Many people consider Brazil to be their top destination when deciding where to travel. And for good reason! Brazil, the largest country in South America, is rich with a virtually endless list of exciting things to do, from visiting the colorful rainforest to going to the Carnival.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with Brazil for many people. It’s the home of the stunning statue, Christ de Redeemer, considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world at 130 feet tall and 98 feet wide, situated at the peak of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

The Rio Carnival is a fun and showy attraction in Rio de Janeiro in February. It’s a great destination for those who live north of the equator, tired of winter, to escape to the warmth of the southern summer sun.

Amazon Rainforest

A trip to Brazil would not be complete without going to the Amazon Rainforest. Whether on a jungle trek or a boat tour, to see wildlife, such as a golden lion tamarin, a toucan or a jaguar, and the thousands of exotic jungle plants in natural surroundings is an unforgettable lifetime experience.

Sao Paulo

Another exciting destination in Brazil is Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, with a population of over eleven million people. Famed for its art galleries and museums, it’s a fabulous place to visit.

Examples of places to put on the itinerary are the Immigrant Memorial Museum, to discover fascinating information about the massive 19th immigration to Sao Paulo or the Pinacotech do Estado, filled with examples and information about Brazilian art collection.

Sao Paulo, like Rio de Janeiro, is also rich with exciting night life.

Iguazzu Falls

Another Brazilian destination is the Iguazzu Falls, near the city of Foz do Iguaçu. Featured in many movies, the Iguazzu Falls are a network of 275 different waterfalls, as high as 269 feet, and 1.7 miles wide. Breathtaking!

Brasilia, capital of Brazil

In the central-west region of Brazil is Brasilia, which has been the capital of Brazil since 1960. With a population of over 3.5 million in the metropolitan area, it’s the fourth largest city in Brazil. It’s an ultra-modern city, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is host to 123 foreign embassies.

Brasilia is a world reference for urban planning, with designated areas to accommodate every aspect of life.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza, in the northeast region of Brazil is a very agreeable destination for the traveler. It has many tourist amenities including Beach Park, a beach resort and water park. Fortaleza is also home of the famed Jericoacoara Beach, where participants in wind sports dot the sky like butterflies. Fun in the sun! In 1984 the area around Jericoacoara was declared an Environmental Protection Area (APA) and is protected as a natural environment. It’s a great place to escape the hurry and bustle and simply relax.

Don’t miss the Indian statue of Iracema at Messejana Lagoon, or the stunning Gothic-Roman styled Fortaleza Cathedrao, that can hold 5000 people.

Natal

Natal, also in Brazil’s northeast region, is noted for its sand dunes. With year-round sunny weather, this is a great destination.

Natal accommodates the tourist in true Brazilian-gracious style with numerous hotel resorts, shopping malls, restaurants and activities such as snorkeling and dune buggy riding.

Also in Natal is the Natal Aquarium, the Sacra Art Museum and the Rio Grande do Norte History Museum.

The biggest challenge about a visit to Brazil is trying to decide which of all hundreds of options to choose from. Enjoy your trip!

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging for three years; she always plans a budget before going on trip and she always brings a pair of designer eyewear to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Thanks to Upaloompa for the photo from Flickr!