Brasil: Travesía Tropical

About the destination: Rio de Janeiro, often simply referred to as Rio, is a municipality in Brazil and the capital of the state with the same name, situated in the Southeast region of the country. It is the most popular international tourist destination in Brazil, Latin America, and the entire Southern Hemisphere. Rio de Janeiro is the most recognized Brazilian city overseas, serving as a national "mirror" or "portrait," whether positively or negatively. It is the second-largest metropolis in Brazil, following São Paulo, and the sixth-largest in America. The city is often referred to as The Marvelous City, and those born there are known as cariocas. A portion of the city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the country's primary economic, cultural, and financial hubs, internationally renowned for several cultural and scenic landmarks, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Hill with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the beaches of the Copacabana, Ipanema, and Barra da Tijuca neighborhoods, Maracanã Stadium, the bohemian Lapa neighborhood, the Tijuca and Pedra Branca forests, Paquetá Island, Copacabana's New Year's Eve celebration, the Rio Carnival, Bossa Nova, and samba. Rio was the capital of Brazil, from the Portuguese colonial period until 1960, when the government's office was relocated to the newly constructed Brasilia. Welcome to this marvelous city, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

About the destination: São Paulo is a place of stark contrasts, a melting pot of both cultural and ethnic diversities. This captivating metropolis is Brazil's financial powerhouse and the largest city in South America, boasting an impressive nightlife, top-tier gastronomy, theaters, shops, and everything else you can think of. This expansive, modern city is home to art galleries, affluent and impressive museums, world-class music venues, and the country's finest restaurants. As you walk down Avenida Paulista, São Paulo's financial hub, you'll encounter numerous modern structures, as well as Art Nouveau and Art Deco mansions, and some of the city's primary cultural attractions like Casa das Rosas, Trianon Park, and the São Paulo Art Museum. Not far from here, you'll find Praça da Sé, the city's heart. The Sé Cathedral towers over this stunning square. Other notable landmarks in São Paulo's city center include the Pátio do Colégio, the site where the city was founded, the São Bento Monastery, the Banespa Building, the Martinelli Building (Brazil's first skyscraper), the Itália Building, the Viaduct do Chá, the Municipal Theater, the Sala São Paulo concert hall, the Luz Train Station, and the Municipal Market. While the city is dotted with numerous breathtaking parks, the Ibirapuera Park stands out as the city's most renowned, hosting several museums, monuments, and cultural activities. São Paulo is cosmopolitan and teeming with life, offering a sea of possibilities.

About the destination: Salvador, situated on the Todos os Santos Bay, is the capital of Bahia state in Brazil. It was the first capital of Brazil, and its historical significance is evident in the city's Historic Quarter. Salvador is a lively, vibrant, and beautiful colonial city with numerous attractions and a unique allure. Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Salvador's captivating Old Town that provides a peek into the city's early history. Here, you can explore the site of the former slave market and pillory, baroque-style churches, and colonial architecture. The Lighthouse of Barra, a relic from the colonial era, is one of approximately 15 forts scattered throughout the city. Salvador is Brazil's vibrant and historical hub of Afro-Brazilian culture, with African influences evident in its cuisine, music, and religious customs. The city is dotted with numerous terreiros, or temples of the widely practiced African-originated religion, Candomblé. Most terreiros welcome visitors to their ceremonies. The best of Salvador is experienced in its everyday life - strolling on the beach, enjoying its delectable cuisine, admiring the sunset, and immersing in its unique culture. Salvador has a way of captivating you and not letting go, so visit at your own discretion.