The origin of the Brasil name is shortened from a Portuguese tree “Terra do Brasil” (land of brazilwood). Brazil is the largest country in South America and fifth largest in the world. Famous for its soccer tradition and its annual Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Olinda, it is a country of great diversity, from the bustling urban mosaic of São Paulo to the infinite cultural energy of Smaller towns like Pernambuco and Bahia, the wilderness of the Amazon rainforest and world-class landmarks such as the Iguaçu Falls.
Ilha Grande
So close to Rio de Janeiro, yet so different, Ilha Grande is Brazil’s relaxing, undeveloped paradise. Stepping off the ferry to the island is to disconnect from the outside world. No cars, no banks (bring your money!), no ringing phones. It’s all about relaxing in the sun, sailing, and swimming.
The fabulous island retreat of Ilha Grande owes its pristine condition to its unusual history. For centuries, the island’s unsavoury reputation – first as a pirate’s lair, then as a leper colony and penitentiary –
We went for a day picnic to
Lopes Mendes Beach . Take a short 45 minute speed boat followed by a 30 min hike to be rewarded by Crystal clear waters, white sand and green sea Lopes Mendez one of the most beautiful beaches of Brasil.
Paraty
Paraty is in a scenic coastal area of Brazil known as the Costa Verde ( Green Coast)
Like stepping back in time, the old city is a maze of cobblestone streets . The colonial buildings were originally built by African Slaves in the 1600s.
Paraty is built just below sea level. Every full moon the seawater rises, and the streets flood 6-10 inches deep. As the water retreats back to the sea it creates a natural filtration and cleaning of the streets.
Traditional decoration of pineapple and trumpet light holders signify the wealth and prosperity of owner
We took local bus and went to a beach called Trinidade. This is paradisiacal beach village With stunning views and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. It was new moon day and so the waves were pounding high and strong on the rocks. Never seen almost 5 feet of waves close to the beach. A surfers 🏄♀️ dream. Water was Warm, crashing, clear
IGUAZU FALLS
Where do I Start and how do I Start? This natural wonder is absolutely awe inspiring.
With water cascades as far as the eye can see — some massive and powerful, some small and dainty — the Iguazu Falls are a shock to With water cascades as far as the eye can see — some massive and powerful, some small and dainty (relative to Iguazu)– the Falls werea shock my system. I just can’t get over the past two days
It’s made up of a system of 275 waterfalls or cataracts, with the exact number depending on the season. It spans an area 2.7 kilometers wide in a horseshoe shape
Even the late U.S. first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was reportedly so impressed when she saw them that she purportedly said “Poor Niagara.”the system.
Even the late U.S. first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was reportedly so impressed when she saw them that she purportedly said “Poor Niagara.”
Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is an UNESCO World Heritage Site snd one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature . Which is better is the inevitable question Brazil or Argentina The Brazilian side offers more comprehensive vistas of the falls and the piece de resistance in terms of a location for getting the full effect of being surrounded by the falls; however, the Argentinian side offers more angles and unique viewing experiences, also serving up kilometres of boardwalks weaving through the jungle and passing directly over a series of rivers and waterfalls. Iguazu is a show stopper, a game changer, and an essential piece of my personal WOWS in my travels
My blissful two days in Iguazu started on the Brazilian side with s helicopter tour which gives sense of the size of the landscape with unique aerial perspectives . Take a look.
The Brazilian Story While the falls are farther away, one can get a better overview of them from the Brazilian side. From virtually every angle, you’ll get to see the entire panorama of cascades. There is only one trail ——0f the 2700 m of falls 800 m falls on the Brazilian side . The semicircular panorama is breathtaking!!! Take a look.
Now for Argentina Day 2
The coldest day I have experienced in Brazil 10 degrees, remember it’s winter in Southern Hemisphere. Thankfully it didn’t rain as expected.
With so many falls, the Argentina side definitely has more to see, with many 3 trails to walk. Did all three, covering about 8/10 km. The Ecological Jungle Train gets you to the entrance of the main trail ——- The Devils Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the largest and most impressive of the falls at Iguazu. About half the Iguazu River’s flow is forced through this 150m wide and 700m long fisure, dropping 80m with amazing power Raw power and fury of water personified!!!! See it for yourself
Upper circuit trail is characterized by having its trails set on top of the waterfalls edge, which allows a vertical view from the top, something really electrifying. See it for yourself
Added bonus cappuccino monkey in rainforest
Lower Circuit Trail (1700 metres), you can observe the falls from (nearly) ground level, walking on an elevated footpath that goes deep into the forest foliage.
The ☝️upper two was literally below the falls!!!!
Fabulous gorgeous breathtaking the beauty and fury of WATER!!!!
Gruta do Lago Azul is a deep cavern (accessed by stairs) filled with stalactites and stalagmites at the bottom of which is an blue-green lagoon. It turns a piercing turquoise when hit by the sun’s rays, which happens November–January .
Just in case u forgot 😜Both are pointy formations found in limestone caves: Stalactite points up, Stalagmite points down. When water flows down through the ground and into a cave, it dissolves a mineral called calcite (a major building block of limestone) and carries it through cracks in the ceiling. The dripping water leaves behind traces of calcite, which slowly builds up on the ceiling until a stalactite takes shape, hanging down like an icicle.
Water from the end of the stalactite leaves more calcite in a pile on the cave floor, and pretty soon a cone-like stalagmite forms. That’s why stalactites and stalagmites are usually found in pairs. Sometimes they grow together to form a pillar or column.
Don’t miss the guerilla face in the center
You climb three hundred steps down to see the blue lagoon gruta
Bonito is dmsll town in south western Brazil and is known as the top eco-tourism destination in Brazil. The surrounding area is known for crystal-clear rivers such as the Rio da Prata, a snorkeling destination abounding with fish. Snorkeling is known in the sea But snorkeling in a river is quite a unique experience.
The tour starts with a trail for about 50 minutesthrough the forest of the Prata River.
You start snorkeling downstream water is crystal clear at times only about two feet feels a bit funny but the variety of blue silver, blue yellow and orange fish are a feast for the eyes.You snorkel for about two to two and a half kilometers looking at fish and river fauna In pretty shallow waters
We could not carry anything with us so the pictures are stock picsto give you an idea.
It’s Like taking a Dubki meaning an underwater peep into your own private acquarium a peaceful zen like experience.
Pantanal. Last stop in tour
Part national park, part UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, covering over 70,000 square miles
We stayed in dorms used public shared bathrooms and toilets true experience or rustic wildlife in the middle of nowhere. HD to flush toilets A couple of times for fear of frogs jumping from the pipelines ……….Frankly not my cup of tea and I was waiting to reach back in the familiar metropolis of Rio de Janeiro
We did a Safari through the forests walked for about 3-4 km, did piranha fishing which I experienced on my Amazon cruise and also did a solid two hours of horseback riding at the end of which I was ready to loose myself in the familiar and comfortable metropolis.
Tree is called snake tree wraps itself on the trumkdsnd daps the mother tree of all water food and nutrition
Saw A lot of uprooted trees
Here’s the wild life Of the last two destinations
Capybara. The world’s largest rodent, capybaras can grow to about 175 pounds. Delicacy in Latin America
Blue parrots
That was the interior of Brazil now for the best part of Brazil and one of my favorite cities…..
With its golden beaches, samba-fuelled nightlife and pulsating energy, Rio de Janeiro literally translated in English is “River of January “ ———- when Portuguese explorers
arrived in Rio de Janeiro in January 1502, theythought Guanabara Bay (This bay, which gives Rio its beautifully unique look) was the mouth of a large river and, as a result, named the area ‘River of January’. Rio’s setting so spectacular and it’s staggeringly beautiful location left me in awe. It’s unlike anything I have seen. Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife, modern architecture contrasts historical monuments, luxurious beach apartment buildings with huge favelas (slums) very visible all over on the mountain slopes and not miss a huge rainforest extending over 8000 acres in the middle of the city. Feast for your (my) eyes.
I spent unforgettable five days exploring this city with my guide Mariley Who was kind enough to accompany me ( Ofcourse she got paid) to a very eclectic night club. Rio Definitely a must go and is in my top 5 cities list
Christ The Readeamer
The giant statue of Christ overlooking the city from the 709-meter summit of Corcovado mountain is widely recognized a symbol of Rio .The world-famous landmark was erected between 1922 and 1931.
The Art Deco statue was created by Polish-French and built by s Brazilian engineer In collaboration with the French engineer ? Truly International . Made of concrete and soapstone, the figure itself is 30 meters tall with arms stretching 28 meters. Inside its eight-meter-high base is a chapel, The small train chugs from up the 3.5-kilometer track to the statue, through the Tijuca National Park.
Don’t miss the heart and two little Windows just below which r opened I am told from time to time
*Sugarloaf Mountain *
Another of Rio’s known landmark is the rock peak of Sugarloaf, towering 394 meters above the harbor. It sits on a point of land that projects out into the bay and wraps around its harbor, and is connected to the city by a low strip of land. Two cable cars from the base take you up to the peak. From here, you can see the entire mountainous coast that rings the bay and its islands. The views are just breathtaking!!!!!
Christ the Rsdesmer on the mountain peak in the background
Christ the Redeamer on the mountain peak in the background
*Rio Scenarium *
Located in the famous Lapa district known for its nightlife this club is One of the city’s most photogenic and known nightspots with three floors, each lavishly decorated with antiques. Balconies overlook the stage on the 1st floor. This vast venue for samba shows was a furniture warehouse and storage space for antiques and film props, so fascinating costumes, masks and other historical artefacts form the backdrop to the dancing, eating and drinking.
Escadaria Selarón
also known as the ‘Selaron Steps’, is a set of world-famous steps.
From 1990 until his death in 2013, Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón covered a long flight of steps in front of his house with mosaics made of tiles, pottery, and mirrors, many in blue, green, and yellow – colors of the Brazilian flag. Selarón began by using broken tiles that he salvaged from construction sites and demolitions of old buildings, but as his steps drew the attention of tourists, people began bringing him pottery and tiles from all over the world. Now pieces from more than 60 countries are represented in the 250 steps, which cover 125 meters of stairs. The steps are a popular film location.
Catedral de São Sebastião
Architect Fonseca, who designed Rio’s new cathedral, took his inspiration from Mayan pyramids and Chichen Itza interpreting their soaring forms in a modern context. Thr Church is big , it seats 5,000. Four stained glass windows rise 64 meters from the floor to light the interior with brilliantly colored natural light.
Confeitaria Colombo
Considered one of the 10 most beautiful cafés in the world this 120 year old cafe known for its delectable pastries , cakes and coffee,
Some impressive and historical buildings and monuments in downtown Rio
Beautiful interiors
Interior of the main library
Surprise Surprise!!! Gandhiji’s statue In the middle of downtown
Took a cycling tour on Sunday morning . Visited several of Rio’s famous sites.
Copacabana Palace Hotel the ultimate in luxury where many a Presidents and celebrities have stayed
Famous Copacabana Beach
The Famous Ipanema Beach . The name Ipanema resonates with most people from the song “The Girl from Ipanema”. This one is beautiful and gorgeous. I am not a big beach fan but found this one 👌👌👌👌👌 white sand of the beach bumps into the Atlantic ocean, The whole neighborhood is overlooked by jutting out mountains
the iconic, waved boardwalk design, tiny bikinis and striking landscape make for the classic Rio beach experience….
The last part of the trip Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is a lagoon located in the upscale Lagoa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro which is surrounded by green hillsides and fancy neighborhoods.
Look at the sunset from Ipanema . I went back again in the evening .
Tijuca National Forest
Took an open Jeep tour to see and experience this huge jungle that sprawls from the heart I.e center of Rio de Janeiro . This forest spans a 32 squared kilometers and offers 30 waterfalls, viewpoints, hikes, peaks and monuments . Tijuca rainforest is quite possibly the largest urban rainforest in the world.
it was cut down and redeveloped for coffee and sugarcane production. In the second half of the 19th century, it was replanted to protect Rio’s water supply . Its vegetation is so dense that scientists have calculated that the forest has reduced the temperature in the surrounding areas by a mind blowing nine degrees celsius!
☝️One of the he most picturesque is Vista Chinesa where a oriental-style gazebo looks down upon the city
Favela Tour
A favela, is a unique, low and middle-income, and unregulated neighborhood in Brazil. Some estimate That there are thousand favelas in Rio alone. Many of these FAvela’s are located on the outskirts andthe hilly areas of Rio.
Originally the shantytowns had homes made of aluminum metal sheets and Makeshift bricks , today many of them have permanent homes in cement and concrete.
A feature that distinguishes favelas from over Indian slums is the level of Violence. Many FAvela‘s have multiple shootings every week and most of them are controlled by gangs and drug dealers. To see a favela one must be accompanied by a tour operator acceptable to the inhabitants and controlling gang. Tours to Favela is today a major tourist attraction
Just like Mumbai a huge contrast between the towering skyscrapers further down the hill and the stacked wooden and brick houses of the favela
Santa Marta the favela I visited is the gold standard and is held up as the model It was the first favela to undergo a pacification program where control of the favela was passed to the police in an effort to remove drug gangs and reduce crime while implementing social change projects.
Our guide was a kid of about 20 years who grew up in what he said a real favela and not The favela he was showing us .
Michael Jackson filmed part of the video to ‘They Don’t Care about us’ in the Santa Marta favela in 1996.
A bronze statue of Michael Jackson, arms outstretched, commands prime position and is a huge part of the favela’s culture today.
Churascaria
Churrascarias aretraditional Brazilian-style steakhouse restaurants, servers come to the table with knives and a skewer, on which are speared various kinds of quality cuts of meat, most commonly local cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and sometimes exotic meats. It’s a fixed price with all u can eat feast accompanied by a large salad bar
I decided to treat myself to a real good Churascaria and thus had my first meal in a restaurant called by myself. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the food
Menu which details the 25 + types of meat to be served at one’s table
Sampling of what was served at my table. The lambwith the mint and jalapeño jelly was my favourite
Glorious 5 days in Rio , which has definitely become one of my top five favorite cities. Would love to come here again, God willing!!
