnivals and hotel-lined beaches are some of the tourist attractions of Rio. Ironically, it is also among the most violent cities in the world.

Manaus: Founded in 1669, as the Fort of Sao Jose do Rio Negro, Manaus developed into a town in 1832 and was named 'Manaus', meaning 'Mother of the gods' in honor of the nation of Manaus. Since 1848, Manaus has been formally recognized as a city. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Northern Brazil with a population of 1.71 million. Today, Manaus is the most influential city of Brazil.

Salvador: Salvador is the capital of Bahia state located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Due to the happy-go-lucky nature of the inhabitants of Salvador and their active participation in celebrations and carnivals, Salvador is often referred to as the Brazil's capital of happiness. It is the third most populous city in Brazil, and its metropolitan area is considered as the wealthiest in the north-eastern region of the country. A major portion of Salvador's population has a Black African ancestry. Perhaps, this is the reason behind the influence of Africans on many aspects of Salvador's culture. Apart from being an important city in Brazil, Salvador is also the oldest city in Brazil.

Recife: It is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Brazil. It is located at the confluence of Rivers Beberibe and Capibaribe and is a major port in the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the presence of many rivers and bridges, the city has been nicknamed 'Brazilian Venice'. Recife is the second largest medical center of Brazil, a well-known educational center and an upcoming tourist attraction. The growth of electronics, foods and other industries in Recife, has made it the most important commercial center of Brazil.

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Top Tourist Attractions in São Paulo

2013-09-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Being the largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo has a lot to offer in terms of tourist fodder. See below a list of attractions you have to visit on your trip there.

Ibirapuera Park
If you feel that this giant city makes you feel a little claustrophobic once in a while, this park will offer you some much needed breathing space in the form of an inner city oasis. The park is situated in the south central region fairly near to downtown. It is nearly 2km square in size which ranks it among the largest urban parks in Latin America. The landscape of the park was designed by Roberto Burle Marx whilst the majority of the buildings found within the park were designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Both of these men are renowned for their design work. Below is a list of features found in the park:

Grand Marquise: the Modern Art Museum

Cicillio Matarazzo Pavilion: home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the University of Sao Paulo. It is also the location for the Sao Paulo Art Biennial and Sao Paulo Fashion Week.

Manoel da Nobrega Pavilion: served as city hall until 1992

"Oca" - hut (due to its shape): the location for the air force and folklore museums

Planetarium and Astrophysics School: the building itself is shaped like a flying saucer and was the first planetarium to be built in the Southern hemisphere.

Ibirapuera Gymnasium

Ibirapuera Auditorium

Obelisk of Sao Paulo: symbol of the constitutional revolution

Sao Paulo Museum of Art
The museum is located on Paulista Avenue and its headquarters is well known for its architectural allure. It consists of hundreds of glass panels held up by two 74 meter lateral beams. It has become known as a symbol of modern Brazilian architecture. The museum itself was the first in Brazil to be interested in post-World War II art and is considered to have the best collection of European art in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has one of the largest art libraries in Brazil.

Sao Paulo Cathedral
Brazil boasts numerous breathtakingly adorned cathedrals and the sheer immensity of this one makes it one of the most renowned in the world. This is because it has been ranked among the largest Neo-Gothic cathedrals internationally. It is certainly the largest church in the city. Being built in the Neo-Gothic style during 1967 it shows off intricate design detail and marble work.

Patio do Colegio
This is one of the city's most important historical sites. It dates way back to the 16th Century. The Jesuit school and church hosts a museum documenting Jesuit action in Brazil as well as an exhibition of colonial artwork.

Villa Madalena and Pinheiros
This neighborhood is a swankier area to hang out in and offers top quality shops, museums and restaurants to stroll amongst. It is a wealthy area and boasts magnificent homes. Expect to pay more for your night out than you would in other parts of the city.

Sao Paulo Festivals
Apart from Carnival, which the whole of Brazil embraces, Brazil's largest city has a strong festival culture and includes the following events on its annual calendar:

São Paulo Fashion Week - March and October

São Paulo International Film Festival - October

São Paulo Art Biennial - September through December

These are just a few of the many attractions of Sao Paulo that should be on your list of things to do when planning your trip to Brazil's megacity.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for the latest passport information and requirements for obtaining a visa to Brazil.

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São Paulo Tour

2013-05-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

São Paulo (Saint Paul, in English, in honor of St. Paul of Tarsus) is the largest economy among Brazilian and Latin American cities. It has strong influence in commerce, finance, arts and entertainment and projects a significant cultural, economic and political influence both nationally and internationally. Home to several important monuments, parks, museums and skyscrapers, it is considered an alpha world city according to the Global City economic system. Between this year and 2025, São Paulo City is epected to have reached the second largest economic growth after New York City and Tokyo.

Come to São Paulo and feel the warm hospitality of the paulistanos (people from city of São Paulo). For now, let´s take a virtual tour.

source by pnchiavira via Beri Gama

Big Events Ahead in Brazil

2013-05-06T06:43:00.004-07:00

Brazil is hosting big international events. In July this year, thousands of youth from various Catholic countries around the world are flocking to join millions of their Brazilian counterparts during the World Youth Day. Next year, it´s another awaited moment for Brazilians and football-loving countries - the World Cup. In 2016, much bigger delegations of international athletes are coming for the Olympics. Welcome to Brazil!

video source: Brazil-National Geographic Traveler Blad771

Carnival in Brazil

2013-02-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

The carnival has taken its roots from the ancient Greek spring festival of honoring Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans adopted the festival, which later, the Roman Catholic Church changed to suit its own religious needs. The Brazilian Carnival is an annual festival, celebrated four days, preceding the Ash Wednesday. It has a religious flavor, as it marks the beginning of the fasting days of 'Lent'. Carnival literally means to remove meat, one of the important observance to be followed during Lent, while practicing repentance, to honor the death and resurrection of Christ. The Carnival is celebrated on different scales all over Brazil. A lot of time and effort is involved in its preparation. Each place has its own distinct style. Among the many interesting aspects of the Carnival, King Momos deserves a mention. He is considered as the 'King of Carnivals' and signifies the beginning of the festivity.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Rio de Janeiro, the cultural capital of Brazil, has parades since the 1930s. Presently, it holds the parade in a large permanent structure called 'Sambadrome'. The Carnival parade is full of participants from various samba schools. The parade serves as means to compete with other schools, resulting in a visual treat. The group or blocos as they are known, parade through the city telling short stories through their music, dances and costumes. The winners are announced at the closing of the carnival.
The Carnival is held at 'Pátio de São' Pedro Square in Recife, Brazil. It's unique in many aspects. They do not have any competitions, instead perform side by side. The Galo da Madrugada is the biggest carnival parade in the world. Their dance style is acrobatically influenced with frequent arm and leg movements. The main rhythms used are the frevo and maracatu.The Carnival is influenced by Rio de Janeiro and Bahia style. It fuses the themes and adds to it, its own unique music of drums and bands. The important carnival parades in Minas Gerais are mainly held in the historic cities of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Diamantina. The costumes and mask are of extreme importance, as they depict their own story. Their creation requires a high level of understanding of the roles they are meant to play. Like music, even the costumes are influenced by the African heritage. Fabrics of different textures, mostly adorned with feathers and sequins, are used. While designing such elaborate costumes, the freedom of movement to the dancers is an essential aspect. Carnival make-up, creates an enchanting persona. No carnival is complete without the Brazilian national dish, Feijoda, a pork and bean stew. Streets are full of food, cooked either in houses or restaurants. The cuisines differ from place to place with each adding its unique flavor to its carnivals. Dancers often eat light meals, but enjoy the full course after the parade is over. Drinks are equally important, to beat the heat. Brazilian soda 'Guaraná' and beer are the preferred choices.

Modern Brazilian Carnival originated in Rio de Janeiro in 1641 when the city's bourgeoisie imported the practice of holding balls and masquerade parties from Paris. It originally mimicked the European form of the festival, later absorbing and creolizing elements derived from Native American and African cultures.

In the late 19th century, the cordões (literally laces or strings in Portuguese) were introduced in Rio de Janeiro. These were pageant groups that paraded through city avenues performing on instruments and dancing. Today they are known as Blocos (blocks), consisting of a group of people who dress in costumes or special t-shirts with themes and/or logos. Blocos are generally associated with particular neighborhoods; they include both a percussion or music group and an entourage of revellers.

Block parades have become an expressive feature of Rio's Carnival. Today, they number more than 100 and the groups increase each year. Blocos can be formed by small or large groups of revelers with a distinct title with an often funny pun. They may also note their neighborhood or social status. Before the show, they gather in a square, then parade in sections of the city, often near the beach. Some blocos never leave one street and have a particular place, such as a bar, to attract viewers. Bloc parades start in January, and may last until the Sunday after Carnival.

Mestre Sala e Porta-Bandeira,
a double executing typical performance and opening a samba school exhibition.

Blocos parade in nearly every neighborhood, but the most famous ones parade in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, and in downtown Rio. Organizers often compose their own music themes that are added to the performance and singing of classic "marchinhas" and samba popular songs. "Cordão do bola preta" ("Polka Dot Bloco"), that goes through the heart of Rio's historical center, and "Suvaco do Cristo" (Christ's statue armpit, referring to the angle of the statue seen from the neighborhood), near the Botanical Garden, are some of the most famous groups. Monobloco has become so famous that it plays all year round at parties and small concerts.

Samba schools are very large groups of performers, financed by respected organizations (as well as illegal gambling groups), who work year round in preparation for Carnival. Samba Schools perform in the Sambadrome, which runs four entire nights. They are part of an official competition, divided into seven divisions, in which a single school is declared the winner, according to costume, flow, theme, and band music quality and performance. Some samba schools also hold street parties in their neighborhoods, through which they parade along with their followers.

Carnaval time in Rio is a very interesting, but is also the most expensive time to visit Rio. Hotel rooms and other lodgings can be up to 4 times more expensive than the regular rates. There are big crowds at some locations and life is far from ordinary in many parts of town.

São Paulo style

Carnival parade in São Paulo, Mancha Verde Samba School

The carnival in São Paulo happens in the Sambodromo de Anhembi and also has some organized "soccer schools." This is the main difference between São Paulo carnival and Rio. The Carnival parades in São Paulo happen on Friday and Saturday night, as opposed to Rio's Carnival, which is held on Sunday and Monday night.

Bahia style

There are several major differences between Carnival in the state of Bahia in Northeastern Brazil and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The musical styles are different at each carnival; in Bahia there are many rhythms, including samba, samba-reggae, axé etc., while in Rio there is the multitude of samba styles: the "samba-enredo", the "samba de bloco", the "samba de embalo", the "funk-samba", as well as the famous "marchinhas" played by the "bandas" in the streets.

Carnival circuit of the city of Salvador.

In the 1880s, the black population commemorated the days of Carnival in its own way, highly marked by Yoruba characteristics, dancing in the streets playing instruments. This form was thought of as "primitive" by the upper-class white elite, and the groups were banned from participating in the official Bahia Carnival, dominated by the local conservative elite. The groups defied the ban and continued to do their dances.

By the 1970s, four main types of carnival groups developed in Bahia: Afoxês, Trios Elétricos, "Amerindian" groups, and Blocos Afros. Afoxês use the rhythms of the African inspired religion, Candomblé. They also worship the gods of Candomblé, called orixás. An Electric Trio is characterized by a truck equipped with giant speakers and a platform where musicians play songs of local genres such as axé. People follow the trucks singing and dancing. The "Amerindian" groups were inspired by Western movies from the United States. The groups dress up as native Americans and take on native American names. Blocos Afros, or Afro groups, were influenced by the Black Pride Movement in the United States, independence movements in Africa, and reggae music that denounced racism and oppression. The groups inspired a renewed pride in African heritage.

Pernambuco style

Street Carnival in Recife

The North East state of Pernambuco has unique Carnivals in its present capital Recife and in its colonial capital Olinda. Their main rhythm's are the frevo and the maracatu. Galo da Madrugada is the biggest carnival parade in the world, considering the number of participants, according The Guinnes Book of World Records. It means "dawn's rooster" and parades, as the name suggests, in the morning only. Frevo is Pernambucan-style dance with African and acrobatic influences, as it is fast and electrifying, often using an open umbrella and frequent legs and arms movements.

Unlike Salvador and Rio, the festivities in Recife, Olinda and Itamaraca do not include group competitions. Instead, groups dance and play instruments side by side. Troças and maracatus, mostly of African influence, begin one week before Carnival and end a week later. Some well-known groups have funny names, such as: Tell me you love me, damn eggymann (with a famous giant dancing doll that leads the group), Crazy Lover, Olinda's Underpants, and The Door. Held 40 days before lint

Minas Gerais style

Carnival parade of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais.

Minas also holds some important carnival parades, mainly in the historic cities of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Diamantina. They are held mostly by students' houses, which attract a majority of young people from the neighbor states. There are also other major parades in the region, such as the one in Pompéu.

Carnival in Minas Gerais is often characterized by blocos carnavalescos with varying themes and fantasy styles, almost always accompanied by a brass and drums band. However, Minas Gerais carnival was first influenced by the Rio de Janeiro Carnival (several cities have their own samba schools). Later some Axé groups from Bahia came to play in the state every carnival season.

The Carnival of the city of Ouro Preto is very popular by college students in the area. The city has a large proportion of students, who during the year live in places called Repúblicas (a rented house maintained and ruled by themselves). During carnival, the Repúblicas are literally packed with residents and many visitors coming from all over the country. The hills prevent traffic of heavy sound trucks, but don't stop people from feasting all night and day.

However, some view the Ouro Preto carnival festivities as a threat to the old and historical harmony of the region. According to one such person: the recent emergencet of industry from the surrounding localities, population growth and a spike in street traffic have jeopardize Carnival as older citizens remember it. One cause for alarm is the street carnival of Ouro Preto, which attracts thrill-seeking students from across Brazil. The students crowd the streets while playing loud and arguably disruptive music.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Carnival

Brazil Travel: Experience Brazilian Culture on Your Brazil Vacation

2012-12-08T05:01:00.002-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blogsemdestino/5321765891/sizes/l/in/photostream/

By Tim Anson

If you are traveling to the beautiful country of Brazil during your South America travel you are in for a treat. Brazil is a country with a wide variety of spectacular cultural activities and indulgences that should be experienced during your Brazil vacation. Whether you are traveling to the beaches of Buzios or staying the lively city of Rio de Janeiro be sure to indulge in the immense culture of Brazil. With amazing cuisine, creative handicrafts, and a wide variety of festivals enjoying the culture and people will be easy on your Peru vacation.
Indulge in the Arts:
Brazil has a rich culture, much of which can be seen in the painting, architecture, pottery and literature that comes from the country. You will see that most of the pottery produced in Brazil is intertwined with the country's culture, depicting the by the flora and fauna of the Amazon, the many religious figures, or simply the scenes from everyday Brazilian life.
Brazilian literature is famous; the country produces half of the literature in Latin America. Most of the literature is influenced by the country's historical periods, from early folklore to modern and contemporary depictions of today's world.
Experience the Cuisine:
Throughout the country you will find a diverse array of peoples, customs, and lifestyles as the different regions of the country have their own distinct subculture. This can be seen in the delicious Brazilian cuisine as well. Though all of Brazil is known for its spectacular meat dishes if you travel from north to south or east to west you will find a wide variety in the types of meats that are served. Travel north where turtle and alligator meat are served or head to the south where you can indulge in the gaucho-inspired flame-grilled meats. No matter where you are traveling on your Brazil vacation, come hungry so you can feast on the excellent Brazilian cuisine.
Celebrate at a Brazilian festival:
Festivals and celebrations can be found throughout the year in Brazil meaning during your Brazil vacation you are likely to be able to experience one of these fun-filled cultural activities. If you happen to be in Brazil for New Year's Eve, spend your night with the other two million people who flock to Rio de Janeiro for one of the most exciting celebrations in the world. Though the New Year's celebrations are popular the country is known for a different celebration, during the month of February the Country and especially Rio de Janeiro become the epicenter for Carnival celebrations. These crazy festivities start before Ash Wednesday and end the following Tuesday, giving you plenty of time to indulge in the cultural activities that will be found all over the city. Brazil has celebrations and festivals monthly, so check out what will be going on during the time of your Brazil vacation.

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Get the most out of your Brazil travel by indulging in the many cultural activities found throughout the country.

This article about experiencing culture on your Brazil vacation was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less, specialist in great value Brazil vacation packages who can help you organize a fully customized Brazil vacation.

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Know the Santos City, Sao Paulo, Brazil

2012-11-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

By Luciana Lopes

The city of Santos, located in the coastal region of São Paulo, is in constant development. With six beaches distributed 8km of coastline, welcomes visitors throughout the year. In the port area, the city is the 18th richest in the country and has stood as the city's pre-salt.
Santos combines infrastructure and welfare, making it an excellent environment to live. With trade gaining more space, the city houses homes, upscale developments such as the new Way Orquidário Santos and others.
Come and see this beautiful city with his family and indulge in the most beautiful landscapes of the coast.
So Santos is located on an island, where the warmth, security and diversity of scenarios are allied to a rich cultural, historical and ecological, transforming the city into a unique destination that enchants and love.
And all this just 70 km from São Paulo, the largest Brazilian metropolis, close to major domestic and international airports, and easily accessible by modern highways.
Only sport typically Brazilian, tamboréu Santos was born on the beaches in the 1930s. Practically, only plays tamboréu in Santos, and when you see someone practicing the sport in another location, you can count that was taught by a Santos.
Santos was declared a free territory in 1886, two years before the signing of the Golden Law in 1888 by Princess Elizabeth.
The Quilombo district, on the mainland, refers to an old camp of runaway slaves, destroyed by Imperial Guard between 1830 and 1840, according to the minutes of the Board of Santos. The neighborhood has highlighted how the Quilombo Valley, an area of the Atlantic tumbled by Condephaat, where 36 families live, according to records from City Hall in September 2010. The entrance to the neighborhood is at kilometer 67 of the highway Canon Domenico Rangoni, 27 kilometers from the center of Santos.
On the streets XV November and Commerce, the Historic Center of Santos, is very common to find coffee beans scattered on the floor. This is because the product always falls cans of classifiers that circulate between offices coffee, installed along these routes.
The image of St. Catherine of Alexandria, existing in the first chapel that existed in Santos, was thrown overboard in 1591, during an attack by English pirates. Seventy-two years later, the saint was found by slaves on a network, on a fishing trip. The image, terracotta, can be seen in the Museum of Sacred Art Santos.
Beautiful and sporty, Santos is still a major cruise routes and excels in business tourism, with the most comprehensive complex event in Brazil.
Fall in love too. Santos is even a gift!

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Brazil Travel - The Magnificence of Iguazu Falls

2012-09-17T04:34:00.004-07:00

By Matthew Barker

Iguazu Falls is surreal and a worthwhile destination for your Brazil travel. Declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, the waterfalls are a magnificent sight and upon arriving it is clear why it's a must-see attraction during your Brazil vacations. The falls expand a breadth four times longer than Niagara Falls, which it is often compared too, though some of the cataracts are higher. The name of the falls, Iguazu, is derived from the Guarani expression, "great waterfall." The falls stretch for 1.68 miles (2.7 kilometers) with 275 waterfalls in all.

The location for these spectacular falls is in the middle of a dense lush jungle within bi-national Iguazu National Park. The thundering waters create a mist which envelopes all visitors making for out-worldly experience combined with the splendor of colorful rainbows appearing in the spray. Travelers can get very close to the falls from the Argentina side of the park; however the best panoramic views are seen from Brazil.
There are a number of activities one can do while in the Iguazu National Park. On the Brazilian side people can enjoy the best panoramic views the falls have to offer. The best spot to see the falls is from the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) where one can truly appreciate the magnificence of the falls amidst the billowing mist and rainbows. It's truly a magic experience.
For nature lovers there is Parque das Aves, which translates to Bird Park, located at the entrance. The park encompasses 12 acres where one can see and photograph exotic birds and butterflies. Macaws, flamingos, toucans and parrots are among the tropical birds one will see upon entering the park. The animals are in spacious cages enough to give them allow them to fly as if they were in their natural environment. Some enclosures are large enough to allow visitors to enter and really get close to the birds. The bird area is a perfect complement to this already beautiful park.
Travelers can get to the falls from two towns, Puerto Iguazu from Argentina or Foz do Iguaçu from Brazil. The best time to visit Iguazu is usually March, August, and September during the low travel season. The months are also dry and the prices to enter are lower. Though, anytime of the year is good for Iguazu with December being the one exception where you may get rained.
Should one find themselves in Brazil they should definitely make time to visit one of the world's most beautiful natural sites. Many years ago Eleanor Roosevelt came to Iguazu Falls. After seeing it she exclaimed, "Poor Niagara!" The grandeur of the waterfalls is awe-inspiring.

This article about Iguazu Falls was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less, a specialist in Brazil travel who can help you organize a fully customizable trip for your Brazil vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Barker

Everything You Need To Know About Carnival 2012 in Rio De Janeiro

2012-02-17T04:45:00.006-08:00

Rio de Janeiro is a rocking tourist hot spot in Brazil. It is known for its different tourist attractions and allures which all bring a huge number of travelers each year. Some call it one of the most amazing cities on the planet. Rio de Janeiro is a city situated in Southeastern Brazil. It is a sophisticated, multicultural city with a population over six million people. It is Brazil's second largest city and metropolitan area with 6.2 and 11.8 million people respectively. It's a breathtaking place that promises the experience of a real tropical paradise. But travelers should be cautious of a few things.

The city is certainly becoming a substantial and booming economic metropolis yet it isn't free from the issues involving poverty. The largest societal divide between the lower and upper class is found in the favelas throughout the city. The low income rate is high in Rio de Janeiro which fosters police corruption and allows for many potential pick pockets. Just like with many other unique and exotic travel locations, you shouldn't feel the need to bring attention to yourself and act like a high roller. Being cautious and keeping your wits about you might save you from a thieved pocket book. So be practical and keep your cash under wraps.

With that in mind, relax and enjoy the weather! Rio has a tropical local climate which is characterized by hot humid summers and moderate dry winters. For a week in late February, Rio de Janeiro becomes full of cheer opening its arms to welcome travelers which will be captivated and full of delight all through Carnival. Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil - Sao Paulo, Florianopolis, Recife, Manaus, etc., but the two most popular carnivals occur in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Bahia. Carnival was introduced from Europe by the Portuguese, over 500 years ago, as a pre-Lenten feast and celebration. In the 1800s, the Rio de Janeiro nobility attended masked balls and carried out parades. Carnival performance participants delve into their roles with the aid of colorful and intricate costumes. The commoners partied in the streets in a much more raucous style. Right after slavery was abolished, the African musical tempos permeated the celebration, gradually evolving into the Samba street parties of the mid-1900s. Carnival has numerous parades; however the most elaborate are created specifically to highlight plot-driven, themed samba school routines.

Rio's Carnival has grown to be world-famous through the Samba Parade, a show, a display and competition of the Rio samba schools. The two significant days are Carnival Sunday and Monday. Try not to miss it. In the event you really can't afford it, at least go on some other day, which can be significantly less expensive although less grand. Carnival time in Rio is very exciting, but is additionally the most expensive period to visit Rio. Hotel rooms and additional accommodations can be up to 4 times more expensive than the regular rates. There are large crowds at some locations and life is far from ordinary in several parts of town.

So if you are traveling to Rio, Carnival is well worth the time and money to visit. Just remember to be a smart traveler and keep your eyes, ears, wallet and wits about you. Speak with locals about where to go and where to avoid. English is spoken but not everywhere, so gain as much information as possible from those who you come across that do. Lastly the beachside cafés are a great place to grab a quick bite and you can quench your thirst with a fresh coconut for about $1.50 US. So enjoy the sun dance and drink up the local atmosphere you won't regret it!

Maksym Reznichenko is the owner of Rio VIP, a company specializing in luxury vacation travel in Rio de Janeiro. For more information on Rio de Janeiro, visit http://riovipservice.com/service/, the official website of Rio VIP

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Brazil Vacation: An Introduction to the Atlantic Forest

2011-11-16T04:55:00.000-08:00

By Henry Arnault

Everyone has heard about the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical jungle in the world, and which mostly occupies the country of Brazil throughout the South American continent. But what about adding a visit to the Atlantic Forest to your Brazil travel packages?

It's not surprising that in a country of Brazil's size that there are multiple major forests to speak of. The Atlantic Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the northeast and extends southward along the Atlantic Ocean coast into northeastern Argentina and even southwestern Paraguay. Like the Amazon, it is humid and wet, but in the Atlantic Forest, the average temperature is considerably lower, a feature that helps to contribute to its extensive wildlife diversity. As well, this forest is unique in that it spreads over a large range of elevations, resulting in a number of smaller microclimate forests along the way. In fact, it is actually a conglomeration of multiple types of forest: low regions focused on sand dunes, coastal bits with many evergreens, inland deciduous portions where the leaves fall when the weather gets colder, shrubby savannas at high altitudes, and more. The area it covered was once much larger, but unfortunately, due to deforestation such as illegal logging, land conversion for agricultural and pastoral activities, and the expansion of urban human centers, an estimated more than 80-95% of the original forest has been cleared to the current existence today. All of this destruction makes it the second most threatened biome in the world after Madagascar off the western coast of Africa.

Still, it is a fantastic place to visit to learn more and get intimate with nature. It is easily accessible from cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. As well, it is home to over 2,200 species of animals, and more than 20,000 types of plants (including 458 tree species), of which many are especially endemic to the region. The canopies are rich with life, and contain biologically fascinating subculture of jungle nature. Many of the species are endangered, so one will find a number of conservation centers and projects who focus on protecting these creatures so they survive into the future.

And if the experience of all the exotic wildlife is not enough for you, consider visiting the more than 50 archaeological sites dispersed in the area. For other activities on the forest's lands, travelers may organize beach stays and swimming around the delicate coral reefs.

This article about the Atlantic Forest in Brazil was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Brazil tour packages for your fully customizable Brazil vacation.

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Salvador Brazil - 5 Best Things To Do When Visiting

2011-10-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

By Joel A Higginbotham

Salvador Brazil is the capital of the Northeastern state of Bahia. Many call it the capital of happiness of Brazil. That is because the locals are extremely mellow, and there are plenty of outside parties which has made Salvador de Bahia a really popular tourist spot. Whenever you visit, there are 5 things you need to make sure to see.

Elevador Lacerda. This is the biggest landmark in Salvador. It is in the same place as the first rope and pulley system the Jesuits set up more than 400 years ago. It's the quickest way to get up and down between the Upper City and Lower City. It takes around 20 seconds to go 70 meters. It's a fantastic way to get an excellent view of the city and harbor. More than 50,000 individuals take this elevator everyday.

Farol da Barra. This is the Barra Lighthouse. It stands on exactly the same place as the Forte de Santo Antonia da Barra. The fort was the first fort built by the Portuguese to protect Salvador from foreign attacks. There's also a museum that you can visit. The museum has artifacts discovered from shipwrecks in the bay, as well as other naval artifacts. It is also a great location to sit and watch the sunset.

Historical Town Tour. Take a walking tour around the historical district of Salvador Bahia. There are many sites to see which includes the Teatro and Bale de Castro Alves. Your guide is going to be familiar with the history and can tell you anything you would like to know.

Schooner Excursion to Islands in All Saint's Bay. You absolutely must visit Baia de Todos Santos. The bay is important to the town. You should consider taking a sailing trip on the schooner, and see how it used to be. Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica are in the bay, along with being the best location to swim, snorkel, go horseback riding, and chill out on the beach. This journey will take up the whole day, but it will be a highlight that you won't forget.

Mercado Modelo. This covered market was constructed in the 1860s. It was initially built to be a customized house. It was rebuilt in 1984 as a result of a fire. It's got 250 stalls. It is the place to go in Salvador Bahia for Brazilian arts, crafts and souvenirs. You also might be able to see some capoeira demonstrations, which is a martial artwork created in Brazil. It is done to music, and seems like dancing. The reason it looks like dancing is because training to fight was outlawed, and this was a way that men could prepare without being arrested.

If you get to stop in Salvador, you will definitely need to check out these 5 places. It is an amazing city with rich history and a great beach. It is hot but with the ocean close you'll be able to take a dip and cool off.

Joel Higginbotham currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and created his website www.BrazilCultureAndTravel.com to give everyone a taste of this amazing country. For more interesting Brazil facts click the following link to discover 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Iguacu Falls.

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The Brazil Economy - 5 Reasons Why It's Booming

2011-10-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

By Joel A Higginbotham

When most of the people think of Brazil they consider Carnival, they don't think of their economic system. That's why it is surprising to hear that the Brazil economy is the 7th largest on earth. That puts it above nations like Canada, and Italy. Not only is it certainly one of the largest economies in the world, it's also certainly one of the fastest growing.

To put Brazil in context with the rest from the globe, it's the 5th most populated nation. The US is 3rd. Sao Paulo, the biggest city in Brazil, is the 8th biggest city on earth, ahead of Shanghai and Delhi.

You will find a whole lot of things that go into making South America's most significant country certainly one of the world's greatest economies.

All-natural Sources. Large oilfields have recently been discovered off the coast of Brazil. That is bringing a great deal of large oil corporations into Brazil to exploit. That's creating numerous jobs for locals. Brazil is also among the greatest exporters of iron ore. Iron is actually a required ingredient of steel. Steel is in substantial demand for construction needs as well as 1000's of other uses. It's also the biggest agricultural exporter, ahead of the United States. To help their agriculture production to develop they have invested heavily in scientific farming techniques.

Foreign Investing. The Brazil economy is genuinely inviting towards foreign investment. Countries like China and Iran are commencing to invest in Brazil as a result of their foreign policies. Brazil does not involve themselves with domestic policies of other countries, so nations see Brazil as an excellent location to invest.

Infrastructure. All those individuals and all these sources have to have the ability to get around. Brazil includes a big infrastructure and the government is willing to invest in it. There are a several reasons that this helps improve the Brazil economy. One particular reason is that it gets individuals functioning. The unemployment rate in Brazil may be the lowest in South America. Enhancing infrastructure also shows that the government is growing and happy to invest in their country.

Internal Demand. As the Brazil economy continues to increase the people have a lot more income. As they continue to have a more income than they need for basic survival they desire to obtain a lot more things. That means that many Brazilians are buying their own residences and their initial automobiles. This also signifies that the nation includes a developing middle class. When individuals have additional dollars to invest on luxuries that assists to stimulate the economy. When demand goes up supply does as well, which will in turn create a lot more jobs.

Tourism. Tourists don't need to come to a nation that is unstable and with a poor economy. Although Brazil does nonetheless have some problems with crime, tourists don't run the risk of becoming kidnapped like in some other countries. Carnival has become a huge tourist draw. But ecotourism is turning out to be a big enterprise and has assisted develop the Brazil economic climate. Brazil has a good amount of areas to go and see the natural wonders, from scenic beaches to tropical rain forests. Ecotourism can also be helping to preserve Brazil's organic wonders.

All of these items go into generating the Brazil economy into one of the fastest on earth, that is quickly pushing Brazil into 1st world territory.

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Ten Reasons to Visit Brazil

2011-10-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

By B H Yao
When it comes to one of the most exotic places on Earth to visit, nothing can compare to just how awesome Brazil is. This is why millions of people go visit Brazil every year. It has a very rich tourism industry and caters to tourists from all over the world. Here are the top ten reasons to visit the country
1. Beaches - this is one of the primary attractions of Brazil. The wonderful beaches of Brazil attract a lot of tourists. You can pick from hundreds of excellent resorts that cater to your budget. Relaxing at a Brazilian beach is a unique experience that cannot be matched anywhere else.
2. Rich Ecosystems - if you love nature, Brazil's rich ecosystem is great to check out. Thousands of scientists from all over the world flock to Brazil to study the wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found in the country. Its rich biodiversity is a wonderful treasure of nature. It is definitely one of the best experiences to have in Brazil.
3. Historical Cities and Towns - if you love history, Brazil is also another great place to visit. Wherever you go in the country, you will be surrounded by history. There are many towns and cities that have parts that remain unchanged since the colonial times. You will definitely like it here.
4. Mardi Gras - when you think of Brazil, you will immediately think of Mardi Gras. This festival is the ultimate Brazilian tourist attraction. Everybody has a great time during these festivities. Locals and tourists included.
5. Brazilian Food - you have never visited Brazil unless you have tasted Brazilian food. It's got a rich variety of foods that will truly delight your taste buds.
6. Brazilian Martial Arts - many people go to Brazil to learn various Brazilian martial arts like Capoeira and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from authentic masters.
7. Brazilian Music - Bossa Nova has its roots in Brazil. There are also other musical genres to be discovered here.
8. Excellent Weather All Year Round - visit Brazil anytime of the year and you will enjoy excellent weather. This is why it is a truly great place to visit. If you want to get sun and sand anytime of the year, Brazil is the place to go. It does not matter if it's snowing or raining anywhere in the world. In Brazil, it is going to be sunny.
9. Rich Culture - Brazil's rich culture is going to delight all of your senses. Just check the place out.
10. Tourist Friendly - Brazil just loves tourists. If you visit Brazil you can be confident that you will be well taken cared of. The government and the tourism industry work hand in hand to make Brazil a great place to visit.

B H Yao invites new and seasoned travelers from the online community to read original articles on travel tips, vacations for couples and families, world travel at World Travel Guide. Come on by for more great updates on South America Travel.

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Sao Paulo, Brazil to Host the 2011 MISS UNIVERSE

2011-08-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

São Paulo is hosting the Miss Universe 2011 on September 12, 2011. Everything is now set for this long-awaited beauty pageant. Beauty contestants from all over the world fly to São Paulo and experience the grandeur, hospitality and well, glory, of being chosen the Miss Universe 2011.

Below is an excerpt of the news when São Paulo was chosen to host the event:

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Donald J. Trump, NBC Universal and Miss Universe Organization President, Paula M. Shugart, announced today the 60th Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Competition will air live from Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. The glamorous live event, featuring the most beautiful women in the universe, will air on NBC in the United States, with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.

“I am very pleased to announce our partnership with media conglomerate Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicacao and the selection of Sao Paulo as the host location for Miss Universe 2011,” said the pageant’s owner, Donald J. Trump. ”Brazil is rapidly becoming an economic powerhouse and is a great place to do business. This decade, Brazil is hosting three of the greatest and most-watched worldwide events: the World Cup, the Summer Olympic Games and now, to kick it all off, Miss Universe.”

“Grupo Bandeirantes is delighted that we have reached an agreement with the Miss Universe Organization to host the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil,” said the network’s president, Joao Carlos Saad. “We believe it is fitting for Brazil to set the stage for this glamorous event, and we look forward to showing the contestants, and the almost 200 countries around the world who watch the pageant every year, the exciting and vibrant culture of our beautiful country.”

Contestants from more than 80 countries around the world will travel to Brazil for almost a month of activities leading up to the live telecast. They will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview, as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2011. This is first time in its 60-year history the Miss Universe contest will be held in Brazil.

Mexicana, Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. During her reign, Navarrete has traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. The next Miss Universe will continue this work.

About MISS UNIVERSE®

The MISS UNIVERSE® pageant is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its international grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women’s health and reproductive issues by forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as Aid for AIDS, the Latino Commission on AIDS, God’s Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS, The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Gay Men’s Health Crisis and the Same Sky Trade Initiative.

For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com.

SÃO PAULO – SEPTEMBER 2011

São Paulo is South America’s biggest metropolis, buzzing with cultural and business energy. During the summer (December through March), the city is hot and humid. Luckily, those traveling to São Paulo in September for Miss Universe will experience milder temperatures (between mid-20s to mid-30s degrees Celsius).

São Paulo is an artistic centre, home to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II in the first half of the 20th century, Pinacoteca do Estado art museums and the São Paulo State Symphony. Soccer games are played year-round in major stadiums around the city.

Getting Around the City

São Paulo has a convenient public transportation system and many tourist destinations can be easily explored by walking. There are three metro lines: the North-South line, East-West line and the line that travels underneath the Avenida Paulista. Metro tickets cost R$2.30 (US$1.15) for a single ride.

City Layout

Centro, the old heart of the city is situated around Praça da Sé. The neo-Gothic Catedral da Sé was built in 1913. Rua Direita, São Paulo’s original main street, leads to a viaduct crossing over a busy freeway going towards the newer section of the old town. This area, centered on Praça República, contains government and office buildings. Teatro Municipal, a Parisian-style opera house, is near the city plaza, Parque Anhangabaú.

West of Centro is the upscale suburb Higienópolis, where the Museum of Brazilian Art is located. To the south of Centro are two working-class neighborhoods populated by immigrants, Liberdade and Bela Vista. The Avenida Paulista is home to the city’s banking and financial headquarters. Along the street is São Paulo’s Museum of Art. Southwest of Avenida Paulista are a series of upscale neighborhoods named gardens (Jardins), emphasizing their separation from the urban center. Where Rua Augusta intersects Alameda Lorena and Rua Oscar Freire is São Paulo’s upscale shopping haven.

In addition, Pinheiros is an area containing some of the most famous and popular night clubs in the city. Plenty of restaurants and cafes can be found in Vila Olímpia, and Ibirapuera Park is the perfect place for basking in the sun and taking in a great city view.

Cuisine

São Paulo is the gourmet capital of Brazil. There are approximately 62 different types of cuisines and more than 12,000 restaurants. There are also numerous bars, pubs, lounges and discos. Residents usually go out around 9 or 10pm. Local ingredients used in Brazilian cooking include cassava, yams, peanuts and tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya.

Typical dishes include caruru (okra, onion, dried shrimp and toasted peanuts cooked with palm oil), tutu de feijão (bean and cassava paste), moqueca capixaba (slow-cooked fish, tomato, onion and garlic topped with cilantro), salgadinhos (cheese buns), pork chops accompanied with pork rinds, sausage and fried bananas and rice and beans. The native liquor is cachaça.

The cuisine of São Paulo is influenced by European and Middle Eastern immigrants. Besides traditional Brazilian fare, there are also a number of top Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai restaurants.

São Paulo’s 17 million inhabitants help to make it an ethnically diverse and welcoming city – be ready to kiss the people you meet here on their cheeks when saying hello and goodbye!

References include Frommer’s, Fodors, NYTimes, Wikitravel, Wikipedia and AOL Travel

Adventure Tours of Brazil

2011-07-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

By Gary Tate

The huge country of Brazil covers half of South America and is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers from all around the world. The gorgeous coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres and includes tropical islands, cities and old towns that seem lost in another century. However, if it's adventure and exploration you desire, then Brazil's inland region boasts just the right mix of amazing geography, flora and fauna to amaze even the experienced adventure tourist. A trip to inland Brazil includes majestic waterfalls, such as the Iguazu Falls, deep canyons such as Itaimbezinho, sparkling rivers like The Tocantins and some of the planet's most incredible wildlife like the Jaguar and Piranha. Brazil's two main regions for adventure tours are the Amazon whose rainforest stretches for approximately five and a half million square kilometres and the Pantanal which is the world's largest wetland of any kind.

The Amazon gives you the opportunity to spot incredible birds such as the Hyacinth Macaw, Hummingbird, Amazon Parrot and the Harpy Eagle and fish such as the Piranha and the Thorny Catfish. You're likely to come across everything you never thought you'd see - from Toucans to Piranhas. Adventure tourists love to cruise down the Amazon River in comfort, as well as taking canoes for short excursions into the smaller creeks and tributaries to see the wildlife up close. As you pass the river banks, you'll spot jute, Brazil nuts, palm trees, rubber trees and giant water lilies. If you have the opportunity to tour the region at night, you're also likely to catch a glimpse of some nocturnal creatures such as the night hawks, frogs, sloth and snakes.

Adventure tours through the Amazon region can also include forest walks and visits to the small and isolated communities of people that make this unique region their home. It's a great opportunity to see the local way of life, including preparation of the staple foodstuff, manioc flour.

The other main region of Brazil that is ideal for the adventure tourist is the Pantanal. It is South America's main wildlife sanctuary and is one of the largest continuous wetlands on Earth. Most of Brazil's main rivers begin in the Pantanal. Travel with local guides by foot, horseback, canoe and truck to see a rich landscape and a range of creatures up close. Colourful parrots will greet you from the jungle and the other wildlife you encounter will include river otters, caimans, monkeys, jaguars, anacondas and a huge range of exotic bird life.

You will be accommodated in quaint jungle lodges and your expert local guides will make sure that your wildlife experience in Brazil is safe and hassle free. You will be able to photograph incredible natural scenes, animals and birds and take home an enviable collection of wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

South America Journeys are South America Travel Specialists offering a range of eco travel (including incredible Amazon adventures) and overland tours and packages for your holiday to Latin America. Book your South America Adventure today: www.southamericajourneys.com

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Brazil

2011-07-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

By Henry Arnault

Thinking about a Brazil vacation? Here are 5 cities in Brazil you might want to factor into your Brazil vacation package.

1. Recife & Olinda. These two cities are less than 10 kilometers apart and separated by a river and some swamps. However when most people visit, they usually make a point to see both because of their close proximity and lovely attractions. Olinda looks like it is lost in time, with many colonial buildings (especially churches) and winding streets. Parts of the town are actually a UNESCO world heritage site. Recife is a more modern city, and the economical heart of Pernambuco state. Recife is similar to Venice, because the city is divided by many waterways and connected by bridges.

2. Rio de Janeiro. No trip to Brazil is complete without a stop at Rio de Janeiro. This massive metropolis surrounded by tropic splendor is a dynamic place to visit. The city is full of world-class beaches, museums, and restaurants. Of course, there is Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer to visit, which is on top of Corcovada hill. This is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, so be sure to see it!

3. Salvador. Salvador holds the nickname of "The Happiness Capital of Brazil." With a name like that, how can you not visit it? In fact, Salvador was once the real capital of Brazil, back when it was run by the Portuguese Empire. Today Salvador is an interesting mix of Brazilian, African, and European heritages. The city is built on a hill, so there are electric elevators to connect them. And of course, there are the 30 plus miles of beaches to enjoy.

4. Sao Paulo. Don't come to this city expecting to find some backwater Latin America small town. Sao Paulo is the financial hub of Brazil, and most of South America. This city is sleek, shiny, and expensive. This is where you'll find the best restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping centers in all of Brazil. It is also the most populated city in Brazil. However, there are also several parks to remind you that are you in the country that houses the massive Amazon rainforest.

5. Iguazu. Iguazu is down along the border with Argentina, so it is the perfect place to visit if you plan on traveling to various countries in South America. Iguazu is surrounded by national parks full of jungle animals and vegetation. But of course, the main attraction is the massive Iguazu waterfall.

This article about places to visit in Brazil was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less, specializing in Brazil vacation packages.

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Where Can I Find the Most Relaxing Beach in Brazil?

2011-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

Image by garavís via Flickr

Image by Jordi's via Flickr

Image by garavís via Flickr

Image by Jordi's via Flickr

By Andy Neill

Jericocoara, is the most relaxing beach in the whole of Brazil in my opinion...maybe even in the world!
Jeri, as it's referred to by locals here on the Northeast coast, is located about 300km further up the coast from the capital city of Ceara State, Fortaleza.
It can be reached from Fortaleza by bus, van or 4 wheel drive vehicle...because the final part of the trip is on sand!
Its population is currently around 17,000 so you can tell it's easy to get around. There are no paved roads and people walk, bicycle or take a buggy (for rent all over the place) to get where they want to go.
Sunset Dune is famous as a place to watch the beautiful sunsets. The warm and scenic lagoons behind the dunes are the best place to swim as the ocean is shallow there.
Blue Lagoon is probably the best known.
The weather is very tropical, with daytime temps of around 31C but there is almost always a breeze off the ocean. At night the temperature gets down to about 23C.
Speaking of the breeze, it has made Jeri a world known destination for kite-surfers. There is also sailing available.
Pousadas are increasing in number so there should be no problem with reservations, but for High Season, it's a good idea to book as far in advance as possible.
Jeri is safer than the big cities but it's still a good idea to take good care of your belongings.
As for nightlife, there are many small bars and beach parties, plus restaurants, serving mostly the local seafood.
Jeri is still just a small town that is controlled by the government, so services are still pretty basic...for example take cash with you as getting money changed is very difficult if not impossible.
There is more English spoken in Jeri than in Fortaleza, for example, because their main business is tourism, but it's a good idea to know at least a little Portuguese.
Internet access is growing but still pretty basic, so something to keep in mind.
Jericocoara is one of the most romantic destinations in all of Brazil and certainly worth a 2 day weekend.

The author is a long time resident of Fortaleza, in Ceara. He is married to a Brazilian lady and lives near the beach in the city. He also runs a small company called Fortaleza Adventure which assists visitors.

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Manaus, Brazil Top 10 Highlights

2011-06-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia
MANAUS Image via Wikipedia

By Henry Arnault

Mercado Municipal (Rua dos Barés): One of the world's best markets is housed in a stunning gothic style palace with stained glass windows that was inspired by the 'Les Halles' in Paris. The 1882 building houses over 250 vendors selling meat, fish, wine, oil, poultry, and other food.
The National Park of Jaú: The park is set on the lovely lowland plateau in the Western Amazon and is one of the largest national parks in Brazil. The 2,272,000 hectares are rich in biodiversity, terra firme, tidal flat areas, and canopy forests.
Teatro Amazonas (Praça São Sebastião): The Opera House was built during the days of the rubber trade, and was once visited by all the most famous opera singers. There are guided tours in English and frequent free performances for you shoestringers who like a little culture. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good seat.
River Tour of the Rio Negro: Take a river tour up the Rio Negro to see some excellent wildlife in its natural habitat. You can take a small river boat and sleep in a hammock, or take a large cruise ship for a few days or a few weeks.
Paricatuba Waterfall: On the bank of the Negro River, surrounded by lush green vegetation the Paricatuba Waterfall is stunning. Take a boat to the waterfall where you can relax and be splashed by cool water. The best time to visit is between August and February.
Museu de Ciencias Naturais da Amazonia (Estrada Belem): The Natural Science Museum houses Brazilian critters like live pirarucu and other fauna of the region. The museum was constructed by a Japanese entomologist (specializing in butterflies) with his own money and resources. Nearby is a preserve and research center with birds and other wildlife called INPA.
Ponta Negra Beach: This popular river beach has several bars and restaurants to enjoy. It is a beautiful spot but is located some distance west of the city.
Praia de Lua Beach: A few miles away from Ponta Negra, this river beach is situated on the Rio Negro. Take a motorized canoe from Estalagem de David to claim your sandy spot.
Rio Negro Palace (Av. 7 de Setembro): Built by German farmers, it is now a cultural center and theater.
Love Cascade: Located in the Guedes bayou, this pristine wonder is only accessible by boat and then hiking through the forest. It is well worth it the trip to the crystal clear water.

This guide to Manaus, Brazil was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Arnault

What to Buy on Your Brazil Vacation

2011-05-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

By Hortense Soulier

As any other traveler, you probably like bringing back at least a small souvenir of your experiences across the world. Don't take the example of true shopaholics who usually take shopping to the next level and to stuff their bags with all kinds of useless things, but know how to shop wisely depending on when you are. Brazil is a wonderful country filled with extraordinary places and people, and home to some extraordinarily skilled workers producing excellent quality goods. Read this guide for tips on what to buy in Brazil.
In the northern region, around Manaus and Belem, woven hammocks and bags are widely spread, filling street stalls and shops, as well as ceramics. Wickerwork represents a large part of the native Indians' economic activity, and buying their goods is a good way to help the local community. In the Pernambuco region, you will most likely find the famous naïve baked clay figurines painted with bright colors and representing scenes of the daily lives of the people of the area. These lovely authentic items can be found in the Nordeste and in artisanal boutiques in larger cities, and make for a perfect souvenir to bring back.

Image by twicepix via Flickr

In the Bahia State, and Salvador de Bahia, capoeira is a lifestyle more than just a sport and every inhabitant of the region lives and breathes capoeira. This is the place to buy your capoeira gear if you were seduced by its elegant yet fierce movements. You will find them of various colors, with the green, yellow, and red ones being the most common. This is also a great place to buy a pair of the famous Havaianas flip flops if you haven't already done so, and enhance your luck with the small woven lucky-charm bracelets known as fittas de Nosso Senhor de Bomfin. As you travel along the coast, from Rio to Salvador, don't forget to check out some of the Brazilian bikini shops, offering extraordinarily rich varieties of models.

This guide to shopping in Brazil was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hortense_Soulier

Introduction to Religions in Brazil

2011-05-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

Image by murdelta via Flickr

By Hortense Soulier

The largest and most populated country of South America, with a population of over 193,000 million people, Brazil is also an extraordinarily culturally rich country, where various cultures meet and combine, making for unique and fascinating customs and lifestyles that travelers will revel in exploring as they travel across the country. It is also one of the most religious countries in the world, with about 90% of Brazilians adhering to some kind of religious affiliation.
With over 70% of the population declaring themselves as Catholics, Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world. Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century among native Brazilians by Jesuit missionaries and Portuguese settlers. Freedom of religion was seriously restrained during the colonial period, when settlers and native alike were bound to Catholicism and forced to pay taxes to the Church. Freedom of religious belief and practice was introduced in the 19th century after the independence, but Catholicism remained the official religion. Catholicism in Brazil has evolved into various branches, resulting from different African and indigenous influences.
Also, and maybe more surprisingly, Brazil is the first Yoruba country in the world. This religion of African descent, generally designated as candomble in Brazil and African countries alike, prevails in most of the country, which is particularly religious. Afro-Brazilian religions are syncretic religions resulting from the combination of several traditions. These are generally concentrated in large urban sectors in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in Sao Paulo, Florianopolis and Porto Alegre. In addition to candomble, Umbanda is also widely practiced, and is a blend of Spiritism, indigenous and African beliefs.

Image by Jay Tamboli via Flickr

Candomble celebration

There are other smaller communities affiliated to various religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Shinto, and Rastafarian, comprising 20th century immigrants from East Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. One more recent and somewhat disturbing phenomenon is that of the rapid growth of sects and cults in Brazil over the past years.

This introduction to religions in Brazil was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hortense_Soulier

Brazil Travel: Best Outdoor Thrills

2011-05-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Image by over_kind_man via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia
Fernando de Noronha

By Henry Arnault

Brazil is full of outdoor sports in all environments - mountain peaks, on the beach, in the ocean, or underneath it.

Bike the Chapada Diamantina: These highlands are inland from Salvador and have rock formations, waterfalls, and natural waterslides made of smooth red marble. If you would rather explore the area on foot, they have both biking and hiking trails.

Hang Glide in Rio: Take off the edge of a platform at 2,624 feet and you will have one of the best views of the rainforest and beaches. Explore the skies like a bird until you are brought back down to ground on the Sao Conrado beach.
Canoe in the Amazon: Nothing is more relaxing than floating down a river in a canoe for nature lovers. Listen to the sounds of the jungle, as monkeys, birds, and sloths play in the trees above you, and water creatures play in the river below.
Rock climb up Sugarloaf: Rio de Janeiro's famous mountain overlooks the lively city. Feel the wind rush past your face as you cling to the mountain.
Swim in the Lencois Maranhenses: From June to October, toward the end of the rainy season is an excellent time to visit the dunes at Lencois Maranhenses. This is when the dunes accumulate pools of sparkling freshwater lagoons. Take a swim to reward yourself for the tiring hike through the desert.
Ride a beach buggy from Natal to Fortaleza: A 4-day dune buggy journey without ever leaving the beach is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that can only take place along the coast from Natal to Fortaleza. The hundreds of miles of unobstructed sand are ideal for exploring vast towering dunes. The sand is so fine that it is cool on your feet, even during the hot summer.

Image via Wikipedia

Fortaleza

Horseback ride in the Pantanal: The wet fields are best explored on horseback because there's nothing like racing through fields as a verdant trees blur in your vision. Or take it slow and admire the rich birdlife, which will be easy to spot as the foliage is less dense here than in the Amazon.
Dive in Fernando de Noronha: Brazil has some of the best scuba diving in the world, especially on the small archipelago off the coast of Pernambuco. You may see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and underwater caves. Only 420 visitors are allowed on the island at a time, so you won't have to swim in a school of people.

This guide to outdoor adventures was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Arnault

Brazil Travel Tips: How to Obtain a Brazil Visa

2011-05-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Image by TheTransparentEyeball via Flickr

By Kaitlin R Nunn

Brazil is known for its sizzling hot sandy beaches, its lively nightlife, its crystal waters perfect for surfers and sunbathers alike, and its rich cultural traditions seen in its jazz music, samba dance, and delicious African-influenced cuisine. But many travelers to Brazil do not know that the country requires a reciprocity fee and visa from citizens of the United States as well as Canada. If you are planning a trip to Brazil, make sure that you have a Brazil visa in addition to your passport. Here are some tips on how to obtain a Brazil visa for your Brazil travel plans.

Who Needs a Brazil Visa?
Brazil requires a reciprocity fee from citizens of the United States and Canada, since those countries require a fee and visa from Brazilians when traveling to their countries. Whether you are traveling to Brazil for a vacation or on business, American and Canadian citizens must obtain Brazil visas. Citizens of many Latin American countries, Europe, Asia, and the UK are exempt. Some countries are exempt from the tourist visa only. You can check online by doing a quick search or going to the Brazilian Consulate General's website to see if your country of citizenship is exempt. If you are a citizen of an exempt country, but are living in a non-exempt country, it is still important that you research the qualifications for your situation carefully.

How to Get a Brazil Visa?
The process for obtaining a Brazil visa is very strict. To obtain one, you need to go in person to the nearest Brazilian consulate. Brazil visas are not obtained by mail. Do a search online to find a nearby Brazilian consulate; if there are none close by, then you may need to use a visa service or visa agency. There are 1-2 Brazilian consulates in most major US cities. First, make an appointment online or by phone with the consulate to secure a time to meet with a representative.

What do I Need in Order to Get One?
You need an original passport, not a copy, for all members of your party. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your flight itinerary and/or flight tickets or other booking information, so that you can prove the purpose of your trip. Make sure that you bring any documentation that may be pertinent to your Brazil travel plans.

How Soon Can I Get One?
Brazil visas are prepared within 5 business days as of the day received by the Brazilian consulate, but occasionally it can take longer. There is no option for expediting the process, although you can request that your visa be rushed.
Follow these necessary steps to obtaining your Brazil visa, and you will be on your way to the Brazil vacation of a lifetime!

This description of important Brazil Travel information was written by a Brazil Tours expert at SouthAmerica.travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaitlin_R_Nunn

Vacation to Salvador, Brazil: A Great Idea

2011-05-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

Image by Suriani via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

By Henry Arnault

Brazil is known for its sandy beaches, beautiful people, and wild nightlife. The combined force of these elements reaches fabulous peak in Salvador. Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia, and this city knows how to have a good time. As early as the 17th century, Bahia de Todos os Santos (the Bay of All Saints, which the city of Salvador overlooks) was called e de Quase Todos os Pecados, meaning "and of Nearly All The Sins" because of its reputation for debauchery.
Today it's a fun, funky town in a stunning tropical setting, but it does have a party scene that is unique in Brazil. Unlike in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you won't find a trendy party scene here. Salvador isn't known for its hip nightclubs and bars. The best parties here take place in outdoor spaces or in the street, and nobody cares how you're dressed - shorts and sandals will do. This carefree spirit can beas intoxicating as the free-flowing drinks.
Salvador is the oldest city in Brazil and was the country's capital for over 200 years, until it was replaced by Rio de Janeiro in 1763. The state of Bahia then went into decline because it was isolated from Brazil's prosperous south. But in Bahia, the melting pot of Africans in exile meanwhile developed a fascinating culture. The music, dance, cuisine, and religion that developed are unique to this part of Brazil, and have stronger ties to Africa than most other places in the Americas. Approximately 4.5 million African slaves were brought to Brazil, and today, more than 80% of the Bahia population has African ancestry. On the sugarcane plantations of Bahia's interior, samba evolved from African rhythms similar to the way that blues developed on cotton plantations in America's South.
Salvador's music industry revolves around Carnival. Celebrated every year in February with a million people singing, dancing, drinking, and partying for six days and nights on the street.
Afro-Brazilian tourism, ignored by decades, has come far. The state government has assigned a department to promote tourism in Bahia and Salvador to order to show the world this area's fascinating heritage. A trip to Brazil will be greatly enhanced by a tour to Salvador. In addition to the area's fascinating and lively culture, you are sure to enjoy the 30 plus miles (50 km) of beaches, which are perfect for snorkeling, sailing, and surfing.

This guide to Salvador in Brazil's Bahia state was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less, available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Arnault

Brazil On A Budget

2011-05-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Image by Thomás via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

By Hannah Hesford

Soon to host the World Cup and Olympics, Brazil has the third fastest growing economy in the world. So, when you're planning your Brazil trip, it begs the question- is it possible to travel to Brazil on a tight shoe-string budget?...YES IT IS!
Brazil is not a cheap country when compared to, for instance, anywhere in Asia. So, if you're organising a Brazil holiday but your budget is a little tight, then some careful planning will be required. But don't let this put you off. All you need to know is where to look and how to travel in order to save the cash, and then the fun can commence as you embark upon your very special (budget) Brazil travel experience!
Whether, during your trip to Brazil, you're staying in the country's bustling capital, Rio, a small beach town in the north, or tucked away in a hidden village on the edge of the Amazon, hostels are usually a cheaper alternative to hotel accommodation and can be found all over Brazil.
The key to finding the cheapest accommodation during your Brazil trip is to shop around. Try heading into 3-5 places and ask for the price (whilst also checking out the facilities), this way you'll know which one offers the best value for money.
A little tip: Don't just opt for the most popular place in the guidebook. Why? Anyone else with the same guidebook as you will probably be heading there too, so costs are likely to be high. Instead, to keep the accommodation costs of your Brazil trip low, why not check out places just a few streets back for vacancies? A hostel right on Copacabana beach will obviously cost more than one tucked 10 minutes' walk away.
Food is one of the simplest ways to save cash during your low-cost Brazil holiday - all you need to do is avoid restaurants. Instead, you could head to the local markets and sample the street food cooked on barbeques (not only is this cheap, but it's pretty much always tasty). If you do want to indulge in a sit-down meal during your Brazil trip, then restaurants that offer set menus are always the best priced. This way, you'll get a 2 or 3 course meal that will fill you up for a fraction of the price of a standard meal. It's worth noting that Western restaurant chains such as McDonald's, though seen easy and convenient (especially on the days you crave a bit of normality), can actually be quite costly and not great quality.
A really important money-saving tip, no matter what you're buying or where you are in the world, is to barter, barter, barter. A life skill for any seasoned traveller, bartering is another great way to tighten the purse strings during your low-cost budget Brazilian break. The most effective way of putting this useful skill into practice during your holiday in Brazil, is to make sure that you keep the negotiation cheeky without being rude or taking the micky (because don't forget, the seller has to make a living as well!). In the past, I've heard people quibble over the difference of a few pence when there really is no need. Obviously, you should only pay what you think the item is worth to you, but paying a little extra can make all the difference to the shop keeper and even if it doesn't to you.
If you're after souvenirs during your Brazil travels, you might find that the cost of what you want is hard to lower (aforementioned bartering skills required). If you really want quality, the way to save the cash is by shipping them home (unless you can carry them of course) as shipping costs are so low in comparison to flights or using DHL etc. It may take around three months for them to arrive, but as you're travelling, you won't be in a rush.
All in all, I have to say that the very best way to save money throughout your Brazil trip is to travel by night bus. This way, not only do you get to travel without any effort, but you can save the cost of a hostel as well. Granted, you may not sleep as soundly on a bus as you might on a mattress, but the money you can save is surprising and can really help you ensure that your Brazil travel experience is a cheap one. Simply by taking a few night buses, you'll find that the savings are considerable and can make a real difference to the cost of your Brazil holiday.

From Copacabana to Bahia Turtle beach. Catch your breath at Devil's throat, discover caimans in the Amazon jungle, explore the Pantanal wetlands and hike on foot through Diamond Canyon. Build your own trip with Brazil Travel Plan.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Hesford

Weather in Brazil

2011-05-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Image by cameranaturalist via Flickr

By Hannah Hesford

Tourist 1: "I fancy going to Brazil this year because I hear it is an awesome country with amazing places such as the Amazon, Iguazu, golden beaches and I'd love to see Rio!"
Tourist 2: "Great idea, I have heard the same. Lets go book a trip!"
Tourist 1: "WO WO WO slow down!! We don't know the best time to travel, I don't want to go at a bad time of year."
Tourist 2: "Good point, Les."
Tourist 1: "Let's ask someone."
Tourist 2: "Excuse mister, when is the best time to travel in Brazil?"
Brazil Travel specialist: "The best time to travel in Brazil is..."
If you're thinking of booking a Brazil holiday but don't know which time of year is best, then you're in luck! Brazil really is one of the few countries in the world that can be visited at any point during the year as it has high temperatures and little rain throughout. However, even when it does rain, the majority of the country is still worth a visit during your Brazil trip. The peak season to book your Brazil holiday is usually during our winter months (November to March) as the temperatures are in the mid 20's at worst, but are usually in the high 20's, and often reach mid 30's. This is also the time of the lowest rainfall in places such as Rio and Salvador. However, the Amazon and Pantanal areas do have quite a high rainfall, particularly in December to February, but then again, if you're in the Rainforest, then rain only adds to the whole Brazil travel experience, doesn't it?
Despite pretty much guaranteeing glorious weather throughout your Brazil trip, there is just one drawback; the sheer number of people and overall cost. Hotel prices shoot up, a lot of attractions are crowded, day trips are often sold out (so book in advance), and the flights to and from are probably more expensive too. However, as it is such a massive country (the 5th largest in fact), there's always plenty of places to visit and things to do to escape the crowds during your Brazil travel experience.
Our British summer months are the coolest in Brazil, but temperatures are still usually around the low 20's. What's more, the real plus side to travelling to Brazil at this time of year is that it has the lowest rainfall during these months. On top of this, there are usually a few less travellers. This makes it a great time to book your holiday to Brazil.
One good thing about the rain in Brazil is that it's usually short and sharp and with the high temperatures, often comes high humidity. So however much it does rain during your Brazil trip, it tends to evaporate pretty quickly, leaving behind a fresh, beautiful and sunny day, so you can make the most of your Brazil holiday and explore this fantastic country!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Hesford

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