Get wet at the famous Iguaçu Falls and gallop on horseback across the swampy grasslands of the Pantanal Biosphere, past giant caiman and yellow anacondas – just don’t fall off! Or fish for piranha along the Amazon River then head downstream to pick up some duty-free bargains in steamy Manaus or discover beautiful handicrafts in Belem’s Ver-o-Peso market.

Explore the maze of narrow cobbled streets crowded with pastel-coloured houses in 16th century Olinda, a UNESCO cultural heritage site. Climb the Corcovado in Rio for great views above the magnificent Baía de Guanabara then join the parade of scantily dressed bodies soaking up a tan on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach. Later, savour a caipirinha (or two) and a dish of feijoada (the Brazilian national dish) at one of the many bars and restaurants in the cobblestone Arco do Teles district. Then choose a nightclub and sway to the distinctive sensual rhythms of bossa nova and samba – try the Carioca da Gema, one of the hottest night spots in the Lapa district.

Highlights

Discover the best of Brazil in a selection of adventures not to be missed.

Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon Explore the largest flooded forest reserve in the world, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in the Amazon. Discover hundreds of lakes and shifting channels at the junction of the Japurá and the Solimões (as the Amazon above Manaus is known). Beneath the smooth-flowing current is an underwater highway full of dolphins, stingrays, manatees, piranha, electric eels and water snakes. And crocodilians are perhaps more numerous here than anywhere else in the world. Out of the water, the reserve is home to more than 400 species of bird and at least 45 species of mammal.

Manaus -Located on the Amazon River, Manaus is the jumping-off point for excursions into the rainforest. It is also the best place to catch a riverboat for the five-day journey downriver to Belem, at the mouth of the Amazon. Now a tax-free trade zone of nearly two million people, this hot and steamy city has lured fortune seekers and adventurers from all over the world since the mid-19th century. While there, don’t miss the amazing Teatro Amazonas opera house: built in 1896 in the elaborate style of the Italian Renaissance, the building symbolises the opulence of the Manaus of old, when rubber fuelled spending on magnificent public buildings and private residences.

Iguaçu Falls One of the world’s greatest natural phenomena, Iguaçu Falls is located in Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Iguaçu National Park) on the border between Argentina and Brazil. You can also cross into Argentina for a different viewpoint of the falls. Watch in awe as more than 1700 cubic metres of water per second plunges over 70m-high cliffs, creating a rolling cauldron of 275 cataracts (up to 350 during the rainy season) that cascade over a precipice 2.5km wide. Don’t miss the vast and continuously flowing cascades of the 74m waterfall known as Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). And make sure you take in the surrounds – the vast sub-tropical nature reserve around the falls is home to many rare and endangered species, including the giant otter and giant anteater.

The Pantanal Discover this vast ecological paradise in western Brazil. Join a guided horseback tour of the 140,000km² of seasonally flooded swampland and forest to see the world's largest concentration of great wading birds. There are more than 400 bird species in the Pantanal, including the tuiuiú (giant red-necked stork). And watch out for capybaras, wild boar, monkeys, caiman and yellow anacondas. The Pantanal is now a protected Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 124 wild mammal species, 177 reptile species and a further 41 amphibian species.

Olinda Explore one of Brazil’s largest and most beautiful examples of colonial architecture in Olinda. Stroll the maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured houses, brilliant white churches, Baroque fountains and graceful squares crowded across several hills. Founded in the early 16th century, Olinda is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Browse the friendly galleries and artisans' workshops for paintings and handicrafts. And don’t miss Olinda’s Carnaval held in February; it’s famous throughout Brazil.

Ver-o-Peso market, Belém Browse for local handicrafts, aromatic oils, medicinal plants and herbs in Belem’s traditional market, which is located in the old part of town along with crumbling Portuguese colonial mansions and churches.

Ouro Preto,Minas Gerais Explore Brazil's purest collection of baroque art and architecture in this city nestling among low hills, a UNESCO World Cultural Monument.

Rio de Janeiro Passionate and exuberant, stylish and sexy, the cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city) enthralls from beachside to mountain top.

Rio de Janeiro Highlights:

Copacabana Beach Join the non-stop beach parade of scantily dressed bodies and smiling faces that embodies the heart and soul of Rio’s ‘Cariocas’ culture. Known as the world’s most famous beach, Copacabana’s white sand beach runs for almost 5km in front of a lively nightlife district and residential suburb. With something always going on during the day and along the sidewalks at night, the beach has a non-stop party atmosphere: from people checking out the scene or playing volleyball and soccer, to drinking, eating, singing and dancing.

Ipanema Beach Famous for the 1960s’ song The Girl from Ipanema, written by Tom Jobim and Viní-cius de Morais. Enjoy a caipirinha at the Velloso Bar on Rue Viní-cius de Morais, where the two wrote the unforgettable song about a girl they saw on Ipanema Beach. Stretching almost 3km from the foot of the Pedra Dois Irmãos to the Ponta Arpoador, Ipanema is regarded as more sophisticated and relaxed than nearby Copacabana, and offers a family friendly ambience. Expect to see lots of soccer and volleyball games on the beach – feel free to join in or simply watch.

Corcovado Ride the electrically powered train or take a taxi to the Corcovado (Hunchback) peak. Rising 709m above the Baía de Guanabara, Corcovado is known for its magnificent views over Rio and the famous 38m statue of Jesus, called Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), which stands atop the peak.

Pão de Açúcar Take the cable car (every 30 minutes) to the breathtaking heights of Rio’s Sugar Loaf Mountain, 396m above Rio and the Baía de Guanabara. Aim to be there at sunset when you can watch the city lights twinkle as day turns to night.

Copacabana Palace Hotel If it’s beyond your budget to stay at Rio’s most glamorous hotel, at least take an afternoon tea by the pool or perhaps a meal at the outstanding Cipriani restaurant. The hotel maintains its own staked-out area of the beach and provides guests with umbrellas, towels and bar service.

Forte de Copacabana Discover one of the best spots to take the classical photo of Copacabana Beach. Them stroll uphill for photos of Arpoador Park, Ipanema and Leblon beaches. Originally built around 1908 to protect the city from invaders, today Forte de Copacabana is a cultural centre. Near to the Forte lies the famous fishermen’s corner. With a tradition of more than 100 years, fishermen still make a living right in the heart of one of Rio’s most urban areas, with fresh fish for sale at the stand every morning.

Avenida Atlantica Stroll along the wide mosaic and beautifully landscaped pavement. Stop for a cerveza (beer), relax, people-watch and enjoy the picture-postcard views.

Lido Admire the landmark art-nouveau and neoclassical buildings. Many of these buildings have huge five bedroom apartments with only one bathroom and no garage. Others are home to Lido’s bustling nightlife, with some of Rio’s most famous strip clubs and bars. And don’t miss Cervantes, where arguably the best sandwiches in Rio are made!

Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro Containing Brazil’s most important and impressive collection of modern art, this is a must for art lovers of all ages. Guaranteed to take your breath away.

Museu do Õndio Explore inside one of Brazil’s most important Indian heritage museums.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca Take a 15-minute drive from Copacabana to the 120km² tropical jungle of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a lush green forest with beautiful creeks and waterfalls, and home to many bird and animal species, including iguanas and monkeys. Don’t miss the Alto da Boa Vista area, the 19th century chapel (Capela Mayrink) or the numerous caves and several waterfalls including Cascatinha Taunay and Cascata Diamantina.

Paquetá Island Cruise out to the auto-free island of ‘many shells’ in Guanabara Bay. Explore the island by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage. Act like a local and kiss ‘Maria Gorda’ (Fat Maria), a baobab tree, for good luck. There are only twenty of these African trees on Paquetá Island – the only ones in Brazil beside the Baobà in Passeio Público in Fortaleza.

Angra dos Reis Breathe in the fresh sea air at this picturesque beach resort, located on the hilly Costa Verde peninsula about a two-hour drive south of Rio. Here the ocean is fringed with tropical forest, golden sandy beaches and small fishing villages.

Armação de Buzios Discover more than a dozen sandy coves in this beach haven for Rio socialites, just two hours drive north of Rio on the Cabo Frio peninsula.

Petrópolis Enjoy peaceful strolls, great museums and mountain hikes in the lush Atlantic rainforest, just an hour’s drive west of Rio.

Best time to visit

Anytime.

Rio - is best between May and August, when the sky is clear, the beaches are cooled by trade winds and the average temperature hovers around 28°C with a high of 35°C. Summer, between December and March, is wet and humid with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. Winter temperatures average 23°C with a high of 30°C, but can drop to 15°C at night in July. Rio’s high season runs from December to March when Carnaval and New Year are in full party mode.

The Pantanal - is best visited between September and November when water levels are low and you can see all the wildlife at its exuberant best. During the dry season (July to November) you can easily walk around; temperatures range between 26˚C and 40˚C. In the wet season (December to May), you can explore the flooded rainforest by boat but expect heavy rain with little sunshine, and temperatures ranging from 23˚C to 30˚C.

The Amazon -is best visited during the dry season between May and November (with August the driest), when you can easily walk around. Or visit during the rainy season from February to April when the flooded rainforest can be explored by boat or canoe – flooding lifts boats some 6m closer to the jungle canopy. You can expect heavy rain and not too much sunshine from December to May, with light showers year round. Temperatures range from 23˚C to 30˚C. The dry season lasts from July to November and ranges between 26˚C and 40˚C.

Iguaçu Falls -The Falls are spectacular anytime but with seasonal variations. For reasonable temperatures, lowest prices and the least crowds visit during September and October. To see the cascade at its fullest under blue skies visit in January or February. Summer (November to March) temperatures range from 23˚C to 32˚C with humidity above 90 per cent. Winter (April to September) temperatures range from 10˚C to 23˚C with humidity around 60 per cent.