Brazil travel guide

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Fact file

Location & geography 

Brazil is a country in South America, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers and is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru and south by Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The largest part of the country is tropical and covered by the Amazon Rainforest.

Capital city

Brasilia’s modernist architecture is stunning, and many of the buildings set along the central axis are surreal in their appearance. The city is a Mecca for anyone interested in architecture. Many feel, however, all the excitement was left in Rio de Janeiro, the old capital (until 1960) as you will notice that the city centre is devoid of night-life.

Natural world

Brazil's large territory comprises different ecosystems and recognized as having the greatest biological diversity in the world. In the South, the Araucaria pine forest grows under temperate conditions. The rich wildlife of Brazil reflects the variety of natural habitats; however, remains largely unknown, and new species are found on nearly a daily basis. Scientists estimate that the total number of plant and animal species in Brazil could approach two million.

Larger mammals include pumas, jaguars, rare bush dogs, and foxes. Anteaters, sloths and armadillos are abundant. Deer are plentiful in the south, and monkeys of many species abound in the northern rain forests.The Macaw is a typical animal of Brazil.

Food & drink

 The cuisine of Brazil varies greatly by region. This diversity reflects the country's mix of native citizens which has created a national cooking style marked by the preservation of regional differences.Traditional Dishes include:

• Pão de Queijo (small soft roll made of manioc flour and cheese)
• Acarajé (salted muffin made with white beans and onion fried in palm oil then filled with dried shrimp and red pepper)
• Caipirinha (national cocktail, made with cachaça sugarcane and lime)

Health & safety

Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent in Brazil. Insect repellent and protective clothing is essential. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those travelling to rural areas and other parts of the country as a yellow fever outbreak occurred at the beginning of 2008. Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, is widespread in rural areas of Brazil. Tap water is heavily treated resulting in a strong chemical taste; bottled water is, however, freely available. Milk in rural areas is not pasteurised. For a list of relevant vaccinations and other health precautions click here.

In metropolitan areas petty crime is a fact of life, foreigners are advised to take precautions. Visitors should not attempt to visit slum areas unless on a guided tour. Violent crime is on the increase due to the establishment of drug and criminal gangs and muggings, often involving firearms, are high and visitors should avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, dress down and conceal cameras. Beware of unofficial taxis and those with blacked-out windows and be particularly careful on public transport.

Travelling

UK passport holders do not require a visa for either business or holiday travel for stays of up to 90 days from date of issue. Brazil spans four time zones: Rio and Sao Paulo: GMT -2 (GMT -3 April to October); Brasilia: GMT -3 (GMT -2 October to March); GMT -4 in the West. Flight time from the UK is approximately 11 ½ hours long.

Places of interest

• Christ the Redeemer
• Iguassu Falls
• The Pantanal Wildlife Reserve