BRAZIL’S MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
The Amazon
Covering the northern and western parts of the country, The Amazon sprawls over nearly a third of the country. Brazil’s two main cities in the Amazon offer different views.
Manaus: capital of Brazil’s largest state, Amazonas, Manaus sits in the confluence of the brown Rio Solimoes and the black Rio Negro, which merge and travel side by side for many kilometers without mixing –this is the “Meeting of the Waters” and one of the main excursions in the area. This unusual phenomen is said to occur just twice along the more than 4.000 miles of the Amazon –at Manaus and at Santarem, Manaus still displays the opulence of the rubber boom days. The dome of Opera House, with 60.000 imported tiles, can be seen throughout the city; The Customs House was brought stone by stone from Europe and reassembled. From Manaus, overnight trips can be made to jungle lodges ranging from hammocks under thatched roofs to a jungle hotel with air-conditioning and accommodations with private bath!
The gold coast & northeast
The northeast of Brazil retains much of the cultural, artistic and historical heritage of the Portuguese, and has 2.175 miles of white sandy beaches.
Salvador, Bahia: the first city founded in Brazil and today the fifth largest, enjoys an especially rich heritage which can still be viewed in the ornate Baroque and Rococo churches, monuments, parks, plazas and mansions from colonial days. Excellent historical museums, good hotels and unique gastronomic dishes found nowhere else in Brazil make Bahia a contrasting visit to any other city. Folklore is resplendent in the “candombe” local Africa derived magic-religious ceremonies, “capoeira” dances and the long, flowing white 18th century dresses of the black Bahianas.
The southeast
Rio de Janeiro: “La Cidade Maravilhosa”, Rio is probably the most naturally beautiful city on earth -20 miles of white sand beaches back up against green, rolling hills, with the city sprawling in the narrow strips between and among the mountains. The three main beaches –Sao Conrado to the south, Ipanema/Leblon in the center and Copacabana to the north-, boast most of the city’s hotels –from first class to world class resort properties. While the beaches and sidewalk cafes dominate the city’s atmosphere, two main points of interest are visited by all: the 1230 feet high granite cone “Sugar Loaf”, reached by spectacular two-stage cable car ascent and offering panoramic vistas of the city, beaches and Guanabara Bay; towering Corcovado Mountain with statue of Christ the Redeemer on the summit is reached by modern cogwheel train and 220 steps –Rio’s awesome beauty is most visible from the platform offering a sweeping 360° view. Several show houses spotlight the Brazilian rhythmic “samba” music and dances with grand finales of the prior years outstanding Carnival costumes.
Sao Paulo: commercial and financial center of Brazil, Sao Paulo is the fastest growing and most populous city in South America and three times the size of Paris. Its tall skyscrapers, abundance of hotels and three airports are full evidence of this growth. Some 25.000 restaurants, grills, bars, nightclubs and cabarets provide exciting, sophisticated nightlife. Sao Paulo is a city of superlatives: largest exhibitions hall in the world, largest cathedral in the world (room for 8000 worshipers), largest Japanese colony outside of Japan. There are excellent museums and the Butantan Snake Farm and Museum where snakes are milked for their poison to make anti-serums which are distributed world wide.
The south
Iguaçu Falls: On the border with Argentina and Brazil, awesome and impressive, these thunderous falls span some 2.5 kilometers and 275 cataracts falling into Devil’s Throat, one giant abyss some 262 feet deep! Hotels are abundant, from inside Foz do Iguaçu township to the national park next to the falls. Inside the park, South America’s largest is a variety of wildlife –bird, sloth, monkey, otter, armadillo and jaguar to name a few.
WHY SHOULD I SELL BRAZIL?
Brazil is probably the best known of all South American countries. Just because it is easy to sell isn’t the only reason to sell it! The geographic diversity, cosmopolitan cities, deep jungle and vast inland nature preserve all combine to make Brazil a varied and exciting vacation destination.
HOW CAN I SELL BRAZIL TO?
Long a single country destination, Brazil is also often included on combination tours with Argentina and on all Around South America tours. Besides the normal vacation experiences ranging from beaches to natural wonders and the mighty Amazon, many other special interest programs are available.
HOW DO I GET THERE? HOW DO I GET AROUND
From India South African Airways and Emirates.
Daily non-stop flights connect main cities and capitals in South America and other cities in Brazil. Also daily flights connect with USA and Europe.
CITY CODES
RIO = Rio de Janeiro (GIG is international airport; SDU Shuttle airport)
SAO = Sao Paulo (GRU is main airport; VCP for some international)
MAO = Manaus
IGU = Iguazu Falls
SSA = Salvador, Bahia
REC = Recife
HOW TO OVERCOME POSSIBLE SALES OBSTACLES?
Safety is the most often expressed concern, especially when speaking of Rio in particular, but a little common sense and a few precautions can alleviate any concern. Advice travelers to leave their jewels at home, leave their excess money & tickets/passports in the hotel safe (many hotels have safes in each room), keep their camera/purse close, avoid walking lonely streets & they will probably not encounter any problems.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Official web site: www.embratur.gov.br
