Christ the Redeemer: This statue, which towers over Rio, made the list of the Seven New Wonders of the World in 2007. It stands 120 feet tall and is perched on the top of Corcovado Mountain, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
It has become a symbol of Rio and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms.
Rio de Janeiro's beaches and mountains: Rio de Janeiro is lined with glorious tropical beaches such as Ipanema and Copacabana.
Rio is all about its beaches, which hug the city along its meandering coastline. Some of Rio's best hotels are located along the beachfront, such as the legendary, opulent Copacabana Palace.
You can walk out the front door of your hotel, cross Avenida Atlantica onto Copacabana beach and enjoy.
Iguazu Falls: The mighty waterfalls of Iguazu are an unforgettable sight, a vivid portrayal of the gigantic forces of nature.
They can be viewed from both the Brazil side and the Argentina side.
Manaus, gateway to the Amazon: Manaus is a colonial city in the heart of the Amazon forest on the Rio Negro a few miles before it joins the Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River.
Today it is having regeneration as the gateway to the Amazon River Basin and Amazon rain forest. A few hours' boat ride takes you deep into the heart of the forest.
Ponta Negra Beach in the city center is good for beach activities.
Salvador da Bahia: The city is rich in colonial history and architecture, the center of Afro-Brazilian culture and home to the second-best Carnival.
