Sprawling across half of South America, Brazil has captivated travelers for at least 500 years. Powdery white-sand beaches, lined with palm trees and fronting a deep blue Atlantic, stretch for more than 7000km. Dotting this coastline are tropical islands, music-filled metropolises and enchanting colonial towns. Inland, Brazil offers dazzling sights of a different flavor: majestic waterfalls, red-rock canyons, and crystal-clear rivers -all just a small part of the natural beauty.
Its larger and more famous attractions are the Amazon and the Pantanal, the pair hosting some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Wildlife-watching is simply astounding here, as is the opportunity for adventure -though you needn't go to the jungle to find it. Kayaking, rafting, trekking, snorkeling and surfing are just a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon in nearly any region in Brazil.
From the jungle calls of the Amazon to the curves of Copacabana's thong-clad crowds, Brazil is a heady celebration of the big, the bold and the beautiful. Brazil's vast coastline is fringed with sandy beaches and island getaways, while buzzing Rio de Janeiro and stylish Sao Paulo offer nightlife and culture galore- as well as an annual dose of Carnival fever.
With the World Cup due to take over Brazilian stadia in 2014, and the Olympics coming to Rio in 2016, the largest country in South America is gearing up to take centre stage - and whether strolling down orderly Sao Paulo streets, or kicking back in the spotless coastal resort of Buzios, it seems Brazil is confidently rising to the challenge.
Prices are steadily increasing, so even the simplest Brazilian holidays don't come cheap. Crime does happen, especially in the cities, but those who keep their wits about them and avoid certain areas are highly likely to have an incident-free trip.