Brazil is the largest and most dynamic South American country, bordering all but two of the continent's other nations. In Brazil, wild Amazon adventures can be coupled with stimulating city sights and leisurely beach escapades. Brazil's Portuguese colonization along with its participation in the Atlantic triangle slave trade with Africa produced a fusion of cultures that is celebrated today in the form of fantastic food, unmatched festivals, eclectic music beats and a diverse national identity that is finally being embraced.
When Portuguese settlers arrived in 1531, the native population that existed was relatively small and decentralized compared with other indigenous empires on the continent. They were quickly enslaved on sugar plantations but soon replaced by Africans. Today, their small surviving populations live mainly hidden in the interior of Brazil's thick jungles; however, their influence in art and abundance of intricate handmade crafts are unavoidable, especially inland. The history of Brazil's entangled interior is also touched by African slaves who escaped the coastal plantations and built secret settlements. Quilombo dos Palmares was the most impressive of these settlements; with a peak population of 30,000 inhabitants and over 200 buildings, the town functioned independently for nearly a century until a bloody battle with the Portuguese erupted in 1694.
Eco-Sensations
Brazil's expansive terrain is endless with natural wonders. Nearly forty percent of the world's remaining tropical rainforests is part of Brazil's Amazon and Atlantic forests, which are home to over 2.5 million species of insect and one-fifth of the world's bird species! The notorious carnivorous piranha lingers in numerous quantities in the Amazon River's waters, along with the fascinating Boto, the largest species of river dolphin. The mysterious Anaconda snake also lurks in the river's basin; but have no fear, they are generally harmless to humans. At the Argentinean border, Iguaè'u Falls embodies the extent of Brazil's beauty with over 275 different waterfalls merging together into one harmonious rush of thunder with a vast number of scenic trails winding around the cascading cliffs and lush estuaries. Another aquatic phenomenon occurs 10 kilometers upstream from the city of Manaus where the dark waters of the Negro River join the yellowish Solimoes River without blending for a few kilometers. This dual colored waterway is the beginning of the Amazon River.
Carnival, and That's Not All
Though some claim that the festival of Carnival is the best time to visit Brazil's liveliest city, Rio de Janeiro, this pulsing metropolis is booming with life all year long. The dense population provides unrelenting entertainment while the beautiful beaches tend to be the ultimate draw. The urban centers of Sao Paulo and Brasilia, the official capital, are also teeming with nightlife, activities and history. Remember when you travel to Brazil that the southern urban regions experience a (very) mild winter during the months of June to August and the peak of summer is in January. The northern tropical regions are steadily warm year-round.
Cheap Travel To Brazil
The official language is Portuguese; English and Spanish are not widely spoken but speakers of such are usually able to get by in Brazil. Brazilians also use a lot of body gestures in informal communication.
The prominent travel destination cities include Brasilia for its architectural spectacle, Belem for its religious festivals, Curitiba for keeping its traditional spirit, Florianopolis full of beautiful nature beaches, Fortaleza famous for forro music and comedians, Rio de Janeiro- this world famous beautiful city that welcomes visitors with that big stature of an open-armed Jesus Christ atop Corcovado Hill, Salvador famous for its carnival fun and Sao Paulo- affluence with traces of major cultures of the world.
Brazil's culture is rich and diverse ranging from the bustling urban mosaic of Sao Paulo to the infinite cultural energy of Pernambbuco and Bahia, the untouched Amazon rainforest and world class landmarks such as the Iguacu Falls, Itatiaia National Park and Pantanal where you can see caiman, jaguars, piranhas, and anacondas.
In general, Brazilians are a fun loving people and truly enjoy having a good time. Friendship and hospitality are highly praised traits in the Brazilian society.
The best time to visit Brazil is usually around February and March when they have the carnival celebrations.
Maneuvering around Brazil has been made easier by the air service which covers most of Brazil with many flights making frequent stops en route. A car is a good idea if you want to explore scenic areas. In rural areas of Brazil, the bicycle is a common means of transport. Long-distance buses are a convenient, economical, and sometimes the most comfortable way to travel between regions. The bus services are usually in three classes: Regular, Executive and First class. In the Amazon region as well as on the coast west of Sao Luis, boat travel is often the only way to get around.
Have some fun shopping and blend in the Brazilian culture. Why not acquire a Brazilian wardrobe which are cheap and of high quality and will also make you less obvious a tourist hence get great bargains?
Brazilian cuisine is as varied as its geography and culture. Brazil's national dish is feijoada, excellent seafood can also be found while Prato Freto is their set lunch and a variety of Brazilian snacks. Regional cuisines like Churrasco, Mineiro, Ceara and Pizza which is imported could spice your meal.
The most famous alcoholic drink is cachaca. You can get a wide assortment of vodka, wine and rum brands in any local supermarket. Brazil is known world-wide for its high-quality strong coffee. Nothing beats coconut water on a hot day and fruit juices which are very popular in Brazil.
Hotels are plentiful in just about all areas of Brazil and can range from luxury beach resorts to very modest and inexpensive choices. Pousanda means guest house which are common in smaller tourist towns and could be quite comfortable. Enjoy yourself on a boat hotel which will take you to inaccessible places on the rivers and lakes to fish or relax, watch and capture wildlife on your camera.
Brazil adventure travel offers custom designed group travel programs and itineraries in the most attractive destinations for business and leisure trips. Others offer adventure sports travel related to eco tourism.
Both Frank Johnson & Limotek.co.uk are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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