Brazil

Brazil as a nation is unusually blessed. Five thousand miles of coastline -- some of it packed with cafes and partygoers, but long stretches blissfully empty. Rainforests and wetlands teem with exotic critters. Some of the oldest cities and civic architecture in the New World (and one of the newest cities in the entire world) are here. Restaurants match the snobbiest standards, with regional cuisines that have yet to be discovered in culinary capitals like New York or L.A. Music lovers could make Brazil a lifetime study. And let's not forget a little thing called Carnaval.

GEOGRAPHY

Brazil occupies nearly half the continent of South America and is the fifth largest country in the world. The Atlantic Ocean runs along its entire eastern coast, where two-thirds of its population lives. Ruled by Portugal since the 1500s, Brazil is the only country in the whole continent that speaks Portuguese; all its neighbours speak Spanish.

VISA: The visa is to be obtained prior to arrival in the country.

HOW TO GET THERE:

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Brasilia International Airport (The airport is located 11km south of Brasilia.)

Rio de Janeiro Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport(The airport is located 20km (12.5 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro)

Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (The airport is located 25km (15.6 miles) northeast of Sao Paulo.

CURRENCY:

Brazilian currency is the REAL (BRL), divided into centavos; 100 centavos = 1 real

1 USD= 1.78 BRL

1 BRL = 22.11 INR

                       
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged in bureaux de change and banks, available in the city centre, at transport hubs and tourist sites. Dollars (USD) usually obtain the most favorable exchange rate and some establishments accept them as direct payment for services.

GETTING AROUND

Air: Air service connects all major areas of Brazil. Note that not all air routes are as direct as they would seem on a map, and are often required to go through hubs such as Brasilia or Sao Paulo.

Bus: Long-distance buses are a convenient, economical, and sometimes (usually if you buy the most expensive ticket), rather comfortable way to travel between regions. Bus terminals in cities play a role akin to train stations in many countries.

Brazil has a very good bus transport system, basically, long distance routes depart from capital cities or economical centers, so if the city is big it will have connections to neighbouring capitals at the very least. One can expect just about any town to have a bus route to the capital or a regional economic center. Generally speaking bus tickets are bought at bus terminals at the end points or at the scheduled stops along the route.

Train: Brazil's railway system was mostly wrecked during the military regimes. Today there are few passenger lines left

Car hire: It is generally accepted that tourists should not hire cars in Brazil unless they know what they're doing! Road safety in Brazil is not the best in the world, and the standard of driving here leaves a lot to be desired. However, there are a number of car hire agencies operating in Brazil, so if you want to rent a car here it is feasible. But, do travel/drive with a good map and plenty of water.

Bicycle: In rural areas in Brazil the bicycle is a common means of transport. This does not mean that cyclists are respected by car, truck, or bus drivers. But you may find good roads with little traffic outside the cities. It is also easy to get a lift by a pickup or to have the bike transported by a bus. Cycling is not very stimulated in big cities. Three exceptions are Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Fortaleza where there are cycle tracks along the beaches.

Boat: In the Amazon region as well as on the coast west of Sao Luis, boat travel is often the only way to get around. Those who enjoy a little more adventurous form of transportation might want to consider taking one of the boat ferries through some of the most spectacular, dense, vegetation in Brazil aboard a boat/ferry. Boats and ferries in Brazil traditionally trade their wares along the inland waterways of Brazil, and if you have time this is a recommended mode of Brazilian transportation.

BUSINESS HOURS

Most shops In Brazil are open from 9 am - 6:30 or 7 PM, weekdays, and from 9 am - 1 PM on Saturdays. Some shops may close earlier, and many shopping centers stay open as late as 10 PM. Banks open from 10 am - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, in most parts of the country with small regional variations. In some regions, shops may also close for lunch.

CLIMATE

Brazil’s climate varies according to latitude and elevation.

Seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere; winter is June-September and summer November-March. On average, the temperature during summer ranges from 25 to 40°C (75~100°F).

Warm tropical weather extends north from Rio de Janeiro throughout most of the year. South of Rio – São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul states – the climate is generally of warm summers and cold winters, with occasional snowfall in the far south.

CLOTHING

Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather. In nightclubs, smart-casual (eg blazer, no tie) is acceptable. For men, coats and ties are common in Sao Paulo and Brasilia as well as some formal business situations. For women, slacks or skirts with a blouse, or dresses are common and acceptable, although, a dress or skirt may prove to be much cooler.) If you are traveling to the south of the country, in the winter (June/July), it is worth taking an extra layer, or something warm, as the temperature can be quite cool.

TIME

Brazil is 7 hrs and 30 mins behind India

ELECTRICITY

Brasilia and Recife, 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.

DIALING CODE

+55

TIPS

In most restaurants and bars a 10% service fee is added to the bill. More sophisticated places may add on 15%. If service is not included it will be stated at the bottom of the bill: “Servicio nao incluido”. Taxis do not expect a tip, but it is normal to round up the final price.

LANGUAGE

Portuguese is the official language in Brazil. However English is taught in many Brazilian schools

FOOD

The cuisine from Bahia dates back to the time of slavery when the masters saved scraps from the table or leftovers from the previous day's meal to give to the slaves. Some slaves were allowed to fish and look for shrimp and clams. Remembering their cooking-pot training from Africa, the women would put bits of ingredients together and add the milk of coconuts or the oil from the dendê palm. Over the years these concoctions were worked out in recipes and were given names. Today it is called Bahian food. Some of its delicacies are:

Vatapá: Shrimp are either cut up or ground together with pieces of fish, then cooked with dendê palm oil, coconut milk and pieces or bread. The dish is served over white rice.

Sarapatel: The liver and heart of either a pig or a sheep are mixed with fresh blood of either animal; tomatoes, peppers, and onions are added and everything is cooked together.

Carurú: Sauteed shrimp are combined with a very sharp sauce made of red peppers and tiny okra.

In the Amazon region a favorite dish is pato no tucupi which is pieces or duck in a rich sauce that is loaded with a wild green herb that tingles the stomach for hours after eating. Another typical dish is tacacá, a thick yellow soup that is laced with dried shrimp and garlic.

In Rio Grande do Sul churrasco is the big dish. It is pieces of beefs skewered onto a metal sword, and roasted outdoors over hot coals. There is a tomato and onion sauce to go over it. The gaúchos of the interior barbecue an entire steer this way.

If there is one dish that typifies Brazilian cooking it is feijoada. In Rio de Janeiro, where it is especially popular, feijoada is a complicated bean dish prepared with air-dried beef, smoked sausage, tongue, pig's ears and tails, garlic, and chili peppers. It is customary to fill a soup plate with white rice and spoon feijoada on top. Over this is added pulverized manioc flour (farofa), a starch that thickens the sauce. The whole dish is garnished with collard greens and slices of oranges.

Drink

Many international travellers think Brazilian beer is one of the best in the entire western hemisphere.

For generations there have been expert German and Dutch brewers overseeing the manufacturing and processing of all major companies.

Brazil produces a powerful, clear, raw rum (cachaça) made from fermented sugar cane alcohol. Cachaça combined with crushed lime, sugar, and ice becomes a very popular drink called caipirinha. Guaraná, a delicious soft drink unique to Brazil, is made out of a fruit from the Amazon.

Water: You are strongly advised not to drink tap water whilst in Brazil. Drink only bottled or filtered water

BRAZIL OVERVIEW

Named after brazilwood, (pau-brasil) an indigenous tree highly valued by early colonists, Brazil is home to both extensive agricultural lands and rain forests. There are several ecological parks and extremely varied ecosystems: the tropical forest in the Amazon, the stunted vegetation in the northeast, the Atlantic Forest in the southeast, the vast marsh lands of the Pantanal in the mid-west and the pampas in the south.

People are the essence of the country, and while Brazil is home to a multitude of ethnic groups of varying economic status, there are some characteristics that everyone shares � energy and passion. Much of the life of any Brazilian revolves around family�both immediate and extended. Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world and the most members of Asian religions in the Western world.

Brazilians are sun worshippers and love spending time at the beach. They also like music and dancing and celebrate with many fiestas. Carnaval is celebrated all over Brazil, with the most famous being festivities held in Rio's samb�dromo � a tiered street specifically designed for samba parades.

Brazil offers world class travel destinations with unique travel experiences...

Rio de Janeiro is the hottest of destinations and very few places in the world match its hospitality and natural charm. Rio is brimming with color, sound, rhythm, and joy, which make it synonymous with Carnaval, happiness, and beautiful people. Rio has music, nightlife, beaches, historical sites and a spirit all its own. The locals are called Cariocas and tend to be extravagant, the intensity with which they live life is legendary and truly remarkable.

In the north are the major Brazilian tropical beach resorts areas such as Recife, Forteleza and Salvador da Bahia. Special amongst these is Bahia, with its prevailing African culture, cuisine, music and traditions truly their own. Here the pace and rhythm of life is very linked to history and the joy and warmth of the people make it a unique area.

The Country�s capital, Brasilia, is renowned for its futuristic architecture. Home to the Pra�a dos Tr�s Poderes, Pal�cio do Planalto and the National Congress � it is the first modern cultural complex to be included in UNESCO�s list of World Heritage monuments.

A rich colonial history exists in the town of Parati, which is an exquisite example of eighteenth-century Portuguese architecture. Other cities with unique cultural heritage include: Ouro Preto, Diamantina, Sao Miguel das Miss�es, Salvador, Sao Luïos, Olinda, Cidade de Goi�s and Congonhas do Campo.

Sao Paulo is a large, metropolis at the heart of a region with 40 million people of varying national origins: Portuguese, Italian, Spanish or Spanish speaking people, German, Arab, Lebanese, and Asiatic. While business dominates Sao Paulo, its museums are among the finest in South America and the city has become legendary for its outstanding cuisine. And, though not as famously wild as Rio, entertainment hot spots have attracted some of the best performers in the world.

In Manaus, you can sense the unbelievable grandeur of the worlds largest rainforest the Amazon. Another example of a very different Brazil culture, the indigenous people of the forest and the (Caboclos mixed white and Amerindian).

If you want to visit an atypical Brazil, deeply related with European culture, choose the southern states. Here you find folklore, traditions, music and a cuisine (with beer and wine) strictly rooted in Europe. Blumenau�s Oktoberfest is a three week festival, a replica of Munich�s, an event that calls more than a million people a year, and rivals with events as Rio de Janeiro or Salvador�s Carnivals.

The Pantanal, which is the world's largest wetland, covers more than 365,000 square kilometers. During the rainy season, the region experiences extensive flooding, connecting a vast array of swamps, lagoons, backwaters and oxbow lakes and has the largest American concentration of wild life.

Iguacu Falls, strung out along a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long, some 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 269 feet into the gorge below. The thunderous roaring can be heard from miles away. Truly a magnificent site.

RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular cities on the planet. Even the well-traveled individuals will love what the city has to offer. Rio de Janeiro is a large city and is not free from the problems associated with poverty. First time travelers to Rio should be aware of their surroundings at all times and stay away from the favelas (slums). If you can afford it, hire a driver for your touring: not only will they keep you safe, they will also show you things you may have missed on your own.
Leave the expensive jewelery at home and do not flash money or credit cards around. Be a smart traveler and Rio will turn out to be a pleasant surprise.

Schedule as much time as possible for this destination, especially if visiting during Carnival, the greatest party on Earth!

MUST SEE:

Corcovado Hill

From any place of the city, the visitor can see the most beautiful postcard of Rio de

Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer statue in the mountain of Corcovado, located at 710

meters above the sea level and inaugurated in 1931.

This tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood from where the cog train starts a trip through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, up to the statue.

Once there, a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio will be seeing including the

Sugar Loaf, the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de

Freitas lagoon.

The best way to reach the statue is by the funicular train, which runs daily every half-hour from 08h30-20h00.

Approximate Duration: 4 hrs and 30 mins

Available: daily

Sugar Loaf Tour

This tour begins with a city panoramic view through downtown Rio, passing by the

Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form, with internal diameter of

96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelândia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighborhood of Urca where it is located one of the largest symbols of the city: the Sugar Loaf. This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful view fromthe Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top with 395 meters to find a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niterói.

The cable cars run from 08h10-21h50 every half-hour

Approximate Duration: 4 hrs and 30 mins

Available: daily

Tijuca National Park

When the Portuguese colonists first landed in Rio, they found the area blanketed in lush vegetation. Today, Tijuca National Park is all that remains of the original tropical rainforest and represents the world's largest urban forest.

Even this has been replanted - the area was cleared in the 18th century to make way for a coffee plantation, but re-established as a park in the 1880s. In the ideal growing conditions such was the success of the project that the current forest is almost indistinguishable from virgin rainforest - even this close to the city.

Just 15 minutes drive from Rio, the park provides a welcome green sanctuary for visitors. Tijuca's terrain hides lakes and caves, waterfalls and wildlife - all of which are open for exploration. Corcovado Hill rises in the park, topped with its magnificent statue. Jeep tours can be arranged, as can independent guides who are knowledgeable about both flora and fauna. Expect to see such jungle denizens as monkeys, sloths and armadillos, flora of wild-growing tropical fruit trees and abundant birdlife.

Open: daily 07h00-21h00.

Maracana Stadium

Maracana, once the world’s greatest playground for world famous soccer stars such as Ronaldo, Romario, Sócrates Etc... The giant stadium accommodates over 100,000 people and has been host to many championship games over the years, including the World Cup match of 1950 and Pele's last game.

Duration: 3 hours 

Copacabana beach:

Copacabana is a borough located in the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, famous for its 4 km beach. Copacabana has one of the world's highest population densities, giving it a non-stop party atmosphere. For pure city excitement, Copacabana is Rio's liveliest. There's always something happening on the beach during the day and on the sidewalks at night: drinking, singing, eating and all kinds of people checking out the scene.

Ipanema Beach

It is the city's rich area, where designer swimwear is sported on country club sculpted bodies. The suburb is replete with upmarket bars, restaurants and cafes where you can hang out and people-watch. The strip is divided into areas - the city's unofficial gay beach occupies its own stretch here, while the beach where the "Girl from Ipanema" so wowed Tom Jobim that he was inspired to write a song about her is the hangout for arty types (Porto 9).

Favela tour

Rio may be blessed with beautiful people and luscious scenery but it's an uncomfortable fact that around a quarter of Rio's residents live in shantytowns. These favelas, often built on steep hillsides, are a strange mixture of community-minded mutual support and lawlessness, making it inadvisable to enter any favela without an experienced guide.

Duration: 3 hours

Carnival and Samba Schools

The mother of all street parties, Rio's glittering carnival is the most lavish in the country, with preparations underway for most of the year. As musician Tom Jobim sang of Rio's carnival addiction: "people work the entire year just for a moment's dream".

The samba schools, often representing a district or a favela, are busy for months making the sumptuous costumes and rehearsing their moves. In the months leading up to the celebrations some of the samba schools open their doors to visitors, allowing an insight into the Cariocas' passion for partying. Carnival is usually held in February and draws people from all over the world to Rio for the festivities. If planning to visit at this time you have to book accommodation and transport at least a year in advance, it is the biggest event of the year and Rio is completely packed out.

City Museum

Rio's many museums are replete with artworks and artifacts drawn from all over Brazil and from all periods of its many layered history. Of those that you have to see the foremost is the

National Historical Museum, housed in the 18th-century Arsenal, one of the oldest buildings in Rio. The collection of artefacts within spans the 500-year history of the city and its nation from militaria to the humdrum objects from the Cariocas' daily lives.

For art lovers, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Modern Art (Infante Dom Henrique 85) together offer valuable insight into the culture of Brazil.

Open: 12h00-18h00 (Tue-Fri) & 12h00-19h00 (Sat-Sun)

Rio may offer bigger and better museums, but the quirky Carmen Miranda Museum, dedicated to Brazil's most famous chanteuse, continues to draw fans from around the world with its collection of her outrageous costumes, old recordings, film scripts and contracts. Miranda has become a gay icon and her wonderfully exaggerated outfits serve as inspiration for many carnival drag queens.

Open: Tue-Fri 11h00-17h00; Sat/Sun 14h00-17h00. Admission: free.

Guanabara Bay tour

Appreciate Rio from the sea, its historical buildings and the forts that protected the Guanabara Bay. Built by the Portuguese in 1555, see the Bay from a very special angle. We will sail to see the most beautiful landscape of Rio. It is the largest bay of the world in volume of water; it has several islands, as the Governor's island, Fundao and Snakes Island. In the west margin we see Rio de Janeiro and East the municipal district of Niteroi. A city vision is discovered as we leave “Marina DA Gloria " by Saveiro, neighborhoods of Botafogo, Flamengo, Urca, Sugar Loaf, Fort Sao Joao, Flagstone Island, Santa Cruz Fortress, and Rio- Niteroi Bridge.

Duration: 4-5 hours

Available:  daily except Monday

Helicopter Tour

In a city blessed with natural beauty, there are places aplenty to take in the sights of Rio. But for the most breathtaking and heart stopping views of the city, a helicopter tour is a must.

The most popular routes take in Sugar Loaf, the statue of Christ and Rio's famous beaches, but aerial tours of Maracanã, the favelas and the lagoon can be arranged. Night flights are also available, and the city takes on a magical quality when lit up. There's now a helipad at Morro da Urca, the first stage of the Sugar Loaf.

Santa Teresa District

Rio's most bohemian of neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa boasts winding cobbled streets, 19th-century architecture and a host of art galleries. Local artists and intellectuals have made this district their own, as did Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs before his return to England.

There are plenty of bars and sidewalk cafés where visitors can linger and watch the always lively streetlife at their leisure. There's also a fine art museum, the Chácara do Céu. For a scenic trip up here take the yellow tram, o bondinho, across the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct with its 42 arches. This tram passes the favelas below so caution is advised.

Trams run from Rua Prof. Lélio Gama in Centro near the Petrobras Building from 06h00-23h00.

Ferry to Niterói

Across Guanabara Bay lies what most locals will tell you is Rio's poor relation, the sister city of Niterói. Linked by the 15km-long bridge, Ponte Costa e Silva, the city is home to a fine modern art museum, which appears to hover over the bay like a spaceship, as well as the Santa Cruz Fortress from where there are great views looking back at Sugar Loaf.

On the return journey do as the locals and take the slow ferry, being sure to sit up front with your camera to capture a panorama of Rio. Ferries leave from the docks at Praça 15 de Novembro in Centro. The Jumbo Catamaran takes around 10mins; the slower ferries take around 20mins. Both boats run daily from 06h00-20h00 (Mon-Fri); 06h00-23h00 (Sat & Sun) leaving every 15mins.

Religious Buildings and the Monastery of São Bento    

Away from the beaches and parties another side of the Carioca character can be seen through their religious beliefs. Apart from the massive statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Hill, there are several religious buildings in the city, including the Convent of St Anthony built in 1608 and the beautiful Our Lady of Candelária Church.

Arguably the best of the city's religious attractions is the Monastery and Church of Saint Bento with its ornate baroque style chapel. This Benedictine monastery was founded in 1590 by monks from Bahia. Construction of the church began in 1617 and was completed in 1641. The exquisite interior is richly adorned with woodcarvings. A daily mass is accompanied by Gregorian chants that heighten the atmosphere. Rua Dom Gerardo 68, Centro. Entrance is via lift on 5/F at Rua Dom Gerardo 40. Services: daily 07h00-11h00 & 14h00-18h00. The monastery is not open to the public.
 

DAY TOURS AROUND RIO:

Angra dos Reis

Come and visit full day tour at Angra dos Reis where you will see spectacular views from their lovely nature. Also visit magnificent buildings from the colonial past and more. With an archipelago of more than 300 islands and countless beaches, the town of Angra lies in the hart of this paradise, some 130 klm south of Rio. This spectacular view, winds over mountainous terrain covered in lush Atlantic rain forest. Graceful coves and sandy beaches, little islands and crystal clear water make the journey a memorable occasion.

Duration: 8 hours

Tropical Islands

Discover Rio de Janeiro's Tropical Island where you will see different animals and plants and many more! The city of Itacuruçá, located 1 ½ hour away from Rio de Janeiro, in the district of Mangaratiba, has among the main activities the fishing, agriculture and tourism and has basically simple houses of fishermen.

The Saveiro, name given to this typical boat that looks like a schooner, cruises the Sepetiba Bay, an area rich in natural beauty, where it is normal to spot a flora and fauna as dolphins, giant king-fisher, parrots, turtle and sting-rays.

A stop is made for a swim and then the saveiro continues to the island of Itacuruça. There will be time to explore the Island before returning.                                                                                                  

Duration: 8 hours

Available: daily

Petropolis

The name Petrópolis means "city of Pedro"; Pedro I and Pedro II were the only two Emperors of Brazil.
At a distance of about 68 km from Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis is nestled about 800 meters (2,600 ft) above sea level, on the Serra dos Órgãos. It´s the main winter destination of people from Rio de Janeiro; Petrópolis offers a combination of good gastronomy, comfortable hotels, the proximity of the Serra dos Órgãos and important architectural heritage.      

Things to see:

Ancient brazilian Imperial Family’s Summer Palace;

Sao Pedro de Alcantara’s Cathedral;

Palacio de Cristal (Cristal Palace),

Passing by the house where the inventor of the plane, Santos Dummont, lived.

artcraft shops

Patrone Chocolate house.

Duration: Full day

Accommodation:

If you want to stay in Rio de Janeiro the obvious place to head for is the beach. The only thing you really have to decide is which one. Copacabana and Ipanema are the two major tourist areas. Most tourists will probably end up on or near the former: the Copacabana is the larger of the two and boasts more variety of accommodation. Ipanema caters to a somewhat posher set and contains the gay area and bohemian beach areas of the city. There are several other beaches around the city which are becoming increasingly popular, perhaps most notably Barra da Tijuca

It is advisable to have your accommodation sorted out well in advance no matter what time you visit, Rio de Janeiro is a popular destination year-round. No matter what hotel touts at the airport might tell you, it's unlikely that they'll be able to get you a good quality hotel at the drop of a hat in the city. If planning to visit during Carnival you will have to book your accommodation more than a year in advance if you want the full choice of hotels.

Indian restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Raajmahal- Rua General Polidoro, 29,Rio de Janeiro 22280-001 Brazil

Natraj - Rua General San Martin, 1219, Rio de Janeiro 22441-011 Brazil

Chutneys- Beco do Mota, 34, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Prasada- Léa Cristina, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

SAO PAULO

Sao Paulo overwhelms the senses with its sheer size. With over 10 million inhabitants, it is the world's third largest city and the largest in South America.

Brazil's most modern, cosmopolitan city has much to offer in addition to its outstanding cuisines. Its museums are among the finest in South America, its surrounding coastline is graced with many lovely beaches, and its entertainment and nightlife have for years attracted some of the best performers in the world

MUST SEE:

Pátio de Colégio

At first sight the Pátio do Colégio or School Yard in Portuguese, looks like a big white school house in the middle of São Paulo. However it's a very important landmark that signifies where the city of São Paulo first began. In 1554, it was originally the College of the Society of Jesus but today it houses the Casa Achieta, the Capela de Achieta and the Achieta Museum where a 16th century model of São Paulo is kept with accompanying panels showing the growth of the city throughout the successive centuries.

There also historical items going back to the colonial past; sculptures, altarpieces and paintings all housed in the museum. Make sure you see the Patio de Colegio at night as the building is lit up like a lantern in solid white against the dark sky as a backdrop.

Ibirapuera Park

This a major park in the heart of São Paulo akin to Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York. The Ibirapuera Park much more than just a big open green space contains a lake with fountains, lagoons, rent a bike facility, a Museum of Modern Art, Museum Afro Brasil and a building shaped like a a spaceship-saucer known as the Oca Auditorium.

A free concert is hosted every Sunday morning at the Praça da Paz. The 8pm evening show on both Saturday and Sunday known as “fonte flutuante,” is a superb light and sound presentation with the fountain used as a reference point.

Butantan Institute and Museum

This biomedical research centre is visited by almost half a million people each year and is one of São Paulo’s most popular attractions. Specialising in venomous animals and supported by the government, vaccines are researched and developed here for use all over the world.

Housed in a great building are two museums, the Butantan Museum Institute (MIB) which is famous for its research and the Historical Museum which specialises in serpents from around the world. Just keep an eye out for any escaping Cobra’s slithering on the floor and you’ll be alright. Avenida Vital Brazil 1500. Tel: +55 (0)11-3726-7222

Teatro Municipal de São Paulo (Municipal Theatre)

In the new vibrant area of Centro Novo and surrounded by lush green gardens, is a landmark of great cultural importance to São Paulo. Under the profile of the City Department of Culture it's home to the Municipal Symphonic Orchestra, concerts, operas, the Paulisto Chorale and ballet performances. But visitors can only take in the original splendour of this theatre when it's open for a show. You'll quickly realise why its one of the most important theatres in South America.

It features an impressive collection of mosaics, busts and bronze medallions that are heavily influenced from the Italian Renaissance. Renovation work completed in 1991 highlighted the architectural qualities of its external sandstone fasçade.

Paulista Museum (Ipiranga Museum)

The Ipiranga Museum is an architectural landmark of Italian neo-classicism and is the oldest museum in the city. Located in Independence Park, this regal building also has its own gardens and a botanical garden. Originally built as a monument, it now has a large historical collection from the 19th century featuring imperial period displays.

Look for the Casa de Grito monument in front of the museum where Dom Pedro uttered the "Grito do Ipiranga" as a mark of independence.

Museum de Arte de São Paulo (Museum of Art)

Just along Paulisto Avenue you'll easily see a deep red building which is the Museum of Art and one of São Paulo's famous landmarks. Inaugurated in 1947 it's now a must see for art lovers as it houses works by world famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Raphael, Matisse, and Renoir.

There are 8,000 pieces visitors can peruse through with a comprehensive collection of artwork. The Museum also contains a fantastic array of western art found nowhere else in Latin America, alongside their Brazilian counterparts stretching back to the 17th century. The museum has an international reputation as one of the great museums of the world and indeed South America.

Sala São Paulo (Julio Prestes Station)

If you thought you could catch a train here – think again! This is the grand hall for the performing arts. It was originally a railway station in 1926 but in 1999 a transformation was initiated converting it into a concert hall. It has a capacity of 1500 seats, and is the home to São Paulo's State Symphonic Orchestra.

The actual grand hall was painstakingly restored to its former glory with the use of photographs. It now features 22 tiered balconies, an adjustable ceiling and a seating arrangement for 1500 patrons. Make sure you check out the Saturday afternoon concert which is reasonably priced.

Memorial do Imigrante (Memorial of the Immigrant Museum)

This public institution is located in a stately red-brick building. It houses the records of 3 million immigrants who entered São Paulo up until 1978. The museum itself lives out the immigration process that settlers followed when arriving in the admissions hall. There is also an exhibition of the various jobs they held. It's a great way to gauge an idea of the whole experience.

The documents, photos and period furniture all add to the ambience. It’s amazing to see how many different nationalities passed through the cities doors in a time when travel was a luxury.

São Bento Monasty (São Bento's Monastery)

Built in the late 16th century, this landmark is considered part of the very foundation of the once small city to the sprawling metropolis it is today. It has a unique clock tower and from a glance looks like that famous scene from Back to the Future. In 2007 it was the host to the official visit of Pope Benedict XVI.

The Sunday morning mass is an ideal opportunity to appreciate the Gregorian hymns sung by the choir. During the week visitors are allowed to the roof-top for a great view of the city and surrounding area.

Edifício Itália (Italian Building)

In downtown São Paulo stands this Italian landmark in honour of Italian immigrants that came to the city. Built in 1965, this colonial building has an incredible 47-storeys which were heralded as São Paulo’s tallest building back then. It's built in the shape of a triangular tower with curved corners.

Visitors are welcomed to the observation deck on the 41st floor where you get a panoramic view of the colossal city. There is also a bar so you can sit and enjoy the view, and a restaurant on the floor below.

Accommodation:

There’s no shortage of accommodation in São Paulo, in fact it has the largest concentration of top-rate, trend-setting hotels in Brazil. There are a large proportion of the city’s hotels in the Centro area where budget, moderate to luxury hotels are located along Avenida Paulista or in the Jardins neighbourhood. Some of these hotels can be somewhat expensive as they are centrally based and geared towards business travellers.

Wherever you want to stay the choice of accommodation is never-ending offering European ambience, classic luxury, value for money and extravagant lodgings.

MANAUS 

For those expecting to see only a sea of green of the Amazon rainforest when they fly into Manaus, the sight of a modern city with high-rises and a busy port comes as a surprise. Located on the north bank of the Rio Negro, 11 miles (18 km) above the Meeting of the Rivers where the Negro merges with the Rio Solimões, Manaus is 900 miles (1,450 km) inland from the Atlantic. It’s the heart of Amazonia and thus the hub of tourism for the rivers, the jungle lodges and the river cruises.

Manaus sprawls, but the center of town, the Centro where most of the hotels and attractions are located, rises above the river on a slight hill. As the largest city and a major port on the river, Manaus is commercial.

Amazon rainforest

The immense Amazon basin is known as the Earth's "Green Lung" for good reason. The rainforest is habitat to one third of the planet's forest and over 50,000 species of plants, 1000 species of birds and 400 species of mammals. Twenty percent of the world's primates live in the Amazonas region. To journey into the Amazon, to the junction of the opaque brown Amazon and the dark Rio Negro, is to experience an ancient, wild world. Just 300 miles from Manaus, the region's capital, live uncontacted Aboriginal Indian tribes. The pace of life in modern Manaus is still set by the great river. Historic buildings stand next to modern skyscrapers in this important gateway city. The Amazon region is a magical place full of life as it has carried on for millions of years.