An overview
Brazil has a continental and its incredible biodiversity and variable climate offers a multitude of travel destinations to explore. Often, a good first step is to choose one or two destinations, and then complementary locations can be found based on time constraints, proximity, and interest. A famous expression in Brazil is Do Oiapoque ao Chuí (From Oiapoque to Chuí), which means from the extreme south to the extreme north of the country. For a country of continental proportions , traveling around requires a good knowledge of geography and Brazilian culture.
Map of Brazil
Brazil has five geographic regions, each having its distinct features:
Main cities: Manaus (Amazonas), Belém (Pará). It’s the largest Region of Brazil, corresponding to 45.27% of the national territory and it covers 60% of the Amazon jungle (Portuguese:Floresta Amazônica), the most important tropical forest in the world.Full of mysteries,the forest comprises huge trees that shelter many indigenous people, animals and plant species.Intersected by the majestic Amazon River and its tributaries, this region is the paradise for environmentalists. Activities: Viewing foliage, viewing wildlife, group tours,walking tour, trekking ,fishing, birdwatching etc.
Northeast (Portuguese: região nordeste) Main cities: Salvador (Bahia), Recife (Pernambuco), Fortaleza (Ceará), Natal (Rio Grande do Norte), São Luís (Maranhão).Northeast is the birthplace of Brazil.Salvador was the first capital of Brazil and the place of origin of samba and capoeira.The hot weather, beautiful beaches with white sands and coconut palms, the sertão (the hinterlands) make the Northeast a busy tourist destination for domestic and international tourists. A região nordeste, is also the home of many musicians, writers, poets and intellectuals. It’s an area where the folklore and cultural diversity are very distinct from the rest of Brazil.Some of the largest and most lively carnival parties take place in this region. Activities: Sunbathing,beach volleyball,attending carnival in Salvador,Recife or Olinda,sailing,trekking,hiking,eating out etc.
Southeast (Portuguese: região sudeste)
Main cities: São Paulo (São Paulo), Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro), Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais), Vitória (Espírito Santo).The Brazilian Southeast is the country´s most economically developed region. Wealthy and cosmopolitan, it accounts for 50% of the overall domestic production. São Paulo is the largest metropolis in South America, considered the financial center of Brazil, it has a very rich heritage and hosts important museums and events like Formula 1 .Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it’s also famous for its lavish carnival. The South region is rich in historic heritage and another of its highlights are the cities of Petrópolis and Ouro Preto (listed as a World´s Historic Heritage site by UNESCO). The Southeast also offers wonderful beaches and breathtaking landscapes, not only located in Rio de Janeiro state.
Activities: visiting art exhibitions , museums, eating out, dancing samba, playing volleyball in the coastal cities (specially in Rio de Janeiro),going to the beach,attending carnival in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, visiting the historical cities of Minas Gerais etc.
South (In Portuguese: região sul) Main cities: Curitiba (Paraná), Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) e Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul) This is Brazil´s smallest geographic region, but is one of the country´s most important regions in terms of tourism, economy, and culture. It has a diverse geography, ranging from beautiful mountain landscapes where it can even snow sometimes during the winter (June / July) to beautiful beaches where you can enjoy warm sunny days in the summer (December / January), in Santa Catarina. The state of Rio Grande do Sul hosts the most important international film festival in Brazil: Gramado Film Festival ,that also gives awards to Latin American films produced outside Brazil,besides that this state has the best wineries of Brazil. Activities:Museums, attending Oktoberfest , eating churrasco,wine tasting,horse riding,trekking etc. Mid-West (In Portuguese: região centro-oeste) Main cities: Brasília (Distrito Federal), Goiânia (Goiás), Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul), Cuiabá (Mato Grosso). Brazil Midwestern region boasts two important attractions: the Pantanal,known as the wetlands, it’s a diverse and fascinating ecosystem that attracts tourists from all over the world, and Brasília, the modern national capital, with buildings designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. This is also an important region for agriculture and cattle raising. Activities: Fishing,sailing,birdwatching,viewing foliage, viewing wildlife,watching a rodeo,visiting eco lodges in the countryside etc.
More detailed information related to demographic and economical aspects can be found here:
Wikipedia, Regions of Brazil, accessed on December 12th,2012.
