Brazil’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and the massive, majestic statue of Christ atop the Corcavado peak. The highlight of Rio’s social calendar is Carnaval, in the weeks leading up to Lent, when the city becomes a riot of colour, music and festivities, with thousands of costumed revellers parading through the street in what the locals call the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.
Foz do Iguacu is an important Brazilian town within the state of Parana, set close to the three-way border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the incredible natural wonders of the UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park, which offers the chance to see not only the enormous cascading waterfalls (one of the largest in the world) but also numerous rare and endangered plants and animals. At the Bird Park, see bright and beautiful winged species. Marvel at the architecture, atmosphere and sacred ceremonies at the Buddhist Temple and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque. Delve into local heritage by attending the mesmerising Ipora Show, a celebration of culture through story, song and dance. Other highlights include the Three Borders Landmark, Itaipu Dam, and Dreamland Wax Museum.
Manaus might be surprising to those expecting to see only dense Amazonian jungle. The capital of the Amazon, its largest city and primary tourism hub, Manaus is a bustling urban centre permeated with brightly coloured residential homes, modern high-rise buildings and tour offices where you can book jungle lodges and river cruises. It is located on the banks of the Rio Negro, just a few kilometres from where it joins the Amazon River, a confluence known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, which is accessible by boat from Manaus. According to local lore, the two rivers run side by side for six kilometres without mixing and, in fact, it’s possible to feel the different temperatures of the two water sources by dipping your hand into the currents on either side of the vessel.
Situated in northwestern Brazil where the mighty Solimoes, Negro, and Madeira rivers converge to form the grand Rio Amazonas, the Amazonas State is the largest in Brazil and is covered almost entirely by the Amazon rainforest. The rivers join at the capital port city of Manaus, which serves as a great base for exploring the area and offers some interesting forest tours and landmarks of its own. Visitors can look forward to taking a boat tour of the Rio Negro's Anavilhanas Archipelago and its hundreds of islands, occupied by a number of indigenous villages. Other popular attractions include the Jardim Botânico Adolpho Ducke in Manaus, the world’s largest urban forest, and, also in Manaus, the gorgeous opera house of Teatro Amazonas, built at the height of the rubber boom.
One of the oldest cities in Brazil, Salvador is known for its rich culture, hospitable locals and laid-back atmosphere. Set against a backdrop of impressive architecture, this attractive coastal destination is a place where entertainment, music and fine cuisine abound, earning it the nickname the 'capital of happiness'. Highlights of the area include its lovely beaches and ocean views, 17th century fort, São Joaquim craft market and array of fascinating museums. The best time to visit Salvador is during the annual Carnaval, when the streets come alive with colours, costumes, dancing and festivities.
