Brazil is the largest country in South America, eighth largest economy in the world, and a country rich in culture and physical beauty. The scenery it has to offer ranges from the jungles of the Amazon to countless tropical beaches. Here are a just few ideas of places to visit and things to do a little closer to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo.

Carnival
Carnival is the high spot of Rio's fun-in-the-sun calendar, and is closely identified with the nation's roots and traditions. From Friday evening through to the following Tuesday, Carnival revelers dance through the streets. The highlight is undoubtedly the world-famous Samba School Parade in the Sambadrome downtown. This is surely the world's largest and liveliest street festival, involving locals and foreigners alike with its irresistible excitement. Months of intensive preparation include sewing elaborate costumes, rehearsing at the samba schools and try-outs for neighborhood samba groups.

Rio gears up for the great day, eager to welcome visitors with typical Carioca warmth. Surrounded by a dazzling array of costumes and floats, quick-footed samba stars dance to the driving beat of deafening drums as the public cheers.This is truly the people's festival, with everyone welcome to join in the fun. Smaller informal groups dance through the streets to the music of neighborhood bands, while there are Carnival Balls organized by clubs and hotels all over town. There is no doubt that Carnival in Rio weaves gaiety and music, lore and light, into a bewitching blend of myth and magic.

Búzios
The Lakes Region, also known as the Costa do Sol, is famed for its picturesque resorts, such as Búzios. Located on a rugged peninsula and framed by green sea and white sand beaches, its natural beauty holds a rustic charm that contrasts with the international sophistication of its boutiques and restaurants. During the 1960s, this peaceful fishing village became famous as an international resort. Its narrow streets are today lined with colonial inns, hotels, designer boutiques and countless restaurants. After dark, its streets bubble over with nightlife for all tastes. Its 23 beaches offer swimming conditions that vary from calm and warm to cold and rough. All around the peninsula, boats, launches, dinghies and yachts dot the horizon with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.

Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis with its unique geography and countless natural attractions lies 150-km from Rio. Angra’s tropical beaches and spectacular islands make it a paradise for those who want to enjoy sea and nature.

The region’s natural beauty and crystal clear seas, besides making it a mandatory stop for all nature lovers, provide the perfect environment for water sports, such as scuba diving and snorkelling.

Cabo Frio
Cabo Frio is the central attraction of the "Região dos Lagos" (Lakes Region), which comprises a number of beach cities north of Rio de Janeiro. Surfing, windsurfing and sailing are enjoyed all along the region’s 37 beaches, and the spectacular sea life also makes diving there an unforgettable experience.

The weather is pleasant all year round, with almost 270 days of sun, tempered by the Northeastern winds which form the famous sandy-white dunes.

Nova Friburgo
Nova Friburgo has been gaining status as one of the favorite destination for ecotourists in the state, mostly because of its trails and the proximity of several waterfalls in the nearby district of Lumiar. Located 847m above sea level, the city has near 0ºC temperatures during the winter, although the yearly average stays between 14ºC and 24ºC, ideal temperatures for those longing for cool, pleasant weather.

You can also enjoy the city’s wide variety of restaurants, where you can find French, German or Swiss cuisinne, or choose from one of the available places to enjoy a delicious fondue.

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