The tourist industry is one of the biggest and most important in the world service sector; unfortunately Brazil lags far behind in this area, but it improves every year. In 1997 statistical data shows 600 million international tourist trips, of which only 3 million went to Brazil, which is less than half of one percent. However the number is growing every year, as Brazil can offer 5 thousand miles of beach, a nice tropical climate, the greatest rainforest on Planet Earth and a wonderful friendly people. Brazil just needs to learn to promote itself and invest in tourism infrastructure.
Here is a list of interesting places you can go when visiting Brazil.
o The world’s largest biological reserve – Amazon rainforest that contains one-third of all living species on the earth and is crossed by 10 of the world’s 20 largest rivers, including the River Amazon.
o Brazil Carnival, an event lasting four days that changes dates every year. Carnival is a really a must see entertainment and the peak holiday season in Brazil. The Carnival starts 40 days before the Catholic holiday, Lent.
o Rio de Janeiro, big city (River of January), the word exotic sums up Rio. Rio de Janeiro is also sophisticated, open, chaotic, friendly, busy and relaxed. Everything is rolled up into one in this city. One of the most famous Brazilian property creations is in Rio. Rio has much to offer both for rich tourists and budget travelers: there are cheap hotels and restaurants aplenty, and the beach is a free entertainment zone.
o Beautiful forested Tijuca National Park in Rio and mountainous Diamantina National Park in Bahia where you can take a hike on trails into such Brazil’s wilderness areas.
o The monumental Iguassu Falls which is another spectacular natural highlight of Brazil. The falls are even included in UNESCO world heritage sites, and located in a wondrous subtropical humid forest. These falls consist of 275 falls over three kilometers wide and 80 meters high, it’s even wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and more beautiful than both.
o Don’t miss surfing in Brazil as it has something to offer surfers of all abilities, at any time of the year. The best months in the north are from November to March, and in the south from April to October. Island of Santa Catarina offers plenty of challenges for more experienced surfers.