Brazil

 - I just wanted to thank you and all the guides we used in South America. We couldn't fault any of the service offered by Chimu Adventures or any of the hotels. Gus, the guide in Rio was especially good: Sue Shelley

- "The touristy things were great with views over Rio from Sugar Loaf and Statue of Christ, also the Favella tour was interesting.  Enjoyed chilling on Copacobana beach over some cocktails whiles watching the beach sports - great fun!" Sandra

- Rio and iguasu were great! copa sol hotel-- very good: Margot

- Sugar Loaf Mountain and cable -car to Urca Hill great, Iguazu fro Brazilian side fantastic: Angus

- Highlight - Buzios and Ouro Preto: Liz

- Enjoyed all of it, especially Iguazu and Corcovado: Dorothy

- Rio at NYE - WOW! Liesl

Environmental issues in Brazil include deforestation in the Amazon Basin, illegal wildlife trade, air and water pollution, land degradation and water pollution caused by mining activities, wetland degradation and severe oil spills, among others. Brazil has one of the most diverse collections of flora and fauna on the planet. Impacts from agriculture and industrialization in the country threaten this biodiversity.

In the field of biofuels, Brazil is the second-largest producer of ethanol in the world. It is also home to two sustainable cities. Nevertheless, environmental issues remain a major concern in Brazil.

As a developing or newly-industrialized nation, Brazil is notable for taking a lead in environmentally friendly initiatives.

Renewable energy in Brazil accounted for more than 85.4% of the domestically-produced energy used in Brazil, according to preliminary data from the 2009 National Energy Balance, conducted by the Energy Research Corporation (EPE). 

After the oil shocks of the 1970s, Brazil started focusing on developing alternative sources of energy, mainly sugarcane ethanol. Its large sugarcane farms helped a lot. In 1985, 91% of cars produced that year ran on sugarcane ethanol. 

Brazil held its first wind-only energy auction in 2009, in a move to diversify its energy portfolio. Foreign companies scrambled to take part.

Early this decade, a drought in Brazil that cut water to the country's hydroelectric dams prompted severe energy shortages. The crisis, which ravaged the country's economy and led to electricity rationing, underscored Brazil's pressing need to diversify away from water power. 

Brazil counts on hydroelectricity for more than 3/4 of its electricity, but authorities are pushing biomass and wind as primary alternatives. Wind energy's greatest potential in Brazil is during the dry season, so it is considered a hedge against low rainfall and the geographical spread of existing hydro resources.

The industry hopes the auction will help kick-start the wind-energy sector, which already accounts for 70% of the total in all of Latin America.

Sustainable Rural Development is now an essential and basic factor for the growth of the country, especially in rural areas. For this reason, one of the main concerns of agricultural producers – whether large or small – is the practice of a model of agriculture that does not in any way harm the environment, always seeking ways to maintain growth in an economically feasible way, while offering better conditions to workers.

The Ministry for the Environment, through the Secretariat for Extraction and Sustainable Rural, Development, works with different projects in the area of sustainable environmental management:

• Encouragement of the use of environmentally correct technologies, with particular emphasis being given to food safety, and technological and financial improvement of the participants. The public here consists of the residents of rural areas, who carry out agricultural, agro-industrial and service activities.

The rural sector is one of the most important in the country.

• Build greater awareness among the residents of communities with regard to environmental issues in discussion groups, in which there is the generation of proposals for recovery, preservation and conservation of land areas that have been harmed by human actions. 

• Support environmental research, and also the development of instruments and methodologies, promoting the identification and facilitation of national and international financing, and also credits that have connections with rural environmental management.

As a captivating land of magnificent contrasts, Brazil has something to suite every taste – from the European colonial towns of the south, to the white sand beaches of the North-east where a heavy African influence prevails, and the impenetrable jungle and indigenous culture of the Amazon region.  Against this backdrop of varied cultural heritage, extreme differences in climate across such a large country have resulted in distinct regional variations in food, traditions, and even language.

At the time of Portuguese discovery in AD 1500 by Pedro Alvares Cabral, what is now Brazil had already been populated for as long as 50,000 years.  It is estimated that at this time, the indigenous population was between two and four million, dispersed among over 1000 tribes.  From the first permanent Portuguese settlement in 1532, Brazil remained a colony until 1815, at which time it was declared a Kingdom after Napoleon’s invasion of Portugal forced the capital of the Portuguese empire from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro.  Independence was achieved in 1822, with the formation of the Empire of Brazil, to be governed under a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system.  The ties with Portuguese nobility were finally severed in 1889, when a military coup d’état claimed Brazil a republic, which it remains today.   

From the period of European settlement to the present day, Brazil has seen the rise and fall of a colonial superpower, its indigenous population almost wiped out, invasions by the French and Dutch, a thriving slave trade, its own monarchy, civil conflict, a number of dictatorships, and mass immigration from Asia and continental Europe.  These diverse factors have combined to create unique Brazilian identity in one of the most multi-racial nations on earth, and the only lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) nation in Latin America.  Today Brazil enjoys a deserved reputation as an emerging global power, with a stable democracy consisting of the 5th largest population in the world, the 7th largest economy, and presiding over the largest tract of unspoilt rainforest on the planet – the Amazon.

Most Popular Destinations: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Pantanal

As the fifth largest nation in the world by land mass, and with a lack of infrastructure outside of key population centres, getting to every corner of Brazil can prove logistically challenging and extremely time-consuming.  Fortunately for the majority of travellers, tourism infrastructure is highly developed between the main international gateways and the key points of interest, allowing those with a well-planned itinerary the chance to experience much of the variety Brazil has to offer.

For many travellers, the first port of entry in Brazil will be Rio de Janeiro.  Known as the “Cidade Maravilhosa”, or Marvellous City, Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle, and unparalleled natural beauty.  As the capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is today one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, and receives the most foreign visitors of all the regions in Brazil.  The city features some of the country’s most well-known and iconic tourist attractions, including the Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer statue, and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.  Rio is a lively, vibrant city, and its inhabitants, known as “Cariocas”, are full of energy and always ready for a good time.  This is no more obvious than during Carnaval, when the city comes alive with the sounds and beats of Samba for a 5 day non-stop party.

For those looking for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nearby fishing village of Buzios is a short 3 hour drive to the North, while to the South the pristine Ilha Grande and colonial Paraty offer quieter but no less idyllic alternatives. 

Over 1600km to the North-East of Rio de Janeiro lays Salvador, long considered the birthplace of Brazilian culture.  The oldest city in Brazil and its first capital, Salvador was a major post for the slave trade and is now a thriving centre of Afro-Brazilian life. Considered Brazil's most culturally enriched cities, Salvador has a lively art scene and its streets are filled with dance and music all year round. The local cuisine, music, dance and vibrant visual arts are all testaments to this pervasive African influence. 

As one of Brazil’s greatest historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese colonial architecture from the Baroque period, with the central neighbourhood, Pelourinho, being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  Outside the city lie some of North-Eastern Brazil’s most pristine beaches, including the renowned Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe, and a short catamaran ride away lies the idyllic tropical island of Morro de Sao Paulo.

For those wishing for an experience closer to nature, a trip to Brazil would not be complete without a stay in the Pantanal.  As one of the largest tropical wetland areas in the world, the Pantanal is sprawled over an area of nearly 200,000 square kilometres, and extends into neighbouring Paraguay and Bolivia.  During the wet season, around 80% of the floodplains become submerged, attracting a biologically diverse range of plant and animal species, with the Pantanal actually considered to be the world’s densest flora and fauna ecosystem.  The delta’s wide open wetland spaces make animal spotting a lot easier than in the neighbouring Amazon, offering great photographic opportunities.  Additionally, the Pantanal is thought to be home to up to 1000 bird species, creating a paradise for bird watchers.

The Pantanal can be visited year round, however the seasonal variations are extreme.  The wet season generally runs from November until March, with monsoonal rainfall causing extensive flooding, making roads impassable and travel difficult.  The best time for spotting wildlife is during the dry season (Apr-Oct), with bird watching at its best between July and September, and chances of spotting a jaguar highest in September/October.

Natural Wonders - Amazon and Iguacu Falls

As two of South America’s most iconic natural wonders, both the Amazon rainforest and Iguacu Falls offer a uniquely captivating view of nature on a grand scale, with each being easily accessible as part of any trip to Brazil.

Representing more than half of the world’s remaining rainforest, the Amazon is home to the most species-rich wildlife tract of tropical rainforest on the planet, and at its heart is the Amazon River, extending over 6000km and carrying the greatest volume of water or any river on earth.  Approximately 60% of the Amazon rainforest is contained within Brazil, guaranteeing accessibility for even the least adventurous of travellers.  The capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, Manaus, offers the easiest gateway to the Amazon, with regular flights from major Brazilian cities.  A number of jungle lodges are located in close proximity to Manaus, and offer a range of activities such as spotting alligators and pink freshwater dolphins in the river; piranha fishing, nature hikes and wildlife watching.  The city is also the starting point for the highly popular Amazon River cruises, giving passengers the opportunity to discover the Amazon rainforest in comfort and style.  The majority of cruises and jungle lodge packages also include a day trip to the Meeting of the Waters, a remarkable phenomenon where the dark water of the Rio Negro converges with the lighter water of the Amazon mainstream.

Like the Pantanal to the South, the Amazon can be visited all year round.  The tropical climate is consistently warm regardless of the time of year, with both the wet and dry seasons providing different options for the traveller.  The dry season (June-November), with limited rainfall and low water levels, is generally better for land-based activities such as hiking and spotting wildlife by the river.  The wet season (December-May) brings flooding to the areas around the rivers, making it possible to enter otherwise impenetrable jungle by boat in search of wildlife.

Iguaçu Falls, located in the southern State of Parana, is one of the most famous attractions in all of South America.  Named as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2007, the number of separate waterfalls range from 150 to 300 depending on water level, with nearly half the river’s water falling into an 82m high, 150m wide chasm called the Devil’s Throat.  The waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on which side they are viewed from.  In addition to the falls, the surrounding city of Foz do Iguaçu makes a great base to discover the numerous other attractions in the region.  Visitors can revel in the splendour of the natural forests, rivers and lakes, as well as the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant, the Itaipu Dam.  Travellers also have the unique opportunity to take advantage of the Tres Fronteras (three borders) and experience the falls and attractions in both Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay).  Whilst accessible all year round, the best times for viewing the falls are generally spring and autumn.  Summer is hot and humid, while the water level drops significantly in winter.

Carnaval

Carnaval, undoubtedly the most popular celebration in Brazil and celebrated in all of Brazil's cities, is a four day festival which takes place every year forty days before Easter (marking the start of Lent).  The event and the parade which takes place in Rio de Janeiro is the richest and most famous Carnaval in Brazil and, possibly, the whole world.  Rio's Carnaval has become world-famous through the Samba Parade, a show, display and competition of the Rio Samba Schools.  These samba communities all have their own distinguishing colourful costumes, with each samba school parading at the "Sambodrome" in front of packed grandstands.  Each samba school's parade takes around 90 minutes and there is only one winner.  The two major nights where the best schools perform are the Sunday and Monday, with the parades starting at around 8:00 PM and continuing until 6:00 AM the next morning.  Outside of the Sambadrome, Rio comes alive, with street parties taking place all over the city to the sounds of samba.

With Rio de Janeiro being such a popular destination for Carnaval, it is easy to forget that it is a nationwide celebration.  However, Carnaval festivities take place across the country, with Salvador drawing crowds to rival those of Rio and being extremely popular with Brazilians for its different styles of music and massive street parades.  Its popularity is such that recent years have featured international artists such as David Guetta and Fatboy Slim, along with ever increasing numbers of foreign revellers.

Whether you are looking for advice on visas and vaccinations, when to travel, best markets or beaches to visit, wildlife guides or the top restaurants in a city, Chimu blogs are likely to have it covered. The range of topics is vast, with new and fascinating blogs being added regularly. There are airport guides, Galapagos Island guides, what to pack and what not to pack, and even a blog on the most romantic locations to propose in Latin America!