Find the best Brazil Hotels

Brazil, in terms of both population and physical size, is the largest South American nation, and gained independence in 1822 after three centuries as a Portuguese colony. Asian, African, European, and indigenous populations have all helped make Brazil one of the world's most diverse nations. It takes nearly 22 hours to fly non-stop from Bangkok to Brazil, so direct flights which travel the 17,000 km are rare. Domestic air travel is fairly common in this large country whose busiest airports are located in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brazil's national capital, Brasilia.

The months between June and October are both Brazil's winter season and the driest season, while the busiest tourism season happens between Christmas and the country's famous February Carnival. Crowds reduce, but the weather remains pleasantly warm during the April and May autumn months.

The biggest and best known of Brazil's numerous festivals is Carnival, a five-day February event filled with food, music, and dancing. Over two million people party during Rio de Janeiro's legendary Carnival, but Brazil's most famous city also begins each new year with the Festa de Iemanja.

Brazilian cuisine is as diverse as its people, but one signature dish served in all parts of the country is feijoada, a rich black bean, beef, and pork stew accompanied by sliced oranges, rice, and collard greens. Small steaks, beans, and rice form the typical prato feito set lunch at most Brazilian restaurants. Rodizio and por quilo are Brazil's two common types of self-service restaurants. Brigadeiro fudge balls are Brazil's popular desserts. Brazil's best known alcoholic drink, cachaça, should be consumed with caution while partying at one of the country's legendary samba clubs or bars.

Swimming beneath Poco Encantado's picturesque cave formations is a Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park highlight. Another national park, the sandy Lençóis Maranhenses, is filled with crystal water pools from July to September. Fortaleza kite surfing, Florianopolis surfing, and Copacabana people watching are a handful of the activities available to sunbathers along Brazil's 7,491 km coastline.

Morumbi Market Place and Cidade Jardim Shopping Mall are Sao Paulo's most impressive shopping spots, while Salvador’s best shopping places are Rua Gregorio de Matos, Shopping Barra Mall, and Shopping Centre Iguatemi. African-influenced handicrafts like drums, paintings, and dolls are popular souvenirs in this predominantly Afro-Brazilian city. Havaianas sandals, handwoven hammocks, and tiny bikinis are also sold at shops and markets throughout Brazil.