76 BrazilBrazil at a glance2THE PANTANAL WETLANDSThe open grasslands and river beaches promise a unique wildlife experience. Wild animals live alongside reared livestock and flocks of birds congregate in their tens of thousands. There are several good eco lodges facilitating visits. 6Southern BrazilSão Paulo is a giant, dynamic megalopolis and the gateway to the hills, secluded bays and well-ordered European-style towns of the south, along with the network of waterfalls at Iguaçú, on the border with Argentina.1Amazonas and the remote northThe Amazon basin, with its rainforest and tributaries, occupies half of Brazil's territory. The region's greatest city is Manaus, which gives access to the jungle lodges nearby.142356PHOTO ON PREVIOUS PAGE: karen wardISTOCKPHOTO.COMMICHAEL MIRECKIISTOCKPHOTO.COMFortaleza.Belém..Altamira.Manaus.Cuiabá.CorumbáCampo Grande.Recife....Ilhéus..Maráu..Lençóis.Porto Seguro..Ouro PretoBelo Horizonte.Ilha GrandeTefé.São Luis.Jericoacoara.Porto de Galinhas..Curitiba.Praia do ForteSão PauloParatí.TabatingaBRAZILATLANTIC OCEANVENEZUELAGUYANASURINAMEFRENCHGUIANACOLOMBIACHILEPARAGUAYURUGUAYARGENTINAATLANTIC OCEANAMAZONPANTANALBrasília.Arraial d'AjudaTrancoso.PERU...Rio de JaneiroMorro de São Paulo.Salvador.CachoeiraNatal.Olinda..BúziosFlorianópolis Iguaçú Falls

200 Miles500 KMManausRio de JaneiroIguaçú FallsSalvadorPraia do ForteBRAZIL...PERU.BOLIVIA77Essentials Climate Much of Brazil lies within the tropics although Rio, the Costa Verde and Pantanal are cooler and less humid between May and October. Iguaçú and the southern coast around Florianópolis are sub-tropical with occasional cool snaps in winter (May?October). Festivals Carnival (at its most vibrant in Rio, Salvador, Olinda) 05?08 March 2011, 18?21 February 2012 Champions' Parade 12 March 2011, 25 February 2012. New Year's Eve (Rio). Travelling from UK Time difference (GMT) -3/4hrs Travel time 12hrs Highlights of Brazil 17 days, 14 nightsRio 3 nights, Iguaçú Falls 2n, Amazon 3n, Salvador 3n, Praia do Forte 3n.Day 1 Overnight departure to Rio from the UK. Days 2-4 At leisure in Rio de Janeiro, with excursions by jeep to Corcovado Mountain (Christ the Redeemer's statue) and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Days 5&6 Fly to Foz do Iguaçú and explore the tremendous Iguaçú Falls, with an excursion to the Argentinean side. Days 7-9 Fly to Manaus and transfer by launch to a jungle lodge (pp86-87). Days 10-12 Fly to Salvador da Bahia. A half-day city tour includes Cidade Alta and Pelourinho, the heart of this historic colonial/ African city. Days 13-15 Transfer to Praia do Forte (1hr), a busy little coastal resort with informal bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is laid-back: it's the perfect place to unwind. Stay at a small beach-front pousada close to the village (standard) or the superb Praia do Forte Eco-Resort (superior) where there are all sorts of activities and entertainment, including some eco-educational opportunities for children. Visit the turtle sanctuary, horse-ride on the beach or dip into water sports. But if you just want to relax in a hammock under a palm tree the grounds are big enough for you to get away for some peace and quiet with a cool cocktail.Day 16 Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK arriving day 17.Prices from £2,321pp (standard); £3,746pp (superior) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily departures from the UK 5Rio de Janeiro and the green coastRio, is one of the world's most spectacularly situated cities. The fashionable beach resort of Búzios is just along the coast, as is the attractive colonial seaport of Paratí.4The beaches of the north eastSome of the country's most beautifulbeaches extend north from Porto Seguroand Fortaleza: some are well-developedfor tourism, others unspoilt romantichideaways. Divers and wildlife loverswill love the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha.3North of Rio - the colonial heritage of Minas and BahíaThe gold and diamond mining legacy of Minas Gerais is a cluster of colonial cities, including Ouro Preto. Further north, the port of Salvador has a fusion of Afro?Portuguese?Brazilian culture.020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information how about?» Starting or rounding off relaxing on the beautiful rocky peninsula at Búzios. » Treating yourself; stay at Rio's celebrated Copacabana Palace hotel (p79) or the beautifully restored Convento do Carmo in Salvador. » Heading further afield along the north-east coast to remote Kiaroa (p83). » A close encounter with the amazing wildlife of the Pantanal (pp84-85). My children loved the Amazon particularly but I thought Ilha Grande was like paradise. JH, BerkhamstedPVDOMINIC HAMILTON