Brazil lives up to its reputation as one of the world's most vibrant countries. The people are incredibly friendly, the music is everywhere and there always seem to be a celebration. You are looking at a huge country which is easily dealt with by using the internal flights which are extremely efficient. The city of Rio should not be missed but it is the countryside that is truly spectacular. The Pantanal is approximately half the size of France and this vast wetland provides incomparable wildlife viewing. This environment supports 650 different type of birds including its symbol the jabiru stork, as well as 50 reptiles like the anaconda and over 80 mammals some of which are endemic to the area like the capybara. Then there's the Amazon to explore, where it is now more common for you to eat a piranha then the other way around! For a touch of African influence, head to Bahia where some of the best beaches can also be found.

This 18 day itinerary takes in the highlights of the country. The starting point is Rio de Janeiro:

Day 1-3 Spend 3 nights in one of the world's most scenically located cities. Trips up Corcovado to see the world famous statue of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf to see the city are clearly a must as well as the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Visits to a favela, a soccer game at Maracana stadium and even a samba school rehearsal can be organized. The Atlantic rain forest is in the Tijuca National Park is on the outskirts if you would like to do a day trip.

Days 4&5 A 2-hour flight takes you south to the border with Argentina and the Iguazu Falls. Set amongst lush tropical forest there are 275 waterfalls, which stretch for a total of 3 kilometres. Higher than Niagara and more impressive than Victoria Falls, the surrounding national park is home to over 2000 species of plants, 400 species of birds and an array of mammals. There are walkways on different levels and also on both sides of the river for you to explore as well as a boat trip to really get up-close!

Days 6-9 Today you fly to Campo Grande where you will be met and transferred to the Pantanal. The Pantanal is a large open flood plain in the west of the country. The conditions are perfect for many migratory birds and it is the last stronghold of the Hyacinth Macaw. You may also see Great Blue Heron, Orange- backed Oriole, Horned Screamer, Keel-ridged Toucan and parakeets as well as Red, Green, and Blue-winged Macaws. The mammal possibilities include Black Howler Monkeys, Marsh Deer, Coatimundi, Black-capped Capuchin, Yellow Anaconda, Crab-eating Fox and both Greater, and Lesser Anteater.

Day 10 Back to Rio for one night then

Days 11-14 Fly on to Manaus today, which is the starting point for your jungle adventure in the Amazon. Travelling by boat along the narrow and winding rivers you cruise deeper and deeper into what is the largest area of tropical rainforest anywhere in the world. The mighty Amazon River which has over 1,000 tributaries holds over 20% of the planets fresh water. In this environment you may see Pink River Dolphins, Giant Anacondas and Amazon Manatee. There are 2,000 species of fish and an equally astonishing number of birds and bats. Excursions here include caiman spotting and wildlife walks along the jungle trails.

Days 15&16 Today you fly via Brasilia to the old colonial town of Salvador. This is one of Brazil's cultural highlights as it retains its African soul. Watch a candomble ceremony, visit a school of capoeria and make sure to be in the neighborhood of Pelourinho for the Tuesday night street party. As well, gape at the baroque churches like Sao Francisco and shop at the market.

Days 17&18 Head 60 kilometres north to the resort of Praia do Forte. This former small fishing village has become an ecologically sensitive up-market beach resort. There are fantastic beaches, a beautiful castle fortress and a sea-turtle reserve. This is a popular turtle breeding grounds and in season (May to December) you may see Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead Turtles.

Day 19 Finish back in Salvador and start the flights home.

If you prefer more beaches and diving, head up to Natal and go to the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. Or head inland to into the old gold rush region of Minas Gerais to explore colonial towns and baroque churches.

Brazil could also be combined with Argentina, particularly if you want to visit the south of the country where Iguazu Falls is found or Peru to the west.

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