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Manaus, Brazil
Gateway to the Amazon rainforest — book a jungle lodge for at least 2 nights to spot wildlife and explore the river. Don't miss the stunning Teatro Amazonas opera house in the city center. Try tacacá soup and fresh açaí at the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa.
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Belém, Brazil
Belém is the culinary capital of the Amazon, famous for dishes like maniçoba and pato no tucupi. Explore the Ver-o-Peso market, one of the largest open-air markets in Latin America. The historic Cidade Velha neighborhood is full of colonial architecture worth wandering.
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São Luís, Brazil
São Luís boasts a UNESCO-listed historic center covered in colorful Portuguese azulejo tiles. It's the birthplace of bumba-meu-boi, a vibrant Afro-Brazilian festival tradition. Use it as a base to visit the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses dunes nearby.
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Jericoacoara, Brazil
Jeri is a laid-back beach village nestled among dramatic sand dunes on Brazil's northeast coast. Watch the sunset from the iconic sunset dune (Duna do Pôr do Sol) with a caipirinha in hand. The lagoons nearby are perfect for kite surfing and swimming.
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Fortaleza, Brazil
Fortaleza is a buzzing coastal city known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches like Praia do Futuro. The Mercado Central is great for picking up local crafts, hammocks, and cachaca. It's also a major transit hub for exploring the northeast coast.
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Recife, Brazil
Known as the Venice of Brazil for its many bridges and waterways, Recife has a vibrant cultural scene rooted in frevo and maracatu music. The colorful neighboring town of Olinda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just a short trip away. Try fresh seafood at the Mercado de São José.
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Salvador, Brazil
Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, with the Pelourinho historic district filled with baroque churches and colorful houses. Catch a live capoeira performance and feast on acarajé from street vendors. The city's energy is infectious, especially during its legendary Carnaval.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is unmissable — hike up to Christ the Redeemer, ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, and relax on Copacabana or Ipanema beach. The Santa Teresa neighborhood offers bohemian charm and great restaurants. End days with a sunset and caipirinhas at a boteco in Lapa.
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Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Home to the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth — more powerful than Niagara. Walk the trails on the Brazilian side for panoramic views, and consider crossing into Argentina for an up-close experience. The Itaipu hydroelectric dam is also worth a visit.