Brazil: A Country Overview

Brazil is a massive country, easily one of the biggest in the world. By way of comparison the United States (continental) is approximately the same size as Brazil. In terms of South America, Brazil constitutes roughly half the land mass of that continent. The only two countries in South America that Brazil does not share a common border with are Chile and Ecuador. Despite the size of the country virtually all Brazilians live within very close proximity to the Atlantic Coast.

For many, the first and only stop in Brazil is the world famous city of Rio de Janeiro. It is said the Rio has developed a culture based on pleasure and entertainment. This culture thrives around the fabulous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. In these areas you will find music, football, body worship and a focus on being outdoors. The highlight of Rio for many is the yearly Carnaval. During these four days of "anything goes" the focus on pleasure and entertainment reaches its peak. If you have a experience this event, do so.

While Rio and the surrounding state are renowned for beaches, there is much more to do that sitting on the beach all day. Moving inland one finds tropical forests covering coastal mountains. The wildlife is incredible in this area. Here and there one also finds quaint colonial towns and good national parks. These inland areas are very popular with locals and tourists as an area for outdoor adventures or scenic hikes. Transportation inland is easy to set up and most areas of interest are just a few hours away from Rio.

Today when the name Brazil is mentioned, the name Amazon also immediately comes to mind. The Amazon region contains both the largest tropical rainforest in the world and the worlds longest river. This area is one of the most diverse regions in the world in terms of plant and animal life. The quantity and variety of species is overwhelming, with new ones being discovered all the time. For those travelers that have time, a visit to the Amazon Basin is an incredible experience.

While the Amazon is Brazil's best know region, the Patanal is another equally amazing area. It is the world's largest wetland area and offers the most diverse selection of fauna found anywhere in South America. This area is home to well over 200 different species of birds and includes macaws, parrots, toucans, stork and other exotic bird species. In addition to bird species one can also find jaguars, river otters and countless other animals. As such if a person has an interest in seeing some fascinating animals, the Patanal is a great place to visit.

What else? For many, one of the more interesting stops is at the Foz do Iguaçu. These magnificent waterfalls lie on the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. In terms of size, the Foz do Iguaçu are larger, and some some more grande the either Niagara or Victoria Falls.

No matter what part of Brazil you travel to, from the crowded beaches in Rio to isolated beaches in the north, you will always find Brazilians. For a Brazilian, life revolves around the beach. Rich and poor intermingle on the beaches.

Another area in Brazil that should not be missed is the city of Salvador. Once the capital of Brazil, this city offers a mix of colonial churches, fabulous beaches, excellent food and a diverse population. While Rio is most well known for its Carnaval celebration, many Brazilians consider the celebrations in Salvador to be better.

We are confident that a visit to Brazil will be something not quickly forgotten. This country offers the traveler an endless array of things to do, plus the opportunity to experience one of South America's most unique cultures.

Back to the Top