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Brazil is a truly vast country.
It borders all but 2 of the countries in South America and has a
variety and diversity of wildlife which is unequalled almost anywhere
else in the world. Originally a Portuguese colony, modern day Brazil
has a very clear national identity and is now famed for its flamboyant
carnivals, glorious sandy beaches and of course abundant wildlife.
Ask most people about Brazil and the first thing they think of is
the Amazon River . This mighty river cuts its way through great
swathes of primary rainforest and is home to literally 1000's of
species of birds and mammals. Travel south and you swap the dense
jungle for the open flood plains of the Pantanal where you find
Greater Anteater, Anaconda and a plethora of colourful birds. To
the south are the amazing Iguazu Falls - if that is not enough there
is always the option of relaxing on a long sandy beach with just
a few dolphins for company!
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Most of the country is within
the tropical zone, more than 60 percent of the population live in
areas where altitude, sea winds, or cold polar fronts moderate the
temperature. There are five climatic regions in Brazil: equatorial,
tropical, semi arid, highland tropical, and subtropical. Environment
in Brazil is hot and humid during the whole year and it is divided
into two seasons - summer and winter. It is considered to be summer
between July and November, when it rains less and it is hotter.
During winter it rains more and the water level in rivers and the
landscape increase. The flooded land reaches the highest levels
between March and April and the lowest between August and October.
The temperature varies between 20° and 30°C in average during
the year, and the relative humidity vary between 80% and 90%. Amazon
Jungle is very large. The basin of the Amazon River is the largest
in the world. To see the Amazon Jungle we flew into Manaus, Brazil
which is located in the Southern Hemisphere three degrees south
of the equator. It is on the Negro River about ten miles (16 km)
up river from where the Negro and Amazon Rivers meet. You might
have heard of Manaus because of its famous nineteenth century opera
house.The Negro River is one of the most important tributaries of
the Amazon River. Our ultimate destination was a special tree top
hotel located about thirty-five miles (56 km) up the river form
Manaus. This is near the Anavilhanas Archipelago which consists
of 380 islands and is the largest fresh water archipelago in the
world. Because the waters have high acidity there are no mosquitoes
in the surrounding area, which makes it very nice for area tours.
The Amazon fauna includes 250 types of mammals, 1,500 species of
fish, and 1800 species of birds. There are exotic flora.
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» IGUASSU FALLS
Iguassu Falls , Iguassu are the widest in the world, There are a
total of 275 falls, forming a gigantic semi-circle 8,100 feet long,
with millions of gallons of thundering water plunging to depths
250 feet below. The semi-circular falls bring together both the
Iguassu and Parana Rivers, as well as Brazil and Argentina. Argentina
claims the majority of the falls on her territory. However, the
view from the Brazilian side is far superior. The infinite wonders
of Iguassu cannot be described in words. The falls are surrounded
by a National Park containing the world's largest pluvial forest,
home to 12 species of amphibians, 18 species of fish, 40 species
of mammals, including the jaguar, ocelot, capybara and giant river
otter, 60 different reptiles, 340 bird species, and 700 unique species
of fluttering butterflies! Many of these species can be discovered
in the Bird Park and on excursions within the park, such as the
Macuco Safari where you will be led on a short hike and a ride nearly
under the falls in a small boat. To alter your point of reference,
helicopter rides are another exciting option. The Iguassu National
Park was awarded World Natural Heritage status by UNESCO in 1986.
A new project is currently being developed by the park administration
which will facilitate adventure sports such as hiking, rafting,
canyoning, canoeing, boia-cross, and camping. Adding to the magic,
brilliant rainbows often frame the falls.
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