Brazil Information

Manaus lies on the Amazon River - which, with its tributaries make up 20% of the world's supply of fresh water. The wide stretch of river known as Rio Amazonas runs between the cities of Manaus and Belém, although the various rivers that join to form it provide a navigable route for ocean-going vessels to nearly the other side of the South American continent. The most common and easy jumping-off point for excursions into the Amazon is Manaus,10 km upstream from the confluence of the Solimões and Negro rivers.

The capital of the State of Pernambuco, Recife, became an important city during the Dutch occupation (1631-1654). Today Recife is a modern city; with more then 1 million inhabitants it is the economical heart of the state. Olinda is Recife's sister city, no less then 10 km, separated by swamps and a river. Both cities are generally considered as one destination. Olinda is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Brazil, placed on a hill overlooking Recife and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is now an important cultural centre and has featured on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1982.

The picturesque town of Lençóis is the principal entrance to the Chapada Diamantina, a large national park protecting a mountainous area with bizarre geological structures and green lush forests in the surrounding dry “sertao”. The city was founded in the 18th century when diamonds were first discovered in the area. Extraction of diamonds became prohibited with the inauguration of the protected status of the national park. The town has a colonial atmosphere and walking through its age-old streets feels like traveling back in time.

In recent years Praia do Forte has been transformed into an ecologically sensitive, up-market beach resort; attracting visitors from Salvador and abroad. Praia do Forte received its name from the Fortress built by the captaincy Garcia D’Ávila Castle, who obtained an enormous chunk of land from the Portuguese crown in order to stimulate colonization of the Portuguese colony. The rainforest surrounding Praia do Forte is protected by the Sapiranga Rain Forest reserve. An interesting place to visit is the Sea Turtle Research Project (Projeto Tamar), where turtle eggs are nursed before bringing them safely to sea.

Salvador da Bahia is Brazil’s most African city. Founded in 1549 it was Brazil’s capital up until 1763, when Rio took over its political function. In the 16th and 17 century, the city’s economy was primarily based on sugarcane and later tobacco. Sugar and tobacco where shipped out, while slaves and European luxury goods where shipped in. These days it is known for its many wild festivals and general sensuality and decadence. The city hosts one of the world's biggest and most impressive Carnival celebrations, with live music on huge trucks moving slowly through the dancing crowds.

The city of Ouro Preto (Black Gold) was founded and raised when gold was found in the area in 1698. The discovery of gold provoked a gold rush, and within 50 years over 110, 000 people resided in the area. In the 18th century about 500, 000 kilos of gold were dug up from the mines, situated in the surroundings of the city. Many gold clad churches were built in Ouro Preto during its golden times, while the rich constructed beautiful houses in colonial baroque art. Ouro Preto has been a national monument since 1933 and under protection of UNESCO since 1981.

The Amazon may have all the fame and glory, but the Pantanal is a far better place in Brazil to see wildlife. This vast area of wetlands, about the size Portugal, lies in the far west of Brazil and extends into the border regions of Bolivia and Paraguay. Birds are the most frequently seen wildlife, but the Pantanal is also a sanctuary for giant river otters, anacondas, iguanas, jaguars, cougars, crocodiles, deer and anteaters. The area has few people and no towns.

Buzios is a trendy upper-class beach resort about 2 hours east from Rio. A tranquil and safe destination, Buzios hosts a superb location on a peninsula. It has beaches on 3 sides. Buzios made its fame in the sixties when Brigitte Bardot and her boyfriend spent some time in the former fishing village. Since then, Buzios has attracted many visitors with its natural beauty. There are many boutiques, restaurants, bars and all kinds of pousadas. The most popular beach among international tourists is the Praia Joao Fernando.

Bonito is a small remote little town that is one of Brazil’s prime eco-tourism destinations. The little town in itself has a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of little restaurants and cafés, but it is the spectacular surrounding that attracts the visitors. With waters as clear as the Caribbean, a number of subterranean water filled caves, lakes and streams are located in the area. The most famous and spectacular attractions are the snorkel excursions in the Rio Sucuri, Prata and Aquario. The incredible clear waters spring from subterranean sources in a limestone base, which releases calcium carbonate into the water.

The Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) as Rio de Janeiro is called, is privileged with the world’s most beautiful setting; the blue Atlantic ocean, the lake, green mountains, Pao de Açucar rising up steep from the see, the enormous bay, its beautiful sandy beaches and its tropical climate. The locals pursue pleasure like no other people: beaches, samba, football and the local firewater, cachaça. With so much to see and do, Rio is a paradise waiting to be found. The city is divided in a zona norte (northern zone) and a zona sul (southern zone); beaches and all tourist facilities, except for the international airport, are found in the southern zone.

Paraty is a colonial relic, well preserved and architecturally unique. Moreover, it is located on the tropical green coast, on a huge bay with hundreds of little forested islands and crystal clear waters. At the end of the 17h century, Paraty was one of the most important harbors in Brazil. Its glory however did not last long; when a new road opened from Minas Gerais to Rio the city lost its function. Paraty is famous for its cobblestone streets, which are laid down in such a way that the high tide washes away the dirt.

275 waterfalls stretch along Brazil’s border with Paraguay and Argentina. They are more than 3 kilometers wide and 80 meters high; they are wider then the Victoria Falls, higher than the Niagara Falls and are more beautiful than both. This huge series of waterfalls plunges through a gorge on the Iguassu River. It makes a never-ending spray of water and keeps the sky decorated with rainbows. Foz do Iguassu constitutes one of the most desired destinations for people from all over the world. National parks on both the Brazilian as the Argentinean sides protect pristine forest areas.

Sao Paulo is the biggest city in South America and the economical heart of Brazil. With a population that has grown to over 18 million (metropolitan area), Sao Paulo is a city of immigrants. In the second half of the 20th century mass immigration from rural Brazil, mainly from the North East, escaping the drought and poverty of the sertao, changed the demographic landscape of Sao Paulo drastically. This diversity and industrial development has produced Brazil's largest, most cultured and best educated middle class.
Sao Paulo is a dynamic city with skyscrapers spreading all over the enormous metropolitan area and a never ending nightlife with restaurants for all tastes.

Brasilia was built between 1956 and 1960 as Brazil’s new capital city. The streets of the city are carefully planned, and the order inherent in a pre-planned capital is easily visible in Brasilia. With virtually no air pollution, the city hosts immense green areas and tranquil walkways. A number of newly designed churches and buildings can be found in the city, and the popular helicopter tour of the city shows one the perfect planning that went into making the city from above. Brasilia also has a large Botanical Garden and Zoo which are popular with visitors.