Fernando de Noronha Absolutely breathtaking! But bring your wallet!! Prices are 2-3x's what you see inland Brazil. Wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving at this Island. Very well preserved and cared for. There are many areas which were closed to the public the weekend we were visiting because the President was celebrating the new year there as well. Much of this island is Natural Preserves and has limited access to. We took a couple of dives with a local dive company and had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, did not get the opportunity to visit Bahia dos Golfinos, the cove where the famous "rotadores" dolphins reside. There are many buggies on the island, used as taxi's, but it cost $$ to take one anywhere.

Turtle Preservation [Projecto Tamar, IBAMA] At the beaches of Mucuri, we had the good fortune of having a turtle preserve right in front of our beach rental. We were able to witness and record the hatching and releasing of one of the nests located there. A very informed organization run by IBAMA, which a national organization for the preservation of wildlife, is dedicated to the education and preservation of many species of turtles who's nesting grounds are along these stretches of beach. Children are especially encouraged to participate and are each given the opportunity to release a baby turtle to run down the beach.

Black Mountains [Serra Negra] Serra Negra is part of a famous moutain range in the state of Minas Gerias. It's home to many farmers and some mining. Minas has many dairy farmers producing the milk necessary to create the famous Minas Cheese. The Pao de Queijo [Cheese Bread] is to die for!

Red Crown Reef [Cora Vermelha] This was one place I was extremely disappointed in. The couple who runs the operation are very friendly, but sadly uninformed. Most of this reef, which has a minimum 3 mile radius, is dead. It surrounds a speck of an island with a delightful lighthouse. Years of abuse from tourists, via walking on top of it, and unnatural collection of tropical fish has killed all but that on the very edges of the reef. I walked along with the rest of the group not knowing what I was walking on, assuming it was rock formation, until the tide receded and I was headed back to the island. It broke my heart to feel the coral breaking beneath my feet. Even when we arrived at the one small cove of live coral, our uninformed tour guide ran his hand along the side of the coral to demonstrate to me that it was alive (not any more). The red coral is very beautiful and I hope that there are other islands being better preserved than this one.

Brasilia This city was built to be the capital of Brazil. Relocated from it's original capital, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia is shaped like an airplane. Amazing architecture and very crisp clean feel. I loved it's church built into the ground with just the roof showing above ground.

Natural Springs There are a few natural springs on the outskirts of Brasilia where you can take a refreshing swim and/or drink from the natural springs running into the stone pool.

City of Black Gold [Ouro Preto] This is one of the many historical towns of Brazil. Cobblestone streets and tight alleys have a very European look and feel. This small town has over 20 historical churches. In colonial times, it's name was Vila Rica and was the capital of Brazil prior to Rio de Janeiro. Tourist attractions would include the abundance of cut precious stones and carved Soap Stone collectibles here. We had our lunch in a restaurant located in the basement of one of the stores on main street. It was an old slave dungeon converted to a restaurant.

Biribiri A very small unobtrusive little town. Not a tourist stop. This beautiful set of falls was set back many miles off of a back road.

Honey Island [Ilha do Mel] This wonderful day trip is off the coast of Brazil near Curitiba. We took a bus to the little town of Praia de Leste and spent the night. Then we took a transportation boat from the mainland to the island. The shore side is not very pretty (the side you disembark), but when you go through one of the many wooded paths to the other side, the ocean side is beautiful! The center of the island is wooded and full of little bungalows and mini-restaurants. An island made for relaxing on the beach and swimming.

Fortaleza This is one of three towns in northern Brazil. A wonderful trip in itself. Natal, Fortaleza and Recife are within driving (or bus ride) distance of one another. Northern Brazilians have their own unique culture and works of art. I found the clay pottery, embroidery and hammocks to be delightful! Much of what you find there is handmade by the local Brazilians and is less of a "touristy" area than the south of Brazil where most foreigners travel. You will still get approached and recognized as a foreigner. But for the most part, their interest is genuine and they appreciate the business you bring. I felt that there is fierce competition for your attention and dollars there. We were passed along as one would "recommend" another for your business. In all our traveling, the worst offenders of taking advantage of your lack of knowledge were the taxi drivers.