Every guide to Brasil must include a section about the beaches. I stayed for two weeks in the north west. This beach is in a resort close to Salvador, that is called Sao Paulo de Morro. It takes two ferries and a bus journey to get to Morro from Salvador, though this travel time is well worth it. The beaches are wonderful and the place is idyllic.

This is the the main section of the church of San Francisco, seen from the square. In the foreground is a traditionally dressed Bahian woman. They inhabit the area of Pelourinho for the tourists. There are also shows of the Bahian martial arts dance of capoeira in this area, which is vital and arresting, and practiced throughout Bahia. The streets of this zone are also the place to catch the nightlife of Bahia. There are many small bars, stages with live music and venues where tourists and Bahians freely mingle.

I took this picture on my three day stay in the Amazon forest close to Manaus. If you look closely you should be able to make out a man in the middle of the foliage. He was a local guide who had just climbed the tree using the native technique of making fibers from palm shoots. On the walk in the jungle the guides demonstrate the variety of trees, and the products that are available from the trees. For example, the 'chiclet' tree which provides the basis for chiclets! You can also see tarantulas, monkeys, big ants, alligators and parrots.