Brazil is a huge country with plenty to offer for vacations, no matter a persons individual preferences. In fact, there are so many things to do in Brazil, many tourists will return for a second or third visit. Brazil has everything - great beaches, abundant wildlife, the Amazon rainforest, fantastic nightlife, friendly locals, cosmopolitan cities, colonial cities and the world famous carnival, celebrated in February. BigTravelWeb can give you plenty of suggestions if planning a trip to Brazil.
Southern Brazil vacation ideas:
No trip to Brazil would be the same without a few nights in a hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Rio has great beach resorts nearby and a vibrant nightlife scene. A short drive from Rio, tourists can find the trendy beach resort of Buzios, the great beaches of Ilha Grande and the quaint fishing town of Parati. Easily accessible by a short flight from Rio is Iguassu Falls, the most dramatic waterfalls in the world. South of Rio one finds Florianopolis, which many Brazilians say has the best beaches in Brazil. In Southern Brazil tourists also find the capital Sao Paulo, which has excellent restaurants, interesting modern architecture and great nightlife. Another highlight of Southern Brazil is the Pantanal, one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing. The south of the country has enough for a least a two week vacation.
Northern Brazil Vacation Ideas:
There are flights from Rio / Sao Paulo to Salvador, the main hub of vacations in Northern Brazil. Salvador has an interesting African-influenced culture, and a pretty colonial centre at Pelourinho. Most of the best hotels in Salvador are in the Pelhourinho old town. There are interesting colonial towns such as Ouro Preto and Olinda a few hours drive from Salavador. Not far from Salavador one finds various beach resorts in Brazil such as Praio do Forte. Nearby Morro do Sao Paulo is accessible by catarman, and is a very laid back place to relax on your holiday. Further up the coast one finds travel hubs at Recife and Natal, both of which have various beach resorts nearby. Pipa is a popular place to relax on the beach, as is Porto de Galinas where some of the best beaches in Northern Brazil are found. The idlyic island of Fernando do Noronha is one of Brazil's most beautiful islands, an is a great honeymoon getaway type place. Further east one also finds the dramatic landscapes on Lencois and it's shifting sand dunes and deserted beaches. See our more detailed travel guides and trip reports (see blog) on Brazil's beaches for travel advice on all these resorts.
Brazil's Amazon Region:
Part of any holiday to Brazil must be to visit the Amazon rainforest with it's abundant wildlife. The Amazon region is accessible from Manaus, with numerous jungle lodges further upstream. A "Meeting of the Waters" tour is a popular Amazon tour to take from Manaus. Tourists should bear in mind that this is the jungle - as such much of the wildlife is hidden from view. To experience the Amazon is the experience the jungle - if you're primary motivation is a wildlife watching vacation, the Pantanal is a better option.
Carnival in Brazil:
Rio de Janeiro has the most famous carnival in Brazil, though it has become rather a tourist spectacle. Those wanted a more authentic carnival in Brazil should consider the carnival in Salavdor or Olinda. Both these carnivals see less tourists and have a more Brazilian feel.
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
Brazil is a year round holiday destination. The weather is on the whole hot and sunny, though throughout the year the weather can be temperamental. Wherever you are on holiday, it might rain for a couple of hours but this should quickly pass. The main consideration is with regards to southern Brazil - the months of May to August are a lot cooler, as such it is not the best time for a beach vacation to parts such as Rio de Janeiro or Florianapolis. Brazil is a country that combines well with travel to Argentina.
