This post could also be called ‘the five must-see places in Latin America’ as they should be on every traveller’s wishlist not least because they offer up some of the most tremendous vistas in the region. Which of these stunning destinations will you be adding to your bucket list? The Atacama Desert – Chile The sheer size of the Atacama Desert, meteorologically the driest (hot) desert on earth, is astonishing. With miles and miles of salt flats extending in front of you, it’s not hard to believe that some areas of the Atacama have had no recorded instances of rainfall ever. If nothing else, this view will make you appreciate how vast the earth as a whole is – for some, it can be a life-changing experience. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil Arguably one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in the world, the huge statue of Christ the…
Stretching over 2 million square miles, entering nine different countries and holding over half of the world’s rainforest, the Amazon is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. Stretching from its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian borders, the area is best explored via a cruise along the length of the Amazon River. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, and will surely be the highlight of your holiday to Brazil. The Area The main gateway to the Amazon is the bustling city of Manaus. This is an ideal base for your exploration of the surrounding area, and a great place to start your trip and/or cruise. While this city is an experience in itself, the real treat lies deeper into the rainforest – either join one of the many Amazon River Cruises available or stay in a fantastic Eco Lodge…
Most holidays to Brazil begin and end in the country’s ‘marvellous city’ Rio de Janeiro. With a population of over 6 million and a unique topography spread across mountains, coastal beaches and hills – Rio can be challenging to navigate for first-timers. But, rest assured, most of our holidays to Brazil include a multi-day stop in the city, so we’ve put together a few things to do in Rio de Janeiro to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city… 1. Visit Christ the Redeemer The Christ the Redeemer statue is a world-famous symbol of Rio de Janeiro. Overlooking the city from Corcovado Mountain’s 700-metre peak, this cultural icon has become a popular pilgrimage for almost two million visitors every year. How to get there: Most visitors choose to take the scenic tram up Corcovado; tickets can be purchased at the Corcovado tram station. Insider tip:…
The Pantanal in Brazil is the largest tropical wetlands in the world. Located right in the heart of South America it is home to an impressive variety of life, most notably the elusive and majestic jaguar, one of the main reasons to visit ‘Brazil’s best-kept secret’. As soon as you step foot in the Pantanal, it’s vast array of biodiversity is clear to see, spotting caiman, giant otters, iguana and capybara (a particular favourite!) just on a quick exploration of the surroundings. Over the next few days staying in the Pantanal, we enjoyed a variety of excursions, including a motorboat tour of the river, a night-time truck safari, a visit to Cuiabá Mirim (a riverside community) and horse riding. After our wildlife spotting, we were lucky enough to see some birds including heron, stork and great egrets. It really is natures paradise here. The Pantanal is often overshadowed by its…
Although we are unable to travel at the moment, it’s still possible to discover the joys of Latin America – from the comfort of your home! Each week we are giving you inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and this weeks destination is the largest, and undoubtedly the most rhythmic, country in Latin America – Brazil. From vibrant and pulsating metropolises to wild rainforests, thundering waterfalls and tropical palm-fringed beaches, this is a country with so much to offer. Travel to Brazil with our favourite inspiring read, film, food and music below. Watch: Casa Grande (2014) Brazil’s film industry has produced a number of successful films over the years, and one of our favourite picks is Casa Grande, from 2014. This film by Felipe Barbosa is set in iconic Rio de Janeiro and is a coming-of-age tale about a privileged high-school student who is…
Latin America hosts some of the most vibrant, colourful and exciting carnivals in the world, showcasing amazing costumes, delicious food, traditional dance and of course, Latin America’s famously lively and infectious enjoyment of life, so it’s no wonder the festivities draw visitors from all around the world, every year. Rio’s incredible carnival, which is drawing to a close this week, is undoubtedly the most famous, but in a continent as lively as this you can rest assured there are plenty of other opportunities to experience the unparalleled buzz of a Latin America fiesta! Here a few of our favourite carnivals across Latin America… Rio Carnival, Brazil Considered the biggest carnival in the world, this is the ultimate way to party in Rio! Ready to join in the fun next year? Speak to our Travel Specialists to feel the rhythm in Rio for yourself in 2021, with one of our Tailor-Made Holidays…
