The most fascinating, easily accessible destination along the Rio Negro is the Arquipélago de Anavilhanas. The second-largest freshwater archipelago in the world, it boasts upwards of 400 islands. During the dry season, many of them are fringed with beautiful white sands beaches. If you don't mind sharing with flocks of wild birds, you'll have them completely to yourself. Should you want to go swimming, you'll very likely share the warm waters with schools of friendly pink dolphins.

Anavilhanas Islands In the Rio Negro, between Manaus and Novo Airão, are the Anavilhanas Islands, an archipelago of 400 islands and islets, with hundreds of lakes, watercourses, igapós and igarapés, extending for some 90km/55mi. The Anavilhanas Nature Reserve (area 350,000 hectares/875,000 acres) offers a complete cross-section of the Amazonian eco-system. When the river is high, between November and April, the islands are almost all flooded, with only around 180 of them emerging from the water. During this period they are populated by squirrel monkeys, night monkeys and sloths, by a variety of birds, including parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and herons, and by reptiles and amphibians (caimans, turtles, etc.). When the waters slowly recede the larger animals (jaguars, pumas, tapirs, deer) return. The islands re-emerge from the water, and with them the numerous channels between them - a labyrinth of waterways by no means easy to navigate.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge:

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a small and fashionable Jungle Hotel across from Anavilhanas National Park, on the margins of Rio Negro (Negro River) and 180 kilometers (112 miles) outside of Manaus. There you will find such diverse experiences as adventure, contemplation and knowledge in the heart of the Amazon Forest combined with distinguished service and comfort accommodations for our guests.

With 20 exclusive suites arranged in combined cottages or individual bungalows, the Lodge is nested amidst the forest as few can be.

All packages include transfer from Manaus to the Lodge, meals, tours and lodging.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is the only Hotel in Northern Brazil to be part of the Associação de Roteiros de Charme (Charm Itinerary Association), greatest authority in quality artisanal lodging for boutique hotels in Brazil, following the principles of low-impact intervention to conduct tourism activities responsibly and in harmony with the local community. We are also described as one of the most authentic and unique hotels in Brazil by National Geographic Traveler editors for 2011 Stay List.

Visiting the Amazon is a lifetime experience, out of which we carry memories of an exuberant and delicate nature. In our Lodge, these sensations are heightened by well-being and relaxation specially tailored for you.

Brol recommends Anavilhanas Lodge! It is a truly Amazon experience.

As the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, Salvador de Bahia witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures. It was also, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations. The city has managed to preserve many outstanding Renaissance buildings. A special feature of the old town are the brightly coloured houses, often decorated with fine stucco-work.

Salvador de Bahia is an eminent example of Renaissance urban town planning adapted to a colonial site by having an upper city of a defensive, administrative and residential nature which overlooks the lower city where commercial activities revolve around the port. The density of monuments makes it, along with Ouro Preto, the colonial city par excellence in the Brazilian Northeast. It is one of the major points of convergence of European, African and American Indian cultures in the 16th-18th centuries.

Salvador was the first historic capital of Brazil, since, as early as 1549, the Governor General, Thome de Souza, on the orders of João II of Portugal, made it the seat of the royal administration. It played a leading economic and political role until 1763, when the seat of administration was transferred to Rio de Janeiro. The upper city, located in the area of Bahia de Todos los Santos, was discovered in 1502 by Amerigo Vespucci, and has been preserved by its historical evolution. It was built upon a ridge parallel to the Atlantic coast, which made possible defence against Spanish (1580) and Dutch (1624) attacks.

To the north and north-east, the lower city and port have not retained their pristine character, whereas on the three other sides population growth, which has been particularly fast since 1966 owing to the industrial development of the region, has resulted in the historic city being enclosed by a very dense urban zone.

The historical centre itself, which revolves around the Pelourinho quarter with its triangular place, is characterized by its fidelity to the 16th-century plan, the density of its monuments, and the homogeneity of its construction on a hilly and picturesque site which embellishes the urban scenery by providing steeply falling and ascending views of incomparable beauty.

In addition to a number of major buildings of the 17th-18th centuries, such as the cathedral and the convents of St Francis, St Dominic, Carmel and St Anthony, Salvador also retains a host of 16th-century open spaces (Municipal Plaza, House of Mercy) and Baroque palaces (Archiepiscopal Palace, Saldanha Palace, Ferrão Palace, etc.).

There are also many streets which are characteristic of the colonial city, lined with bright multicoloured houses, which in some cases are decorated with high-quality stucco. Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC

Description of Maragogi by maragogionline

Maragogi is the gateway to a cluster of eight closely knit cities along the northern coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil called the Coral Coast or the "Costa dos Corais". Besides Maragogi, these towns include Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras, and São Miguel dos Milagres, Passo de Camaragibe and Barra de Santo Antonio. Maragogi's twenty-two kilometers of beaches are on a wide lagoon formed by a continuous tropical reef that stretches over 130 kilometers along Brazil's Northeast Coast between the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The region's never ending reefs are perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling either at the reef or just beyond. Many visitors prefer to wander along the reef (using appropriate footwear) or its pristine beaches looking for sea life or shells, admiring the coral formations, or to just relax marveling at the constantly changing color of the Caribbean-like, clear waters.

Background and History The Coral Coast region is still in the process of being "discovered" and developed. But, for centuries, this coast has been witness to the rich history of the competition for the conquest of the New World. In the region of Maragogi, battles between the Dutch and the Portuguese were fought in the early 16th century. Slightly inland from the coast some of the early sugar plantations produced the first local oligarchies and local legions such as Calabar, a local landholder who fought the Portuguese along side the Dutch in his quest for an independent Brazil. Later, the cultivation of coconuts would add to the commercial prominence of the region. Yet, its most important resource continues to be the natural beauty of its reefs and waters and the kilometers of hard packed sand that make its beaches so delightful to stroll and to shell.

Maragogi was initially a small village called Gamela. In 1887, it was granted the status of a Town and adopted the name of Isabel, to honor the Brazilian Princess who signed a law ending slavery in Brazil. Later on, in 1892, it was named Maragogi after the river that baths the city. "Maragogi", according to some historians, comes from "Marahub-gy", or river of the Marauba tribes. Today, its 344 square kilometers contain sugar cane and coconut plantations and a large number of plots dedicated to family agriculture

Maragogi Photo Album

Guajiru, here presented by PraiadeGuajiru.com

Praia do Guajiru is an idyllic beach nestled between Lagoinha to the south and Flexeiras to the north and about an hour and a half from Fortaleza to the south. Guajiru has been popular with wealthy families from Fortaleza for decades, a place they called home at weekends and during the holiday seasons. However in recent years, as the road infrastructure has improved, Guajiru is becomin recognised as a destination of choice for Brazilians from other regions of the coutnry as well as international visitors

You will regularly see jangadas paraded up and down the coast in locally organised races, when they are not out fishing for the catch of the day in the mornings. Crowds gather on the beaches to wave encouragement to the sailors and families that crew these small yet stable boats

Interspersed with the boats you will see windsurfers and kitesurfers "catching air" as they leap effortlessly from the wave tops thanks to the breezes which cool this area of northeast Brazil. Afterwards they gather in the local pousadas that are sprinkled along the shore and fervently discuss what went right or wrong over a bottle or two of their favourite beer and a plate of freshly caught fish.

If you are insearch of a dream destination where the beaches are mostly empty, where the locals treat you like guests instead of targets, then Pria do Guajiru is well worth considering. The cost of living is low compared to most European countries, infact life on the whole is relatively laidback - so be prepared. Howver it is is the spark of the Brazilians that catches the attention of most visitors and draw them back. The spontaneity of the dancing and singing, the smiles on the faces of the children and the relaxed attitude to pretty much everything and everyone. They are all contagious and once you leave you will wonder when will be the next time you get to indulge your freedom in such an exhilirating way. In fairness it will probably not be until you revisit this unique part of the world!

wannakitesurf??? click here

Guajiru Photo Album

At once both a cinematic cityscape and a grimy urban front line, Rio de Janeiro, known as the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), is nothing if not exhilarating. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. Tack on one of the sexiest populations on the planet and you have an intoxicating tropical cocktail that leaves visitors punch-drunk on paradise.

With the seductive sounds of samba as their rallying cry, Rio's residents, known as cariocas, have perfected the art of living well. From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the tops of scenic outlooks of Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar to the dance halls, bars and open-air cafes that proliferate the city, cariocas live for the moment without a care in the world. This idea of paradise has enchanted visitors for centuries, and there are dozens of ways to be seduced. You can surf great breaks off Prainha, hike through Tijuca's rainforests, sail across Guanabára, dance the night away in Lapa or just people-watch on Ipanema Beach.

While Rio has its share of serious problems, there are plenty of residents – expats included – who wouldn't dream of relocating. It's no coincidence Christo himself sits arms outstretched across the city, either

For more on Rio de Janeiro:

Check on this article about Rio de Janeiro published by the Washington Times. The author explains how Rio has been an impact for the today's world. Rio is not only a city to marvel at, but also a city that carries responsibilities such as being official host for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. The short article holds much more, so check it out and express your opinion going to their web site:

washingtontimes.com.

Read what maria-brazil.org. has to say about Rio.

Do you know the meaning for the word "Carioca"? Find it at thefreedictionary.com.

Fernando de Noronha description based on a work at Wikitravel.org & Traveldudes.org that can be found at:

Traveldudes.org.

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in Brazil and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Its pristine beaches, landscapes and wildlife attract tourists worldwide.

The archipelago has never been linked to the mainland. Geologically, it is the tip of a submarine volcanic formation which rises out of the deep seabed and consists of one main island and several rocks and islets. The rocks form many natural aquaria and the underwater life is diverse. Because the reefs of the South Atlantic are isolated from the Caribbean by the outflow of the Orinoco and Amazon rivers, the reef communities are very different with many endemic species.

Bathed by currents coming from Africa the waters around the islands are very clear with very good visibility even at 50 meters and have great year-round warm temperatures. Of course, you can also see the large "global" species such as manta rays, sharks, moray eels, goliath groupers, sea turtles and dolphins.

The island is also home to one of the largest sea bird breeding colonies in the South Atlantic.

Discovered by Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512), Italian merchant and cartographer in 1503, the archipelago is 4 degrees south of the Equator, around 200 miles off the northeastern coast of Brazil, north east to the city of Natal.

During its 500 years history, Fernando de Noronha has been temporarily occupied by the Dutch (17th century), French (18th century) before Portugal established dominion in 1737. They built an extensive defense system of 10 forts. The largest and best conserved fortress is Nossa Senhora dos Remédios de Fernando de Noronha.

The island also served as a prison and a US Army base. Today the population is around 3,500 and the main industry is tourism.

As an unique ecological sanctuary, Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a large part of the area is a National Marine Park. And it has the most wonderful beaches. Three (Sancho, Porcos and Leão) regularly feature in Brazil's top beaches list.

Being a small island with limited water resources and a fragile ecosystem, there is a maximum number of 460 visitors allowed on the island. Visitors also pay an Environmental Preservation Tax that increases progressively with the length of the visit.

The relative isolation from the mainland, the limits on visitors and the preservation make Fernando de Noronha an expensive destination. But the "happy few" will be well rewarded by the delights of this island paradise and its fascinating underwater world.

Links for more on Fernando de Noronha:

Information About Noronha From the Pernambuco Government.

Fernando de Noronha seen according to maria-brazil.org.

Beautiful Pics from Noronha by brol.com.