Everything in Brazil seems larger than life. It has the world's wildest party, its greatest waterfall, its biggest wetlands, its mightiest river and its largest rain forest (and one of the most unique and diverse cultures on the planet). For travelers, Brazil's sheer size and variety can be overwhelming.

Diverse, vibrant, and full of unexpected wonders, Brazilian culture and its multifaceted infectious magic never fails to win the hearts of all who visit. It would be impossible in one visit to see all there is to see of Brazil's unparalleled beauty. It is a good idea to go prepared with background on the culture unique to the regions you plan to visit.

People usually think of Brazil as a tropical paradise, whose people are dancing and having fun all day long. Rio's Carnival has helped to develop that image. However, only Rio de Janeiro and the Northeast apply to that prototype. Brazilian culture is much more than that.

There are three basic racial sources for the Brazilian people. To the original inhabitants (Indians) were added successive waves of Europeans (mainly Portuguese) and Africans (mostly from the sub-Saharan west coast). Native American influence is more obvious in the Amazons basin. Many regional dishes, dances and customs clearly reflect Native American origins. African culture is strong in the Northeast. Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais look a bit more like Portugal. São Paulo received thousands of Italian immigrants during the 19 th and 20 th centuries and their influence spread all over the State. Germans settled in the valleys and mountains of Southern Brazil and their culture and language is still strong in Santa Catarina. Finally, Rio Grande do Sul, the country's southernmost State, looks more like Argentina and Uruguay than Brazil.

In order to make Brazil one of the world number one tourist destinations the local government is investing billions into the local infrastructure. They intend to attract 9 million tourists each year and more than 1 million local jobs. In a small area of coast there are more than 20 golf courses planned. The new Natal suspension bridge has opened up the stunning northern coast to property development. Industry experts predict 400% capital growth for Brazil property in the Natal region over the next 10 years. And the new Airport will be the largest in South America, the 5th largest in the world. There is little doubt that Property in Natal and property in Brazil generally will soar in price and that is why we have focused on this region.

If you are planning to visit Brazil, keep in mind that the country lies in the tropics and has a warm climate all year long. This applies to all the regions, except some places in the south. From São Paulo up north you'll be able to go to the beach at anytime. Rio de Janeiro's ocean waters tend to be cooler than the Brazilian average, but in the northeast sea water is always warm. Brazil has three main climate zones, each of them with its own rainy season. In Rio de Janeiro and the south of the country it rains more in summer, from October to May. Winters are dry and mild in Rio but it can get very chilly in the south.