Ever had a Brazilian?

Adventure that is!

My Predicted Hot Destination for 2015

Everyone has their favourite places to visit and there are places that lots of people are predicting will be top of the agenda regarding cruising. In particular China with the money being spent to develop the cruise ports and increased capacity… but my top tip is not the Far East as many are predicting.

So where is it?

Well you’ve already guessed!

Brazil

Perhaps it’s the Fifa World Cup legacy or the fact that they are gearing up for the 2016 Summer Olympics but many travellers have Brazilian Fever. Of course the large events I just mentioned have helped to put world focus on the destination and a lot of money has been spent to improve the Airports, road networks and rail links which is all good news for the traveller like you and me.

So when and why should you visit Brazil?

When?

You can visit this amazing country at any time of year as it has a great warm tropical climate although February and March are the best months to visit.  It does have a rainy season that affects the northeast from about April to July, and Rio and the south from October to January but don’t let this put you off visiting at these times.

Why?

My reasons why you have to Visit Brazil.

The Carnival

 Carnival in 2015 is the 13^th -18^th February.  This vibrant festival renowned the world over as the number one carnival is a celebration of all that is Rio. It is celebration of life and of the people. The carnival incorporates dancing, singers, costumes floats and an atmosphere you will not find anywhere else in the world. Top Tip. Book early!

The Amazon Rain Forest

The carnival is perhaps a cliché and had to get a mention but the rain forest is a whole different ball game.  This very unique and life sustaining feature covers 2.5 million square miles. Visitors get an opportunity to visit some of the towns along the life sustaining River such as Manaus but much of the Forest remains untouched and undiscovered.  The people you will meet in the charming villages will create a memory that will last a lifetime.  Top Tip. Try a piranha supper in Manaus. Now there’s a story to tell the Grand kids!

Iguazu Falls

 Everyone must be getting to know me a little now and will know I have a thing about waterfalls. I have dragged my husband on many a long trek in the Scottish highlands to snap a photo of a fabled waterfall or two. At 269 feet high, making it one of the biggest waterfalls in the world the Iguazu falls are spectacular. Legend has it that the falls were formed by an angry god who split the river to stop his lover from escaping with a mortal man, causing them to plunge to their deaths. So you might be having second thoughts about that canoe excursion and just admire the stunning views instead.  Top Tip. Visit the Argentinian side of the falls as they are usually less crowded and try to avoid weekends.

Blue Lake Cave

Gruta do Lago Azul to be precise! Carrying on from my love of waterfalls. Have you ever swum in a cave before? The water really is as blue as it looks and is just as inviting.

Corcovado

 Often confused with Sugar Loaf Mountain. This is where the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer can be found. As I said it not on the nearby Sugar Loaf mountain as many think.  Roughly Translated as the ‘Hunchback’ in Portuguese the mountain stands 2329 feet tall and gives visitors spectacular views across Rio de Janeiro.  My Top Tips if you are visiting the Statue are to avoid public holidays and book an organised tour as these often bypass the long queues.

Petrópolis

 Also know an the ‘Imperial City of Brazil’, it is where the wealthy residents of Rio go to escape the city. Formerly home to many Brazilian emperors, including Emperor Pedro II, whose summer palace is now the Imperial Museum. Top Tip. Have a pint from the Bohemia brewery, one of the first in Brazil.

Copacabana Beach

Well it has to be on the list. Even if you hate Barry Manilow you have to admit that the tune springs to mind every time Copacabana is mentioned. Arguably the most famous Beach in Rio and perhaps in the top 10 worldwide. If you want to top up that tan, marvel at the bevvy of beautiful men and women on show or drink in the beautiful and picturesque surroundings as beaches go it’s hard to beat. Top Tip. Don’t forget your sunscreen and your designer sunglasses if you want to look the part.

This only touches on a few of the things you can do here.

For some a visit to the Maracanã Football Stadium may be a must.

You can go hiking or River rafting in the Diamantina National Park.

Or you can go off-roading in a beach buggy at the sand dunes of Fortaleza.

Visit Fernando de Noronha where the clearer, warmer waters offer snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Or see the spectacular colonial architecture in the Mountainous region of Minas Gerais.

Judge for yourself which city has the best nightlife. São Paulo or Rio?

Or take a safari through the vast wetlands of Pantanal, a rich ecosystem that is home to jaguars, caiman, anaconda, giant river otters, toucans and hundreds of other species. Top Tip. Visit in the dry season (April-October) as the animals cluster around the waterholes and the birds are nesting.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Brazilian Adventure right now.

Give me a call as I would love to help and we have some fantastic cruise ideas incorporating these fabulous destinations.

Click on the link for some ideas to help you.

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