Brazil

Travelling through Brazil's stunning landscapes by train adds a unique dimension to the experience and the opportunity to relax and admire this magnificent country - South America's largest - in comfort.

Sublime scenery aside, Brazil brims with exciting destinations and activities. Rio de Janeiro revels in intoxicating Samba rhythms, gorgeous beaches and a care-free culture. Each February, Rio is gripped by Carnival fever as one of the world's biggest and most colourful festivals erupts into the party of a lifetime. No stay in Rio can be considered complete until the Corcovado Mountain Railway has been ridden to the top of the peak upon which the vast and iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands.

Rio is just one of many remarkable destinations in a country steeped in culture, history and natural wonders. Fans of contemporary architecture will find Curitiba, home of the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, unmissable. Wildlife enthusiasts, meanwhile, are guaranteed the experience of a lifetime: Brazil is the most biodiverse country on earth.

Whatever the reason for visiting, however, discovering Brazil by rail is a journey unlike any other through a country that is guaranteed to excite your senses and capture your heart.

Each itinerary is carefully planned to feature a selection of Brazil's natural, cultural and historic highlights. These include a guided tour of Rio de Janeiro, a cable-car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain, a visit to the statue of Christ the Redeemer which overlooks Rio and a stunning rainforest journey. Our goal is to choose activities that will be enjoyed by all, but our programme also includes sufficient free time for our customers to explore each destination for themselves.

We choose only accommodation which meets our stringent criteria for convenience of location, quality of comfort, service and amenities whilst representing excellent value for money. Great Rail Journeys is the UK's longest-established specialist rail tour operator and our customers benefit from the reassurance that we are members of ATOL, AITO, and ABTA and that any flights we provide are, where applicable, protected by the CAA.

Occupying almost half of the land mass that constitutes South America, Brazil is the fifth largest country on earth. To the north, west and south Brazil is bordered by all of the other South American countries barring Ecuador and Chile, whilst the country's long eastern coastline - famed for possessing some of the world's finest beaches - faces the South Atlantic Ocean.

Brazil is also the world's largest Portuguese-speaking nation; a consequence of the arrival of nobleman and explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral who claimed the country for Portugal in 1500 and established a colony which would remain in power until 1822 when Brazil achieved independence.

Generally speaking Brazil enjoys a tropical and subtropical climate which means it is suitable for visiting, dependent on the region, at any time of year. Winter falls between June and August when average temperatures range between 13 and 18OC (55 and 64OF). In summer, the three-month period between December and February, temperatures can swelter anywhere between 30 and 40OC (86 and 104OF) in the southern regions around Rio de Janeiro with northern, rain-forested areas slightly cooler. Rainfall, in varying degrees, can occur at any time of year but is heaviest in the winter months.

Brazil is renowned for its coffee, and this is the preferred national beverage, whilst the caipirinha, made by mixing a sugar cane spirit called cachaça with fresh lime, brown sugar and ice, is the national cocktail. Should you choose to dine at your own choice of restaurant in Brazil you may find that it operates on a 'por kilo' basis. At these buffet-style restaurants you may choose as much of whichever food you prefer, but the price you pay is based upon the total weight of your plate rather than for each individual item on it.