Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is beautiful.  Stunning.  The mix of water and mountains in the background is unique and unforgettable.  But, it's the culture of the city that will have you crying out for more!  Cariocas (residents of Rio) refer proudly to their city as the "Cidade Maravilhosa" (Marvelous City).  As you get to know it, you will soon discover that they are not exaggerating.  World-class attractions such as the Pao de Acucar, the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop lush Corcovado, and the beaches such as Ipanema and Copacabana.

Paraty (Green Coast)

A town of about 30,000 on Brazil's Coasta Verde ("green coast"), Paraty sits about halfway between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The 17th century city fell into decline but was rediscovered by artists and creative entrepreneurs about a decade ago.  Since then, it's become a leader in sustainable tourism development, and has been short-listed for UNESCO World Heritage recognition, not just for its beautiful historical Portuguese colonial architecture, but also because of its extreme natural beauty of white sand beaches

Sao Paulo

In order to really understand Brazil (and all that it has to offer), students and travelers should get to know this city!  Sao Paulo's nightlife is considered one of the best in the world. The city is full of restaurants from all over the world, live music bars, clubs, world-class museums, cultural centers, theaters, concert halls, and cinemas. The shopping in the city is among the most diverse and sophisticated in the world.