Rio is blessed with wonderful natural setting, wedged between the mountains, with contrasting peaks including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, topped by the famous statute of Christ, and the sea. Underneath lies a colorful state of mind called “carioca” with almost 8 million locals who samba their way, relaxed and high-spirit, through life.
Considered by many one of the world’s top ten wonders, Iguassu Falls is formed by over 275 separate waterfalls cascading from the top of a horseshoe-shaped canyon in an overwhelming spectacle of sound and color. The falls stretch along the border of Argentina and Brazil, serving as a natural divide between the two countries. Even though 70% of the falls are located on the Argentinean side, most of them face the Brazilian side, which is a main reason why they should be visited from both. Major’s single attraction is the "Devil´s Throat" (Argentinean side), where the largest volume of water falls with a strong, thunderous roar that can be heard miles away. Surrounding Iguassu National Park, originally established to protect the falls, covers 450,000 acres of subtropical forest and harbors a large range of fauna and flora. Adventurous spirits can enjoy different activities in the park including hiking, mountain biking, rappelling, canopy tours, rock climbing and rafting.
One of the most famous beaches in the Northeast of Brasil and the village of Porto de Galinhas is situated in the municipality of Ipojuca. The village of Porto de Galinhas is very small; indeed, only a couple of streets with a central square, called Pracinha. The village concentrates restaurants, shops and the residences of the local dwellers; most hotels occupied spaces along the beach, both North of Porto (towards Muro Alto) and South of Porto (towards Maracaípe). Also, it is from the village visitors depart to boat and buggy trips to the beaches in the neighbourhood of Porto.
Congonhas is a historical Brazilian city notable for its basilica - the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Matosinhos - and associated sculptures which was commissioned by Portuguese adventurer, Feliciano Mendes in the 18th century. It was created by Aleijadinho, one of the best artists in the baroque style in the world. The soapstone sculptures of old testament prophets around the terrace are considered amongst his finest work.
In 1985 UNESCO granted the Sanctuary the title of a World Heritage Site.
Belo Horizonte is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, located in the southeastern region of Brazil. It is the third-largest metropolitan area in the country. Belo Horizonte has a population of over 2.4 million, or almost 5.4 million in the official Metropolitan Area.
The region was first settled in the early 18th century, but the city as it is known today was planned and constructed in the 1890s, in order to replace Ouro Preto as the capital of Minas Gerais. The city features a mixture of contemporary and classical buildings, and hosts several modern Brazilian architectural icons, most notably the Pampulha Complex. In planning the city, Aarão Reis and Francisco Bicalho sought inspiration in the urban planning of Washington D.C.
Belo Horizonte is the entrance door to visit the Historical Cities Ouro Preto, Mariana, Tiradentes, Sao Joao del Rey.
It is affectionately said that “when Bahians are not actually participating in a festival they are rehearsing for one”. A fusion of Africans, Native Americans and Europeans, the “bahianos” are always looking for a good time. Now imagine this with colonial architecture and marvelous beaches… they call it “land of happiness”.
