Brazil

Quick Trip to Paraty

Paraty is a coastal town south of Rio which was settled by the Portuguese in 1667. It has a historic downtown which is closed to cars and has beautifully preserved buildings and churches. We arrived in Paraty from Ilha Grande right as a storm was blowing in but the pretty cobblestone town was a great …

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Finding Paradise on Ilha Grande

My favourite spot in Brazil, perhaps in the world, is Ilha Grande (Big Island). It is located about 3 hours south of Rio de Janerio, along the Costa Verde (green costa) and this island is paradise on earth. The island is blissfully pedestrian-only, with a small town, and hotels stretching out along the pristine waterfront. …

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A Day Trip to Petropolis

After 5 days of Carnival madness in Rio de Janerio, we desperately needed a break from the city so we set off to the mountain town of Petropolis. Also known as “The Imperial City of Brazil“, this beautiful colonial town is the location of the second Brazilian Emperor’s summer palace. Only 65kms from Rio, Petropolis …

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Rio Favela Tours

My travel partner is always one for alternative travel. She has a big concern for social and environmental issues and is constantly investigating hostels with recycling programs and ecological tours. One of the new day tour concepts in Rio de Janerio is touring the local Favela’s, and she was all for it. For those who …

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Survival Guide: Rio Carnival

There is very little that can prepare you for a city the size of Rio de Janeiro, especially when it’s during Carnival. Rio is nicknamed the Cidade Maravilhosa or “The Marvelous City” for good reason, its quite stunning with its long white sand beaches, glittering skyrises and beautiful people. Still, I was nervous flying into …

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Experiencing in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (“River of January”) is the second-largest city in Brazil and the biggest city I have even been to. Rio is known for its beautiful natural setting, carnival, samba, its beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon) and its crime (ever watched City of God?). Rio has a population of around 11 million people and …

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