Lesson 6:
Brazil Hidden Treasures II
In the north, the Pantanal links up and merges with the many undiscovered wonders of the Amazon, which has the human-made oasis of Manaus at its heart. Once, during the rubber boom, one of the world’s richest and most cosmopolitan cities, today, Manaus acts as a gateway for visitors looking to explore the Amazon rainforest.
Over 60% of the Amazon is located in Brazil; it is a rainforest that is responsible for generating over half of the planet’s oxygen, while the river, which flows for over 4,200 miles (6,760 kilometres), pours enough freshwater into the Atlantic on a daily basis to supply the water needs of the UK for over two years.
With its mix of tropical beaches and culture, the Northeast of Brazil is the country’s very own holiday playground. It spreads from Maranhão in the north to Bahia in the south, passing through popular coastal destinations such as São Luiz, Jericoacoara, Fortaleza, Natal, João Pessoa, Olinda, Recife, Porto de Galinhas, Maceió, Praia do Forte, Salvador, Morro de São Paulo, Trancoso and Itacaré. On this coast, you will find some of the most phenomenal scenery in the world!
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Northeast include the historic centres of Salvador, Olinda, São Luis, and São Cristóvão, as well as the Serra da Capivara National Park, the Atlantic Rainforest, and the ecological archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, a highly sought after dive site.
In short, Brazil is a treasure trove of experiences, attractions, and locations just waiting to be unlocked by the discerning traveller.