Brazil is one of the world’s most influential as well as the most populated nation in South America. Formerly a sovereign state, Brazil is now a Federal Republic, consisting of 26 states and a federal district. An amazing vacation spot, the country is categorized into five geographic regions: North, Northeast, Central, South, and Southeast, each of them with its own exceptionality.

The capital city, Brasilia is at the spot which was once a scrubby forest. But, the place is now a well-planned city, with a network of superb attractions such as Alvorada Palace, Alto Paraiso, Congress Center, National Theater, Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia, and the Memorial JK. Another important yet fascinating Brazilian destination is Rio de Janeiro, which is perhaps the most spectacular city in the country. Alternatively called Rio, it comes with a couple of marvelous attractions, covering natural destinations, man-made landmarks, fantastic buildings, and a host of museums and monuments. Rio beaches including Ipanema and Copacabana are simply marvelous, with superb facilities for activities such as kite surfing, rowing, and sailing. Then, not to mention about Corcovado Mountain, whose centerpiece is a massive statue of Jesus Christ. Further, Rio hosts some great festivities including the much famed Carnival.

For those planning to explore both ancient and modern attractions during their vacations, one of the best options would be to take a tour to San Paulo – the first city in Latin America as well as the largest city in South America. This intimidating destination has to its credit some of the world-class attractions such as the Sacred Museum of Art within an 18th century monastery, Planetarium with a 48-foot dome, restored Municipal Theater, the Butana Institute, which is home to thousands of snakes, and Republic Square, where much fabulous Sunday Fair is held. Likewise, no visit to Brazil is complete without taking an excursion to the UNESCO heritage site – Salvador da Bahia, an ancient as well as interesting city, founded in 1549. An eclectic bastion of Amerindian, African, and European cultures, the city’s attractions such as colonial buildings graced with stucco work, restored cathedrals of St. Francis and St. Anthony, and the Municipal Palace, are really worth mentioning. Besides, Salvador de Bahia is venue for one of the biggest carnivals in the world.

The coastline of Brazil stretches more than 3,000 km on the Atlantic Ocean, and found along the coast are some of the fabulous beaches, well-preserved rain forests like the Amazon – the largest in the world, cascading waterfalls such as Iguassu Falls, ecosystems like the Pantanal, which is the richest in the world, and superb lakes and rivers, all of them making the country an excellent destination for ecotourism tours.

Equally amazing is the country’s Chapada regions which have been now transformed into national parks, of which most prominent are Chapada dos Guimares and Chapada Diamantina.

Above all, the country is revered for its coffee production, football, and music including bossa nova.