BRAZIL
Breathtaking landscapes, an excellent climate, high biodiversity, wonderful people, a rich culture and a fascinating history………….. this is BRAZIL! Brazil has so many wonderful places to visit and dimensions to explore that it is often difficult to know where to go and what to do there. Brazil for Travelers would like to help you a little with that.
CULTURE:
The Brazilian peoplefind their roots on four continents: Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia. Braziln and African tribes, Portugese, French and Dutch adventurers, European, Asain and American migrants have created a unique ethnic mix and a rich cultural tapestry.
From the mapinguari to condomble, from bumba meu boi to capoeira, from maracatu to bossa nova, from villa Lobas to mangue beat, from Kuarup to June parties, Brazilian culture is a moving feast of traditions, beliefs, dances celebrations, arts, crafts and music from diverse origins.
FAUNA
The present day mammal fauna of Brazil is a mixture of the descendants of ancient inhabitants armadillos and early kmigrants and relative newcomers like carnivores, hopofed animals and rodents.
Brazils big terrestrial mammals include jaguar, puma, maned wolf, tapir, giant anteater, deer, capybara, giant river otter and giant armadillo. Brazil is especially rich in monkey species. Pink dolphins and grey dolphins are found in the Amazon and many other dolphin species and whales travel along its coastline.
Resptiles include the always impressive alligators and anaconda snake, but also river and sea turtles, lizards and smaller snakes. More than half of the amphibians which include the pretty tree frogs are endemic to brazil.
FLORA
Brazil is paradise for plant lovers and botanist. Its magnicent trees, beautiful flowers, fascinating epiphytes and enormous variations in edible fruits and nuts can enchant even those4 who thought they were not interested in botany.
The Brazilian flora is rich in ornamentals such as orchids, bromeliads, palms and cacti. Majestic Kapok trees, statuesque Mulattowood, prized Jacaranda and Brazilwood, the curious Cannonball tree and the tall Jequitiba will call your attention.
COAST AND BEACHES
With over 7000 km ofcoastline, Brazil has more than 2000 beaches. And there are beaches for all tastes crowded beaches with a vibrant nightlife small deserted intimate coves surrounded by rainforest, beaches lined withwaving coconut plams that stretch as far as the eye can see, beaches where you can swim with dolphins and turtles, beaches where you can snorkel and coral reefs, rolling waves for great sufing and beaches lined with enormous sand dunes.
SAILING ANDWINDSURFING
From the primitive of the Northeast coast to Olympic champions, sailing is a national passion in Brazil. Top places for sailing and windsurfing are Rio Guiaba , Florianopolis, Itha Bela and Santos, Angra dos Reis and Buzios Camburi and the coasts of Bahia and ceara.
You can see examples of traditional boats in Maranhao and the Northeast coast and at the National sea Museum, Sao Francisco Island, Santa Catarina.
SURF AND WAKEBOARD
Surfing is big in Brazil and there are opportunities everywhere from the mouth of the Amazon, where you can take the pororoca to the very south of Brazil, Florianopolis which some consider the best place for surfing in Brazil, is a stop on the World championship Tour.
DIVING
With a long coastline, lots of reefs and shipwrecks, many caves and rivers, there are lots of places to dive and snorkel in Brazil. Even diving in the Amazon is starting to become popular. Some great places are Arabaianas Channel, Sao Paulo Galleon, Fernando de noronha island etc.