Brazil: A Carnival of Life

The Carnival of Rio is one of the most popularpeople from other regions.
annual parties in the whole world. The exuberantWhere to eat?
floats, the beautiful samba dancers, and theBrazil's national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew
contagious joy of its people make Brazil the idealmade of black beans and pork. It's a heavy dish,
spot for those searching for excitement andso take your time before eating it. Excellent
unique experiences. In fact, once you hear theseafood can also be found in the coastal towns of
rhythmic beating of the drums, your feet willBrazil. Brazilian snacks called lanches include a wide
start moving turning you into another participantvariety of pastries such as coxinha, empadinha,
of this great celebration that takes place inand pastel. If you are in the mood for good
Samba schools, on Avenida Marques de Sapucai,barbeque, try the Brazilian "Churrasco" served at
or in the street blocks. But Brazil offers muchmany restaurants. A restaurant meal with a drink
more - It offers natural beauty and green areasusually costs $10 making eating out a very
like no other place. It's a place injected with life.feasible experience for those on a budget. Fast
From the Amazon rainforest to the Iguazu Falls,food is also available and you will find as many
there is definitely plenty to see and do in Brazil.Bob's (a famous fast-food chain in Brazil) as
What to do?McDonald's in the big cities.
Looking for exuberant nature? Head north to theWhere to stay?
Amazon rain forest where you will find thousandsIn the Pantanal region - a place full of wild like and
of unique species of plants and animals, and alsowetlands - tourists usually stay in fazendas, which
indigenous tribes. Make sure to book a tour, socan be described as big ranches. Boat hotels are
you can get the most out of this experiencealso a popular option for tourists who want to
while staying safe. Manaus is the capital of thehave a relaxing time fishing and watching the
Amazonas State and the best place to go to visitPantanal wildlife. In the big cities, you will find 5
the Amazon Forest. Belem is the second largeststar hotels as well as pousadas (guesthouses) and
city in the Amazon region with religious festivalshostels.
and traditional markets.Visas & Documentso Citizens from
Looking for beautiful beaches? Head northeast toArgentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and
Salvador (Bahia), Olinda, Recife or Natal. It isUruguay may enter the country with a valid ID
considered the country's sunniest region withcard and stay up to 90 days.o Citizens from the
colonial architecture and street parties all yearfollowing countries are required to present their
round.passports for stays of up to 90 days: South
Looking for cosmopolitan cities? Head southeastAfrica, Croatia, all EU countries (except Cyprus,
to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In Rio you willEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Israel, New Zealand,
find beautiful beaches such as Copacabana andNorway, Switzerland, Turkey, Bahamas, Barbados,
Ipanema along with the famous open arms statueBelgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, South Korea, Costa
- Christ The Redeemer. The statue is a symbolRica, Ecuador, Philippines, Guatemala, Guyana,
that represents the culture of the people fromHonduras, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Macau SAR,
Rio (Cariocas) and their welcoming hospitality.Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Panama, Slovakia,
Cariocas are known for their easy-going, laid-backSlovenia, Malta, Surinam, Thailand, Trinidad and
culture in contrast to the more reserved peopleTobago, Tunisia, Venezuela.o Citizens from the
from other cities. Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest,following countries currently need a visa for Brazil:
richest and most cosmopolitan city defined by aAustralia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Mexico,
diverse cultural and business life. Sao Paulo is soRussia, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, United
diverse that is home to the largest JapaneseStates, El Salvador, Nicarágua, Indonesia,
population outside of Japan. It also has strongIran, Jamaica, Armenia, Lebanon, Siria, former
Italian and Arab influences. The people of Saosoviet countries and others not listed above.o
Paulo are known as hard-working and industriousUnited States citizens are required to pay 100 US
people contrasting with the Cariocas and theDollars for a 5 year visa.