Fernando do Noronha is a treasure chest of biodiversity, preserved under strict national regulations, and perhaps, one of the best kept secrets of Brazil. Fernando de Noronha is also on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you will find the largest population of spinner dolphins, and countless other species of spell-bounding biodiversity. The destination is actually a series of 21 small islands, islets, and crags atop a submerged volcano. This paradise is cherished among surfers and divers in the know as being one of the best destinations worldwide, and is the best location for diving in all of Brazil. People travel from all parts of the world for a few days of the ultimate eco-experience. Interestingly, this peaceful wonder has been through years of regime change before settling into its current state of perfection. From the beginning of the 17th century, the main island has been invaded by the Spanish, French, Dutch and Portuguese. It then became a North American military base and prison, before the government declared the vast majority of the land and surrounding waters National Marine Park in 1988, enforcing conservation and protection laws that even limit the number of visitors allowed on the island at any given time.

Divided between the northeast states of Maranhão and Piauí is the third largest encounter of salt and fresh water on the planet, the Parnaiba Delta. It is situated in open water, and is the only one of the sort throughout the Americas. Warm canals meander through the dunes, creating an abundance of small islands, 83 to be exact, and a rich selection of ecosystems, including forests, beaches, mangroves, lagoons and dunes. Exploring this region can be done by foot, horseback, or various boats, such as canoes, kayaks, and gaiolas, boats typically used by locals, both here and in the Amazon. The rare and graceful Guará, resembling a flamingo with a long, curved beak, is found only on Caju Island. There are two recommended ways to experience this region. One of the best ways is to stay on Caju Island. The island has been owned by the Clark family since the late 19th century. However, it is protected by an official conservation project. There is only one small pousada here, but the ecotourism options are endless! Another unforgettable option is to stay in one of the surrounding towns, where the infrastructure for ecotourism is developing rapidly, while maintaining its historical charm from the days when it was the seventh largest port in the country. Here you will encounter lovely bars, restaurants and galleries.

The Amazon Rainforest was awarded World Natural Heritage by UNESCO status in 2000, and 2003. Next to the grandeur of the Amazon's natural giants, prepare to be overwhelmed by an unusual sense of smallness. You could also try to mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for any of the typical experiences and encounters you will have in the Amazon…However, try as you might, until, beneath the light of the moon, you watch your guide swiftly snatch an alligator our of the dark Rio Negro, grin mischeviously, then pass it to you to hold on to…no, coming from an average lifestyle, there is simply no way to prepare for such things. And that is only the beginning! Here you will learn medicinal secrets of the endangered and, in many cases, extinct indigenous tribes, snuggle sloths, drink water from the insides of trees, watch monkeys swing through the magnificent branches of "the world's lungs", marvel at lily-pads the size of your kitchen table, eat fruits you never would have imagined existed, canoe through the endless waterworld of the amazon, stopping to fish for piranhas and visit with local river dwellers, capture dazzling sunsets, and fall asleep at night hypnotized by the symphonic hum of the ecosystem. Welcome to the Amazon, your destination for adrenaline and rejuvenation.

Chapada Diamantina, the surrounding 152,000 hectare national park, and the gateway city Lençóis, welcome you with rare natural spectacles and nostalgic charm. In the beginning of the 19th century, Germans Spix and Martius discovered a massive diamond vein in this territory. Prospectors scrambled to the region, eager for their piece of the fortune. With that, Lençóis became the third largest town in the northeast state of Bahia. Despite the fact that today, the population is a mere 4000, the culture of the diamond boom lives on through the local folklore. Make sure to mingle with the townspeople once you have retired to the bars and restaurants for a taste of savory sun-dried meats and Axé music, as the stories you will learn are sure to add yet another element of enchantment to the region. Chapada Diamantina earns its place on the list of ecotourism musts in Brazil, as it holds numerous natural records and monuments. Lapão Cave is the largest quartzite caves in the Americas, excellent for experienced rappellers. In addition, there are excellent cave-lakes, some of the best being Poço Encantado and Poço Azul. If you are an experienced cave diver, in search of an adventure, Chapada da Diamantina should be high on your list. Fumaça Waterfall, at 1,020 feet, is one of the highest in Brazil - however, the volume of water is not sufficient to maintain its liquid state throughout the long drop to the bottom. Instead it forms a mysterious mist just before reaching the ground. Chapada Diamantina is perhaps one of the most well known natural monuments among Brazilians. After experiencing Salvador, the escape to Chapada Diamantina is merely a one hour flight or 267 miles bus ride away.

Fernando do Noronha is a treasure chest of biodiversity, preserved under strict national regulations, and perhaps, one of the best kept secrets of Brazil. Fernando de Noronha is also on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you will find the largest population of spinner dolphins, and countless other species of spell-bounding biodiversity. The destination is actually a series of 21 small islands, islets, and crags atop a submerged volcano. This paradise is cherished among surfers and divers in the know as being one of the best destinations worldwide, and is the best location for diving in all of Brazil. People travel from all parts of the world for a few days of the ultimate eco-experience. Interestingly, this peaceful wonder has been through years of regime change before settling into its current state of perfection. From the beginning of the 17th century, the main island has been invaded by the Spanish, French, Dutch and Portuguese. It then became a North American military base and prison, before the government declared the vast majority of the land and surrounding waters National Marine Park in 1988, enforcing conservation and protection laws that even limit the number of visitors allowed on the island at any given time.

Iguassu Falls are the widest in the world, and in the Native Tupi-Guarani language, guazu means big, and I means water. There are a total of 275 falls, forming a gigantic semi-circle 8,100 feet long, with millions of gallons of thundering water plunging to depths 250 feet below. The semi-circular falls bring together both the Iguassu and Parana Rivers, as well as Brazil and Argentina. Argentina claims the majority of the falls on her territory. However, the view from the Brazilian side is far superior. The infinite wonders of Iguassu cannot be described in words. The falls are surrounded by a National Park containing the world's largest pluvial forest, home to 12 species of amphibians, 18 species of fish, 40 species of mammals, including the jaguar, ocelot, capybara and giant river otter, 60 different reptiles, 340 bird species, and 700 unique species of fluttering butterflies! Many of these species can be discovered in the Bird Park and on excursions within the park, such as the Macuco Safari where you will be led on a short hike and a ride nearly under the falls in a small boat. To alter your point of reference, helicopter rides are another exciting option. A new project is currently being developed by the park administration which will facilitate adventure sports such as hiking, rafting, canyoning, canoeing, boia-cross, and camping. Adding to the magic, brilliant rainbows often frame the falls. The Iguassu National Park was awarded World Natural Heritage status by UNESCO in 1986.

The Pantanal was named by UNESCO as both a World Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage of Humanity site. It holds the rights to many claims of grandeur - Beyond being the world's largest wetlands, it also contains the greatest biodiversity of animal species in the Americas, the Transpantaneira Highway featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highway with the most bridges and the longest open-air zoo in the world, the biggest freshwater boat-fishing festival worldwide, and the best place for wildlife sightings in all of Brazil. I will let you in on a great secret - the Pantanal offers the best photographic safari in the Americas! Contrary to popular belief, here you will encounter an abundance of wildlife far surpassing that found throughout the entire Amazon. This region, and unique ecosystem, is home to approximately 670 species of birds, 242 fish species, 110 different mammals and 50 reptiles, in addition to the 1,500 plant species. The constant polyrhythmic harmony of the flora and fauna creates an endless symphony. This truly is paradise for nature enthusiasts of all walks of life. Whatever your passion, be it fishing, boating, birdwatching, wildlife, horseback riding or hiking - your greatest dreams will be fulfilled in the Pantanal! The Pantanal is spread over 2 Brazilian states, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The capitals of the two states, Cuiabá and Campo Grande, as well as the city of Corumbá are the most convenient access points to this ecological paradise. All three cities have airports and hotels.