WHEN TO GO. Lonely Planet Publications 21 DON T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT. See Climate Charts ( p698 ) for more information.

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1 Lonely Planet Publications 21 Getting Started Before you go to Brazil, find out whether you need a visa. Many nationalities require them, including citizens from the US, Canada and Australia. See p711 for more details. If you re going to Carnaval in Rio, Salvador or Olinda, secure hotel reservations as far in advance as possible. That also holds true for Rio s Reveillon (New Year s Eve; p164 ). If you re hitting other major festivals ( p702 ), book your room in advance often easily done over the internet. During the busy summer season (December to March), it s also wise to book ahead. Brazil is a large country, with vast distances between destinations. If you plan to visit a number of regions, consider purchasing a Brazil Airpass ( p720 ), which allows you between four and nine in-country flights at a set rate. These tickets must be purchased outside the country. WHEN TO GO Brazil s high season runs from December to March. This is when the country fills with both foreign visitors and vacationing Brazilian families (school holidays run from mid-december to Carnaval, usually in February). Prices rise during this time and you ll face more crowds, though this is also the most festive time in Brazil. Brazil s low season runs from May to September. With the exception of July, which is also a school-holiday month, this is the cheapest and least-crowded time to visit the country though it can be utterly vacant in some resort areas and cold in the south. Depending on where you go, weather may be a significant factor in your travel plans. In Rio, the humidity can be high in summer, with temperatures hovering around 28 C (82 F). Rainfall is another factor, with October to January being the wettest months. In winter Rio temperatures hover around 23 C (73 F), with a mix of both rainy and superb days. On the northeast coast, from Bahia to Maranhão, temperatures are a bit warmer year-round than in Rio with days reaching 31 C (88 F) but due to a wonderful tropical breeze and less humidity, it s rarely stifling. The rainy season runs from about mid-december to July, though even then you ll encounter gorgeous days. The Amazon region (the north) is one of the world s rainiest places and rainfall occurs most frequently from December to May, making travel exceedingly difficult then. The rest of the year the region still receives plenty of rain, though showers tend to last only an hour or two. The Pantanal also has rainy and dry seasons, and if you plan to go, do so during the dry season (mid-april to late September). The rest of the year, See Climate Charts ( p698 ) for more information. DON T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT Getting your visa, if you need one ( p711 ). Learning a few Portuguese words and phrases ( p741 ). Insect repellent containing DEET ( p730 ). A yellow fever vaccine ( p728 ), if planning a trip to the Amazon. You may want to take medication against malaria as well ( p726 ). A waterproof jacket. A Brazil Airpass ( p720 ) if you re planning to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

2 22 GETTING STARTED Costs & Money lonelyplanet.com HOW MUCH? Admission to samba club in Rio R$15 Two-hour flight from Rio to Salvador (one way) R$220 Double room in a comfy pousada in Arraial d Ajuda R$120 Eleven-hour bus ride from São Paulo to Florianopolis R$87 Four-day excursion in the Pantanal R$500 For more price information, see the Lonely Planet Index, inside front cover. the wetlands receive tremendous rainfall, washing out roads and making traveling a nightmare. The South has the most extreme temperature changes, and during the coldest winter months (June to August), Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and São Paulo have temperatures between 13 C (55.4 F) and 18 C (64.4 F). In some towns, the occasional snowfall is even possible. As elsewhere along the coast, summer is quite hot, and you ll have lots of company on the beach. COSTS & MONEY Although still cheaper than North America and parts of Europe, Brazil, with its booming economy and strong real, has become South America s most expensive country. How much to budget depends on where you stay and how much ground you plan to cover. Some cities, like Rio, have grown particularly pricey in the last few years. Rural and less-visited destinations are often significantly cheaper. Bus travel costs about R$8 (US$4) per hour of distance covered. Flights, which sometimes run fare specials, might not cost much more for long hauls. Decent accommodations and particularly rental cars (which cost about R$100 per day) can quickly eat up a budget. If you re frugal, you can travel on about R$100 (US$50) a day paying around R$40 for accommodations, R$30 for food and drink, plus bus travel, admission to sights and the occasional entertainment activity. If TRAVELING RESPONSIBLY Since our inception in 1973, Lonely Planet has encouraged our readers to tread lightly, travel responsibly and enjoy the serendipitous magic independent travel affords. International travel is growing at a jaw-dropping rate, and we still firmly believe in the benefits it can bring but, as always, we encourage you to consider the impact your visit will have on both the global environment and the local economies, cultures and ecosystems. Sustainable travel is fairly easy within Brazil, but with the increasing use of eco splashed about, it can be hard to separate the green from the greedy (see p695 for tips on finding eco-friendly hotels). With a little research and a healthy sense of adventure your trip can have a positive impact on both the local economy and the environment. For more detailed information on the wider environmental issues facing Brazil, and how these are being tackled, see the Environment chapter ( p95 ). Getting There & Away Unless you re traveling from a neighboring South American country, it s almost impossible to avoid flying into Brazil. To combat the heavy environmental costs associated with air travel, consider offsetting your carbon emissions ( p716 ). Once in Brazil, flights will prove tempting if you re traveling great distances, but there are other options, including riverboats in the Amazon, buses and even a few rare train lines. Slow Travel Slow travel is getting back to basics. Skip the long plane journey in favor of traveling locally, focusing your trip on a region in Brazil, like Bahia or Maranhão. You can always come back and cover another part of the country. And once you get to where you are going, hike, bike and paddle your way to that off-track destination. We re not saying that you should never take busses or planes, far from it. When necessary, take that bus or taxi ride. It directly benefits the Brazilian economy, so you ll know your carbon footprint is going directly toward putting dinner on the plates of locals. You can also take an organized tour ( p94 ) based on sustainable itineraries, or you can volunteer your time ( p713 ).

3 lonelyplanet.com GETTING STARTED Travel Literature 23 you just stay in hostels and plan to lie on a beach, eating rice, beans and fish every day, you can probably scrape by on R$70 a day. If you stay in reasonably comfortable hotels, eat in nicer restaurants, go out most nights and book the occasional flight or guided excursion, you ll probably spend upwards of R$250 a day. Those planning to stay overnight at particularly comfortable guesthouses in resort areas, eat at the best restaurants and not stint on excursions or nightlife can easily spend R$500 a day or more. Bear in mind that during the December-to-February holiday season, accommodations costs generally increase by around 30%. During Carnaval accommodations prices triple, but a week afterwards, the prices drop to low-season rates. Another thing to remember: resort areas near major cities are often packed on summer weekends. There will be fewer crowds and sometimes lower prices if you visit during the week. Brazil is fair value for solo travelers, as long as you don t mind staying in hostels. Otherwise, a single room generally costs about 75% of the price of a double room. TRAVEL LITERATURE A Death in Brazil by Peter Robb is one of the most fascinating travelogues published in recent years (2004). Robb, who spent 20 years in Brazil, explores four centuries of Brazilian history, while detailing his own modernday travels, creating a compelling portrait of the country. Accommodations & Food Your tourist dollar can go a long way to supporting the country if you choose your accommodations carefully. Stay clear of chain hotels and all-inclusive resorts in Brazil s larger cities and beach towns. These chains are often owned by foreign investors who take all profit out of the country. And the battered hotels in town are rarely a good investment the staff are usually underpaid, the buildings are a health inspector s nightmare and profits are siphoned off to fund less-than-salubrious activities. You re much better off staying in family-run pousadas (guesthouses). We ve made sure to include such recommendations throughout our coverage. By staying in smaller, family-run places, you re guaranteeing that your money will remain in the hands of the local people running the establishment. In terms of food, Brazil requires some tough choices to be made. Although Brazilian beef is top notch, the explosion of cattle farming continues to fuel the Amazon s destruction, with old-growth forests cleared to make way for pastures. There is a growing number of restaurants serving organic and vegetarian fare, and we ve indicated these options where available. Avoid major fast-food chains, as these have played a significant role in fueling the country s deforestation. Responsible Travel Organizations Brazil has no certification system to identify the green-ness of accommodations and tour operators. However, various organizations are working to establish sustainable-travel criteria, and the situation may change. Environmentally responsible organizations working in Brazil include the following: Rainforest Alliance ( ResponsibleTravel.com features volunteer opportunities across the country ( travel.com) Rainforest Action Network ( For a complete list of environmental organizations see p100.

4 24 GETTING STARTED Travel Literature lonelyplanet.com TOP 10 BRAZIL Brasília BEST FESTIVALS & EVENTS Some of Brazil s liveliest festivals are in the Northeast, but no matter where you are, you ll find fantastic, wild and, at times, downright surreal celebrations. 1 Boi-Bumbá ( p657 ), late June, Parintins 2 Bumba Meu Boi ( p593 ), late June to second week of August, São Luís 3 Carnaval, Shrove Tuesday and the days preceding it, February or March, Rio de Janeiro (p114), Salvador (p452) or Olinda (p535) 4 Cavalhadas ( p390 ), 50 days after Easter, Pirenópolis 5 Círio de Nazaré ( p610 ), second Sunday in October, Belém 6 Festa da NS de Boa Morte ( p464 ), mid- August, Cachoeira 7 Reveillon and Festa de Iemanjá ( p164 ), December 31, Rio de Janeiro 8 Folclore Nordestino ( p535 ), late August, Olinda 9 Oktoberfest ( p345 ), mid-october, Blumenau 10 Semana Santa (Holy Week), March or April, Ouro Prêto ( p246 ) or Cidade de Goiás ( p387 ) BEST ALBUMS It s no easy task selecting just 10 albums from the scores of Brazil s talented singers and song writers. Check out some of the great works below, most of which can be found in Brazil. 1 Africa Brasil, Jorge Ben 2 Bossa Negra, Elza Soares 3 Elis & Tom, Elis Reginas and Antonio Carlos Jobim 4 Feijoada Completa, Chico Buarque 5 Gal Costa, Gal Costa 6 Getz/Gilberto, Stan Getz and João Gilberto 7 Os Afros Sambas, Baden Powell 8 Refazenda, Gilberto Gil 9 Samba Bossa Nova, Putumayo compilation 10 Tropicalia 2, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil BEST FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES A quick and enjoyable way of getting beneath the surface is to explore the films starring Brazil. 1 Orfeu Negro (1959) 2 Pagador de Promessas (1962) 3 Bye Bye Brasil (1980) 4 Pixote (1981) 5 The Mission (1986) 6 Central do Brasil (1998) 7 Madame Satã (2002) 8 Bus 174 (2002) 9 Cidade de Deus (2002) 10 House of Sand (2006) Travelers Tales Brazil, edited by Scott Doggett and Annette Haddad, is a fine anthology of tales of travel and life in Brazil. The excellent 2nd edition (published 2004) includes contributions from writers such as Diane Ackerman, Joe Kane, Petru Popescu and Alma Guillermoprieto. How to Be a Carioca by Priscilla Ann Goslin is highly recommended for anyone planning to spend time in Rio de Janeiro. Her tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the Carioca (resident of Rio) lifestyle are spot on. Don t miss the hilarious essential vocabulary section for mastering the local lingo.

5 lonelyplanet.com GETTING STARTED Internet Resources 25 The Capital of Hope: Brasília and Its People by Alex Shoumatoff is an engaging portrait of Brasília, informed by the author s interviews with government workers and the capital s first settlers. Peter Fleming s Brazilian Adventure is about the young journalist s expedition into Mato Grosso in the 1930s a wild region then in search of vanished explorer Colonel Fawcett. What Fleming found is less important than the telling, written with wry humor. For a fascinating journey from the Andes through Brazilian Amazonia and on to the Atlantic Ocean in the 19th century, read Exploration of the Valley of the Amazon by William Lewis Herndon. This recently republished volume is a vivid account of the people and local cultures Herndon encounters, along with observations of the plants, animals and geography of the Brazilian landscape. After serving as US president, winning the Nobel Peace Prize and surviving an assassin s bullet, Theodore Roosevelt explored parts of Brazil and wrote Through the Brazilian Wilderness. It s a great adventure story well worth seeking out. Although not specifically about Brazil, Redmond O Hanlon s hilarious In Trouble Again: A Journey Between the Orinoco and the Amazon tells of his fretful journey through Latin America. Also not solely about Brazil is Peter Matthiessen s The Cloud Forest, an account of a 30,000km journey across the South American wilderness from the Amazon to Tierra del Fuego. It s well worth a read. Moritz Thomsen s The Saddest Pleasure: A Journey on Two Rivers is an engaging book about the author s experiences in South America, including journeys through Brazil and along the Amazon. Running the Amazon by Joe Kane is the story of the 10 men and one woman who, in 1986, became the first expedition to cover the entire length of the Rio Amazonas (Amazon River), from the Andes to the Atlantic, on foot and in rafts and kayaks. INTERNET RESOURCES Brazilian Embassy in London ( Excellent country low-down, with links to dozens of local tourism sites in Brazil. Brazzil ( In-depth articles on the country s politics, economy, literature, arts and culture. Gringoes ( Articles written by Anglophones living in Brazil. Hip Guide to Brazil ( Excellent guide to Brazilian culture and society; good, selective articles and links. Lanic Brazil ( The University of Texas excellent collection of Brazil links. Lonely Planet ( Summaries on Brazil travel, the popular Thorn Tree bulletin board, online accommodation booking and links to other web resources. Terra Brasil ( Portuguese-language travel site with up-to-date information on entertainment, nightlife and dining options in many cities around Brazil.

6 26 Itineraries CLASSIC ROUTES This 2300km trip begins and ends in Rio de Janeiro. The circular route passes through picturesque coastal towns, beachlovers getaways, surfing spots, idyllic islands, magnificent goldmining towns and South America s largest metropolis, with opportunities for boat rides and a pretty train journey en route. RIO & THE SOUTHEAST Three Weeks Gorgeous beaches, rain forest covered islands and colonial towns are just some of the things you ll experience on a trip around the Southeast. Spend a few days discovering Rio ( p121 ) and its beaches, restaurants and incredible music scene before heading to Ilha Grande ( p189 ), an island blanketed by rain forest and ringed by beaches. Next is Paraty ( p193 ), a beautifully preserved colonial town. Ilhabela ( p305 ) is another car-free island of beaches, forests and waterfalls. Stop in São Paulo ( p275 ) for high culture, including the nation s best museums and restaurants. Then head to exquisite Ouro Prêto (p241), Diamantina (p261) and Tiradentes ( p257 ), some of Brazil s finest colonial gems. Connect in Belo Horizonte ( p233 ) for the picturesque train ride (p240) to the coast, or catch a bus to Nacional de Caparaó ( p270 ), a hiker s paradise. In Vitória ( p221 ), catch a coastal bus south, passing fishing villages and handsome beaches, particularly around Guarapari ( p226 ). Further south are equally stunning beaches, from chic Búzios ( p216 ), to surf-lovers Saquarema (p212). On the way back to Rio, detour north to Petrópolis ( p204 ), a cool mountain retreat. Great hiking is nearby at the Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (p209). You can also get a taste of Switzerland at Nova Friburgo (p210). São Paulo SÃO PAULO Minas Gerais Paraty Ilhabela Belo Horizonte Tiradentes Petrópolis Ilha Grande Diamantina Ouro Prêto Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos RIO DE JANEIRO Nacional de Caparaó Nova Friburgo Rio de Janeiro Saquarema Búzios Espírito Santo VITÓRIA Guarapani A T L A N T I C O C E A N Bahia

7 lonelyplanet.com CLASSIC ROUTES Best of Brazil 27 BEST OF BRAZIL Three Months On this epic trip you ll experience the rhythm-infused towns of the Northeast, the jungles of the Amazon and the biodiversity of the Pantanal, with beaches, tropical islands and historic towns thrown into the mix. From São Paulo ( p275 ), head east to Rio, stopping at glorious beaches such as Ubatuba ( p302 ), Trindade ( p199 ) and Paraty-Mirim ( p200 ) before reaching Rio ( p121 ). From there head north, visiting the pretty mountain towns of Ouro Prêto ( p241 ) and Diamantina ( p261 ). The architectural masterpiece that is Brasília ( p371 ) is next, and lies near the Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros ( p401 ), a fantastic wilderness area. On the way to Bahia, explore the Nacional da Chapada Diamantina (p498) before reaching Salvador ( p439 ), the country s Afro-Brazilian gem. Further up the coast is Olinda ( p533 ), one of Brazil s prettiest towns. From historic Recife ( p523 ), fly out to the spectacular archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (p539). Back on the mainland, travel north, stopping in the backpackers paradise of Jericoacoara ( p578 ) en route to the surreal dunes in the Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses ( p597 ), a stark contrast to the colonial beauty of São Luís (p589). West lies Belém ( p605 ), a culturally rich city near the lush island of Ilha de Marajó ( p618 ). Catch a boat up the Amazon to Manaus ( p641 ), where you can arrange jungle treks. From Manaus, head south to Bonito ( p430 ), and experience the region s waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, lush forests and subterranean caves. Go south to the awe-inspiring Iguaçu Falls ( p325 ), with waterfalls straddling three countries. Before completing the circle, explore the secluded beaches and charming Germanic towns around Florianópolis ( p334 ). Roraima MANAUS Bonito Mato Grosso Mato Grosso do Sul PARAGUAY ARGENTINA Iguaçu Falls Amapá Ilha de Marajó Pará Paraná Goiás São Paulo SÃO PAULO Santa Catarina BELÉM Tocantins Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros DF SÃO LUÍS Maranhão BRASÍLIA Trindade Ouro Prêto Piauí Bahia Nacional da Chapada Diamantina Diamantina Minas Gerais Ubatuba FLORIANÓPOLIS Nacional dos Lençois Maranhenses Espírito Santo Rio de Janeiro RIO DE JANEIRO Paraty-Mirim Jericoacoara Ceará Paraíba Pernambuco Alagoas Sergipe A T L A N T I C O C E A N Rio Grande do Norte Fernando de Noronha SALVADOR RECIFE Olinda This 12,500km (!) trip shows you Brazil s many charms from its nightlife to its wildlife with a survey of pristine islands, storybook towns, steamy jungles and more. To really do the country justice, you ll need six months or a year.

8 28 CLASSIC ROUTES Bahia & the Northeast lonelyplanet.com This 4500km trip takes you from gorgeous tropical beaches to culturally rich colonial cities. Porto Seguro, with its many flight connections, is a good gateway. Those with extra time can easily spend three to six months exploring this vibrant region. BAHIA & THE NORTHEAST Six Weeks Those looking for the soul of Brazil would do well to focus on the Northeast. A confluence of music, history and culture amid spectacular natural scenery makes for an unforgettable journey. Begin in the pretty towns of Arraial d Ajuda (p486) and Trancoso (p487), both blessed with great guesthouses and restaurants, a laid-back nightlife and access to endless walks on the beach. Contine north to Itacaré ( p475 ), a lively town with great surf. Then on to Salvador ( p439 ), Bahia s most vibrant and colorful city, where drum corps march through the cobblestone streets by day, and nights are devoted to Candomblé, capoeira and dance parties about town. Detour west to the Nacional da Chapada Diamantina ( p498 ) for crisp mountain streams, panoramic views and an endless network of trails. Back on the coast, Olinda ( p533 ) is one of Brazil s largest and best-preserved colonial cities and it holds an outstanding Carnaval. From buzzing Recife ( p523 ), Olinda s sister city, fly out to Fernando de Noronha ( p539 ), an exquisite archipelago of rich marine life and splendid beaches. Return to the mainland, visit the beautiful and laid-back Praia da Pipa ( p561 ), a global village on the coast. The coast from Natal ( p554 ) to Fortaleza and Jericoacoara is one of the most spectacular and least developed in Brazil, with scores of spectacular dune-backed beaches ripe for beach-buggy adventures and perfect winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Jericoacoara ( p578 ) itself is a gorgeous beach village with fantastic nightlife. West of there, the Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses ( p597 ) has one of the most striking landscapes in Brazil, a surreal combination of dunes, lagoons and beaches. The final stop is São Luís ( p589 ), a city of colonial beauty that is also Brazil s unquestioned capital of reggae! SÃO LUÍS Maranhão Nacional dos Lençois Maranhenses Piauí Jericoacoara Fortaleza Ceará Paraíba Pernambuco Rio Grande do Norte Genipabu Dunes Natal Praia da Pipa Olinda RECIFE Fernando de Noronha Alagoas Bahia Sergipe Lençois Nacional da Chapada Diamantina Itacaré SALVADOR Porto Seguro Arraial d'ajuda Trancoso

9 lonelyplanet.com ROADS LESS TRAVELED Waterways of the Amazon 29 ROADS LESS TRAVELED WATERWAYS OF THE AMAZON Six Weeks Few places ignite the imagination like the Amazon. The largest forest on the planet has astounding plant and animal life. Surprising to many visitors, the wetlands also contain historic cities, beautiful river beaches and one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. Begin in Belém ( p605 ), a culturally rich city at the mouth of the great river. From here explore the forest-covered island of Ilha de Marajó (p618) or head northeast to Algodoal ( p616 ), a rustic fishing hamlet in a splendid setting. Get a hammock and travel by boat up the Rio Amazonas. Stop in Monte Alegre ( p627 ) to see ancient rock paintings, the oldest-known human creations in the Amazon. Upstream is Santarém ( p621 ), a pleasant city with many nearby attractions. Across the river, Alenquer ( p627 ) is near beautiful, rarely visited countryside. Also reachable is the virgin rain forest of the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (p625) and Alter do Chão ( p627 ), a picturesque lagoon with white-sand beaches. Continue upriver to Manaus ( p641 ), Amazonia s largest city and its center for arranging jungle treks or visits to the Reserva Xixuaú-Xipariná ( p655 ). You can also travel to Santa Elena de Uairén ( p671 ), Venezuela, for treks up Mt Roraima (p665). Northwest of Manaus lies the fairly unexplored Nacional do Jaú (p656). You ll see incredible wildlife at the Mamirauá Reserve (p659), outside of Tefé ( p657 ). From there, continue by river to Tabatinga ( p660 ), and into Leticia ( p662 ) in Colombia for excursions into the Nacional Natural Amacayacu (p664) or for stays at jungle lodges ( p665 ) along the Rio Javari. This 3900km trip begins in Belém, and travels mostly by boat along the world s mightiest river. Several detours include Belém to Ilha de Marajó and Manaus to Santa Elena de Uairén in Venezuela. COLOMBIA VENEZUELA GUYANA Mt Roraima Santa Elena de Uairén Roraima SURINAME FRENCH GUIANA A T L A N T I C O C E A N Amapá Nacional Natural Amacayacu Leticia Rio Javari Tabatinga Mamirauá Reserve Tefé Reserva Xixuaú- Xipariná Nacional do Jaú MANAUS Alenquer Alter do Chão Floresta Nacional do Tapajós Monte Alegre Santarém Ilha de Marajó Algodoal BELÉM Amazonas Pará Acre Tocantins PERU BOLIVIA Rondônia Mato Grosso

10 30 ROADS LESS TRAVELED Southward Bound lonelyplanet.com This 1600km trip begins in Foz do Iguaçu and travels through Brazil s southernmost states. Highlights include forested islands, mountainous national parks, Bavarian-style towns, idyllic beaches and historic missions. At trip s end, go to Porto Alegre for a flight to Rio or São Paulo. SOUTHWARD BOUND Three Weeks One of Brazil s most overlooked regions has gorgeous islands and beaches, unexplored national parks and fascinating towns with largely European roots. Start your journey in Foz do Iguaçu ( p325 ) to gaze at some of the most impressive waterfalls on the planet. Take short day trips to Argentina and Paraguay before heading east (by overnight bus or quick flight) to Curitiba (p313), a cosmopolitan city with an environmentally responsible design. Next, take the scenic train ride to Paranaguá ( p319 ), a sleepy waterfront town that s the jumping-off point to car-free Ilha do Mel (p321). The forest-covered island has lovely beaches, low-key guesthouses and is skirted by some pretty trails. Next head to Blumenau ( p344 ) and nearby Pomerode ( p346 ), where the Teutonic architecture, blond-haired residents and local brew are more Bavarian than Brazilian. For island beauty, continue on to Ilha de Santa Catarina ( p333 ), a forest-covered gem of sand dunes, sparkling beaches, pretty lagoons and sleepy fishing villages. South of Florianópolis is Praia do Rosa ( p350 ), one of Brazil s most glorious beaches and a great spot for sighting whales off shore. On into Rio Grande do Sul, you ll reach the dramatic canyon and waterfalls of the Nacional de Aparados da Serra ( p364 ). Inland, it s worth detouring to the Italian-immigrant town of Bento Gonçalves ( p359 ), gateway to the picturesque vineyards of the Serra Gaucho. Head east to Santo Ângelo ( p366 ), which leads on to the Jesuit missions. From there you can visit São Miguel das Missões (p366), São João Batista (p368) and numerous other holy sites; true grail-seekers can even cross the border into Paraguay or Argentina (p368). Foz do Iguaçu Paraná CURITIBA Estadual Marumbi Ilha do Superaguí Ilha do Mel Paranaguá ARGENTINA Santa Catarina Pomerode Blumenau Ilha de Santa Catarina FLORIANÓPOLIS Santo Ângelo São Miguel das Missões São João Batista Rio Grande do Sul Praia da Rosa Bento Gonçalves Nacional de Aparados da Serra Porto Alegre A T L A N T I C O C E A N

11 lonelyplanet.com TAILORED TRIPS Watching Wildlife 31 TAILORED TRIPS WATCHING WILDLIFE Six Weeks Brazil contains an astounding variety of fauna and flora with incomparable settings for spying wildlife. Winter (June to September) is probably the best time to go. Despite its urban façade, Rio boasts enticing natural attractions like the Nacional da Tijuca ( p160 ) home to coatis, ocelots, three-toed sloths and various species of monkeys. Yet more simians (including howler monkeys) can be spotted on Ilha Grande ( p189 ). Sea turtles are making a comeback in Brazil, and you might see hatchlings in places like Praia do Forte ( p466 ) and Mangue Seco ( p469 ). Whale-watching is unrivalled in certain parts of Brazil, including the offshore reef of Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos ( p492 ) and Praia do Rosa ( p350 ), though by far the best place to see aquatic life is Fernando de Noronha ( p539 ). Bonito ( p430 ), with its crystal-clear rivers, makes for some great snorkeling among river fish, including meter-long catfish. Nearby canyons are home to numerous scarlet macaws. High on any naturalist s list should be the Pantanal ( p415 ), where river otters, caimans, monkeys, jaguars, anacondas and capybara, plus numerous bird species are all part of the mix. The Amazon ( p601 ), of course, has many places to see Brazil s wild side, from spotting river dolphins around Santarém ( p621 ) to glimpsing toucans outside of Manaus ( p641 ). AROUND BRAZIL IN 80 MEALS Four Weeks Brazil has a long history of immigration and cultural diversity across regions. A way of experiencing this is through its cuisine. Food lovers should linger in São Paulo ( p294 ) and sample dishes like camarões à paulista (marinated shrimp). Although Cariocas didn t invent feijoada (bean-and-meat stew), they serve it with finesse, making Rio ( p169 ) an essential stop (hint, it s served on Saturdays). Churrascarias (barbecued-meat restaurants) are widespread in Porto Alegre ( p357 ) and other gaúcho cities; it s also the place to try erva mate, a tea-like beverage. Other southern delights are the vineyards near Bento Gonçalves ( p360 ) and the German restaurants of Blumenau ( p345 ). Minas Gerais ( p104 ) has its own cuisine, and Ouro Prêto ( p246 ) is a good place to try tutu á mineiro (mashed black beans and manioc), served with meat dishes. Tasty fish is found in the Central West. Don t miss dourado, pacu or pintado available in Bonito ( p433 ) among other places. The Northeast has many addictive Afro-Brazilian dishes including moqueca (spicy fish stew) and acarajé (beanand-shrimp fritters). Salvador ( p454 ) is its culinary capital. The Amazon s diversity doesn t end at the waterline. Wonderful dishes like tacacá (a spicy soup) and many delicious fish, including surubim, tambaquí, and the prized tucunaré, warrant the trip to Belém ( p611 ). Manaus Santarém Pantanal Bonito Belém Mangue Seco Praia do Forte Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos Nacional da Tijuca Ilha Grande Praia do Rosa Minas Gerais Bonito Belém Salvador Fernando de Noronha Ouro Prêto Rio de Janeiro São Paulo Blumenau Bento Gonçalves Porto Alegre

12 32 FAST FACTS Population: 190 million Annual growth: 1.01% Life expectancy at birth: 68 years (men), 76 years (women) GDP: R$3.13 trillion Number of people living below the poverty line: 40 million Monthly minimum wage: R$380 Infant mortality per 1000 live births: 27 (US: 7) Unemployment: 10% Adult literacy: 86% Number of political candidates charged with fraud: 1535 Snapshot No stranger to the spotlight, Brazil has garnered much attention in the world press in recent years and for once it s not all bad news. President Lula, re-elected in 2006, continues to bask in the glow of Brazil s huge economic growth along with his administration s effective antipoverty measures a coupling pleasing to both investors and Lula s labor base. Back in 2003, economists were calling Brazil the next biggest thing after China and India, with enormous potential for economic growth. Over the next few years, following surprisingly conservative fiscal management, Brazil saw a boom in exports, with Lula taking a US$8 billion deficit to a US$46 billion surplus. The real is among the world s strongest currencies, having surpassed two-to-one parity with the dollar, its highest value since Following years of stagnation and mounting public debt, Brazil had solid GDP growth, while paying down its debts it even paid off its debt to the IMF. Some believe Chinese demand for Brazilian products is fueling the growth, and Brazil and China s strong trade relations have certainly brought benefits. China, however, isn t the only one courting the Latin American giant. Spain, South Korea and Saudi Arabia were all planning new ventures with Brazil. Even the US has thrown a few admiring glances Lula s way. President Bush and Lula met in 2007 to promote international production of ethanol, the plant-based fuel that has helped Brazil transform its economy. Rising oil prices and a growing acceptance of human-produced climate change has made biofuel an important topic in countries like the US. But in Brazil, ethanol s success is a result of three decades of effort and billions spent on incentives. Brazilian ethanol, made from energy-efficient sugar cane (eight times more efficient than fuel made from US corn), provides 40% of the country s fuel. Brazil is the world s largest exporter of it. Along with expanding oil reserves, it s one of the reasons why Brazil is expected to become energy self-sufficient within the year. Other good news stems from Lula s progressive social policies. Campaigning years earlier on promises to end hunger in Brazil, Lula delivered the goods with his Bolsa Familia (family grant), a program touted by some (including the World Bank) as a global model for effective social policy. Indeed, it s done much to alleviate the suffering for Brazil s worst off by giving low-income families (those earning less than R$120 a month) a stipend, provided the children stay in school and receive their vaccinations. To date, Bolsa Familia has benefited over 11 million families (44 million people, or 20% of the population). Although it s too early to measure the program s success, a survey of beneficiaries found that more than 80% reported eating better. Critics of the program fear it will leave people addicted to government handouts. Brazil continues to have notable success at combating AIDS. For over a decade, Brazil has provided free antiretroviral medicine to citizens unable to pay for it, and has become one of the leaders among developing countries in treating its AIDS victims. One of the biggest threats to the program, though, is the rising cost of new drugs (essential for patients resistant to old antiretroviral treatments). In 2007, following a breakdown in negotiations with the large pharmaceutical company Merck, Brazil announced it would bypass Merck s patent and reproduce the drugs inexpensively a move that even the WTO accepts in the event of national emergencies. It has also had a great deal of success with prevention schemes, educating youth about the dangers of unprotected sex, and distributing free condoms on a massive scale (25 million are distributed nationwide over Carnaval).

13 lonelyplanet.com SNAPSHOT 33 Despite predictions by the World Bank that more than one million Brazilians would carry HIV by 2000, today the infection rate stands at half that number. Health officials have even developed a working partnership with Brazil s prostitutes, a move that has angered church officials. Speaking of the church, Brazil received its first visit from Pope Benedict XVI in He arrived to canonize the first Brazilian-born saint, Antonio de Sant Anna Galvão, an 18th-century monk credited with some 5000 miracles. Although the numbers of Catholics are declining in Brazil (down from 89% of the population in 1980 to around 73% today), Brazil still has the world s largest Catholic population and Benedict has clearly made a focal point of Brazil and Latin America (which he described as a continent of hope ). Some 1.2 million people gathered outside of São Paulo to hear the pope say Mass. The pope also used his visit to distance himself from the teachings of Liberation Theology, a clerical movement promoting social justice for the poor through activism, which still has many followers in Brazil. Before departing, Benedict denounced the legalization of abortion in Mexico City a warning to Brazil (which still outlaws abortion) not to follow suit. As in many places, abortion is a hot topic in Brazil. On the eve of the pope s visit, Lula called abortion a public-health issue that can no longer be ignored. Brazil s newest health minister echoed that statement, calling for wide-ranging debates, and suggested it may be time for a referendum. On other fronts, grievous social problems still plague Brazil. Crime continues to skyrocket, with the homicide rate doubling in the last two decades. Lula even used the word terrorism to describe one particularly heinous bus attack, perhaps signaling a shift in thinking about the country s relentless urban violence. Corruption is another never-ending scourge of Brazil, impacting nearly every layer of public life. Lula, who promised a new era of clean government in 2002, has presided over several notorious episodes. The most recent scandal erupted after the arrest of several of Lula s operatives, who were caught with nearly US$800,000 en route to purchase a dossier believed damaging to Alckmin, Lula s presidential rival. Although some suspected the scandal would cost him the election, ultimately Lula prevailed. Given the progress his administration has made in many fields, it s not difficult to see why. After all, corruption may never disappear from politics. Brazilians only hope the present economic and social gains don t either.

14 4 On the Road REGIS ST. LOUIS If I had to pick just one totem animal for this trip, it would be my four-legged friend, the horse. They seemed to appear in the most unlikely places. After exploring the cobblestone streets of Laranjeiras ( p506 ), I walked up the hillside outside of town and met this handsome fellow. GARY CHANDLER That s me on a jungle trip in Mamirauá ( p659 ), showing the piranha who s boss. (Bait of choice: beef sirloin.) Our guide said most piranha are harmless, preferring smaller prey. But the red guys are an exception, known to munch on the occasional toe if the river is low and food scarce. GREGOR CLARK After weeks inland in Minas Gerais, I headed for the beach in Búzios, where it promptly started raining cats and dogs. When the sun finally came out five days later, I celebrated with a stroll to see the fishermen statues along beachfront Orla Bardot ( p216 ). Sunset never felt sweeter!

15 5 JOHN NOBLE You could call the Lençóis Maranhenses ( p597 ) a desert if the endless dunes didn t have a freshwater lake in every hollow. It s hot work climbing over them, and this was only the second dune. The best view s from a plane, actually. ROBERT LANDON As an unofficial Carioca (Rio native), I ve always felt keenly São Paulo s lack of beachfront. Then I discovered Guarujá ( p307 ), an hour s ride away (when traffic cooperates). Its miles-long beaches are fine, but I felt a particular affection for the 70s-style high-rises that line them melancholic reminders of the city s heyday. KEVIN RAUB I hadn t planned on renting a car in Brasília until a friend said it was obligatory. I conceded. I drove into the city and immediately got confused and lost. I drove straight back to the car rental place but they wouldn t take the car back without charging me full price. So I kept it, learned the city by driving and got this amazing photo of the Congresso ( p377 ) reflecting off its hood! MARA VORHEES It was my first day on the road and I was still having trouble communicating in Portuguese. But that didn t diminish my awe at the ancient stone city at Vila Velha ( p317 ). See full author bios page 744

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