Travel in Brazil: Round trips

The largest country in South America has been a tourist destination all along. The recovery opportunities are vast: explore the fascinating nature of the Amazon or the Pantanal regions, make an activity tour with rafting, riding, biking and riding, or just relax on one of the fine beaches under the tropical sun.

Along the giant Amazon, the original tropical rain forest with a multitude of plants and animals can be visited. Guests are often surprised about the original state of natural areas. Considering that Brazil also consists of big cities like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo or Salvador.

The climate differs from region to region – no miracle in such a huge country. In the northwest (Manaus) you find tropical climate conditions – high humidity with temperatures around 30ºC with a tendency to heavy thunderstorms. The driest season here is from June to September.

In Southern Brazil, the climate is subtropical with possible rain showers throughout the year. The seasons are opposite to those in Europe. In winter (our summer) the temperatures are more moderate, so this is the best time to visit the region. But take a cosy pullover with you, the nights can become quite cool. But remember: from December to February it is absolute high season in Brazil because at this time of year many Brazilians also go on holiday.

The best way to get a deeper impression of this beautiful country is to go on a well prepared round trip. Brazilian tour operators you find almost in every country you live, e.g. the famous the German provider Intakt-Reisen, focused on tourism in Brazil.

Starting in Manaus, the “jungle metropolis” on the banks of the Amazon, you can visit ecological jungle lodges and get to learn a lot about the every-day life of the native Indians (in Latin America, they are called “indios”). Take your time for hiking as well as for relaxing. Learn a lot about survival tricks like climbing up trees or finding something edible or to drink.

Another (not so well-known) natural area in Brazil is the Pantanal, a secluded alluvial land in the outermost west. The Pantanal offers the best possibilities for animal observation: here you can see otters, anacondas, cougars, pumas, crocodiles (or caimans), several species of birds and other animals. Explore the Pantanal by boat, by foot or on horseback.

Go on a trekking tour in the Champada Diamantina, a landscape dominated by huge table mountains divided by deep canyons the water has eroded over the millennia.

The colonial architecture of towns like Salvador da Bahia or Paraty (both cities are part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) show you the importance Brazil once had for the Portuguese empire. On the other hand, the slaves brought with them parts of their African culture – like religions or the art of Capoeira, where martial arts and dance mingle.

Another natural highlight are the impressive waterfalls of Iguaçú (or Iguazú, as the Argentinian side is spelled). Explore these mighty cascades from both sides, by foot and by bike.

Of course, no journey to Brazil would be complete without a visit in Rio de Janeiro, the home of carnival. The famous beach of Copacabana, the statue of Jesus Christ on top of the Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf Mountain – must-sees all of them!

About Mary Abe