It was in September that I visited Rio de Janeiro and the Iguassu Falls.
Rio really surprised me with it's beautiful old buildings and many historic landmarks. After spending a few wonderful days on the beach I decided it was time to go exploring. Of course I visited the most well known landmarks - took the tram up the Corcovado Mountain to the Statue of Christ and also went up Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car, but the haze was quite bad and the view was disappointing. On Sunday I took the ferry to Paqueta Island - obviously a very popular place for the local people. I hired a bicycle and enjoyed another glorious day at the beach. In Rio I stayed in a hotel in Copacabana, but I would recommend Ipenama (the next beach over) because it's a much safer area. The tourists in Copacabana tend to attract pickpockets, and you can't take anything of value to the beach with you - it will be gone when you return from your swim.
I took a flight to the Iguassu Falls on the border of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. The Falls are spectacular and cover a huge area, because they are terraced. We walked around for hours - remember to take a waterproof jacket, or you'll be drenched by the spray! Across the border, Paraguay offers tax free shopping. Here you can find beautiful handmade wares - I bought some wood carvings. They also sell the obligatory $10 imitation Gucci watches, etc.
Back in the town of Iguassu I saw a most spectacular 'traditional' show. I usually stay away from them because they tend to be so very touristy, but this was unbelievable. The show took place in a huge restaurant, filled with tourists from the surrounding South American countries (each sitting at their own long tables) and the entertainment included traditional music and dances from all those countries too. The highlight was a dancer dressed in a costume made of feathers, wearing a spectacular feathered headdress, sticks extended his arms as wings, his legs attached to huge stilts. He was 'flying' to the music of El Condor Paso. I'll never forget that - it was so brilliant that I went back the next night.
Click here to find out more about Brazil
For more information on Brazil and South American e-mail Chris Boecker
