U.S. residents do not need visas for tourist travel to most South American countries. (Photo: Images ) Related Articles Whether a country requires U.S. residents to obtain visas depends on the state of international relations between that country and the U.S. government. Most foreign countries will require a U.S. resident to obtain a visa before undertaking any kind of paid work. For tourist visits, many countries allow U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to enter for a limited time without obtaining visas. South America For tourist travel without undertaking paid work, U.S. residents do not require visas to enter the South American countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina or Uruguay. Most of these countries will allow tourist stays of between 30 and 180 days. Travelers from the U.S. do require a tourist visa to enter Brazil. You must obtain your visa for Brazil before leaving your home country, as visas are not issued at the Brazilian airports or borders. Africa Most countries in Africa require all travelers from the U.S. to obtain visas before entry. Tourist visas are required for every African country except for Senegal, Lesotho, Rwanda, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Seychelles does not require a tourist visa if you have proof of a hotel reservation. Mauritius will allow tourist entry without a visa if you have proof of funds and a return ticket to your home country. Certain countries in North Africa that require U.S. residents to obtain a tourist visa - at the time of publication, Libya and Sudan - can refuse to issue you a visa if your passport shows you have previously visited Israel. Asia Most Asian countries require U.S. tourists to obtain visas. For travel to India, U.S. nationals must obtain visas before arrival in the country. U.S. residents are not allowed into North Korea except as part of a special approved tour. No visa is necessary for tourist visits to Japan or South Korea, of less than 90 days. You can visit Hong Kong or Singapore without a visa in most instances. Europe and Russia Most western European countries do not require U.S. residents to obtain tourist visas. You need to have a tourist visa to visit the northern part of Cyprus, but travel to the southern part of the island does not require a visa. The former Soviet Republic of Belarus requires U.S. nationals to obtain tourist visas. The visa process for Russia is quite complex, requiring a paid invitation to validate the visa.

The Douro was the first demarcated wine region in the world and its landscapes offer such beauty and magic that it could easily be called the enchanted valley. Its beauty amazes throughout the year but there is a time period that makes a visit to the valley just perfect. The Douro region offers breathtaking landscapes regardless the time of the year, but there is a time period that makes any visit much richer. We're talking about Harvest Season when the vineyards are ready to crop and the colors are just dazzling. The Douro seethes and you can feel the grapes aroma in the air. Being one of the best wine destinations in the world, the Douro region is visited every year by thousands of tourists but, above all, is visited by wine and food lovers. So it only makes sense to enjoy this region during the period of the year when the vineyards come alive. There is a whole set of activities and experiences that are available only during this time period, such as participating in the harvest with the locals and producing wine from the grapes that you just picked. There are various experiences and harvest tours available for this season. If you choose to visit the Douro on autumn and are passionate about wine, don't miss the wine tours during the harvest season! Feel and live the Douro's wine-making tradition with this harvest tours selection. Here's an insider's tip, Portugal is the trendiest holiday destination in Europe and Douro is one of its most visited regions, so the tours demand is high and the availability is limited. If you are planning on visiting Portugal during harvest season, book your tour and secure your reservation as soon as you can. Quinta das Carvalhas, one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro Valley, suggests you spend a different day with them picking the grapes side by side with its own Viticultural Manager: Alvaro Martinho, a passionate man who has dedicated most of his life to its vines and environment. This harvest tour includes Hand-Picking Experience, Lunch, visit to the winery and wine tasting. An experience you will treasure for many years to come. Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House also offers a harvest memorable experience. Because this is a special time, they want to make sure you live an unforgettable experience in the vineyard and winery. This harvest tour starts in the morning and includes training and delivery of material, grape picking in the vineyard, lunch, and a wine tour that includes a tasting of the 1st wine in the cellar and other wines.

Well, the first question after that is WHICH Portuguese? Because you have a choice of the Portuguese they speak in Brazil – and the Portuguese they speak in Portugal (which is from where the language first started). The reason for this, if you don’t already know, is that back in the age of “Europe exploring the world, and colonizing the landmasses it found, ” Portugal was one of the important players of the game. Brazil became a Portuguese colony (and in that way, became the Brazil we know today) on the 22nd of April, 1500. As with Christopher Columbus thinking he’d gotten to India and calling the American Natives “Indians, ” the 2nd Portuguese India Armada was headed to India – and landed in Brazil by accident. The Portuguese knew a good thing when they found it, however, and turned that accident into a very lucrative colonization. Brazil was their colony until the 7th of September, 1822, which is now celebrated as Brazil’s Independence Day. (This is skipping a huge amount of fascinating history, of course.) Which Portuguese Dialect Should You Learn? All of which leads to – you want to learn to speak Portuguese, but which Portuguese language do you want to learn? Portuguese is spoken in Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, Macau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The largest of those countries is Brazil, and their form of Portuguese is now going back to Portugal and influencing the language in the home of their former colonists, through Brazil’s catchy music and addictive soap operas. The Portuguese spoken in Brazil versus the Portuguese spoken in Portugal can be compared to the differences between American and British English: i.e., some differences in vocabulary and grammar, but the phonology and prosody are much more different from each other (even more than the Parisian and Québécois varieties of French). So, it does matter which Portuguese-speaking country you are going to when you decide you want to learn the language! Learn to Speak Portuguese with Pimsleur The reason this is very much on my mind is that I’m the co-writer of the newest version of Pimsleur’s Brazilian Portuguese I (the 3rd Edition!). I’ve had to do all this research in the course of working on the program. I would say that I was happy to get the Brazilian form of the language – because who doesn’t like long walks on perfect beaches, watching sunsets on those beaches with a caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail) in hand, and of course, partying the hot Rio nights away during Carnaval! (This is not to neglect their world-class museums, of course, and many people think “Brazil” and then think “football” – or soccer! – as their very next thought.) Sadly, Pimsleur does not see the necessity of sending their course writers to the countries speaking the languages of the courses upon which they are working! (An obvious oversight, from my humble point of view!) So I have yet to experience that caipirinha on the beach, or dancing in the streets wearing little more than some well-placed sequins. But during the writing of the course, I have developed a true love of, and appreciation for, Brazilian Portuguese. (Of course, as a writer of the course, I don’t really learn to speak Portuguese the way a course learner does! I would have to go back and do the course “as a learner” to really learn the language through the Pimsleur Method. You would think a bonus of the job was learning all these wonderful languages, but instead, us writers often get left remembering only favorite phrases after we move on to writing the next course!)

Mosquito-borne dengue fever may have finally met its match. According to Scientific American , the disease’s first vaccine has been approved in three countries that suffer from the affliction – Brazil, the Philippines and Mexico. Medical officials hope that the vaccine will help to deter the nearly 400 million devastating cases of dengue that occur each year, 22, 000 of which result in death. Up until now, there has not been any sort of prevention or treatment for dengue infections, which are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. With nearly 400 million dengue infections per year, the new vaccine could make a considerable difference in the lives of those exposed to the disease. The new dengue vaccine, a drug called Sanofi, is not exactly 100 percent effective, but has been proven to reduce the changes of contracting dengue from an infected mosquito bite by 60 percent in people over the age of 9. More importantly, the drug is 95.5 percent effective against dengue hemorrhagic fever, a life-threatening form of the disease that effects 500, 000 victims each year. With the new vaccine, severe cases of DHF could be drastically reduced, keeping countless dengue victims out of the hospital. Experts project the first Sanofi inoculations in Brazil, the Philippines and Mexico will take place this year, after each country completes negotiations with Sanofi’s parent company. The vaccine will also be examined by the World Health Organization in April before making global recommendations.

Rio de Janeiro is just one of Brazil's attractions. (Photo: Images ) Related Articles Brazil may be synonymous with white-sand beaches and gorgeous scantily-clad locals, but the country's scenery only begins with the 5, 000-mile shoreline. The cities have a vibrant party atmosphere, the architecture dates back hundreds or thousands of years and the Amazon rainforest is a sight unlike any other place on Earth. The weather will likely be hot no matter when you visit, but your specific packing list will vary by season and destination. Documentation Travel documentation when visiting Brazil involves more than having a valid passport, although anyone entering the country must have one. You must also apply for and receive a visa before you'll be allowed into Brazil, and this process takes advance planning. Contact the Brazilian Embassy (brasilemb.org) for information about where to apply for a visa; you'll have to travel to either the embassy or the closest Brazilian consulate. If you've visited any other Latin American countries recently, you may need to show proof that you've been vaccinated against yellow fever when you arrive at Brazilian customs. Clothing When you're choosing clothing to pack, keep in mind that Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, so December through March is the hottest time and June through September is cooler. Even in the cooler months, though, many parts of the country will have temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll mostly need hot-weather items like shorts and tank tops, but will also want a pair of long pants and a jacket during cooler months. Unless you're on a business trip, you'll fit in just fine in casual clothes. Avoid any items that are clearly pricey, like shirts and bags with designer logos, since these will telegraph "rich tourist" to local thieves. Other Personal Gear If you're going to be near the beach, a bathing suit is the most important item you'll need, and in Brazil's hot and humid weather, you'll be glad for the chance to cool off. Don't forget a cover-up. In the cities, nightlife is a booming business, and the locals show skin. You don't have to compete and may want more comfortable clothing when trying the high-energy Samba dancing you'll witness. Tank tops or casual sundresses are fine for this scene. Perspiring is a given, so take enough underwear for the visit along with a pair of very lightweight pajamas. You'll also need cushioned socks, sturdy walking shoes and sandals for the beach and clubs. Miscellaneous Items Carry insect repellent with you while you're in Brazil, particularly if you're touring the Amazon. You'll also want sunblock and sunglasses year-round. Don't bother taking other basic toiletries; your hotel should provide most of what you need and you can get anything else at a supermarket. Do pack an adequate supply of any necessary medications. Take a money belt, or use a cross-body zippered bag to hold your cash, documents and camera, since opportunistic thieves can easily grab these items from a shoulder bag or backpack. If you're taking electronic devices, make certain their labels indicate 110 and 220 volt compatibility, since different areas use different voltages, and buy a universal adapter that can be converted into many different shapes, since Brazil also has plugs of varying types.

If you are traveling internationally in less than 2 weeks or need to obtain a foreign visa within 4 weeks, you are eligible to schedule an appointment at this passport agency with proof of international travel. Will call (pickup) service is offered for life or death emergencies and immediate international travel. Call 24/7 for an Appointment Appointments are required at all passport agencies. There is no charge to make an appointment at a passport agency and customers should not pay anyone or any business making such a charge. You must pay the $60 expedite fee in addition to application fees to apply at this agency. Proof of international travel is required when applying at this agency. You must provide a hard copy of your itinerary or other proof of international travel. Will call service is offered for life or death emergencies and immediate travel abroad (leaving within # business). The agency will advise you when the passport will be ready for pickup at will call based on your documented travel plans. For all other customers, passports will be processed within # business of applying at the agency. During your appointment, the agency will advise how the passport will be sent to you. Parking Information and Public Transportation Expand All Parking: There is metered parking available on Varick and Hudson Streets near the Federal Building at 376 Hudson Street. There are also parking garages and lots across from 376 Hudson Street and nearby as follows: 375 Hud Parking LLC – Icon Parking System, 375 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y. (212) 645-4084, Parking Rates: Per Hour $22.00, In by 7:00a.m. out by 7:00 p.m. $25.00. Parking Rates subject to change without notice. Icon Parking System, 296 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y. (212) 929-4547. Parking Rates: Per Hour $21.00, In by 7:00 a.m. out by 7:00 p.m. $30.00. Parking Rates subject to change without notice. Central Parking Garage, 296 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y. (212) 337-8537, Parking Rates: Per Hour $16.00, In by 7:00 a.m. out by 8:00 p.m. $31.00. Parking Rates subject to change without notice.

While backpacking around South America, many travellers visit Argentina before heading north into Brazil. If you are American, Canadian or from any of these countries you will need to have a Brazil visa before entering the country. Although it is possible to apply for this visa in Montevideo, Uruguay or Buenos Aires, Argentina, the good news is that you can also apply quickly and conveniently while seeing one of the great wonders of the world – Iguazu Falls. Puerto Iguazu is the town on the Argentinian side of the falls, a quiet and laid back place with a few restaurants and hotels. Plan to spend 2-3 days there so that you can get your visa and enjoy the falls. How to Find the Consulate The Brazilian consulate can be found within a five minute walk from the bus terminal. When you arrive, turn left out of the bus terminal and walk past the gas station. The road will continue downhill and you will see the Brazilian consulate on your right, next to the brightly coloured “Mango Chill” hostel. Getting Your Visa When you apply for your visa, you will need a bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds, proof that you have booked travel in and out of Brazil, a passport sized photo and the online form. Here are the steps that you will need to follow: Book your travel in and out of Brazil if you haven’t already and print off your confirmation email. This can be a flight or a bus ticket. Get your passport sized photos taken. There are photo shops in Puerto Iguazu but you might get better prices by getting them in advance somewhere else. Print your proof of means of support, which could be a credit card or bank account statement. Make sure that your passport has at least one blank page free where they can put the visa. Bring in all of these documents, along with the consulate fee in exact change. For my Canadian visa it was 715 Argentinian pesos. The prices tend to change, so check with the consulate to know how much cash you will need. When you have all of this together, go to the consulate and hand it in. It is only open from 8am until 2pm, but it is best to get there as early as possible. It is recommended to give your documents in before 10am if you want to be able to pick up your visa the next day. You will be given a small slip of paper with a number on it and told a time that you can show up to pick up the visa. It usually takes around 24 hours. When you get your passport back it will have a full page displaying your Brazilian passport. As visas go, getting your Brazil visa in Puerto Iguazu is pretty much a piece of cake. It’s a simple process and while you are waiting for your documents to be processed you can visit the beautiful natural wonders of Iguazu Falls.

The moment has come. For the first time ever in South America, the whole world will meet. The XXXI Olympic Games will be in Rio, Brazil in August, 2016. The marvelous city has been getting ready for this amazing event and is prepared with lots of new attractions, beautiful renovations, and new facilities and amenities to pamper its visitors. We have carefully selected the best 5-star, luxury hotels to make sure you enjoy the charming city of Rio with peace-of-mind and comfort. A historical icon on Copacabana Beach, Belmond Copacabana Palace is a stunning and elegant facility known for being one of the most luxurious hotels in Rio de Janeiro. With impeccable, royal service and top amenities, this hotel offers comfort and class. This grand hotel was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, who was inspired by the Hotel Carlton and Hotel Negresco. The Copacabana Palace has been an architectural landmark since its opening in 1923. Top amenities include three gourmet restaurants, ocean views, pool service, and beach service. In addition to their reliable service and classic luxury, this hotel typically accommodates dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians. During special events the hotel builds a bridge over the street to connect to Copacabana beach. The bridge often connects celebrities from the hotel, directly to their stages on the beach. With Olympic events across the street on Copacabana beach, the location of Belmond Copacabana Palace is top. A rustic chic hotel perched on a Rio hillside, the Santa Teresa hotel is full of culture and luxury. Adorned with indigenous art and historical handicrafts, and set among luscious, green patios, gardens and terraces, the hotel artfully combines modern, indigenous style, and nature, to create an atmosphere full of conscious sophistication. Once a neo-colonial mansion on a coffee plantation, this hotel is one of the few hotels that has carefully gone through a restoration process and has received a government trust for its historic preservation in Rio. In addition to its historical preservation initiative, the hotel serves its community through local social initiatives, which guests are invited to visit and take part in. This hotel settled amidst the hillside of Rio, overlooking Guanabara Bay, and offering glimpses of the Corcovado statue, offers expansive, personalized rooms, thematic suites, and balconies with panoramic views. Many celebrities have stayed at Santa Teresa to take advantage of the great escape from the bustle of the beaches, and to indulge in the stunning views of Rio. With the breathtaking views, cultural and historical design, top service, and unique hotel amenities like its contemporary cuisine, blue slated pool, and extensive spa menu, this boutique hotel, with only 43 rooms, ensures guests will rest and relax in peace and comfort during the Olympic games. Located oceanfront, across from Copacabana, the Miramar Hotel is known for its stunning views and contemporary style. Miramar’s beauty often inspired Tom Jobim and Vinicios de Moraes, the founders of Bossa Nova, who met here to play and compose. The hotel features 200 rooms, stunning ocean views, and is also known for its dazzling rooftop terrace. The rooftop fitness centre and infinity pool with rooftop bar offer marvelous views of Copacabana beach, perfect for relaxation and a chic evening by the pool. Additional hotel amenities include a butler service, beach service, and opportunities to enjoy the spa at Windsor Atlantica. This innovative hotel is also the only pet-friendly hotel in the city of Rio de Janeiro! At the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, restaurant Sá, guests indulge in both contemporary Brazilian and international cuisine. Head chef, Paulo Góes, artfully masters mouthwatering Brazilian delicacies with European-inspired dishes. Miramar Hotel is the perfect hotel to stay during the Olympics to experience brilliant quality service, modern luxury, and to be amidst the energy of the games, through its convenient location. Situated in the heart of Ipanema, Fasano Rio is a contemporary and luxurious hotel right on the beach. This hotel is a member of “The Leading Small Hotels of the World.” Its design was imagined by Philippe Starck and décor inspired by Sérgio Rodrigues, creating an elegant 50’s and 60’s ambience. Fasano Rio is a go-to hotel for Rio’s most demanding guests. The hotel is acclaimed for its wooden, glass, and marble accents combined with breathtaking views and hip and luxurious facilities. Accommodating all, each of the 89 rooms in this hotel have balconies, and 45 of those have ocean views. This hotel is considered a prime place to meet enjoy the live music in the lobby lounge or enjoy a delicious dish at ‘Fasano al Mare’, Rogério Fasano’s restaurant featuring traditional Italian seafood. The rooftop of the hotel boasts a private leisure area for guests with an infinity pool, a steam sauna, and a fitness center and beautiful views of Ipanema beach. The private beach area on Ipanema beach, posh environment, and attentive service, make this stylish hotel a top spot to party and meet other people from around the world during the Olympics. The Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema is highly acclaimed for its ideal location in the affluent areas of Ipanema and Leblon. Perfectly situated across from the world famous Ipanema Beach, conveniently only 35 minutes from the international airport, and incredibly close to all of Rio’s major sights, this 5-star hotel, is the ideal selection to maximize your time at the Olympics in Rio. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Caesar Park offers impeccable attention to its 221 rooms with 24 hour room service. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, sauna, massage room, and rooftop pool with panoramic views of the beach. Guests can enjoy French and Brazilian cuisine is available in the hotel’s restaurants or international cocktails by the pool. Beach service and bicycles are also available upon request. This hotel’s sophisticated environment, convenience, and attention to service creates additional touches of luxury and relaxation to make a stay during the Olympics easy and rejuvenating.

Never before has Portugal received as many foreign tourists as it did in 2015. According to official data released this week, last year was unveiled as the best year ever for national tourism, with almost 18 million guests staying at Portuguese hotels; ten million of them from abroad. The figures from Statistics Portugal (INE) also revealed that the millions of visitors to these shores boosted hotel revenues to almost 2.5 billion euros. The total growth in receipts last year against 2014 was placed at 8.6 percent, further helping Portugal’s accounts which are heavily reliant on tourism. Currently, tourism and tourism-related activities account for around ten percent of the country’s gross domestic product, but with increases such as seen in 2015, tourism is set to see its share of the GDP rise even further. Statistics Portugal said that the number of foreign tourists reached 10.18 million in 2015, a rise of ten percent on the previous year, while the number of domestic tourists rose by seven percent to 7.3 million. Overall, hotel revenues rose by more than 13 percent, which was explained due to the ability to charge more for rooms due to heightened demand for accommodation. In conjunction with this boom in tourism, Portugal welcomed over 50 new hotels in 2015, with most of them focused on the luxury segment of the market. Tourism State Secretary Ana Mendes Godinho said this week that Portugal would continue to focus its promotional activities on major markets such as the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany and Holland. She added that specific efforts would be made to tap into the wealth of potential that Lisbon authorities believe would sustain the unprecedented growth seen in the tourism industry in recent years. As a result, Godinho says particular interest will be paid to the German and American market, but also to develop further interest from Scandinavia. This news follows a study released by the Portuguese Tourism Institute stating that the overwhelming majority of tourism operators in Portugal expect better results in 2016 than they did last year. The Tourism Barometer revealed that more than two-thirds (67.8 percent) of operators said that this year would top 2015, while a quarter said that they believed results in 2016 would at least match those of last year. This coincided with news that the 10th annual Holiday Money Report 2016 from Post Office Travel Money also placed the Algarve as the cheapest destination for UK tourists for the first time in five years, with prices down over 18 per cent year-on-year due to Sterling strengthening against the euro.

Latin america routes Backpacking in Brazil is challenging due to its sheer size and relative cost in comparison to it’s near neighbours. Nonetheless it is a hugely rewarding challenge. The country makes up a giant chunk of the South American continent with thousands of miles of stunning coastline, wonderful waterfalls and national parks. You can spend months alone visiting all this before even contemplating venturing into the vast Amazon Rainforest which makes up the North and West of the country. Developing rapidly it may be but Brazilians have not forgotten how to party and visiting during Carnaval season is an experience you will never forget. TIME NEEDED – 2 MONTHS If time is no object you could do a week long river trip along the Amazon to Manaus and visit a few other places but 2 months would be a decent amount of time for this route. POSSIBLE BUDGET – £1800 €2250 $3000 That’s just under 7000 Real in local currency. Brazil isn’t cheap these days and is considerably more expensive than the rest of South America. This does not include the cost of flights to/from Brazil, visas or travel insurance. VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR BRAZIL 90 days visa-free for citizens of almost every country in Europe and Latin America. If you are from the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia you will need one. Find out if you need a Brazilian visa here. TRAVEL INSURANCE ACCOMMODATION THE ROUTE SAO PAULO Sao Paulo is South America’s biggest city and with three major international airports it is very accessible from wherever you’re coming from and a logical starting point for a trip around Brazil. Opinions of the cities are its fair to say mixed amongst travelers and Brazilians alike. To some it’s a large and dangerous crime-ridden city that’s difficult to get around and has little of interest to visitors anyway. Others see it is a lively and diverse 21st century metropolis with great shopping and by South American standards an open-minded attitude towards issues such as homosexuality which is still considered a taboo in much of the continent. Even if it’s for just a day or two it’s worth experiencing and if you don’t like it then move on. CURITIBA This cosmopolitan city in the south of the country has a great history and is home to a mixed population that descends from various parts of Europe. It boasts a lively arts and music scene and has a famous ‘old city’ district in the centre which is over 300 years old. If Sao Paulo was too much for you then Curitiba may be much more to your taste as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Brazil. ILHA DO MEL This island is a nice escape from the cities with pleasant beaches, no roads and some great scenery. There are plenty of other nearby islands you can get to by boat either on trips or by hiring your own vessel. The island is very quiet during the week so this is the best time to come if you want to relax. However there is much more in the way of nightlife and parties at the weekend and during holidays. FLORIANOPOLIS In and around this city you will find some of the country’s most stunning beaches. The city has a few decent sights such as the 18th century fort and some colourful markets but for backpackers in Brazil it’s primarily a beach destination. There are some decent budget places to sleep, eat and drink and there is even a party bus complete with bar and DJ that takes visitors to the cities major nightspots. During the day from the centre you can catch buses to any of Florianopolis’s 42 beaches. FOZ DO IGUAÇU It’s a long and tiring trip out to Foz do Iguaçu and is probably best done via a night bus with two direct daily services from Florianopolis. (You may prefer to visit Florianopolis first and then backtrack to Curtiba from where there are more regular and shorter bus services to Foz do Iguaçu). The city is of a medium size but mainly serves as a base for exploring the Iguaçu Falls which are truly one of the most natural wonders of the world. The stunning waterfalls, arguably the most impressive on the face of the earth are one of the undoubted highlights of backpacking in Brazil and indeed South America. The Falls dissect three countries meaning short trips into Argentina and Paraguay are possible from this point. BONITO A popular eco-tourism hotspot which allows you to see more of the Pantanal than the areas around the more visited Campo Grande. The town is surrounded by waterfalls and rivers which are clean and clear enough to snorkel in and check out the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit the waters in these parts. It is a long journey from the falls to Bonito, taking around 16 hours including a change of bus in the town of Dourados. CAMPO GRANDE (For the Pantanal) Some people opt to skip Bonito as there are regular direct buses going from Foz do Iguaçu to Campo Grande taking 12-15 hours with several companies running the route which is popular with backpackers. The Pantanal is a vast area of wetland that is home to an incredible array of wildlife including caiman, jaguars, anacondas, piranhas and much more. Various types of trips can be arranged in Campo Grande or you can use it as a base and explore the region on your own. RIBEIRÃO PRETO This is a nice stop to break up the long journey back to the coast. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to find a reasonably cheap flight from Campo Grande to Rio but going by bus is normally cheaper if a little more time-consuming. Ribeirão Preto is around 14 hours from Campo Grande and is served by direct night buses. It is a lively city but not really on the regular backpacker trail. This however is part of its charm and with some bustling bars and a reputation as the draft beer capital of Brazil, it can be a very enjoyable little stop. CAMPOS DO JORDÃO This is another hidden gem that doesn’t receive much in the way of foreign travellers. The somewhat dodgy looking teleforico is worth a ride as it transports you in individual seats to the top of Morro do Elefante which at 1700m above sea level has stunning views of the town and its surroundings which you can see more of on horseback. In the town the architecture and streets are distinctly ancient and it feels somewhat like stepping back in time to a bygone era. The rickety bondinhos (streetcars) offer a unique way to take in more of this quite unusual city. PARATY Back on the coast and for the first time in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The coastal town was first settled upon by the Portuguese in 1667 and is one of the oldest in Brazil. It’s another place where you feel as though time has somewhat stood still and it is incomparable to the glitzy modern cities of Rio and Sao Paulo which lie a few hundred kilometers on either side of it. In town, wander around the cobbled streets and admire the churches. There’s plenty of nature around too with hikes, boat trips, kayaking and diving all popular. It’s also famous for the Bloco de Lama (Mud Carnival) where crowds go to cover themselves in mud and chant but sadly it only happens once a year on the weekend before Carnival. It’s well worth visiting if you’re planning on doing the Rio Carnival.