From the jungle calls of the Amazon to the hot sandy beaches Brazil has it all.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and home to some of the world’s most metropolitan cities, but this is just the beginning. The world famous Carnival takes place every year where millions dance, samba, and party the days away. Wildlife fans will enjoy exploring the wetlands of the Pantanal and the Amazon rainforest, while those who enjoy colonial architecture and historic cities will revel in the chance to visit Salvador. Throw in beaches, soccer, beautiful people, and cheap prices, and it’s pretty easy to convince someone this is a country worth seeing. Brazil sells itself and this travel guide can help you plan your trip there.

Landscapes & Biodiversity

One of the world’s most captivating places, Brazil is a country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests and wild, rhythm-filled metropolises. Brazil’s attractions extend from frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, thundering waterfalls and coral-fringed tropical islands. Add to that, Brazil’s biodiversity: legendary in scope, its diverse ecosystems boast the greatest collection of plant and animal species found anywhere on earth. There are countless places in Brazil where you can spot its iconic species, which Include toucans, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, capybaras, pink dolphins, sea turtles and many more.

Days of Adventure

Brazil offers big adventures for travelers with budgets large and small. There’s horseback riding and wildlife-watching in the Pantanal, kayaking flooded forests in the Amazon, ascending rocky cliff tops to panoramic views, whale-watching off the coast, surfing stellar breaks off palm-fringed beaches and snorkeling crystal-clear rivers or coastal reefs – all are part of the great Brazilian experience. No less entrancing is the prospect of doing nothing, aside from sinking toes into warm sands and soaking up a glorious stretch of beach, with a caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail – in hand.

Accommodation – A dorm room in a hostel (8 beds) starts around 20-30 BRL. Private rooms are about upwards of 100 BRL.Small, family owned budget hotels are also widely abundant and cost between 70-100 BRL. Your own room in a homestay can cost as little as 35-50 BRL. An entire apartment averages around 140 BRL and a shared room averages around 32 BRL.

Food – Small, locally owned restaurants here cost 14 BRL for a meal that includes a couple of courses and a drink. Nicer meals at a more casual restaurant with a nicer décor will cost around 35 BRL. Grocery shopping is very cheap, just about 100 BRL per week. All prices are higher in Rio.

Transportation – Long-distance buses are a convenient, economical, and comfortable way to travel in the country. Bus tickets cost about 8-10 BRL per hour of travel. A ride from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo costs 440-650 BRL. A ride from Rio de Janeiro to Florianopolis costs 160-240 BRL. Be sure to buy your ticket at least one day in advance. Train service is limited to the tourist-oriented steam train that offers transport in between two important Brazilian tourist towns, Sao Jao del Rei and Tiradentes. Local public transportation costs 2.8-5 BRL per ride. Uber is an option for inner-city transportation and is currently available in 11 Brazilian cities.

Activities – Prices for football matches cost upwards of 35 BRL per ticket, depending on where you’re seated and entrance to Iguazu Falls is about 42 BRL. Amazon river cruises cost a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on how long and luxurious they are. Museums and similar attractions cost around 10-20 BRL.

Goa, the smallest state of India, is tucked into the south-west coast of the country. Despite its smaller size, it offers a wealth of experiences. Thanks to tourism, the state is now one of the richest. Tourists are drawn by the 80 miles of coastline and the Indian culture with a Goan twist. Get ready to enjoy the culture and history of Goa.

Getting to and around Goa

Panaji is the state capital of Goa which is well connected by land and air. One can easily reach Goa by air, buses or trains. Getting around Goa means you need to plan. However, the motorcycle taxi is the most popular ways to explore Goa. Another option is an auto rickshaw or hiring a taxi. Use the bus system if traveling long distances.

Best Time to Visit Goa

November to February are the best months when the weather is cold and comfortable. This is the best time to relax on the beaches and enjoy their favorite water sports and other activities. Moreover, in December Goa witnesses Sunburn, a famous festival besides Christmas and New Year. Avoid the months of March to May when the sea becomes rougher, and the temperature rises. Goa is dainty during June to October, and one can enjoy the festival of Sao-Joao during monsoons in Goa.

Top Things to Eat in Goa

Things To Do in Goa

Trek To Beautiful Goa Waterfalls

There are 10 Goa waterfalls in total, of which Hivre and Sada are great for trekking, especially for hardcore adventure enthusiasts.

Go On Wildlife Sanctuary Expeditions

There are seven wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, though the most popular are Bondla, Cotigao, Mhadei and Netraveli as they feature numerous activities.

Visit the spice plantation

You can learn a lot on the Spice tour and you can have lunch there. There are two in Ponda.

Try SUP (stand up paddle board) at Vaayu.

You can also rent surf boards from them or try kite surfing classes. Their cafe, Prana, serves up delicious breakfast burritos and they have chilled out music and art nights.

Old-world charm that Portuguese brought along in the 17th century. The churches, bungalows and cafes will excite you no less. Old Goa has its own appeal, and it never fails to entice. Showered with numerous beaches facing the majestic Arabian Sea, Goa has more than enough to make you fall in love with it.