Discover Brazil

The largest country on the continent and the fifth-biggest in the world, Brazil borders all but two nations in South America and has the cultural, geographical, and ecological diversity to match its size. Highlights range from the amazing Amazon rainforest to the panoramic Pantanal wetlands, from world-class beaches to the world’s largest set of waterfalls, Iguaçu Falls.

There is only one thing that can compete with Brazil’s natural variety and splendor—and that is the nation’s rich, diverse, and exotic culture. Brazil is the only country in Latin America to be colonized by the Portuguese, who supplied the nation’s principal language and religion. But significant African, indigenous, European, and Asian influences truly gave the country a flavor all its own. The result is an enchanting and soulful mixture of people, foods, music, and traditions to be found virtually nowhere else on Earth.

Revel in Rio de Janeiro

With white sandy beaches in one direction, lush green mountains in another, and the famous Christ Redeemer statue perched above it all, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular cities in the world. And that’s just the view! Discover why Rio is the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (The Marvelous City) as you meet friendly locals, kick back in the relaxed atmosphere, and samba in the sultry tropical air. “Cariocas” (Rio natives) are famous for their hospitality, openness, and warmth. You won’t have any trouble meeting them—just head to the beach or look in a nightclub where you’ll find them dancing the night away!

Despite a hefty (and well-deserved) reputation for wild nightlife, endless parties, and Carnival carousing, there is more to Rio than the party scene. Headquarters to some of Brazil’s largest companies, Rio de Janeiro is a hub of national and international business and economy. This cosmopolitan city also offers a wide variety of historic and cultural sites, museums, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions. With beautiful beaches, a friendly populace, and an array of cultural offerings, Rio provides an unforgettable backdrop for learning Portuguese in Brazil.

Top 7 Reasons to Visit Rio de Janeiro

• Christ Redeemer Statue
  Hovering high above the city, one of the official “New Seven Wonders of the World” also offers the most heavenly view.
• Carnival
  Besides offering one of the world’s biggest spectacles in Rio’s Sambadrome—the world’s best party also brings thousands of revelers into Rio’s streets every night, all across the city.
• Tropical Exuberance
  “Floresta da Tijuca”, the Tijuca Forest, is the biggest urban tropical forest in the world and gives Rio its incomparable landscape.
• Amazing Sunset at Ipanema Beach
  People swarm the beaches during the summer evenings to watch the most beautiful sunset in the world.
• Samba at Lapa
  This traditional area in downtown Rio has been renovated and now has more than 30 bars playing live Samba music every night.
• The “Holy Temple” of Football
  The Maracanã Stadium holds the most important matches in Brazil, and is one of the biggest football (soccer) stadiums in the world.
• New Year Festival
  Join massive crowds, all dressed in white, to ring in the New Year at Copacabana Beach.