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BRAZIL

IGUASU FALLS, RIO DE JANEIRO AND SWAMPS OF PANTANAL (May 2005 + Sept 2007)  photos

Brazilian side of Iguasu offers a panoramic view of the Falls.  Paths lead through the forest where I came across a very poisonous coral snake.  There are crowded viewing platforms from where the whole splendor of Iguasu Falls can be appreciated.  On sunny days small rainbows appear making it even more beautiful.  After coming back from Paraguay I took a bus to Florianopolis.  From there I went by local bus to a nice little village of Barra da Lagoa.  It has a long beach probably packed during peak time, but when I was there it was quiet.  The last city I visited during my year-long adventure was Rio de Janeiro.  It spreads along the coast, with many world-famous beaches and rocky hills rising suddenly up to 700m.  The highest mountain, Corcovado, is home to the statue of Cristo Redentor.  It's visible from almost anywhere in the city, standing 700m above it.

Pantanal. This vast wetland is one of the world's great wildlife preserves.  The best way to visit is on a tour.  During 3 days, we walked and rode horses.  There was also piranha fishing, a safari-type excursion and a boat excursion.  We saw a huge number of animals, mainly caymans, capybaras and monkeys.  Also many different birds, from big stork, the symbol of Pantanal, to noisy parrots and colorful toucans.  I think it's easier and a lot cheaper to see those animals in Bolivia (Rurrenabaque), but visiting Pantanal is a great wildlife experience.