The Amazon Rainforest is one of those destinations which should be on everyone’s bucket list. Nothing compares to seeing the sun rise over the canopy of the rainforest and hearing the forest come to life as dawn breaks. Above all, going to the rainforest offers a unique opportunity to go somewhere where nature still rules and lives freely in the wild. There are two ways to access the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, either through the more well-known routing of Manaus in the North or through the lesser known, but more easily accessible route of Mato Grosso in the South.

An hour’s flight and an hour’s drive from Salvador, on Bahia’s southern coastline, the old fishing village of Trancoso is fast becoming one of the most chic beach holiday destinations in Brazil. Despite its popularity and status, the village has managed to retain its laid-back way of life and simple charms. Those who go to Trancoso will find themselves relaxing into the slow pace of life, where a few days can very easily be spent just moving back and forth between the beach and the grassy central square of the ‘Quadrado’.

There are plenty of beach getaways around Rio which are perfect for unwinding after a busy couple of days exploring the sights and sounds of the city. Picturesque resorts and sandy beaches lead into shallow turquoise waters filled with colourful fish and wooden fishing boats, providing a tranquil getaway only a couple of hours drive from the outskirts of Rio. From the glamorous resort town of Búzios to the north, to the charming town of Paraty, to the south of Rio, there is an option to suit every taste.