A Brazil beach vacation is an exuberant experience. Covering nearly half of South America, Brazil boasts 5,000 miles of coastline, and its population of almost 300 million is concentrated along the shoreline. Many of its beaches, acting as social hubs for the community, buzz with activity. The Brazilian people are known for their warmth and their spirit, famously on show each year during one of the wildest parties in the world: Carnival. The nightlife in such cities as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo often matches the abandon of Carnival, with revelers Samba-dancing the night away.
A vacation to Brazil can also include quiet exploration through the country’s amazingly diverse ecosystems. The wonders of the Amazon and Iguazu Falls have long beckoned nature-lovers, who will find many opportunities for bird-watching, caving, hiking, diving, fishing, rafting and more. Children will get quite an ecological education during a Brazil family vacation, learning about rare plant and animal species. Brazil is a tropical country, so it’s probably best to avoid visiting during the hottest months (December-March). Unless you’re planning to attend Carnival, it’s also best to avoid the crowds that throng the country for the pre-Lenten festival.
Renting a car in Brazil is easy, but it’s a daunting experience as road signs are in Portuguese, road conditions vary, and most cars are stick-shift. U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil require a passport and a visa, available from Brazilian consulates in the U.S. (for a list of consulates, visit www.brasilemb.org). A yellow fever vaccination may be required (depending on where you’ve traveled recently and which part of Brazil you’re visiting). Children between 3 months and 6 years require proof of a polio vaccination. The Brazilian currency is the Real, and the airport departure tax is currently $36 USD. For more information on travel to Brazil, log on to www.braziltourism.org, the Brazilian Tourism Office’s website.