Everything in Brazil seems larger than life. It has the world's wildest party, greatest waterfall, biggest wetlands, mightiest river and largest rain forest, as well as one of the most unique and diverse cultures on the planet. For travelers, Brazil's sheer size and variety can be overwhelming.

Brazil's problems—poverty, crime, environmental recklessness—can seem larger than life, too. Although it is one of the industrial powerhouses of South America, Brazil has trouble feeding all its people. Deforestation of the Amazon basin proceeds at an ominous rate. But in fits and starts, the country is taking on some of its seemingly insoluble problems. Most noticeably, improvement is being made in the dangerous crime situation in Rio de Janeiro: A special branch of "tourist police" now keeps tourist sites—particularly the beaches of Zona Sul—relatively safe.

We recommend that you try to venture beyond the thousands of miles/kilometers of beach to explore Brazil's other remarkable attractions: the traditional Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador, the colonial towns of Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Sao Luis, Paraty and Olinda or the wetlands of the Pantanal, one of the best places to see wildlife in South America. Rio might draw you to Brazil the first time, but the country's unexplored corners and breadth of attractions will make you want to go back.

Itineraries will vary, depending on your arrival point. If you plan on seeing a lot of the country at one go, we suggest you begin in Manaus—saving Rio de Janeiro for later will make that city seem all the fresher when compared with other parts of the country. An increasing number of quality hotels and bed-and-breakfasts (known as pousadas) are springing up all over the country, including—because of an increasing trend in ecotourism—on deserted beaches and in isolated patches of jungle. Unless you really get off the beaten track, you're likely to find accommodations in line with your standards and pocketbook.

The following is a bare-bones itinerary for first-time visitors to Brazil:
Day 1—Arrive in Rio or Sao Paulo. Fly to Manaus and tour the city.
Day 2—Day trip on the Amazon River.
Day 3—Fly to Salvador, afternoon city tour.
Day 4—Salvador.
Day 5—Morning flight to Brasilia, city tour, then evening flight to Rio.
Days 6 and 7—Rio.
Day 8—Fly to Sao Paulo.
Day 9—Sao Paulo. Evening flight to Iguacu Falls.
Day 10—Iguacu Falls.
Day 11—Morning flight to Rio or Sao Paulo and depart Brazil.

If you have more time, consider taking the coastal road from Rio to Santos. It will take one day if you drive straight through, but if time permits allow an overnight along the way so you have time to stop at beaches as you go: Ilha Grande and the colonial town of Paraty are particularly beautiful. Other alternatives are to spend time in the Pantanal or visit the wild beaches surrounding Florianopolis, capital of the southern state of Santa Catarina. You can also add on trips to the historic cities of Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and Diamantina are particularly charming and well-preserved) or to Recife and Olinda (Pernambuco).

Remember: Brazil is a large country. Traveling from one region to another is time-consuming and costly. Many tourists decide to tackle the country one region at a time: the south (including Iguacu Falls and Florianopolis), the southeast (Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto and other historic cities of Minas Gerais, Paraty and Sao Paulo), the northeast (Bahia, beaches), the center-west (including Brasilia and the Pantanal) and the north (the Amazon). This approach often leads to less stress and less time spent in airports.
Passport/Visa Requirements: Passport, visa, proof of onward passage and sufficient funds are required of citizens of Canada and the U.S. Passports must be valid for six months after date of arrival. A child younger than age 18 who travels alone or with one parent or a third party must have written authorization from the absent parent or legal guardian for each visit. This must be notarized, translated into Portuguese and authenticated by a Brazilian embassy or consulate.

Facts before traveling
All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.

Population: 190,010,647.
Languages: Portuguese..
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), Animist..
Time Zone: 2-5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-2 through -5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed in eastern Brazil.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts, except in Brasilia and some regions of the north, where it's 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 55, country code; 21,city code for Rio de Janeiro; 11,city code for Sao Paulo;