Attractions

The attractions of Brazil are delightfully varied, from the endless cultural intrigue of São Paulo to the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro. But the natural wonders are no less enticing, with the Amazon and Pantanal rainforests offering plenty of opportunities to experience its breathtaking scenery and fascinating local cultures.

Every year, thousands flock to the world-famous Carnival in Rio, when the entire city is awash in parties, parades, music and dancing. Rio also features the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which is one of the New7Wonders of the World, and the architectural wonder that is Samba City. The mild climate of the major cities makes them an attractive destination all year round, with the coastal areas being even warmer and suited to year-round sunbathing. Brazil's major cities are known for their wild nightlife, with enough bars, clubs and parties to satisfy even the most hedonistic revellers.

Brazil's beaches are just as famous, with spots such as Ipanema and Copacabana immortalised in song and pop culture. There are several well-known nude beaches, including one in the relaxed town of Pinho. The southern beaches, including Praia Do Rosa, offer big waves that attract top surfers from all over the world between April and November. There are also many popular scuba diving spots that boast beautiful coral reefs, volcanic islands, caves and shipwrecks.

Brazil is a huge country, and over half of it is verdant rainforest. The Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, covers a jaw-dropping seven million square kilometres and is a wildlife and bird watching paradise, home to countless species of plants and animals you won't find anywhere else on Earth. The pink dolphin, for example, is only found in the Amazon and its tributaries. You might also find jaguars, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and anacondas, among many other creatures.

The marine world off the coast of Brazil is no less wonderful. Dolphin and whale watching are popular in places such as Fernando de Noronha, and snorkelling in Bonito, which fittingly means 'beautiful', is an absolute delight. Praia do Forte and other beaches are also good places to witness the hatching of sea turtles.

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