Brazil From the crazy and debauched hedonism of Carnaval to the expansive natural beauty of the Amazon rainforests and rivers – Brazil does everything in epic proportions.

From the crazy and debauched hedonism of Carnaval to the expansive natural beauty of the Amazon rainforests and rivers – Brazil does everything in epic proportions. Famed for its hundreds of beautiful beaches, the country’s life-loving, carefree and friendly people, charming colonial towns, rich regional cuisines and the intense colour and rhythm of its music; Brazil is more like a continent than a country, and a dazzling and captivating one at that! Crime is prevalent so it’s best to have your wits about you and use common sense when visiting crowded public areas and unpopulated places and beaches at night.  

The capital of Brazil, Brasília is a developmental marvel, having been entirely constructed in just a number of years to replace Rio de Janeiro as capital in 1960. Because of this, it has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique and artistic approach to urban planning and contemporary architectural style. This makes Brasília a fascinating destination for anyone with an interest in architecture and design. Its main attractions, including a number of its most impressive structures, are conveniently laid out along the central area of Eixo Monumental. These include numerous government buildings such as the Palacio do Congresso, the Supreme Court of Brazil, and perhaps most remarkably, the unique Cathedral of Brasília.

A half-day bus tour is a great option to explore the whole 5 km expanse of the area without unnecessary exhaustion.   For fans of soccer, the Brasilia National Stadium Mané Garrincha is located in the city and was one of the key stadiums of the 2014 FIFA World Cup however if you want to catch a game while in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is probably a more atmospheric place to watch one. Being the capital of the nation, Brasília is an important cultural and political destination and continually offers an array of festivals and events throughout the year.  

As one would imagine of such a large city, São Paulo is home to a large variety of cultural attractions, from museums to art galleries and the famous Teatro Municipal. Nestled amongst the towering structures of São Paulo however, lives the picturesque Old Centre – the historic core of the city that serves as an interesting reminder of its colonial past. Here there are a number of historical buildings, some dating back to the 17th century, which offer a delightful and fascinating contrast to the modern backdrop that engulfs them.  

The city itself is split into eight regions, each with a distinctly different feel. From suburban areas to parklands, forests to cultural hotspots and the bustle of the business sector, São Paulo is a dynamic and multi-dimensional city that is certainly a modern marvel. Despite its immense size, getting around in São Paulo is made easier through its metro system, acknowledged as one of the best in the world.  

When it’s time to escape the cities, experience the wonder of the Amazon River basin. Occupying 3.6 million square kilometres in Brazil alone which equates to approximately 60% of the total area, the Amazon rain forest lies within the borders of a whopping nine countries. Not only is it the biggest river system in the world but also the largest rainforest. While there is plenty of wildlife to be found within the Amazon rainforest, actually spotting it can be next to impossible at times though the cries and caws of its inhabitants can be heard from everywhere. With the world’s most biologically diverse eco-system, it is often considered “the lungs” of the earth. Stay in a jungle lodge, float lazily down the river in a canoe, wander through a rainforest or watch sunrise on the Rio Negro tributary – however you chose to discover the Amazon, you can rest assured you will leave spellbound by its majesty and more passionate about the protection of this incredible wonder of nature.