Brasil

Description of the cities we're visiting:
Ubatuba:In Ubatuba there are 75 beaches and 15 islands. Maro recommends the following beaches: Praia Vermelha, Domingos Dias, Vermelha do Norte, and Itamambuca. For R$22 for four hours, we can take a boat to Ihla Anchieta--an island protected by the government where we can see beautiful fish and birds.

Rio:"Despite its urban facade, Rio boasts enticing natural attractions like the Floresta da Tijuca, home to coatis, ocelots, three-toed sloths and various species of monkeys. Yet more simians (including howler monkeys) can be spotted on Ilha Grande. Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has many charms, most notably the Cariocas , its exuberant residents."

Salvador: "In Salvador - the African soul of Brazil - the descendants of slaves preserved their cultural roots more than anywhere else in the New World. The result is hypnotic drum beats, graceful movement, fragrant spices, inherent sensuality and axé : divine energy that brings good luck and positive results. Salvador combines all these elements in wild festivals, including Brazil's hottest Carnaval. But even on ordinary days you can come across a capoeira (martial art/dance) circle, munch acarajé (bean and shrimp dumplings fried in dendê oil) and witness a Candomblé follower possessed by an African deity."

Sao Paulo:"São Paulo, one of the largest cities on earth, is a teeming, befuddling, intoxicating place. Its art and entertainment are on par with any world capital. Paulistanos believe in working hard and playing harder, and despite complaining about traffic and pollution, wouldn't dream of living elsewhere. São Paulo can be an intimidating place, but if you have someone to show you around, or if you just like the challenge of navigating urban jungles, it's worth a visit. And despite moving at a much faster pace than the rest of the country, the usual Brazilian warmth and alegría still rules."

All quotes are from the Lonely Planet Guide to Brazil