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.

Brazil has around 175 million people and the popular language is Portuguese. For the people who think that Brazil is just the Amazon forests, the size of the population is really surprising. While, the natural beauty of the rainforest is preserved to a large extent, it is slowly but surely being eroded each day.

There has been a lot of bad press surrounding Brazil lately. Stories broadcast worldwide have emphasized the extreme poverty in some areas. Certainly there are places you should avoid, but they are mainly sections of the larger cities like Rio de Janeiro. Do some research before your trip so you'll know where it's safe to travel and which areas to avoid. As long as you know the prevailing social conditions, you 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.

If you are traveling by air then the largest airport in Brazil is Rio. But depending on where you are flying from, you can choose the city you wish to land at. To visit different parts of Brazil, air travel is the best option as Brazil is a big country. Air travel is very costly and the next best option is to take a bus ride which allows you to enjoy the wonderful surrounding while traveling.

Brazil is a fantastic country with one of the finest people in the world. Though it does have its share of problems, it is one of the favorite destinations of many travelers and vacationers due to its mild temperatures and the fun loving quality of the Brazilians.