Brazil

Brazil is probably best known for its famous Rio Carnival but there is a lot more to see in this extensive country. From the dense forests of the Amazon jungle and the breath-taking falls at Iguassu, to the fashionable beaches at Buzios and the inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain in Rio, there is never a dull moment. And if you miss the Carnival you can take in a spectacular show performed by the carnival dancers which runs all year round.
 
GENERAL INFO:
Time zone: -3 (5hrs behind RSA)

Approximate flight time: hrs/mins:
 
Johannesburg – Sao Paulo:10:30+
Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro:01:00
Sau Paulo – Buenos Aires:02:50
Sao Paulo – Santiago de Chile:04:15
Sao Paulo – Lima (Peru)05:20
Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu:02:10
Rio de Janeiro - Manaus:04:20
  
 
TOP DESTINATIONS/ ATTRACTIONS
Sao Paulo, gateway to Brazil, is the largest city in Brazil. The skyscraper city is a haven for shoppers, whether at a local handicraft market or in fancy boutiques. For culturally inclined visitors, the city offers plenty of museums and excellent art collections as well as theatre, dance and music performances. The cuisine is multinational, reflecting the city’s diverse population, and the nightlife choices are nearly endless.
 
Rio de Janeiro is probably best known for its flamboyant carnival. This exciting and beautiful city is also home to the famous Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, beaches with songs named after them and the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. The city offers excellent regional cuisine and pulsates with nightlife.
Rio de Janeiro is the exciting pulse of Brazil where hotels overlook wide sidewalks and even wider beaches where the locals mingle and socialize till late into the night. No visit would be complete without making the pilgrimage by funicular to the welcoming statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain surrounded by the pristine Tijuca Forest. Another fun trip is up the Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car for panoramic views of the city. Then tuck into a meat feast at a traditional rodizio restaurant with never ending skewers of succulent roasts.
 
Buzios
Located just 2-hours’ drive from Rio de Janeiro; Buzios is home to more than 20 magnificent beaches offering crystal-clear waters framed by exotic vegetation. Buzios was elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world and is famed for its unique combination of rustic charm, distinctive architecture and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques.
 
Iguassu
The most dramatic water falls in the world tumble over the cliffs at the border of Argentina and Brazil. It is said that Argentina provides the show and Brazil enjoys the view, and certainly the more panoramic walkways are on the Brazilian side. However, a visit to the both sides is a must: In the Argentine side you can get up close and personal with the falls while on the Brazilian side you get the best view of the rest of the falls.
 
Amazon and Manaus
The Amazon is one of Brazil’s foremost tourist attractions. The largest tropical rainforest in the world, it boasts an eco-system beyond description – in fact one in ten known species in the world live in the Amazon Rainforest.
Experience the ultimate in eco-tourism, from navigating the Amazon River to swimming with rare pink dolphins, trekking through the lush rainforest or relaxing in your hotel surrounded by the wonders of nature.