Brazil

Location: Brazil is the biggest country in South America, roughly the size of the US (excluding Alaska) and nearly half of the continent. It is located on the Eastern and Central areas of the continent, covering a big percent of the Amazonian jungle and the Atlantic coast of South America.

Climate: It is tropical, hot and humid most of the year. Winter is from June to August, but it only gets cold in the Southern regions where temperature only drops to 13°C (55°F). Summer is from December to February, it gets hot with temperatures in the high 30°C (80°F) common.

MAIN DESTINATIONS:

Rio de Janeiro: This city might be what everybody knows and dreams about Brazil. Rio is known as the "marvelous city", and it is world famous due to the "Carnaval" celebrations that take place every year in February or March. The city icon is the "Corcovado's Christ", an impressive statue of Jesus that looks the whole city over. Other must-see attractions are the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and the Maracana, the largest soccer stadium in the world.

Iguazu waterfalls: "These mighty waterfalls are one of the natural wonders of the world, and it are superior in size and grandeur to both Niagara and Victoria." This is the way how the Lonely Planet guide book for Brazil describes this place, and we agree. It is an impressive show performed by nature. The falls are divided between Brazil and Argentina, both countries have declared the surroundings as a national park to protect the falls and the environment. It takes at least 2 days to tour it properly both sides.

Sao Paulo City: It is South America's largest city, and Brazil' s most cosmopolitan and modern city. With skyscrapers everywhere, exclusive shops, art museums, good restaurants, cafés and nightclubs, many people call it the "New York of the Tropics". It are also many big parks where the locals and tourists can have a rest in this big city.

Paraty: This small colonial town with cobblestone streets, nice restaurants and souvenirs shops is a perfect stop between two big cities as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and more important, it is surrounded by some of the best beaches of Brazil. Pristine water, white sand and palm trees, it's hard to beat it.