GENERAL INFORMATION
Brazil is a land which, according to a popular saying: “was blessed by God and is naturally beautiful”. A visit to Brazil means the unexpected discovery of a place of warm tropical sun and 5000 miles of white-sand beaches, of coconut groves and mango trees, of music and dance, of baroque colonial towns and villages, plus impressive cities of 21st century opulence and sophistication. Brazil´s allure is not only in the climate, the landscapes and the architecture, it lies in the people themselves, whose sense of cordial hospitality and friendship create the perfect environment for your special interest travel.
NORTH EAST REGION
RECIFE
Capital of the state of Pernambuco in the Northeast, Recife is known as the “Brazilian Venice” due to its many channels, waterways and innumerable bridges that resemble the famous Venice of Italy. It is the major entry point to the Northeast, with regular flights to all major cities in Brazil as well as European cities such as Lisbon, London and Frankfurt. The city has an excellent culinary scene serving delicious international cuisine as well as succulent fish dishes typical of the region. Fresh coconut water is found on almost every corner. Close to the capital is Piedade Beach and traveling further away lie the untouched beaches of Tamandare, Sao Jose da Coroa Grande, Maria Farinha and Porto de Galinhas. The sun shines brighter in Recife than anywhere else in Brazil its beaches are undoubtedly among the loveliest in the Northeast.
PORTO DE GALINHAS
Located 70 kilometers from Recife, Porto de Galinhas is full of breathtaking scenery. Along with the transparent warm-water pools, the coast provides beaches with perfect waves for surfing. The city also has interesting historical points – the center was formerly a landing port in the days of the slave trade, and is now a small fishing village wtih rustic houses, lively bars, exquisite restaurants and nightclubs.
SALVADOR
The oldest city in Brazil and its first capital, Salvador was a major post for the slave trade and is now a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian life. Salvador is considered the country’s soul and the birthplace of Brazilian culture. The local cuisine, music, dance and vibrant visual arts are all testaments to this pervasive African influence. As one of Brazil’s greatest historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period. Outside the city lie some of Northeastern Brazil’s most pristine beaches, including the renowned Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe. Considered Brazil’s most artistic city, Salvador has a lively art scene and its streets are filled with dance and music all year round.
NATAL
Natal, the “city of sun,” is one of the most enjoyable capitals of Brazil, with its wide avenues, modern infrastructure, high quality service industry, hospitable locals and purest air in all of the Americas. Natal offers its visitors quality moments of peace and wellbeing with its charming beaches and local cultural richness, making any vacation to the city unforgettable.
SOUTHEAST REGION
BELO HORIZONTE
Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais and the 3rd largest metropolitan city in Brazil, is a place of intensive cultural and economic activity. The city was specifically designed as a replacement capital for Ouro Preto and was modeled after Washington D.C of the United States. The city’s design was also largely influenced by the famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer who designed the Pampulha District. Belo Horizonte is the gateway to the colonial cities of Minas Gerais which were named UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is the second industrial center of the country, producing, processing and distributing steel, automobiles, iron ore, manganese, nickel, uranium and precious stones.
OURO PRETO
Founded in the early eighteenth century, Ouro Preto is a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art and was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here the intricate details of the buildings and artwork clearly reflect the originality and autonomy of the craftsmen and artists who created the Brazilian baroque style. The painting of Manuel da Costa Athaíde and the sculptures of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho are living examples of this period of enormous creative inspiration.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil until 1960. Often called “Cidade Maravilhosa” (The Wonderful City), Rio de Janeiro is world renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and location, nestled between lush, green mountains and crystal clear seas. Rio is one of the most prominent cultural and economical cities in Brazil and features some of the country’s most famous attractions such as Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), Corcovado, and the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The city is full of energy and rhythm, and the locals of Rio, ‘Cariocas’, are known for their care free spirit and charm. Whether you are looking to experience Carnaval, relax in a naturally stunning environment, or enjoy all the luxuries of a cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro has it all!
BUZIOS
Located 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, a short, pleasant 2-hour trip will take you to the peninsula of Búzios – home to more than 20 magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters which are complemented in perfect harmony with sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this historically diverse city enjoyed periods of prosperity and emerged as one of Brazil’s most picturesque fishing villages. Buzios was elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world and is famed for its unique combination of rustic charm, distinctive arquitecture, incredible allure, and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques. Every year thousands of visitors come from all corners of the world to savor the city’s magic.
SAO PAULO
The city and state of São Paulo is the most dynamic economic center in Latin America. Famous for its ethnic diversity and busy lifestyle, São Paulo also offers excelent leisure options to enjoy during the day or at night. São Paulo is a city with many attractions ranging from cultural tours to shopping. Another important point is the city’s culinary side – São Paulo is recognized as one of the largest and best gastronomic centers of the country. The nightlife is very lively and has a plethora of bar, restaurant, and nightclub options for all tastes. In addition, the city offers excellent hotels and quality services.
SOUTH REGION
IGUAZU FALLS
Iguaçu Falls, located on the border of the State of Parana, is one of the most famous attractions in all of Brazil. These 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on what side they are viewed from. Within the surrounding city of Foz do Iguaçu the main tourist attractions go hand-in-hand with the most exuberant scenery provided by nature and mankind. In the “Land of the Falls,” visitors can revel in the splendor of the natural forests, rivers and lakes, as well as the world’s largest hydroelectric work, the Itaipu Dam. Travelers also have the unique opportunity to experience the falls and attractions not only in Brazil but in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) as well.
CURITIBA
One of the most prosperous and organized cities in all of Brazil, Curitiba is a world-wide example of urbanism solutions, education and environmental protection. This Brazilian metropolis, located in southern Brazil, was nominated as the American Cultural Capital in 2003, an initiative of the Organization of the American States (OEA). Curitiba was founded in the 17th century as a gold-mining camp, and became the capital of the state of Paraná in 1854, experiencing rapid growth following the 1940′s. Its 1.6 million people are a synthesis of several different cultures of the immigrants that arrived in the city during the 19th century and early 20th century.
FLORIANAPOLIS
Florianópolis, capital of Santa Catarina, occupies one third of the island state. Access to and from the mainland is made easy via two public bridges, one of which is Brazil’s largest suspension bridge. The island is a large beach community, and in addition to the bay and ocean beaches the city features a large lagoon – Lagoa da Conceicao. Visitors reminisce in the exhilarating vistas from hillside overlooks as well as the preserved ruins of three old forts dating back from the colonial period. The shoreline is divided into three sections: north, south and east coasts.
PORTO ALEGRE
Porto Alegre, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is located on the banks of the Guaiba River. The area is known for a variety of site-seeing options such as Estátua do Laçador in the entrance of the city, the Usina do Gasômetro, the Gaucho Tradition Center for strolling, and the amazing Rio Guaíba sunset. The city also serves as a very interesting place to visit for those who wish to learn more about the “gaucho” culture.
NORTH REGION
AMAZONIA & MANAUS
Manaus is the capital of Brazil’s largest state, Amazonas, and is located in the Northwest of the country. It is an ideal starting point when visiting the rest of the Amazon region. Tour boats leave Manaus to see the Meeting of the Waters, where the black waters of the Negro River meet the white waters of the Solimões River, flowing side by side without mixing for several miles. Visitors can also explore riverbanks and streams, swim and canoe in placid lakes or simply walk in the lush forest. Those in search of real adventures may even choose to go deep into the jungle and experience the Brazilian Amazon and all its flora and fauna face-to-face.
BELEM
Belem is the capital of the State of Pará, and is located on the southern side of the Amazon River. It serves as the main entrance to the Amazon region as well as an important commercial and economic center. During the 19th century rubber boom, the city served as the main port of the region. The famous “Ver-o-Peso” market, designed and built in England, as well the Catholic Churches and the “Peace Theater” are reminders of that era. Nowadays the modern airport regularly receives flights from the United States, Latin America and most Brazilian cities.
CENTRAL WEST REGION
PANTANAL NORTH
Along with the Amazon Basin, the Pantanal is one of the last virgin areas on the face of earth. A huge lowland plain, it is entirely overgrown by luxuriant vegetation dotted by thousands of rainbow colored flowers which bloom during the rainy season (Dec to March). It shelters innumerable rivers and crystal-clear lakes. Along their shores are rare species of animals such as jaguars, peccaries, bobcats, wild boars, Gray Teals, pigeons, partridges and herons who live in total and undisturbed freedom. No experience is more rewarding than a “safari” into this privileged wilderness to photograph the countless birds and animals silhouetted against the brilliant backdrop of foliage and blue skies. In the Pantanal the visitor will find an area of 77,220 square miles (nearly equal the size to West Germany) where life pulsates and nature, untouched by the hand of man.
PANTANAL SOUTH
South Pantanal is a massive nature reserve of around 140,000 square kilometers in Mato Grosso do Sul state. It is largely composed of swamp terrain and contains an abundance of wildlife. The region is home to about 650 species of birds, 240 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles and 80 species of mammals. Some of the animals found in Pantanal are marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), jabirus stork (Jabiru mycteria) and the endangered jaguar (Panthera onca). Horseback riding is the major transportation used by locals and a popular tourist activity.
CUIBA
Cuiaba, capital of the state of Mato Grosso was founded on the discovery of gold in the region by bandeirantes in the beginning of the 18th century. Since then, the city has maintained its narrow streets, which can be seen from the oldest part of the city center. The city is a mandatory stop for those going to visit the natural beauties of Mato Grosso, such as the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and the North of Pantanal. A good option is to visit Águas Quentes, which has an aquatic park containing natural thermal water and a vast forest reserve. The city has great restaurants of typical food of the Pantanal. The history, culture and environment of the Mato Grosso state can be seen in the Natural History and Anthropology History Museum and in the Rondon Museum, dedicated to the indigenous tribes on the region. Authentic indigenous craftwork, adornment, arc and arrow and ceramics objects can be purchased at Artíndia, shop of the federal institution Funai (Fundação Nacional do Índio – National Foundation of the Indian).
BRAZILIA
Brasília, capital city of Brazil, is located in the central region of the country. It is a planned city with unique and modern architecture, designed by world famous architects Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer. This UNESCO World Heritage Site city was constructed to bring the capital away from the Brazilian coast. Brasília has a number of excellent hotels and restaurants that allow guests to fully enjoy their time in the city.
