One glance at a map of South America and it is immediately evident that Brazil occupies an

enormous portion of the continent, with a powerful physical presence that includes thousands of miles

of coastline, primeval wilderness and one of the most extensive river systems in the world.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and fifth largest in the world. Its coastline

is a staggering 7,491 meters / 4,650 miles long. Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach may likely be its

most famous, but Brazil’s beaches come in a wonderfully eclectic assortment. Some are like the historic

old port of Salvador, steeped in the traditions of both European and African cultures. Others are like

the laid-back, easy style of Buzios, the “St. Tropez of South America.” Beyond the coast, one of the last

great wild places, the primal Amazon rainforest, covers almost half of the country and is home to

some 67 indigenous tribes, many of whom are still isolated from the world beyond their territories.

Pantanal, in the west, is the world’s largest wetlands. Its southeastern Atlantic rainforests are

20 million years older than the Amazon ecosystem. Southern Brazil is grasslands, wetlands,

pine forests and the grand Iguassu Falls. With all this natural bounty, Brazil still isn’t finished.

The only Portuguese-speaking country in South America, it offers a cornucopia of adventures.

It is famous for its football (soccer) tradition and its world renowned Carnival in Rio de Janeiro,

Salvador and Recife. Provincial towns such as the 500-year-old Olinda and sophisticated cities such

as Rio add to Brazil’s basket of charms. The bustling urban mosaic of São Paulo, the cultural energy

of Pernambuco and Bahia, the striking colonial cities the likes of Ouro Preto with its Portuguese

colonial architecture and 18th-century churches and Brazil’s lush natural gems,

all combine to make Brazil a compelling destination.

Big Five Presents

Brazil

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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Manaus, Brazil Lying on the banks of the Negro River, Manaus is 1,450 kilometers / 900 miles inland in the heart of the Amazon.Days 2/3: Manaus / Amazon RainforestOne of the world’s great ecosystems, the Amazon contains over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests. Day 4: Manaus / Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro sits like a gem amid mountains and sea, samba and carnival. Days 5/6: Rio de JaneiroColonial architecture, cafés, boutiques, Sugar Loaf and eccentric neighborhoods are just a few of Rio’s charms. Day 7: Rio de Janeiro / IguassuThe stunning horseshoe-shaped falls straddle two countries – Brazil and Argentina.Day 8: IguassuIn Brazil, the falls feature a long walkway with brilliant views and an extension to the lower base of Devil’s Gorge.Day 9: Iguassu / Depart

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Brasilia (2 days)Brazil’s futuristic capital with its grand architecture and gardens earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage City.

Buzios (3-4 days)Giant dunes, secluded coves and rocky coasts offer activities from scuba diving to camel riding on the dunes.

Natal (3 days)Natal and other beaches, like Pipa, are growing more and popular among Brazilian and international tourists.

Ouro Preto (3 days)The “City of Gold” is a UNESCO World Heritage City of cobblestone streets, churches and terraced gardens.

Pantanal (4 days)Pantanal’s wetlands are a vast refuge for capybara, caiman, tapir, monkeys and some 600 species of birds.

Praia do Forte (3 days)Luxury spas, groves of coconut palms and a turtle sanctuary add up to more than just a beach retreat.

Recife & Olinda (3 days)These towns are packed with history in atmospheric old quarters, ornate churches and a historic Inquisition jail.

Salvador da Bahia (4 days)Colonial monuments contrast with African folk culture as seen at the colonial-era slave auction site.

São Paulo (2 days)São Paulo is a vivacious city that offers a wealth of the world-class restaurants, museums and activities.

About Brazil

Brasilia: The national capital was developed in 1956; however, it had been envisioned nearly a century earlier. The plan was originally conceived in 1827 when Brazil was under colonial rule, but not acted on for more than a century. An article in the constitution of 1891 stated that the capital should be moved to a place close to the center of the country.

This is the only city built in the 20th century designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the grand architecture of its public buildings, gardens and avenues.

Buzios: Buzios boasts 20 superb beaches with crystal-clear water, quiet coves and relaxing beaches. Settled by European pirates and slave traders, Buzios evolved into a town of rustic charm with stylish shops and restaurants. It retains the ambiance of a small village. Fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water sports are available. To preserve the environment, an area around the village is now Ubajara and Jericoacoara National Park.

Iguassu Falls: Both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of this magnificent horseshoe-shaped falls are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the right bank, the Brazilian territory has just over 20% of falls, and Argentina has 80% of the falls on the Brazilian side, there is a walkway along the canyon with an extension to the lower base of the Devil’s Throat. Brazilian transport system has been restyled to allow more visitors, while reducing environmental impact.

Manaus & Amazon Rainforest: Manaus is the largest metropolitan area in Northern Brazil. At the start of the century, it was known as Heart of the Amazon and City of the Forest. The Amazon River basin spreads across nine nations, but 60 percent is in Brazil. It makes up over half of the planet’s rainforests, and is the most species-rich tropical forest in the world. At least 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish, 1,294 birds, 427 mammals and 378 reptiles have been reported. One in five birds on earth lives here. This is also the last refuge of Brazil’s indigenous tribes. Eco-lodges offer comfortable settings to discover this incredible habitat. A boat trip, “Meeting of the Waters,” is a captivating journey to see the black waters of Negro River and the brown waters of Solimões River run together for miles without mixing before becoming the Amazon River.

Natal: Natal is known for its giant white sand dunes. Its Dunas Park is the second largest urban park in Brazil. It has important museums such as Museu de Arte Sacra, and Museu de Cultura Popular. Forte dos Reis Magos is a medieval, fortress from 1598. Natal embraces 150 colonial, art-deco, neoclassical and modernist buildings.

Ouro Preto: The ‘city of gold’ is encircled by mountains. Founded in 1711, this UNESCO World Heritage City reveals its masterful architectural style in the 1742 Governor’s Palace, exquisite colonial churches, gardens and cobblestone streets. It has significant metallurgic and mining industries, including gold, hematite, dolomite, tourmaline, muscovite and imperial topaz, found only here.

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Praia do Forte: This beach and a coastal village has a protected environmental area with about 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles of semi-deserted beach bordered by lush groves of coconut palms. The turtle sanctuary here is one of 22 bases along the Brazilian coast, which have released millions of turtle hatchlings into the Atlantic. This is a good spot to view humpback whales. Nearby are the charming Fishermen’s Village and Garcia D’Avila Castle, the first great Portuguese structure in Brazil.

Recife & Olinda: Recife is famous for its 17th-century architecture. History buffs love these towns for their old quarters, ornate churches and an Inquisition jail. Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is nearly 500 years old. The Dutch occupied it for 24 years, adding to the cultural mix of Indian, African and Portuguese.

Rio de Janeiro: Rio is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere. From Copacabana Beach to Sugarloaf Mountain, it makes a grand impression. Other landmarks include the 36-meter / 120-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain; a small-scale model of Paris Opera; the National Library with an edition of the rare Gutenberg Bible and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums. Tijuca National Forest is the largest urban forest in the world. French architectural influence is visible in Marechal Floriano Square.

Salvador: This is called the soul of Brazil as it was here the nation was founded in the 17th century. The historic slave auction site contrasts markedly with the baroque São Francisco Church and Convent. Salvador is noted for its cuisine, music and Portuguese architecture. The old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

São Paulo: Founded in 1532, this is a city on the move. It is the largest city in Brazil and largest in the southern hemisphere. As such, it wields significant cultural, economic and political influence. The city is also known for its architecture, gastronomy and cultural venues. It hosts high profile events such as the Brazil Grand Prix, Fashion Week, ATP Brazil Open, and the São Paulo Indy 300.

Best Time To Go Brazil has five major climatic subtypes: equatorial, tropical, semiarid, highland tropical, and temperate. In general, winter lasts from June to August, with the coldest temperatures south of Rio. Summer runs December to March, with stifling humidity in the far south. Brief rains are common, given the tropical climate, but the dry interior has fewer months of heavy rainfall. The Amazon Basin is the wettest area, and near the mouth of the river it rains year round. The heaviest rainfall is from December to May. In the area of Recife, the wettest time is May to August. Further south in Rio, the wet season is November to April.

$750 - $1400 per person per dayLand only, double occupancy

Consider enhancing your adventure by including the following destinations: Argentina (p91-94), Chile (p103-106), Peru (p127-130), Colombia (p107-110)

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