Brazil

Guide to travel in Brazil

September 22, 2010

Sprawling across half of South America, Brazil has captivated travelers for at least 500 years. Powdery white-sand beaches, lined with palm trees and fronting a deep blue Atlantic, stretch for more than 7000km.Brazil is the biggest country in South America. It borders every other country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador.

Brazil is very much a country of contrasts. When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the great Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, great soccer players, Carnival time – and that’s all. Well, Brazil, the main country in South America, certainly has MUCH more to offer – warm people, great cities with everything from slums to high technology, an array of weather patterns, an awesome mixture of cultures and races – and even more!
The most visited places in Brazil includes Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (the two bustling megacities of the south-east), the more relaxed city of Salvador in the northeast, or the old colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Olinda. For natural beauty, try a visit to Iguacu Falls. If you possess chance local plumber to visit is Carnival.
You’ll find nothing in the whole wide world like Carnival in Rio. Brasilia, the capital city of the country, is known by its great architecture. It is a planned city.
The most up-and-coming resort in Brazil is now the small friendly Praia de Pipa, in the NE of the united states; serviced by international airports at Natal and Recife, this small town is popular with both Brazilians and foreign tourists. The laid back attitude of the open and friendly locals make this a welcome change to some of the more recognised but less safe and inviting destinations.

In Southern Brazil you can visit your Santa Catarina, which is visited every year by people who prefer not too crowded spots like major cities or places where all tourists go. Small beaches like Mariscal, Garopaba, Taquaras or Estaleiro beach are not too far away from medium size cities, so they provide all necessary structure, but concurrently still conserve their natural enchantments. Praia do Pinho (close to Balneario Camboriu – the most crucial touristic spot in southern Brazil) is the paradise for naturists because it is the first official nude beach in Brazil .Many options of adventure activities such as rafting, diving, fishing, trekking are aso available in this beautiful region.

Fast Facts about Brazil

• Head of state President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
  
• Area 8,456,510 sq km (about the size of the continental United States
  
• Number of times the Brazilian football team has won the World Cup five: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
  
• Capital Brasilia
  
• Famous for Carnaval, the Amazon, music, football, beaches, caipirinhas, supermodels, soap operas (telenovelas), Jorge Amado, corrupt politicians
  
• Languages Portuguese and 180 indigenous languages
  
• Population 198 million