Brazil: History and Heritage
History of Brazil
The earliest inhabitants of Brazil are believed to be semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, but the history of Brazil properly begins at 1500 AD, when the Portuguese reached the land. After the rise and fall of many a government, today, Brazil is quickly emerging as a Latin American powerhouse.
Colonial history of Brazil
In the 17th century, African slaves were brought over by the thousands to work in Brazil’s sugarcane plantations and, even before the end of slavery, they had become an integral part of society. In the early 18th century, gold was discovered in the highlands, much to Portugal’s delight. The capital was moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1763. The country also became an important coffee producer.
In 1808, Napoleon invaded Portugal forcing the court and king to flee to Rio de Janeiro, from where the Portuguese empire was ruled remotely for the next decade. The king left his eldest son Pedro, as the regent of Brazil when he returned to Portugal, who in turn created an independent monarchy, naming himself Emperor Pedro I of Brazil, just a year later. In 1870, Brazil, along with Argentina and Uruguay, won the War of the Triple Alliance against Paraguay – the bloodiest war in South American history.
Democratic Brazil
After 1889, when Brazil became a constitutional democracy, many governments rose and fell, and the country saw much unrest. The capital was moved from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in the 1950s, where it remains today. After 1964, Brazil witnessed military dictatorship for two decades until democracy was restored, although hyperinflation and currency devaluation plagued the country. In recent years, Brazil has experienced an economic boom despite some political scandals.
Your luxury Brazil tour is a great way to explore this powerhouse of Latin America!
From the Blog
Popular Trips to Brazil
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Brazil's Costa Verde: Paraty & Ilha Grande
Discover Brazil’s lush green coast, the Costa Verde, on this customizable vacation. Your journey begins in Brazil’s capital, Rio de Janeiro. Explore Tijuca National Park high above Rio and marvel at the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovad Mountain. At your next destination, Paraty, visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town and learn how Cachaça, a popular…
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Brazil: Treasures of the Amazon
If you want to truly experience the best of what the fabulous Amazon region has to offer, this is the tour for you. Enjoy canoe rides and guided hikes around the Mamiraua Reserve to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys and uakaris. Go on an excursion to look for river dolphins and caimans at Mamiraua…
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Brazil: Pantanal & Amazon
This is the perfect tour for nature and wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the rich biodiversity of the world’s largest rainforest and the world’s largest wetland. Explore the assorted charms of Rio de Janeiro before heading into the Pantanal region. Enjoy guided hikes and canoe rides around the wetlands to learn about the local…
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Brazil: Amazonas, Iguazu and Bahia
Discover untamed nature, wildlife and authentic local culture on this 15-day luxury Brazil vacation. Travel straight from one stunning highlight to another – from the buzzing beaches of Rio to the thundering Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon rainforest. Afterward, spend days exploring the vibrant Bahia region with its rich culture, colonial heritage and delicious Afro-Brazilian…
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Colonial Brazil and Fernando de Noronha
From a rich contemporary art and culture scene to colonial towns and the Gold rush, vibrant markets, museums and Portuguese and Dutch history, discover the heritage of Brazil on this tour. End your vacation on the sunny beaches and pristine islands of Fernando de Noronha, one of the most important ecological sanctuaries in the world!
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Brazil's Big Cities, Nature and Beach
From the cosmopolitan centers of Rio and Sao Paolo, this Brazil vacation takes you into the heart of the country’s incredible natural wonders – the roaring Iguazu Falls and the bio-diverse Pantanal. End your strip sunbathing on pristine beaches at Bahia’s beautiful Discovery Coast.
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Brazil Travel Guide
ViewCulture
Football fever to the famous Brazil Carnival, the historic rivalry between Sao Paolo and Rio’s people, to the pulsating beats of samba and capoeira dance, discover Brazil’s colorful and vibrant culture.
Cuisine
The food of Brazil includes many delicious dishes imbued with tropical flavors and inspired by bounteous nature and the colorful culture of Brazil. From Brazilian coffee to fresh juices and smoothies, eat your way through the country!
Things To Do
Beaches, waterfalls, rainforest and samba – Brazil is brimming with treasures big and small! Our destination experts shed some light on the best loved highlights, attractions and activities to plan for Brazil holidays.
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