A mini backpackers guide to Brazil

White sandy beaches surrounded by coconut trees, green mountainous regions full of nature, overpowering waterfalls disappearing into their mist, is all only a fraction of what the largest country in South America has to offer. Most people's adventures in Brazil never leave one city; others can lead far into the world's largest rainforest. Add that to the energetic, welcoming Brazilian people who fill this amazing country and you have a recipe for an overwhelming land of beauty.

Recife

This `Venice of Brazil`, named after its many canals and bridges, is the Northeast's third largest city. Apart from the wide beaches, Recife provides excellent restaurants, good nightlife and a basis to enjoy the surrounding beautiful areas. Casa da Cultura de Recife is a renovated prison, now standing home to many craft and souvenir shops in the old cells. Definitely worth a visit to see many traditional arts that Recife is famous for, including dance and music shows often performed outside the building. Take a walk round Recife Antigo (Old Recife), which is full of beautiful buildings restored into bars, cafes and restaurants. Great to visit in the evening as it provides a relaxing atmosphere and occasional live music.

Olinda

This beautiful colonial city stands on a hill overlooking Recife and the Atlantic. Easily visited on foot, Olinda is home to several churches, art galleries, craft and souvenir shops and glorious views. Spend one or two days here just simply walking around the historical churches, originally constructed in the 16 th Century. To enjoy the superb views of Olinda and Recife, climb up to Alto de Sé (Cathedral Heights). The church here, Igreja da Sé (1537) is open 8am 12 and 2- 5pm everyday. Go into the church and out the doors at the back to receive a fantastic view of the lush green of Olinda and the bright blues of the Atlantic. Olinda provides fantastic carnavals, which are highly recommended.

Salvador

This Afro-Brazilian city is known for its vibrant African culture. Central Salvador is home to both a lower and upper city, connected by the unique Lacerda Elevator. To see the oldest architecture, visit the district of Pelourinho in the upper city. Here you will find cobbled streets filled with churches, museums, shops and restaurants. You will more than likely see Capoeira, an African martial arts dance being performed by the local people. Take the famous elevator into the lower city to be met by the Mercado Modelo, filled with souvenir stalls.

Salvador is full of beautiful beaches but head north where you will find plenty of deserted ones like Arembepe. This was a very popular beach in the 1960s, enjoyed by famous people such as Mick Jagger.

Rio de Janeiro

To fully appreciate this celebrated city in its beautiful setting, try to spend at least one week here. Known for its famous beaches, football and endless parties, Rio de Janeiro is a definite visit in Brazil. Whether it's feeling the rush of a samba school, or simply relaxing on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, it's a city for everyone.

Take a trip to the top of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) for sunset on a clear day. The views of Rio are spectacular and to watch the lights of this city dazzling at night is simply breathtaking. Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) standing on top of Corcovado mountain, deserves a visit to marvel at the statue and to enjoy the views of Rio. At night, Christ is lit up and is seen from all over the city. A tour of the largest favela (shantytown) in Rio is highly recommended, as is staying for their carnaval, one crazy and everlasting party.

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