Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It borders all countries of the continent, except Chile and Ecuador.
The long-lasting impression one has of this magical country is of carefree, colorful people dancing and celebrating in the street parades at Carnaval. It is this passion for life and exuberance of spirit that charms visitors from around the world.
Brazil could have been an incredibly wealthy country, but institutionalized corruption and mismanagement of agricultural and natural resources, are two of the main reasons why prosperity has been denied to the mass of the people. Nevertheless, life for most Brazilians is a sensuous adventure and visitors inevitably will get caught up in the rhythm of its samba.
Being so vast, larger than continental United States, Brazil offers a variety of cultures and topographies. The range is evident in the contrast of the Amazon rain forest to the mountain towns of Minas Gerais, the urban jungle of Sao Paulo and the vast central plateau around Brasilia and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. It all adds up to an exotic and exciting Latin American mix where the common denominators are samba, sunshine, sultry smiles and football.
The most interesting places to visit in Brazil include Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (the two bustling megacities of the south-east), the more relaxed city of Salvador in the northeast, and the old colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Olinda.
Tourists descending on the country's fabulous cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janiero, can enjoy the five-star hotels, shopping malls, beautiful beaches, sunny skies and inspirational restaurants without really having to confront the hundreds of shanty towns (favelas) where the poorest of the poor eke out a living in the shadows of the skyscrapers.
With the World Cup at the Brazilian "stadia" in 2014, and the Olympics to Rio in 2016, the largest country in South America is gearing up to take center stage – and whether strolling down orderly São Paulo streets, or kicking back in the spotless coastal resort of Buzios, it seems Brazil is confidently rising to the challenge.
Prices are steadily increasing, so even the simplest Brazilian holidays don’t come cheap. Crime does happen, especially in the cities, but those who keep their wits about them and avoid certain areas are highly likely to have an incident-free trip.