Brazil

Consisting of 275 separate cascades, the spectacular Iguazu Falls are situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and national parks.

Covering almost half of Brazil's enormous territory and spanning no less than another eight South American countries, the Amazon Rainforest is not only the largest rainforest in the world, but it is also home to the world's largest, and perhaps most famous river.

This is a little slice of paradise on the North coast of Brazil, where the streets are paved with sand and there are jaw-dropping beaches as far as the eye can see.

The Pantanal is a huge seasonal wetland bordering Bolivia andParaguay and considered the best place in Brazil to view wildlife on guided walks, 4x4 safaris, horse rides or boat and canoe trips. It attracts around 300 bird species including hyacinth macaws, jabiru storks, ibis, roseate spoonbills, parakeets and parrots and a wide range of mammals and reptiles, making it a paradise for wildlife. Capybaras are ubiquitous and hopefully you will marsh deer, giant river otters, and even the elusive tapir and jaguar if you are really lucky.

Located just below the equator, Brazil's remote north-eastern states provide a mix of superb off-the-beaten-track self drive experiences and beautiful unspoilt beaches from Porto Seguro to Natal, Praia Pipa and Fortaleza. The Lençóis Maranhenses is a stunning natural phenomenon of sweeping white dunes and turquoise freshwater lagoons.The coastline here is cut by lush tropical deltas with largely untouched wildlife, unspoiled fishing villages, stunning beaches with small boutique hotels and relaxed resorts, and picturesque towns such as São Luís and Olinda.

The area is shaped by its African influence, its fascinating colonial history, superb climate for most of the year, rich folk culture, awesome music and dance, religion, water sports and gastronomic delights.

With a magical backdrop, beautiful Rio de Janeiro is home to legendary beaches, tropical forest, samba, football, unrivalled carnival parades and residents with a joie de vivre!