Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Itineraries
The following itineraries span the entire length of this incredibly diverse
country, from the mega cities of the south to the deserts and untrammelled
beaches of the northeast. Given the vast distances involved, you may not be
able to cover everything, but even picking a few highlights will give you a
deeper insight into Brazil's natural and historic wonders.
THE GRAND TOUR
This three-week tour gives a taster of Brazil's
most iconic sights and cities from south to north,
travelling from Rio to Bahia by bus and by plane.
1
RIO DE JANEIRO
One of the world's truly
great cities, with mind-blowing views seemingly
at every corner, and legendary beaches at
Copacabana and Ipanema.
See p.53
2
PA R AT Y
Travel along the coast to this
picturesque colonial town, crammed with
enticing
pousadas
and restaurants.
See p.128
3
SÃO PAULO
Don't skip Brazil's largest city; it
might appear intimidating, but it contains the
best restaurants, art galleries and museums in
the country.
See p.484
4
IGUAÇU FALLS
Stand in awe at the world's
largest waterfall, a vast series of cascades
plunging along the Rio Iguazu.
See p.565
5
OURO PRETO
Fly up to Belo Horizonte,
gateway to the pretty colonial hill towns of
Minas Gerais: if you have time for only one, this is
it, a beguiling collection of steep cobbled streets
and elegant Baroque churches.
See p.157
6
BRASÍLIA
Take a flight up to Brazil's capital
city, a remarkable monument to the vision of
iconic architect Oscar Niemeyer.
See p.402
7
SALVADOR
Head back to the coast to soak
up the sun, rhythms and flavours of the
Afro-Brazilian capital of the nation.
See p.202
8
MORRO DE SÃO PAULO
End your tour on the
beach, at one of Brazil's most fashionable and fun
resort towns, just south of Salvador.
See p.232
THE NORTHEAST BEACH TRAIL
Hot, sultry, rich in history, culture and some of the
greatest music made in Brazil, the Northeast is
perhaps the most beguiling part of Brazil; take
two or three weeks to see the highlights, travelling
by car or by bus from Salvador to São Luís.
1
SALVADOR
It's impossible not to fall in love
with this gorgeous city, with its romantic
colonial remnants, exotic food, capoeira and
famously musical citizens.
See p.202
2
PRAIA DO FRANCÊS
Close to the congenial
resort city of Maceió, this is a fabulous,
chilled-out beach backed with excellent places
to eat and drink.
See p.262
3
PORTO DE GALINHAS
Transformed from
sleepy port town to hip resort in just a few years,
with a hypnotic strip of perfect white sand and a
party crowd at night.
See p.282
4
OLINDA
Brazil's picture-perfect colonial
enclave is a languid, liberal ensemble of
Baroque architecture, art galleries and live
music.
See p.275
5
PRAIA DA PIPA
Soak up Brazil's most
fashionable beach scene, enhanced by dreamy
ABOVE
OURO PRETO
