Things to do

Explore the outstanding colonial architecture of Salvador’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Praia do Forte, an ecological reserve abundant with flora and fauna, and Garcia d’Ávila Castle, Latin America's biggest fortification. Visit the Tamar Project, a turtle preservation centre and breeding programme in Praia do Forte, and see baby sea turtles hatch (seasonal). Climb aboard a motorised schooner to sail around All Saints Bay, taking in scenic views of Salvador’s skyline.

Explore your destination

Spectacular Salvador
Brazil’s cultural capital has outstanding colonial architecture and the magnificent church of Sao Francisco in its vibrant Pelourinho area. The colourful open-air market is great for browsing before a relaxing barbecue or lunch in a lakeside restaurant.

Prices from approx. US$70pp (adult/full day); US$35pp (child/full day)

Bahia by Night
This electric city comes alive at night; watch the sun set with a caipirinha cocktail and browse the craft market before taking the elevator to the upper city for a stroll through Pelourinho’s cobbled streets. Top off your evening with a folklore show and dinner in the lower city.

Prices from approx. US$83pp (adult/half day); US$41.50pp (child/half day)

Imbassai Adventure
A great chance to see more of Brazil; climb aboard a 4x4 for a countryside adventure, passing traditional villages. You’ll canoe along a tranquil river and stop at a deserted beach, finishing off with a visit to a local handicrafts centre.

Prices from approx. US$40pp (adult/half day); US$20pp (child/half day)

Tropicana Adventure
This adventure begins with a river cruise, spotting colourful birds, with a stop at a secluded beach. You’ll then go off-road in a jeep, visiting a school, ancient castle and nature reserve and end the day with a forest trek. A home-cooked lunch is included.

Prices from approx. US$93pp (adult/full day); US$46.50pp (child/full day)

Please note: for further details, please speak to your Representative in resort. This is an example guide only and excursions and prices will be subject to change according to season, availability and demand.

Highlights

• Exploring Salvador, the cultural capital of Brazil, with its spicy mix of colonial architecture, colourful open-air markets, brilliant beaches, incredible music and nightlife
• Looking around the vibrant Pelourinho area of Salvador while on holiday in Brazil, where you’ll find the magnificent Church of Sao Francisco, with its beautiful design
• Partying on down to the country’s carnival capital on a trip to Rio de Janeiro; this fun-filled city is full of things to see and do on your holiday in Brazil
• Looking up to see Brazil’s most famous sight, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), which stands on top of Corcovado, over 1,000ft above the city
• Taking a trip to the country’s other main attraction, the magnificent Sugar Loaf Mountain, where a cable car takes you to the peak for stunning views across the city
• Seeing Brazil’s Mecca of football, the Maracanã Stadium in Rio, where Brazilian legend Pelé made his name, scoring loads of goals
• Watching the water fall from dizzying heights at Iguassu Falls; a magnificent sight on the border between Brazil and Argentina
• Discovering Praia do Forte, an ecological reserve full of flora and fauna, and visiting the Tamar Project, a turtle preservation centre
• Learning about Brazil’s history at the Garcia d’Ávila Castle in Praia do Forte, Latin America's biggest fort, which dates back to the 16th century
• Watching in amazement as flexible Brazilians practice Capoeira on the beach and in tourist areas; the martial art combines dance, fighting and acrobatics and looks like break-dancing gone mad
• Catching a glimpse of the next Ronaldo or Ronaldinho dribbling a football barefoot on the beach, while on holiday in Brazil.

Food and drink

The Brazilian zest for life is reflected in its generous portions of tasty food served up in the country’s restaurants. Local dishes combine flavours from all over the world, such as Africa and India.

Rice, beans, meat, fish and stews appear on most Brazilian plates, while Brazil’s exotic fruit, grown in the Amazon, is perfect for a juicy snack while you laze on the beaches. Brazil’s favourite dish is called Feijoada – a meat stew with a side helping of beans.

Coffee is served strong in Brazil and Brazilian juice, made from a variety of fruits, is a tasty favourite. Guarana Champagne, made from Amazonian berries, rivals Coca-Cola® as the nation’s favourite soft drink.

Evening Flavour

For the ultimate carnival atmosphere, head to the cobbled streets of Pelourinho in Salvador, with its live percussion music, folklore shows, bars and nightclubs.

Rio has an amazing music scene, with clubs playing everything from rock and hip-hop to Samba and jazz. For the ultimate carnival atmosphere, head to the cobbled streets of Pelourinho in Salvador, with its live percussion music, folklore shows, bars and nightclubs.

Costa de Sauípe brims with bars and restaurants, while in Praia do Forte you can dine with views of the idyllic landscape along Alameda do Sol. There’s also plenty of hotel-based activities on offer.

Shopping

Music, arts and crafts are the best souvenirs to pick up on your holiday in Brazil. You’ll find a small craft market at Costa do Sauípe, and you can buy handmade jewellery, carvings and paintings along the esplanade in Praia do Forte.

In Salvador, Mercado Modelo’s tourist market sells local handicrafts, hammocks, silver and leather.

Shopping malls can be found in cities, Rio has more than its fair share, and Shopping Iguatemi is Salvador’s largest, with a choice of fashion stores and a cinema for popcorn lovers.

Dates for the Diary

In February, the famous carnivals in Rio and Salvador take place. Full of colour and sound, drummers, singers and dancers lead the party.

For the Family

• Taking the family to the beach to enjoy the sun, sea and sand; there’s plenty of top class sands to check out, from lively beaches with people playing footy, to relaxed ones, perfect for building sandcastles
• Seeing the country’s huge Maracanã Stadium makes the perfect day out for footy fanatic kids; the stadium is set to host the 2014 World Cup final
• Introducing your family to the country’s amazing animals, especially the ones found in the Amazon, including monkeys, parrots and toucans

Local weather

Information

Language: Portuguese. Currency: Real. Standard GMT: - 3 hrs. Tourist Information Office: 32 Green Street, London W1K 7AT. Tel : 020 7399 9000. www.braziltourism.org

Travel money

Reals

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.