WONDERFULLY DIVERSE
Brazil abounds in superlatives. The world’s most revered football team. Earth’s biggest Art Deco statue. One of the planet’s longest rivers and mightiest rainforest eco-systems. Some of its most colourful carnivals, one of the fastest-growing economies and its most happening beach.
But size isn’t everything. Brazil also has atmospheric small towns filled with faded colonial architecture. It has superbly ornate small churches as well as florid cathedrals. And it has thousands of astonishing creatures that could hide in the palm of your hand.
Here are our expert consultants’ favourite reasons for visiting Brazil.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Known as the ‘Marvellous City’, no trip to Brazil is complete without staying in South America’s most electric city. If you’re a sun worshipper, you need to enjoy a refreshing coconut on the world famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
A visit to Rio also isn’t complete without a ride up to Sugar Loaf mountain and a trip to Corcovado Mountain, home to Christ the Redeemer, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
The best time to visit? There’s never a bad time, it’s a year round destination but warmest December to March.
PANTANAL
As the world’s largest freshwater wetland system, the Pantanal is an eco-paradise that is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, birdlife and plants. The known species include literally hundreds of different types of birds, thousands of tropical plants, shoals of fish, caiman, anacondas, howler and capuchin monkeys…
The best time to visit? Year round, but most people visit during the dry season from May to September.
AMAZON
A rainforest larger in area than a good many countries, crossed by one of the world’s mightiest rivers. Innumerable wildlife species – an incalculable number not yet known to man – dazzling birds, giant fish and a plant system that could be the world’s largest medicine chest. All of life is here.
The best time to visit? Year round, but June to November is most popular when the weather is warm and clear.
CARNIVAL
Nothing beats Rio’s Carnival for the sheer glamour, the energy of the dancers, the size of the floats and the skimpiness of the costumes. And nowhere on Earth parties like Rio. But places like Salvador and Ouro Preto also celebrate – with their own style of exhilarating extravagance.
The best time to visit? When it’s on – in February and March.
IGUASSU FALLS
A waterfall so spectacular it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So be prepared to be thunderstruck by the height, the noise and the sheer volume of water pouring into the great abyss. And be ready for a surprise – the area surrounding the Falls is home to a huge diversity of flora and fauna.
The best time to visit? Year round, but April to October is particularly spectacular when the Falls are full but the sun isn’t too hot.
SALVADOR
Salvador is Brazil’s oldest city and that fact is reflected in the historic buildings, colonial-style architecture, atmospheric churches and quiet squares. Give yourself time to absorb the ambiance, and get immersed in the African-influenced music, food and nightlife.
The best time to visit? The place is timeless, so you can visit year-round.
FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Obviously Copacabana is the more famous, and its name has more of a ring to it. But true connoisseurs of fine sand will rate the beaches in this area as some of the most spectacular they have ever set foot on. Especially for keen divers and snorkelers – the undersea world rivals the one above.
The best time to visit? The high and dry season is from September to March. Low and wet is April to August.
MINAS GERAIS
This is one of Brazil’s most populous states, so you can expect a procession of sleepy towns with old colonial buildings gathered around shady squares and gorgeously flamboyant Baroque churches. You can also expect a lively culture and locals who know how to fiesta.
The best time to visit? April to September is a favourite time
LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES
Endless sand dunes on Brazil’s north Atlantic coast, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil’s most astounding natural wonders. Each year the rainy season creates fresh water lagoons between the dunes, creating a wonderful sight for tourists.
The best time to visit? June to September. After the rainy season when the dunes are full.
PARATY
Perhaps not one of the most obvious choices, but certainly one of the most delightful. Expect a hidden gem of a place with genteel colonial architecture, superb local art and picture postcard streets. All surrounded by some of Brazil’s most inviting beaches and castaway islands.
The best time to visit? May to August for cooler temperatures, December to March for the peak season.
EXPERTS
Jonny
Claire
