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Top Things To See
Brasília
See Oscar Niemeyer's futuristic vision in the capital Brasília. Often overlooked by visitors, the city was designed by the renowned architect, and many of his creations, including the city's cathedral and the national congress, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Christ the Redeemer Take Rio de Janeiro's cog train (www.corcovado.com.br) to the top of Corcovado (Hunchback) mountain and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the world from under the arms of the iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue. Fortaleza Journey to the northern coastal city of Fortaleza, a popular resort and the starting point for a trip to Jericoacoara. Just four hours by car, this picturesque village sits between a dazzling white sand-dune desert and a balmy turquoise sea. Manaus Visit Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. Transformed by the 19th-century rubber boom, the city boasts some extraordinary colonial buildings including the famous Teatro Amazonas and the Centro Cultural de Palacio Rio Negro, containing extensive archives of naturalist Alexandre Ferreira. Minas Gerais Head to the mountainous inland state of Minas Gerais (www.turismo.mg.gov.br) and witness some of Brazil's best preserved colonial architecture. Owing to the area's abundant gold and diamond mines, the state has become a haven of gold and baroque art. Olinda Join the carnival atmosphere in the historical town of Olinda, a colourful, colonial town that was once the centre of Brazil's slave trade and is another of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Pantanal Photograph Brazil's natural beauty in the Pantanal in the southwest. This vast wilderness supports a number of different ecosystems, including the largest wetlands area in the Americas. Paraty Wander the cobblestone streets of Paraty (www.paraty.com.br), a charming town that was once a major port for the export of gold. This wealth is reflected in the beautiful colonial buildings, such as Santa Rita Church, built by freed slaves. Rio Grande do Sul Visit the ruins of 300-year-old Jesuit missions (www.rotamissoes.com.br) in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. One of the most fascinating is Saõ Miguel das Missões, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. Salvador da Bahia Explore the colourful city of Salvador da Bahia, with Pelourinho's colonial era buildings and winding cobblestone streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a staggering number of churches. The Museu Afro-Brasileiro (www.ceao.ufba.br/mafro) gives a fascinating insight into Afro-Brazilian culture. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information. |
