Brazil travel guide: beautiful beaches and laid back people
Being home to one of the most rich and diverse cultures in the world, along with a truly unique and spectacular display of natural wonders and unique wildlife, it's no surprise Brazil is one of the most sought after holiday destinations on the planet. From the pristine white beaches, complete with coconut trees and Capoeira dancers, to the frenetic pace of Sao Paulo, to the hedonistic indulgence of Carnival, you'll find the travel experience you're looking for in Brazil.
An Authentic Brazil Adventure Holiday
If its a travel adventure that youre after, Brazil has the some of the most breathtaking natural attractions, including the Amazon river, the Panatal wetlands and World Heritage of Humanity site, the ancient caves of Benito, the spectacular Cataratas del Iguaz (Iguazu Falls) and the Serra da Bocaina mountains - which run between the Brazilian cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Carnival: the best of Brazilian indulgence
Forty days before the Catholic holiday Lent, is the one and only Brazilian Carnival, celebrated nation-wide. In Salvador da Bahia on the north coast of Brazil, the locals and visitors get into full party mode with bands playing atop huge Trios Electricos semi-trailer trucks with giant speaker systems.
Probably the most spectacular Carnival event, though, is held in Rio de Janeiro at the Sambodromo, an almost kilometre-long pathway built specifically for the event. Here, 16 Samba dance schools do battle to see who is the best in Brazil. Dates vary, with the 2007 Carnival falling on February 17-20.
Brazil accommodation
Whether youre looking for cheap hotels or the most opulent of surroundings, Brazil offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit any budget. Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro is amongst the most expensive in Brazil, but you can find cheap hotels and basic backpacker-style accommodation in areas like Botafogo, slightly outside the busiest tourist areas of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Accommodation in Salvador is generally cheaper than Rio, and you can find great backpacker hostels right along the east coast. If you're visiting Iguazu Falls it may be cheaper to stay across the border in Argentina, but make sure you visit both the Brazil and Argentina sides of the falls.
Be aware that accommodation prices sky-rocket during Carnival, and hotel beds fill up quickly, so make sure to book well in advance if you're travelling during the festival.
Brazil travel Information
For the cheapest deals on domestic flights in Brazil, obtain a Brazil Airpass, especially if youre travelling to Mato Grosso and/or Mato Grosso do Sul (where you'll find many natural attractions). Alternatively, Brazils generally reliable and very comfortable bus transport system offers cheap transport throughout the country. A bus from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador takes around 30 hours.
Travel visas for Australian passport holders generally last 90 days from the time of arrival, with extended stays at the discretion of the Brazilian Federal Police. A means test may be required for students, the unemployed or others not staying with family of friends. A valid international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required upon arrival if youre coming from other South American or African countries.
