As host of the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, the whole world will want to visit Brazil soon, so make sure you beat them to it.

This beautiful country is home to equally beautiful people, famous for their love of football and samba

This beautiful country is home to equally beautiful people, famous for their love of football and samba.

Brazil boasts the mighty Amazon River, the irrepressible party city of Rio de Janeiro, the world’s greatest carnival and some of the most stunning beaches on earth.

Thankfully, the energetic Brazilians are happy to share their magnetic homeland with the rest of us.

This gigantic country of mythical proportions was settled in the 1500s by the Portuguese, who imported slaves from Africa.

The Brazilians successfully fought for their independence in the 1820s, and today the country has an enchanting mix of European, African and indigenous influences.

Perhaps no other destination in Brazil is more legendary than Rio de Janeiro, known for its samba, carnival and dazzling beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema.

But this former colonial city also boasts historic architecture, incredible natural scenery and iconic sights, such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Off the coast of Rio is the pristine Ilha Grande, famous for its largely unspoilt beaches.

One of the best places to admire colonial buildings is Paraty, a charming town on the shores of the Costa Verde in Rio de Janeiro state.

Southwest of Rio, you will find the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, more than 275 cascades plunging down verdant cliffs.

The falls are shared with Argentina, but Brazil’s side is the most stunning.

Walk through Iguazu National Park, the sprawling rainforest thick with exotic vegetation, spotting wildlife such as macaws and monkeys.

Adventure seekers will find plenty of it in Brazil’s bountiful Amazon rainforest, shared with Peru.

Beyond the fascinating wildlife, Amazonian tribes can still be found living much the same way as they have done for centuries.

But the Amazonas region also boasts more modern attractions, including the bustling riverside city of Manaus.

And if your adventure lust is still not satisfied, visit the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetland areas.

Brazil highlights

• Spot colourful and curious birds on the plains of the Pantanal.
• Experience the mighty power and majestic beauty of Iguazu Falls.
• Walk the historic, cobblestone streets of Paraty.
• See exotic wildlife on an epic ferry journey down the Amazon.
• Marvel at modern architecture in the capital Brasilia, purposely built in the 1950s.
• Relax by the riverfront in Manaus.
• Swim, snorkel and relax on a scenic boat trip on the Bay of Paraty.
• See the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio.
• Be dazzled by the vibrant costumes of Rio’s carnival.
• Soak up the sun on Ilha Grande’s unspoilt beaches.
• Enjoy a cable-car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain.
• Live it up on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio.

What are you waiting for?

ROCS Travel will once again lead an unforgettable trip to South America in December.

Join ROCS Travel’s Maurice Gruppetta for a 17-day holiday of a lifetime. From December 1-17, Gruppetta will be escorting a group on a superb Taste of South America journey.

Combine colossal glaciers, mighty waterfalls and wide-open plains with sensuous tango, tantalising wine-tasting and a dash of European flair in Argentina.

Travel to Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, a modern metropolis buzzing with energy and European panache. Stroll through the historic San Telmo and fashion-forward Palermo neighbourhoods and get lost in the fascinating Recoleta Cemetery, Eva Peron’s final resting place.

Discover first hand the beauty and grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive natural wonder famous for its easy access, continuous advance and the loud loosening of huge icebergs.

The tour then heads to Brazil, where guests will experience many of the highlights mentioned, including Rio de Janeiro and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls.

Prices for the full 17-day tour, inclusive of flights, four-star accommodation throughout, transfers, excursions as per brochure and passenger taxes, start from €3,699 per person.

For more information, call ROCS Travel on 2015 1515, visit www.rocsholidays.com or e-mail travel@rocsgrp.com.