Ports of Call
Brazil Package #14 - Rio, Buzios, Iguassu Falls and Amazon (12D/11N)

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
When one thinks of Rio de Janeiro, the images that instantly spring to mind are of beautiful beaches with gorgeous suntanned bodies, carnival and soccer (Brazilian football), to list but a few. These are all an integral part of Rio's exuberant culture and help to make this state one of the most exciting and interesting places to visit in Brazil. Rio has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is blessed with stunning natural aspects and a year-round pleasant climate. Uniquely situated on a narrow strip of land between the green mountains and the deep blue sea it is surrounded by granite based mountains, coves and white sand beaches. The most famous landmark is the Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf), which has wonderful views of the city, the bay, and the Corcovado (the statue of Christ).

Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This stunning resort, just 2 hours drive from Rio, is home to some of Brazil's greatest beaches, sophisticated boutiques, and hip restaurants, making it a popular place for beautiful people from all over the country. Approximately 5 miles (8 km) long, the Búzios peninsula is bathed by the Brazilian and Antarctic maritime currents. It has 27 white-sand beaches, lined with palm trees and coconuts and became a synonym for all that splendor in the tropics is supposed to be after Brigitte Bardot discovered it in 1964. It resembles more an island, is rich in natural beauty and vegetation and has beaches of incomparable beauty. The average temperature is a pleasant 79ºF (26ºC).

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Iguassu Falls, Brazil
The Iguassu Falls must be the most spectacular sight in the whole of South America, lying on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. They are over 3km wide (1.86 miles) and 80m (263 feet) high and are located inside one of the largest national parks in South America. At the heart of this immense body of water lies the Devil's Throat, where 14 separate falls join forces, pounding down the 90meter (296 feet) cliffs in a deafening crescendo of sound and spray. You are surrounded by the roaring water, the mist and white foam that are boiling up all around, the green of the jungle, uprooted trees and a 180-degree rainbow. It is an overwhelming sensation. Due to the biodiverse climate, wildlife in this area is incredibly rich and you will see hundreds of different species of the most beautiful butterflies, South American coatis and an abundance of exotic birds. Close to the falls is the Itaipu Dam, the world's largest power station, which you will visit. An impressive 8km (5 mile) long the power station produces about 75 billion KW a year, enough electricity to power the whole of Southern Brazil and much of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais.

Amazon, Brazil
Amazonia is the world's largest tropical rainforest, spanning more than half of the Brazilian territory. Within the 4 million square km (2.5 million square miles) of the Amazon Basin resides a wealth of life richer than any place else on earth, including 500 mammals, 175 different lizards, 300 other reptile species, tree climbers of every kind, and a third of the world's identified bird species. Millions of species remain undiscovered. The Amazon is home to countless species of fauna and flora, including endangered jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, pink freshwater dolphins, giant river otters, manatees, and an incredible array of tropical birds and plants.

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