• Insider advice on avoiding the crowds as you explore some of Brazil''s greatest gems, from Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio to the best jungle lodges in the Amazon to the majestic waterfalls at Iguacu. Plus tips for navigating the country''s lovely but less-traveled corners, from the wild Pantanal wetlands to the historic gold rush cities of Minas Gerais state.
• Where to find the absolute best beaches, the most extravagant rodizios (all-you-can-eat meat affairs), and the hottest nightlife that Brazil has to offer. Plus lots of tips on how and where to spot wildlife.
• Helpful information on everything you''ll need to know to celebrate Carnaval in Rio.
• Opinionated write-ups. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. Our expert writers are passionate about their destinations--they tell it like it is in an engaging and helpful way.
• Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity--no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of hotels and restaurants. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people.
• All Complete guides offer user-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to point readers to great finds, excellent values, insider tips, best bets for kids, special moments, and overrated experiences.

Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture in the city of Recife, in northeast Brazil. See chapter 9.

• Easy-to-read maps throughout

• Exact prices, directions, opening hours,and other practical information

• Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants,plus sights, shopping, and nightlife

• Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas

• Insider tips from local expert authors

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A native of California, Shawn Blore has lived and worked in a half dozen countries and traveled in at least 60 more (but who's counting). Long a resident of Vancouver, Shawn has in recent years made his home in Rio de Janeiro. He is an award-winning journalist and author of Vancouver: Secrets of the City.

Alexandra de Vries is a freelance writer and translator. Born in Amsterdam to a Dutch father and Brazilian mother, Alexandra made her first trip to Brazil at the ripe old age of 1 month. Throughout the years, Alexandra has returned many more times to travel, explore, and live in this amazing country. Alexandra wrote the Frommer's Rio de Janeiro Day by Day guide and has translated books and articles on Brazilian icons such as Oscar Niemeyer, Burle Marx, Vinicius de Moraes, and Chico Buarque.