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BUSTLING RIO DE JANEIRO
With world-famous shores, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, sunny beach days in
Rio de Janeiro are inevitable. Yet Brazil’s cultural metropolis offers so much more. Think
incredible views from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain or
watching the Carnival rehearsals at Rio’s best samba schools. Visit the Atlantic Forest, the
world’s largest urban woodland, for unforgettable hiking and refreshing dips in waterfalls
before slipping back into the bustling city life for long nights of wining, dining and live
music. Soak in Rio’s cultural side by visiting its diverse museums and art galleries, enjoy
the cityscape views from up high by paragliding from the Pedra Bonita mountain and
finish the day at Arpoador to witness one of Rio’s most impressive sunsets.
36 • Vacations
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ROBBEN ISLAND PRISON CELL BLOCK
Extraordinary Experiences
AMAZING AMAZON
LANDSCAPE AT CHAPADA DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK
BLUE LAKE CAVE
AMAZING AMAZON
For an exotic experience like no other, head to the
north of Brazil to visit the Amazon where dense
rainforest, swollen rivers and incredible wildlife
make up one of the most complex ecosystems in the
world. Guided tours take you deep into the forest
to search for monkeys and birds in the tall canopies
followed by kayaking in the slow river currents with
the caimans and capybaras. Take a cruise along the
Amazon river where activities include daytime jungle
trekking, stepping into the lives of indigenous tribes
and keeping a lookout for the elusive river dolphin.
Evenings consist of onboard, open-air dinners of
freshly caught river fish to the din of the Amazon’s
creaks, chirps and calls in the background.
NATIONAL PARK: CHAPADA DIAMANTINA
Huge plateaus, deep canyons and waterfalls make up the
landscape of this vast national park found in the state of
Bahia. Countless trails lined with cacti and wild orchids wind
through the Chapada, offering wonderful days of hiking
or cycling among breath-taking nature coupled with far-
reaching views. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife; macaws,
anteaters, monkeys and jaguars call the national park their
home. Its most famous attractions are the Smoke Waterfall
where the cascade turns to mist before it reaches the bottom
of the canyon, and the Blue Pool and Enchanted Pool, two
caves with underground lakes. A subterranean river leaves
mineral deposits in the pools that give the transparent water
an electric blue hue, setting the scene for
a memorable swim.
ECOTOURISM ADVENTURES IN BONITO
Slip straight into the crystal-clear rivers of Bonito in Mato Grosso
do Sul and find yourself snorkelling among colourful freshwater
life that thrives in the fertile waters of Brazil’s ecotourism centre.
Take a tour of the São Miguel Cave, one of the oldest in the world
with rock formations dating back millions of years, or visit the
Blue Lake Cave, so-called for its bright blue lagoon inside. Get
your adrenaline kick by abseiling into the 72-metre deep Abismo
Anhumas, an underground cavern covered with stalactites and
stalagmites. At the base is a deep, transparent pool filled with
submerged, 20-metre high cones where you can take a boat ride,
dive or simply float on the water’s surface. For wildlife-spotting,
head to the Buraco das Araras, an immense sinkhole where
hundreds of wild red-and-green macaws breed and nest on the
depression’s rust-coloured walls.
Within Brazil’s vast land
mass is a diverse terrain of
mountain ranges, pristine
coastlines, sprawling jungles
and a fascinating culture, which
means there are activities to
indulge any whim. Here are our
top four recommendations for
adventurous travellers in Brazil.
Best
Brazil
By Sarah Brown
OF
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RIO DE JANEIRO