Information About Brazil

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Discover South America has assembled basic Information about Brazil. You will find Travel Information divided into different subjects: Summary, Cuisine, History, Culture, Weather, Natural Aspects and Travel Tips.

With a territory of continental dimensions, Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and the fifth in the world, in total area.

With extensive geographic, economic and social diversity, Brazil has an extraordinary national unity, mostly due to the Portuguese language spoken in all regions. The typical Brazilian, in fact, is a state of mind that is embodied in the various regional ways of life of Brazilian North, Northeast, South, Southeast and Midwest.

We hope you enjoy all the information about Brazil, its Cities and Tourism Destinations that we put together for you. To see these, click on the tabs above.

About Brazil – Summary

Describing Brazil in a few words is a magnanimous challenge, as it is a deliciously complex and extensive country. Brazil is certainly carnival, soccer, samba, beaches, beautiful people, exotic fruit and sumptuous dishes. Additionally, it is has a variety of ecosystems, mountains, rivers, canyons, rain forests, jungles, swamplands and waterfalls. Above all, Brazil is arguably the world’s greatest melting pot of cultures.

Brazil is a country full of rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and religious ideologies. A variety of traces stemming from European, Asian, North American, Indian, and African are some of the influences inside the country. This plethora of heritage makes Brazil a diverse country blooming with cultural affluence.

The fifth largest country in the world, both in land area and population, Brazil occupies more than half of the South American continent and borders almost all of its countries, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile. Furthermore, Brazil and its more than 165 million people share:

The Culturally and Historically Rich State of Bahia with its many destinations:

The Worlds Most Sensual Cosmopolitan destination, Rio de Janeiro State with its destinations:

Brazil Cuisine

The food in Brazil is a delicacy that is delectable to the senses and contains an explosion of flavors. One of the regions with the most savory cuisines is Bahia. The most famous snack food of the region is called acaraje, which is black eyed peas mashed in salt and onions, deep fried in dende palm oil in the shape of a crispy golden bun, and then filled with dried shrimp and optional pepper sauce or salad. You can find this dish at a variety of street vendors and corner stands. Other popular bahian street dishes are vatapa and caruru. The former being ground cashew nuts with dende oil, dried shrimp, and coconut milk. The latter is okra cooked in dende oil with dried shrimp and other seasonings. These dishes are also served to accompany acaraje.

Aside from Bahia, the northeast region is mostly known for its moqueca, which is a seafood lightly stewed in palm oil, coconut milk, tomatos, onions, and herbs. Moqueca is also usually accompanied with farofa which is dende fried flour and also comes with white rice. If you really enjoy seafood, octopus and squid are other options as well. Sometimes, octopus, squid, or lobster can be retrieved freshly out of the ocean depending on the location.

In the city of Rio de Janeiro, there is a multitude of regional restaurants known for some of the principal dishes in the southeast. Feijoada carioca which is black bean stew and different meats, herbs, and seasonings, is served over white rice, with farofa, greens, orange slices, and fried bananas.

Another popular Brazilian delicacy is the churrasco which is traditional Brazilian barbecue. One of the more popular choices is the churrascaria which a restaurant where various waiters circle your table with different skewers and cuts of pork, beef, and chicken that are sliced onto your plate. You can enjoy as much as want until you can no longer stuff your face! There is also a self-serving buffet in the center of the restaurant with other side dishes and salads.

In the state of Minas Gerais, there is a large assortment of food to choose from with some of the most appetizing dishes the country has to offer. Since Minas Gerais is more inland, the food is mostly composed of chicken, beef, and pork, with a selection of veggies and dairy as well. One of the more popular dishes of the regions is leitao a pururuca or braised piglet which is served with coconut milk and refried beans. One cannot visit Minas Gerais without trying a refreshing Brazilian beer, or some freshly made juice. However, one of the world best spirits is called Cachaca that is produced in Minas Gerais. Cachaca is in the main drink of Brazil called Caipirinha. Drink Cachaca straight up or enjoy a tasty caipirinha with your meal.

In the northern region, most of the cuisine is seafood related and associated with the Amazon. There are numerous types of fish, each one prepared in a particular way. The fruit is also frequently served with dishes and the Cupuacu is the principal fruit in the Amazon. Usually accompanied with desserts or sweets, the cupuacu is a large meaty fruit with the taste of a pear and hint of banana.

Even if you happen to be vegetarian, you will find various delights in Brazil. The fruit alone is enough to satisfy your palate. Some of the popular fruit in Brazil is jaca (jackfruit), abacaxi (pineapple), goiaba (guava) acai, carambola (star fruit), tamarindo (tamarind), manga (mango), and more. Many juice bars are open 24 hours and make fresh juices along with other popular items. Acai topped with banana and granola is usually the most common and a must try when coming to Brazil. A mixture of different leaves and herbs with spices prevalent to region make salads a nice option at many restaurants as well.

Drinks

Aside from food, Brazil hosts an array of drinks and cocktails waiting to be tasted. The caipirinha is the most popular and is blended with cachaça, crushed limes, sugar, and ice. The drinks are very delicious but can also be strong and once you have one, you will most likely want 2 or 3 more. In Bahia, the more identified drink is caipiroska. This is similar to the caipirinha but vodka is used in place of cachaça. The caipiroska or roska for short can also be made with a number of fruits as well.

Brazil History

The history of the Americas dates back to not only its encounter with Europe but to the pre-Columbian era. By the time the Portuguese first arrived in Brazil in 1500, many indigenous groups already inhabited the country with the population in the millions. The Tupi- Guarani and the Tupinambas were the most common groups and only a few hundred thousand of them remain in Brazil today.

Led by Pedro Alvares Cabral, Portuguese immigrants landed in Brazil in 1500 in Porto Seguro unknowingly. Some historians believe that this was no accident and Cabral purposely navigated to Brazil to conquer South America in the Portuguese name. Other expeditions were sent out and commerce was set up to export the dye wood, which is famous for its reddish pigmentation, also found in the new land known as pau do brasil. Pau brasil is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters; the trunk and boughs have yellow, aromatic flowers, and the wood is hard and heavy, which was an excellent resource for cabinet-making, musical instruments and the naval industry. The reddish dye from the wood made it desirable for trade and exportation as well as gave a name to this new land called Brazil.

In 1531, King Dom Joao III of Portugal conquered and divided Brazil into captaincies, which he distributed among friends and influential figures. The French and Dutch had also become very interested in Brazil because of the potential exploration of the vast amount of land. Sugar plantations had been implemented to help grow the economy, and the Indians were taken as slaves. Portuguese immigrants traveled to the Peruvian Andes to capture Indians to extend Brazil’s territory. These Portuguese immigrants were known as Bandeirantes, and had the objective to persecute the Indians with harsh treatment with the intent of expanding Portuguese influence on the land.

Years earlier, Jesuits had arrived in Brazil with the purpose of improving the relationship between the Europeans and Indians as well as help out both sides. This caused the Portuguese colonists to struggle with the Jesuits over different labor markets. Eventually, by the end of the 16th century, the Jesuits were able to advance across various villages in Brazil to become an important and prosperous force with much control over trade and commerce.

In the late 16th century, the Portuguese immigrants imported slaves from Africa in order to keep up the demand for sugar. With the economy relying on the sugar plantations, Brazil quickly became the world’s largest producer of sugar. The sugar cane business brought more than 3 million slaves from Africa who were forced to leave to improve the economy in Brazil and Portuguese sovereignty. The Portuguese government would be headquartered in Salvador da Bahia, when the general Governor Tome de Sousa was sent to the area to build a city to serve as the new settlement.

After a few years in captivity, some of these slaves escaped from their owners, and built small communities known as Quilombos. Some of the Quilombos grew to the size of a small country and there are even some still in existence today. Due to the contact that African nations imposed on Brazil, much of the culture, traditions, music, cuisine, art, and more stem from African influence.

At the end of the 17th century, the Dutch and the French invaded Brazil due to the large sugar export that the country provided. However, this also contributed to Brazil becoming a melting pot of different races and ethnicities including Dutch, French, Native Indian, African, British, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, and more. This shows why there is a vast amount of diversification and influences from all over the world in Brazil.

Also towards the end of the 17th century, the Gold Rush began to hit Brazil. This first started in the state of Minas Gerais and due to an increasing amount of gold; more slaves were brought to explore the mines in Minas Gerais. This news spread quickly throughout Europe and many countries became eager to explore the wealth that Brazil had to offer. The gold rush in Brazil brought about new colonies in the country and became the new export. This displaced more people inland and surged a new economic development. Rio de Janeiro became the new capital because of the proximity to the gold mines and this symbolized a new era in Brazil.

In the 19th century, the Gold rush began to decline and coffee replaced gold to be the major export in Brazil. Dom Pedro I eventually was able to separate from Portugal and Brazil was able to abolish slavery. Only Cuba abolished slavery later than Brazil in the Americas.

Coffee continued to be the main export in Brazil into the late 19th century. However, in 1889, Dom Pedro was overthrown by a military coup which caused Brazil to become a Federal Republic. During this time, Brazil was ruled by various presidents and a new constitution of 20 states had been recognized which caused Brazil to become unstable for the years to come.

By the start of the 20th century, Brazil was controlled by a number of oligarchies who also seized control of the coffee plantations. Due to coffee planters losing power, an alliance was created to oppose the oligarchies that were increasing in power. However, the liberal alliance lost the election in 1930 and a man by the name of Getulio Vargas was elected president of Brazil.

Getulio Vargas is considered as one of the most critical leaders to ever rule Brazil. Originally from the south of Brazil, the power of the oligarchies declined under Vargas and new political parties emerged being mostly the Fascists and Communists. Vargas created the “Estado Novo” which was his response to the economic crisis in the country. After the price of coffee began to decline because of World War II, along with other criticisms of the government, Vargas shot himself in August 1954 which caused resurgence in the country.

The successor to Vargas was Juscelino Kubitschek who was eager to improve the economic crisis in Brazil. He created the new capital Brasilia but only worsened the countries debt. He was eventually overthrown by a coup detat in 1961 making this period a time of turmoil in Brazil full industry strikes and advances to secure trade union rights.

For the next 20 years, Brazil remained under a military dictatorship. Brazil began to undergo difficult times and hardships due to human rights violations, censorship, and unbalanced police powers. A new constitution was also introduced in the 1960s during these turbulent times in order for the president to gain more control over the states and Congress.

Things began to turn around for Brazil by the start of the 1980’s. The economy was growing faster than ever and the country was able to attain a democratic election with Fernando Collor de Melo. However things began to take a turn for the worse when Melo was removed as president after being accused of corruption and embezzling money from the state.

After the impeachment of Mello, Itamar Franco took office. Franco introduced the new currency of Brazil called the real to help combat inflation but only took office for two years. Fernando Henrique Cardoso became the new president in 1994 and created the plano real to help improve economic growth. He also added a new amendment in 1998 for Brazil to have reelections.

Although Fernando Henrique Cardoso introduced several new policies and managed to hold back inflation, many Brazilians are still living under impoverished conditions. There have been improvements in education, land reform, welfare and the social system, but there are still many problems with the health system, with violence in overcrowded cities, and environmental abuse and corruption. Luis Inácio da Silva (Lula) was voted into power in 2002 with an overwhelming majority and throughout his two terms as president has achieved several internal improvements and economic growth even in years of global financial crises. He achieved the confirmations for Brazil to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2014 and for Rio to be host city for the Olympics in 2016.

His successor Dilma Rousseff was the first female President of Brazil and got into power in January 2011, with high expectations from both inside and outside of Brazil.

Dilma Roussef was recently re-elected in a very tight run and won by a very small margin. Now she needs to prove herself to almost half the Brazilian population and will face tough opposition in the Congress.

Brazil Culture

Full of rich history and vibrant traditions, Brazil is a country flourishing with cultural practices. One can see traces of many different cultures walking around a city in Brazil that are unique to each state in the country. The influences in Brazil from around the world can be seen in music, dance, food, sports, buildings, and more. One of the more popular sports in Brazil known as Capoeira, is a martial art that originally came from Africa, although it has changed and taken its own identity. Capoeira today in Brazil is practiced by both men and women and is accompanied by traditional customs that were used in Africa during the time period.

Brazil has a tropical climate, but to due to its geographic location there are five different regions throughout the country ranging from very hot and dry to humid and rainy. The southwest of Brazil can even experience cases of snow! The various climates of Brazil impact the different lifestyles in the country. The weather is great all 365 days a year , just choose the right part of the country to visit at a given time of the year.

Brazil Music

The music in Brazil ranges from group get togethers, to street music, to live bands, and more. The artistic expression in the country is all over the place and can be shown in many different ways. People inspire and provoke others by singing a popular song in a public space. Gatherings usually don’t occur without a guitar, a ukulele, a tambourine, or any other instrument (indeed just a kitchen pot may do in some cases).

Bahia is considered to be the epicenter of cultural variance and artistic expression. The music, dance, and rhythms are very catchy and essential to the Bahian culture and way of life.

Carnival

The annual tradition of Carnival is the most widely known event in Brazil. Carnival is a fusion of music, dance, parades, and parties that transforms into a massive celebration throughout the country. In Salvador, the carnival is a giant street party with musicians and bands that ride through the city playing for hours. The Salvador carnival is known as the biggest street party in the world.

The carnival in Rio is more of a spectacle where the communities prepare for an entire year. Samba schools prepare for the event and parade through the streets for one of most festive and colorful events you will ever witness.

Architecture

The architecture found in Brazil is certain to catch the eye of many and Brazil has preserved some of the Iberian styles from the 16th century. One can find restaurants, offices, government buildings, and more of various styles reminiscent of the period. Brasilia was designed by Lucio Costa, Oscar Niemeyer, and Roberto Burle Marx and they were some of the great architectural minds of Brazil.

Language and Literature

In Brazil, the language and literature is one that is very romantic by nature and filled with a lot of meaning. Jorge Amado and Paulo Coelho were two writers who received international acclaim for their works in Brazilian literature.

Paulo Coelho´s works have been internationally praised and he has sold more copies than any other writer in Brazil. He was also selected into Brazil’s literary association which is considered as one of the most distinguished accomplishments for any writer.

Women are also represented in a lot of Brazilian literature. Cecilia Meireles and Lygia Fagundes Teles are some of the more popular writers due to their use of metaphors in short narratives.

Brazilian Religion

Brazil is a very religious country and apart from language, a lot of the influence in the country can be found in religion. The main sector of religion in the country is Roman Catholic and Brazil has one of the largest Catholic populations in the world.

As a country full of various cultural influences, Brazil mixes aspects from native Indians to African traditions in religion. In Bahia especially, different African traditions are combined with Catholicism in which the people are guarded by Catholic saints.

There are 3 different religions in the south of Brazil which are Protestant, Catholic, and Candomble. The Candomble tradition is different in that the people use German and Italian food as offerings to the deities which are cultures that largely influenced this area. Many Brazilians also take part in the spiritualism of Allan kardec in the south.

In other regions in Brazil, such as the Amazon and Pantanal, religion is more Indian based. In regions such as the northeast, many Brazilians practice traditions involving saints with healing powers. These saints however, are not recognized by the Catholic church.

Brazil Weather

Brazil has a tropical climate, but to due to its geographic location there are five different regions throughout the country ranging from very hot and dry, to humid and rainy. The southwest of Brazil can even experience cases of snow! The various climates of Brazil impact the different lifestyles in the country. No matter what region in Brazil you visit, the weather is great all 365 days a year and an excellent option for any date.

 

Amazon

The Amazon has an average year round temperature of about 25°C (77°F). The Amazon is also usually subject to high humidity and strong rains during different seasons. The temperature usually does not exceed 32°C (90°F), but with the humidity it usually feels hotter.

 

Pantanal

The Pantanal has a rainy season and a dry season.  The rainy season lasts from December to March and the dry lasts from July to October. Temperatures can become very hot and humid but can reach as low as 10°C (50°F) in the winter season.

 

Iguassu Falls 

Iguassu Falls has a subtropical climate and amasses more than 1700 mm or 67 inches of rain per year. There is no dry season in Iguassu and the humidity is also usually relatively high.

 

Fernando de Noronha 

Fernando de Noronha has a tropical climate and is defined by a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from January to August and the dry season lasts from September to December. The humidity is around 80 percent year round and the average temperature 26°C (79°F). For those that wish to travel for scuba diving, the best time of the year is from April to November. For surfing, January and February are the best months.


Bahia

Depending on your location in Bahia, the temperature will vary. On the coast, the temperature is generally warm year round and rarely drops below 24°C (75°F). Once you travel farther inland, the nights can get colder with temps down to 10°C (50°F) such as in Chapada Diamantina.  Cold fronts can also travel from the south up the coast for varying temperatures and sudden climate changes.


Rio de Janeiro

The temperature in Rio de Janeiro can vary since it is influenced by the Serra do Mar. On the coast, the temperature can reach 40°C (104°F) with high humidity along with strong rains. Other temperatures can go as low as 18°C (64°F). Regions closer to the mountains also have cooler temperatures and like Bahia, cold fronts can also take place.

 

Weather by Season December to May (Brazilian Summer)

Amazon

During the summer months in the Amazon, the harshest rains transpire. The rainfall can reach anywhere from 2000mm to 4000mm which is between 80 and 160 inches! The average temperature is around 26°C (79°F).

 

Pantanal

During the summer season in the Pantanal, there are heavy rains and much of the area floods. The large amount of rain causes a lot of mud making travel by car difficult. The humidity also rises with the average temperature around 32°C (89°F).


Iguassu Falls

The summer in Iguassu is very hot and humid and fortunately the mist from Falls helps to combat the heat. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F). The summer at Iguassu is also a better time to view water falling from a greater height and more wildlife in the area.

 

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha has its rainy season lasting from January to August. Between March and July, the most excessive rains occur and can reach 20cm or 8 inches in a 24 hour period. The hottest months with the most humidity occur in January to March, and are the best for surfing or going to the beach.

 

Bahia

Summer is usually an exception in the state of Bahia since the temperature does not change too much year round. Temperatures can reach up to 33°C (91°F) but the humidity stays relatively low. In areas that are further inland, it is usually wetter than along the coast.

 

Rio de Janeiro 

Rio de Janeiro has one of the hottest Brazilian summers with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher as well as a rise in humidity. The high humidity during the Rio de Janeiro summer causes an increase in rain during this season.


June to November (Brazilian Winter) Amazon

Amazon

The winter in the Amazon is incredibly dry and the water level escalates because of the intense rain from the summer. The average temperature is around 30°C (86°F). Because of the water level, you can travel by canoe across the rivers to see the trees and wildlife.

 

Pantanal

The Pantanal region tends to be very cool during the winter months with temperature as low as 10°C (50°F) with heavier clothing necessary. A variety of wildlife can also be seen during this time since it is the breeding season for animals in this region.


Iguassu Falls 

Iguassu in the winter is much cooler with an average of 15°C (59°F) and a decline in water and wildlife.

 

Fernando de Noronha 

Hardly any rain falls during the especially dry months in Fernando de Noronha from September to December. In fact, the rain won’t even exceed a quarter of an inch during this time. Average temperatures are around 26°C (79°F).


Bahia

The temperature in Bahia drops to about 26°C (79°F) during the winter months, cold right?  July and August are two months with the most rains but still a lot of sunshine remains as well. More inland it is the opposite, with climate being drier than along the coast.


Rio de Janeiro

Rio has a drier season from June to August with varying temperatures. Still quite warm, it is cooler than in the summer months with temperatures ranging from from 22°C to 32°C (72°F – 90°F).

Brazil Travel Tips

No matter what time of the year you’re traveling, Brazil is always an excellent option. The weather varies from season to season and should be checked according to your travel preferences.

The summer in Brazil is from December to February and is the most visited time for tourists. It is important to know that a lot of Brazilians take vacation during this time so it is essential to plan far in advance.

Another side note is that Carnival occurs in either February or March and is the week leading up to ash Wednesday. The Carnival festival is an event you cannot miss and must be experienced at least once in your lifetime!

 

Travel Visas

In order to visit Brazil, it is necessary to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the entry date. Depending on your country of origin, a visa may be required to enter the country as well.

 

Visa Not Required

The following countries do not require visas for stays of 90 days or less by tourists. They include Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, The Vatican and Venezuela.

 

Visas Required

If you are from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or another nationality that was not aforementioned, a visa is required to enter Brazil. Tourists with visas are allowed to stay for 6 months per year with a required renewal after 90 days at the Policia Federal in any major airport. Visas are also usually valid for 5 or 10 years.

 

Getting there and getting around

Many airlines from the US and Europe fly daily into Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Domestic flights also occur daily with main airlines TAM, Gol, Avianca, and Azul. We can book the best flights according to your schedule or also provide transfer services by car, bus, taxi, or air conditioned vehicles.

 

Tips before traveling

  • It is important to know of any visa or vaccination requirements before entering Brazil. Check with your local Brazilian Consulate if you are unsure. For US citizens, a visa is required so plan accordingly before traveling.
  • No vaccinations are required to enter Brazil, but if you plan to travel to the Amazon, a yellow fever vaccination is recommended. This vaccination should be planned in advance because it can take up to 10 days for it take effect. Anti- malaria medicine is also advised and should be considered upon visiting this region.
  • Banks can exchange currency and travelers checks as well. If you plan to travel to a lesser populated area outside of a city, it is important to carry cash just in case. Most places accept Mastercard, American Express, Diners, and Visa. Most banks also accept foreign cards at ATMs. Just make sure the Cirrus and Visa logo is located on the ATM.
  • If you plan on carrying cash, always bring smaller bills and change, since most places rarely carry enough change for larger bills.
  • If you plan on sending small children with only your spouse, it is important to know that a written authorized note from the non-accompanying parent is required prior to the child traveling. This note must be translated into Portuguese at your local Brazilian consulate, and then shown to airport authorities before coming back home.
  • Medical insurance should also be considered before you travel and that is a service we provide. It should include all contingencies especially a departure to your country of origin by a plane with necessary medical equipment.
  • Bring appropriate clothes for the climates you plan to travel to including any sunscreen or bug repellent.
  • Like in any major city, be aware of your surroundings when you travel abroad. Try not to wear any flashy jewelry or clothes. Take caution when using cameras and cell phones in public and make sure everything is in your front pocket.
  • Brazil can get very hot so it is important to drink plenty of water. DO NOT drink tap water, only bottled water or water from a filter.
    The electricity voltage can vary from city to city and depending on the region you will visit. Most hotels do provide adapters and outlets but outlet adapters should be considered before leaving for your trip.
  • If you plan on making international calls, the process for calling is 00 – 21 – country code – city code – phone number. For a local call within the city you are staying, only dial the phone number. For calls to other Brazilian states, dial the carrier code of (021, 031, etc) followed by the state code and phone number.
  • The principal language in Brazil is Portuguese. Although the larger and more touristic cities may have hotels, restaurants and other services in English, it is important to learn some common phrases or basic Portuguese before leaving for your trip. This is more essential if you plan on traveling to smaller cities or more rural areas.
  • The Metric system is used in Brazil, along with Celsius temperature like most European countries. It also should be noted that Brazil operates on military time.
  • Coming to Brazil, you will find that Brazilians are very friendly and approachable people. They are willing to help with any problems necessary and enjoy that foreigners want to visit their country. Take some time to remember where you are and be respectful and courteous to others.
  • Lastly, enjoy your stay in Brazil and HAVE FUN! We hope to see you again soon.

Brazil Natural Aspects

As the largest country in South America, and fifth largest country in the world, Brazil is increasingly growing. Brazil has 27 states and five regions known as the North, Northeast, South, Southeast, and central region. The regions vary from one another and contain different components.

The Amazon region and rainforest covers most of the North and is a profusion of wildlife, ecosystems, rivers, and natural forest. In the northeast, incredible beaches, landscapes, and nature reserves inundate the region.

In the central region of Brazil, many national parks cover the land as well as various sources of plants, animals and forms of life. The Pantanal or wetland region is one of the more popular places to visit.

In the southeast region, beaches get most of the attention and are the main attractions. Some of the better known beaches are in Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, and Angra dos Reais.  Apart from the beaches, the state of Minas Gerais has Ouro Preto, a town full of impressive architecture and surrounded by beautiful landscapes where one can take in what feels like old Brazil.

In the south, beaches cover the coastline and cities in the interior resemble small European towns due to the influence in the area.

The central plateau of Brazil has two of the world’s greatest rivers which are the Amazon and the Sao Francisco.  These both extend from the coast all the way until the Amazon river basin.

The coastline of Brazil extends for more than 3000 km or about 2000 miles. Along this tremendous coastline one can find exquisite beaches that include preservation areas where one can explore lakes, waterfalls, and rivers of the Atlantic rainforest. Many islands are off the coast of Brazil and have a wide variety of accommodation options. Some of these islands even have locations that have never been visited.

The Chapada regions of Brazil are known as plateaus with the most famous being Chapada Diamantina in Bahia and Chapada dos Guimaraes in Mato Grosso. The Chapadas usually contain national parks and are perfect for hiking, exploring, camping, and numerous other outdoor activities.

The state of Tocatins also has an incredible rainforest known as the Araguia National Park that is outside of the Amazon. The Pantanal in the central region is another option where the wetlands host a wide variety of species.

The large amount of wildlife in Brazil includes some of the greatest numbers of mammals, fish, and vegetation on the planet. However, the practices of fires known as queimadas that open space for pastures have been known to endanger the wildlife. Luckily, the Brazilian government has begun to enact environmental programs to protect these areas as well as use the help of multiple countries worldwide.

The reaction to some of these environmental programs is The Tamar project, in Praia do Forte (Bahia) which has been saving green sea turtles that have nearly become extinct. Fortunately, the green sea turtle population has grown so its extinction is no longer an issue. Other projects in the southeast have preservation objectives including the conservation of different species of monkeys. National Parks and communities have been created to help protect these species and most of them can be visited by the public.

TALK TO A TRAVEL AGENT
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Salvador, Bahia, Brazil