Most people think of rainforests, tropical beauty and the Carnival when Brazil comes to mind. It's a fascinating and mysterious country, with a lot to offer visitors. Some of the best include warm people and luscious natural beauty. Brazil has many social problems in its urban environments. It's not the destination of choice for many, but for those who do visit, they never forget the experience.



The population consists of about 175 million Portuguese speaking people. Sometimes this figure is surprising since we tend to think of Brazil as being primarily rain forests. Sadly, although there are still areas of untouched rain forests, much of it is being clear-cut. Some of this natural beauty is destroyed everyday.

Brazil has gotten a bad rap recently, with many issues of severe poverty being broadcast around the world. While there are certainly areas that you should not go, these are mainly sections of major cities, such as Rio de Janeiro. You should be sure to know what area you are staying in and what areas to stay away from before you go. By being aware of your surroundings and the current social atmosphere in the city, your stay should be safe.

Brazil is famous for the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean where water sports are the main attraction. Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro is the most well known beach in Brazil. The beach is flooded with people who wear almost nothing which does not qualify it as the best family destination, but you will have fun watching people all the same.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is well worth visiting. Part of its beauty comes from the skyline filled with both island and mountain views. It's a unique and stunning city. Two sites to be sure and take in are Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The people are high energy and love to party all through the night. If you visit during Carnival, don't expect to sleep much, as it's one huge celebration.

A trip to the Amazon forests will certainly be memorable. You can see a lot of different species of birds and plants, which you had never seen before. You will also get a chance to see many abandoned villages which were once inhabited by the Indian tribes along the river. They have now moved still deeper into the Amazon.

Jericoacoara is a little more obscure. It's a small fishing village catering mostly to backpackers, although other tourists are starting to catch onto this unique location. You can wind surf if you choose, or just kick back and enjoy life away from the big city business.

The largest and most popular airport in Brazil is in Rio de Janeiro. Depending on where you're coming from, there are other possible destinations for landing. The country is large, so if you plan to explore you'll probably be booking some flights on regional airlines. Flying is expensive in Brazil, so it's a good idea to efficiently organize your trip in advance. Consider some bus excursions too, since you'll have a chance to see more of the beautiful surrounding areas.

Brazil is a wonderful country filled with wonderful people. While it has had its problems in the past, many people still flock to the balmy temperatures and fun loving atmosphere that the Brazilian people have cultivated.