Rio de Janeiro is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and also Brazil's capital from 1763 to 1961. Blessed with a wonderful natural setting wedged between mountains and the sea, watched from above by Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, and surrounded by tropical forests and lagoons, Rio is one of the world's top tourist destinations. It is the gateway to beach resorts such as Buzios, colonial Paraty, and Angra do Reis.

Designated Natural Heritage of Humanity in 1986 by UNESCO, the Iguassu (Brazil)/Iguazu (Argentina) Falls are a spectacular sight. Shared by two countries, the falls are formed by 275 separate waterfalls, ranging in height from 40 meters to 100 meters and are surrounded by 225 thousand hectares of tropical forests with rare and endangered species of fauna and flora. Plenty of activities are available. The Falls can be visited all year long but extended rain is common in September and October.

Sao Paulo is the most important financial and cultural center in South America, regarded as a gateway for international business. The art has its own traditional instruments: drums and the berimbau. Originally it has developed as the martial art of the slaves of the Bahia. To keep their art alive, they turned capoeira into a dance, and the berimbau, which had warned of an approaching master, began to accompany the dance itself.

The greatest attraction to Brasilia is its architecture, with the National Congress, the Cathedral, the President's Palace, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs among some of the most dazzling buildings of the modern age. Built in the center of Brazil as its administrative capital, the city was designed by two world famous architects, Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa. Brasilia also boasts one of the best yearly climates in Brazil.

Manaus is the capital of Amazonas State, located on the Negro River near its confluence with the Amazon. It is the chief port and a hub for the region's extensive river system. Once an extremely rich city due to its rubber plantation, today's Manaus is significantly poorer. Its economy is tied to the Amazon River and forest. It now serves as a major gateway to the Amazon, an important stop for travelers who want to experience the cruises or lodges of the Amazon.

Manaus is the capital of the state of Amazonas and the gateway to the lodges in the jungle and the Amazon Cruises. All lodges offer different degrees of comfort so you have to know what you want. A lodge with electricity and air conditioning is not going to offer you the same jungle experience as a lodge that is located deep in the jungle and farther away form civilization, a trade off of comfort for a real experience in the wilderness. All lodges are simple and offer similar programs.

Just 50 miles north of Salvador da Bahia, Costa do Sauípe is a unique resort where you find 5 star hotels, fine cuisine, sports facilities, championship golf course, soft adventure tours, and other cultural attractions. The setting is beautiful, with the rainforest in the background and facing some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Sauipe is one of Brazil's sunniest regions and boasts an average annual temperature of 80 F.

Praia do Forte is located only one hour north of Salvador, in Bahia. It is a protected environmental area with 12 kilometers of semi-deserted beach bordered by lush groves of coconut palms, close to the ecological Atlantic Forest, lagoons, beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs, whale observation areas, and for coral reefs. Also in the area is the charming Fishermen's Village and the Castelo Garcia D'Avila ruins, the only example of a medieval structure in Brazil.

Buzios is 180km from Rio de Janeiro in the northern coastline of its state. After 1964, when the French actress Brigitte Bardott spent her vacations there, the fishermen village became famous internationally. There are over 27 different beaches, all of them with emerald green ocean. All beaches have very charming inns and restaurants that serve Brazilian and international dishes. Activities include surfing, sailing, windsurfing, diving, and golf.

Angra dos Reis is composed by 365 islands and over 2,000 beaches. The main attraction is Ilha Grande, the largest island. Ilha Grande, surrounded by 106 beaches, and bearing mountains and incredible waterfalls, is a perfect place for trekking and camping. Located 155km from Rio de Janeiro, it is spread in an area of 819 square km. perfect place for honeymooners, or families to enjoy some days resting in a beautiful scenery.

Located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the port-city of Paraty (or Parati) is a well-preserved Portuguese colonial and Brazilian imperial town. Strategically located, Paraty experienced a booming era fueled by gold trade and coffee exports, which ended when the mines were depleted and alternate coffee routes were found. Its revival began in the 1970's, when tourists discovered this hidden colonial gem due to a newly built paved road from Rio to Sao Paulo.

Salvador, the capital city of the Bahia State, is an unique place where a magical air intermingles with reality to form a unique harmony. It begins with religious syncretism and continues to its striking setting of narrow streets and steep hills, forming the upper and lower city. The region has a perfect warm climate, rich folklore, and a fertile environment.

Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, was founded in 1897 and was modeled after Washington, DC, although recent urban expansion has strayed from the original design. It is also the gateway to the colonial cities of Minas Gerais. The third largest city in Brazil and its second industrial center, it enjoys the reputation of one the cities with the highest quality of life in South America.

Ouro Preto (meaning Black Gold) was founded as a mining town, acquiring fame and status during the 18th century's gold rush. Subsequently, it became a major center during what is known as Brazil's golden age, leaving an important cultural legacy. The city started an inevitable decline in the 19th century, but numerous churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.

Although Recife is the fourth-largest city in Brazil, it is less modern and cosmopolitan than its more famous counterparts. It is a major port city, and much of its energy and culture has its source in the constant influx and outflow of trade. High rises, colonial churches, and markets quilt the city with a mix of old and new. It is often called the Venice of Brazil for its many canals, bridges, and tiny one-way streets.

Fortaleza has become one of the preferred beaches among Brazilian and Latin American visitors. It is a large, modern city where bold, new architecture contrasts with beautiful beaches and tall coconut palms. Beach Park in Porto das Dunas, 30 minutes from Fortaleza, is the largest water theme park in all of Latin America. For a day tour, it's a delight for kids of all ages.

Natal is the capital of the State of Rio Grande do Norte. It is a city of extraordinary beaches dotted with tiny fishing villages. The most sought-after beaches are Genipabu and Cotovelo. There are also delightful freshwater beaches along the Potengi River and its falls. The Reis Magos Fort, the birthplace of the city, is definitely worth a visit. On the other side, the beach and reefs form a gigantic, natural aquarium.

Porto de Galinhas, one of the most beautiful Brazilian beaches, is located in the city of Ipojuca, 30 miles from Recife. Its 9 miles of lined coconut trees beg you to relax on the shade of this immense natural parasol. But beyond white sands and warm crystalline waters, this wonderful area possesses a colony of corals, which form one of the most beautiful aquatic scenes in the world. In the low tide, people swim freely using flippers and goggles and when the natural swimming pools are formed, people can feed a great variety of colorful fishes.

The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, located about 200 miles from the Brazilian shore, is a National Park that comprises 21 islands. This archipelago offers the cleanest waters of Brazil being considered one of the best world dive points, with visibility of approximately 100 meters. The island has many unspoiled beaches and interesting wildlife. The "Dolphins Bay" is a lookout point to watch the spinner dolphins in the bay.