Occupying almost half of South America, Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country. Dotting its long coastline are white sandy beaches, fun-filled metropolises, tropical islands and charming colonial towns. From imposing waterfalls to the untamed wilderness of the Amazon River basin, Brazil boasts of unique tourist attractions that bring people from far and wide. Here is a look at the top five tourist attractions in Brazil.
Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Brazil, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer is located at the Peak of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. This 39 meter tall statue provides a sweeping panoramic view of the Guanabara Bay to the north, to Rodrigo de forests to the south. It is listed as the world’s second largest Art Deco sculpture. Since its inception, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer has become an icon of Rio de Janeiro and attracts tourists from far and wide.
Iguazu Falls
As one of the natural wonders of the world, Iguazu is a complex waterfall that is located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. It consists of a staggering 275 falls along the Iguazu River, forming an impressive waterfall scene. Of them all, the most impressive one is the Devil’s Throat that forms a U-shaped turn with a height of 269 feet. The fall can be accessed from the cities of Fox Do Iguacu in Brazil or Purto Iguazu in Argentina.
Amazon River
At approximately 4,000 miles, Amazon is the second longest river in the world, and one of the most diverse ones. It is, however, the largest river in the world by volume. The river boasts of over 3,000 fish species and several new ones are still being discovered. The Amazon basin makes up to half of the remaining rainforests in the world. It is also home to an estimated a tenth of all the living species in the world.
The Rio Carnival
There are carnival celebrations in virtually all corners of Brazil. However, one that truly stands out is the Rio Carnival. During its four day celebration, the carnival attracts an estimated two million people on the streets daily, a half a million of which are foreigners. There is no limit to where the carnival is celebrated; from streets to bars and squares and even pubs, the carnival is celebrated all over Rio! The epitome of the carnival is a colorful and spectacular Rio Samba Parade display at the famous Sambadrome.
Pantanal
Lying mostly in Brazil, but extending to Paraguay and Bolivia as well, Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world. Famed for its diverse wildlife, it is one of Brazil’s leading tourist attractions. Unlike in the Amazon where the encounter with wildlife is somewhat limited, Pantanal allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife. In addition to being home to millions of Capybara and Yacare Caiman, Pantanal also plays host to the largest population of jaguars in the Americas. There is no denying that Brazil is a country of great natural beauty. It’s also home to a person of great cultural and ethnic diversity whose heritage is expressed in their vibrant art and tantalizing music. To get your way through Brazil, you may be required to undergo a dsa driving test.