As the dominant country in South America, Brazil can often seem like only a dream to normal travelers. However, a trip to this amazing country is probably more affordable than you think. Here are some ideas of where to go, how to get there, and tricks on how to maximize your fun.

The South of Brazil

You can call it the January River if you so choose (that’s the translation), though the “river” that gave Rio de Janeiro its name is actually Guanabara Bay. However, travelers don’t often let this mistake made by the Portuguese 500 years ago spoil their plans.

More than two million foreign tourists flood to the city (like New York, NY, Rio is both the name of the state and the main city) to experience Rio’s more than 120 miles of beaches, state parks and awe-inspiring monuments, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city on Sugar Loaf Mountain. Of course, there is also the parade of the samba schools every February. Carnaval has its permanent home in the city of Rio, bringing fun-seekers from all parts of the globe together in a celebration like no other.

Still, there is so much more to the Southern part of Brazil. From the hidden golden cities of Minas Gerais, to the thriving metropolis that is Sao Paulo, to the coastal beauty of Santa Catarina, the South is the most popular of all destinations in Brazil for the foreign traveler. The sites, atmospheres and passion of the South, however, give all its visitors experiences both unique and dynamic.

Carnaval

"Carnival: A month and a half of frolicking and merrymaking, of endless celebration because no one should have to tolerate the harshness of life uninterrupted for a whole year."

Jorge Amado, The War of The Saints

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean near the Tropic of Capricorn, there is more to Rio then the February explosion of Carnaval, though just experiencing the orgy of samba will easily give travelers the time of their lives. Remember, however, Carnaval is a scheduled five-day event (though festivities will usually last a week). Pace yourself.

Carnaval begins at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days. In essence, Carnaval is a dance contest. In Rio and all over Brazil, revelers go to the streets to watch 16 samba schools battle it out on a tiered street designed for samba parades.

As pointed out, there are other Carnaval events throughout Brazil during February, some more authentic and old-school than others. Both Rio and Sao Paulo hold huge, commercial events, but that doesn’t seem to bother anyone. Another thing to be prepared for: You will likely see topless women. During Carnaval, clothes can be optional for some.

If you want to make Carnaval part of your Brazilian experience, make sure to ask your travel agent. Tickets are necessary to get the best view of the action, of which there is multitudes performing and in the crowds.

The Amazon

Soccer and frivolity tend to dominate the Brazilian social scene. The Amazon River dominates the geography.

At more than 6,0000km in length, the Amazon is the world’s second-longest river, trailing only the Nile. Width wise, it is by far the biggest in many areas.

The rain forest of the Amazon is home to more than 300 species of mammals, thousands of freshwater fish, tens of thousands of trees and nearly a hundred thousand other plant species.

With jaguars, toucans, piranhas and anacondas to name but a tiny percentage, a trip to the Amazon River and surrounding rain forest is akin to walking into Jurassic Park. Sure, you knew this wildlife existed, but here you can see them in the wild.

Again, check on the Internet or with your travel agent to find out about trips to the Amazon. There are several, top-quality resorts right on the river that will give you room and board, as well as give you tours to see the wonders of the area. Prices for these resorts can be surprisingly reasonable.

Interesting Fact: The Amazon produces approximately 20 percent of all the water that the world's rivers pour into the oceans on its own.

When to Go?

Brazil’s weather makes it an ideal, year-around vacation spot. Still, remember, in southern areas like Rio, the weather gets extremely humid in the summer (December-February) and seriously rainy in the winter and fall (August-December). Usually, however, the tropical rains of Brazil will not hinder any travel plans.

During the summer many Brazilians are on vacation, making travel more difficult and expensive. School holidays begin in mid-December and go through to Carnaval, usually held in late February. Still, a little advanced planning should help you be able to make the trip whatever time of year is best for you.

Also, stay attentive to ticket prices. A little research can help you dramatically lower the cost of round-trip plane fare to Brazil. Prices can reach over $1,000 for tickets, but they can be had for around $600 by the astute traveler.

The Prerequisites

If you are looking to go to Brazil for the first time, be prepared to get prepared. Obviously, a passport is needed. A visa is also necessary for most nationalities, including the U.S. and Canada. To get a visa, one needs to go to the nearest Brazilian Consulate. If that is not possible, there are proxies available who can go the consulate for you, as well as Internet companies that can help.

The cost of a visa is $100 (which is subject to change). If you use a proxy or other service, expect to pay more. The visa is good for five years, though it must be used within 90 days and can only be used for trips of no longer than 90 consecutive days.

Remember, you will need a flight schedule before the visa will be given to you (it normally takes three days to a week for your visa to be approved. The visa itself will just be a stamp in your passport.

If you treat the workers at the consulate politely, you should have no trouble getting your visa when you need it, and then, you are ready to go.

Get Your Shots

Before any trip to Brazil, or anywhere out of your country to be more accurate, you should always have a trip to your doctor to find out what types of shots you’ll need. Diseases such as Dengue Fever, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow Fever and Meningococcal Meningitis can be acquired in Brazil, but if you take care of your health before you leave, you should have no problems.

Crime

Brazil, especially in Rio and Sao Paulo, is notorious for its crime. Many travelers have had the unpleasant experience of being robbed. While the average Brazilian is kind and pleasant, keep in mind that in a nation of nearly 200 million, where the majority are poor, crime will be an issue.

Like anything else, however, it can be avoided, or at least you can help yourself stay safe by staying with whatever group you are in, whether fellow travelers or some type of purchased tour plan. And stay aware of your area. Normally, if you keep yourself in good areas, and stay alert to the people around you, you should have minimal troubles if any.

Odds & Ends

• When you arrive in Brazil, be ready to spend roughly an hour going through immigration and customs. Again, be patient. They’ll get to you.
• Soccer is like a fever in Brazil. If your trip allows, try to attend a soccer game. There are rarely problems for travelers in the big soccer stadiums of Brazil, and you will be amazed by the passion. Just make sure you are rooting for the correct team and try to avoid matches that are big rivalries. That’s where things can get out of hand, but still, very rarely.
• The food: Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will find the food in Brazil, not just acceptable, but fantastic. Beef, pork, chicken and fish are all staples of Brazilian cuisine and the fruits are various and magnificent. Trust me, eat a mango in Brazil, they tend to be gloriously delicious.
• Don’t consume water from the tap.
• Brazil was colonized by Portugal, therefore, they speak Portuguese, not Spanish. Still, travelers will be impressed with the number of Brazilians they will come in contact with that can speak English to some degree.

External Links:

• The Hip Gringo's Guide to Brazil - An all-English site with in-depth articles and resources for travelers.
• The Brazilian Consulate in New York - Everything you need for your trip is here, including addresses for all Brazilian Consulates in the U.S.
• Amazon Interactive - Tons of facts about the amazing Amazon.
• Carnaval Around the World - Good tips on carnaval in Brazil, as well as info on other celebrations.