Rio De Janeiro, Brazil When one thinks of Rio de Janeiro, beautiful beaches, carnival, and soccer (Brazilian football) instantly spring to mind. These are all an integral part of Rio's vibrant culture, and make this city one of the most exciting and interesting places to visit in Brazil. Rio has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it is blessed with stunning natural beauty and a year-round pleasant climate. Uniquely situated on a narrow strip of land between green mountains and the deep blue sea, it is surrounded by granite based peaks, coves, and white sand beaches. The most famous landmark is Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which has wonderful views of the city, the bay, and the Corcovado (the statue of Christ).
Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil This stunning resort, just a 2 hour drive from Rio, is home to some of Brazil's greatest beaches, sophisticated boutiques, and hip restaurants, making it a popular place for sophisticated people from all over the world. Approximately 5 miles (8 km) long, the Búzios peninsula is surrounded by the Brazilian and Antarctic maritime currents. It has 27 white-sand beaches, lined with palm trees and coconuts, and became a synonym for all that splendor in the tropics is supposed to be after Brigitte Bardot "discovered" it in 1964. It is rich in natural beauty and vegetation, and has beaches of incomparable beauty. The average temperature is a pleasant 79ºF (26ºC).
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil Salvador is the third largest city in Brazil and is becoming the most popular travel destination in Brazil. Salvador is also called 'Africa in exile' because of the strong African presence in its culture and people, which can be seen in the religion, music, dance, and cuisine.
Salvador is one of the most famous historical cities in Brazil, and Pelourinho, the historic district, will make you travel back to colonial days of Brazil. Pelourinho is considered a national treasure, and is protected by UNESCO as a Historical Heritage Site. In Pelourinho you will see the thriving bohemian life in the many artists' studios, antique and handicrafts stores, theaters, and museums. Here you will also discover an exciting array of restaurants with splendid regional dishes, cafes, bars, and local music.
Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil Praia do Forte is a fishing village which has become one of the most popular beach destinations in Brazil. Part of this is due to the fact that the traditional Bahian village lifestyle has been conserved and that the TAMAR turtle NGO established its operations and Visitor Center here.
The TAMAR project helps research and preserve sea turtles; 6 of the existing 7 species in the world lay their eggs in these sands.
This village takes its name from the castle of Garcia D´Ávila, a Portuguese settler who founded the first farm in Brazil on the land adjacent to Praia do Forte. It is believed that Garcia D´Ávila was the first colonist to bring cattle, mango, and coconut trees to Brazil. If you decide to take a break from the beach, the village main strip has many restaurants, sidewalk cafes, bars, and Bahian artisan and handicraft shops.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil This archipelago and natural paradise was discovered in 1503 by the Portuguese explorer Amérigo Vespucci, and a few scattered remains of the early Portuguese fortifications still exist.
Apart from the thousands of migratory birds that stop off at the island on their way south, the waters surrounding the island are filled with hundreds of playful dolphins, turtles, multi-colored fish, corals, sponges, and other marine plants.
It is no wonder that Fernando de Noronha is considered the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling in Brazil. As well as excellent underwater activities, Fernando de Noronha is also a mecca for Brazilian surfers who come to ride the 2 meter (6 feet) waves (sometimes reaching as high as 5 meters or 15 feet high) on the sandy beaches facing Brazil´s Atlantic coast. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and trekking to some of the remote beaches are also popular activities. The Morro do Pico is the highest point on the island at 321 meters (1,053 ft), and offers a splendid view of the archipelago, especially at sunset. The island has warm and pleasant temperatures of around 26°C (79°C ) all year round.
