Where to go for your winter adventure
Whether you wish to embrace the season or escape it, these destinations guarantee an unforgettable winter journey. Contemplating a winter holiday? Then
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Astonishingly beautiful, vibrant, and with a magical backdrop, Rio de Janeiro is home to legendary beaches, tropical forest, samba, football, unrivalled carnival parades and lively residents. To the north lies the former fishing village of Buzios, a sophisticated and relaxed resort on a peninsula surrounded by golden beaches and turquoise waters. To the south, the ‘green coast’ is set against a backdrop of lush tropical mountains and sprinkled with beautiful sandy beaches, charming little towns and tropical islands. Inland, among the Atlantic rainforest, rolling mountains and tranquil countryside, peaceful stops can be arranged at historic coffee farms.
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Buzios is situated just two and a half hours' drive from Rio, on a peninsula with more than 20 golden sand beaches and surrounded by turquoise waters. The town has kept its original fishing-village charm and is a sophisticated and relaxed resort with numerous restaurants and lively bars. The beautiful coastline can be explored on a boat trip with stops at various tranquil beaches and nearby islands
Ilha Grande is the largest of the 365 or so islands that lie off the coast of Angra dos Reis, some 165km to the south of Rio de Janeiro. This undeveloped island, much of which is protected within the boundaries of the Ilha Grande state park, is covered with lush tropical forest and features beautiful beaches, hidden coves and hiking trails. This laid-back destination is still untouched by mainstream tourism and the atmosphere remains relaxed. There are no paved roads or vehicles and the small villages are accessed by boat or a network of trails
The small coastal village of Paraty is a virtual museum within a tropical paradise. Located 246 kilometres sout-east of Rio, it possesses a fine collection of classical 18th-century Portuguese colonial buildings. In the early 1700s Paraty was a major gold shipping port. Most of the gold from the inland province of Minas Gerais was painstainkingly transported over mountains to Paraty and then shipped to Portugal. However, the construction of an alternative road linking Minas Gerais to the Atlantic coast meant the town quickly went into decline. Today, its major attractions remain the classical architectural setting, the surrounding Atlantic forest and the spectacular beaches nearby. Car traffic is forbidden inside the historic city in order to preserve the tranquil ambience.
Brazilians call Rio de Janeiro 'cidade maravilhosa', meaning 'the marvellous city', and it is not difficult to see why, with its stunning panorama of beaches, jungles and bays set against a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains. The French were the first to settle here in 1555. Rio then came under Portuguese control in the early 18th century. It was declared capital of the Republic of Brazil in 1834, a title it retained until the establishment of Brasilia in 1960. As well as the famous landmarks of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, Rio offers a wealth of other attractions. In the old centre, historic alleys and colonial buildings coexist with neoclassical and modern architecture, revealing intriguing stories from Rio's past. An old tram still runs along the former aqueduct to the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, full of century-old mansions and artistic studios, while the sweeping beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and the famous Copacabana are perfect for relaxing. Brazilian culture can be experienced in various forms, from tourist shows with colourful Afro-Brazilian dancers to accompanied visits to local music venues such as the Rio Scenarium. The annual carnival in Rio is a riot of music, dance and colour, unrivalled outside Brazil. Watch the carnival parade at the purpose-built Sambodrome, where thousands of dancers compete, and witness a dazzling spectacle of thundering drums, dancing beauties, spectacular floats and elaborate costumes
São Luiz do Paraitinga is a small historical town in the Paraíba valley in the state of São Paulo. Once one of the 'imperial cities', it features colonial architecture in its historic centre and is now a national heritage site
Whether you wish to embrace the season or escape it, these destinations guarantee an unforgettable winter journey. Contemplating a winter holiday? Then
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