The fish species found in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul are not large, but the quantity of fish is. Although there are currently around 260 described species in the region – a modest number compared to the 1,800 in the Amazon – there are thousands of fish. The […]
The Pantanal in Mato Grosso is the world’s richest floodplain in terms of bird species, and a perfect place for birdwatching. Around 650 bird species have been catalogued by researchers. This diversity is all the more astonishing given that the vast expanse of the Pantanal is famous for harbouring large […]
The following list of bird species, compiled with the help of specialists, represents some of the most frequently observed species in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. These bird species of the Mato Grosso Pantanal are identified by their common names, followed by their scientific nomenclature and identification in English. Popular […]
The flora of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso is surprising and exuberant. The Pantanal landscape is made up of fragments of different ecosystems, with an extraordinary diversity of plant species. It is an intricate mosaic of different plant formations, typical of biomes such as the Cerrado (to the east, north […]
The wildlife of Mato Grosso’s Pantanal is a harmonious universe of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects, unique in the world for its extraordinary and teeming beauty. Animals from different ecosystems coexist in the Pantanal – and there are few places in the world where it is so easy to […]
Discover the unique landscape of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso and its geographical, climatic, soil and river characteristics. The geography, the complex network of rivers and the vast wetlands of the Pantanal plain in Mato Grosso constitute a unique landscape on the planet, a heritage of all humanity. A biogeographical […]
Learn about the history of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso and its transformation over the centuries, from its occupation by cattle ranches to the rise of ecotourism. Far from the industrial centres, the Pantanal of Mato Grosso remained almost untouched for centuries, until its spaces were occupied by cattle ranches. […]
Pantanal Sul covers almost two-thirds of the Pantanal in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Pantanal Sul is an excellent starting point for those wishing to explore the Pantanal in depth – with some of the best cattle ranches in the Pantanal, the usual variety of Pantanal wildlife […]
The Pantanal in Mato Grosso is the best place in South America to see and photograph wildlife. Sure, everyone’s heard of the Amazon, but it’s hard to spot wildlife in a rainforest. It starts with a mistake. The Pantanal is not a swamp, as its name suggests. The Pantanal is […]
The Northern Pantanal covers about a third of the total area of the Pantanal. The Northern Pantanal is remarkably rich in wildlife, with some areas hosting what is believed to be the largest concentration of jaguars in the world. A drive along the Transpantaneira in the northern Pantanal is widely […]
The southern coast of Bahia also offers some high-end experiences, but is mainly made up of more rustic destinations, with villages that are a hit with holidaymakers. The famous Costa do Descobrimento (Discovery Coast) is located in this part of Bahia, with successful destinations such as Arraial D’Ajuda, Caraíva, Trancoso […]
Historical periods of Brazil at a glance Period Dates Key milestones Pre-Cabraline up to 1500 Indigenous peoples, sambaquis (shell mounds), Tupi and Macro-Jê language stocks Pre-Colonial 1500–1530 Arrival of Cabral, expeditions, brazilwood extraction Colonial 1530–1815 Captaincies, General Government, sugar, gold, slavery United Kingdom 1815–1822 Royal Court in Rio de Janeiro, […]
Brazilian Independence – The End of Colonial Ties in Brazil 1. introduction As you may have noticed, we have presented a reading of various factors related to the emancipation of Portuguese America. The growth and diversification of society, the establishment of the Portuguese Court in Brazil, and the protest movements […]
Portuguese Empire in Brazil – Portuguese Royal Family in Brazil 1. introduction We have seen the influence of revolutionary ideas on the main liberation movements in Portuguese America. We have also studied certain events linked to the arrival of the Court in Brazil. In this chapter, we will look at […]
Transfer of the Portuguese Court to Brazil 1. Introduction In the previous chapter we looked at the main liberation movements influenced by French and English revolutionary ideals. However, these egalitarian ideals were part of the projects of an educated elite who looked to the Old Continent as an example to […]
Map of Brazil 1730 – Historical Map “Nova et Accurata Brasiliae Totius Tabula, Auctore Ioanne Blaeu I.F.”, Blaeu/Schenk This rare map is Johannes Blaeu’s third map of Brazil. The map includes the hereditary captaincies along the coast and is a significant improvement on Blaeu’s previous maps of Brazil. The beautiful […]
The founding of the city of São Paulo and the Bandeirantes 1 Introduction In this chapter we will study the founding of the city of São Paulo and its importance in the process of colonisation and settlement in colonial Brazil. We will also examine the actions of the São Paulo […]
Between the colonial regime and the establishment of empire in Brazil Brazil’s independence did not come about overnight, based on the individual wishes of the Prince Regent, but was in fact the result of a political, economic and cultural process involving a series of circumstances and interests. After reading this […]
The Iberian Union and the Dutch Invasion of Brazil 1. introduction In the first part of this chapter we will study the so-called “Iberian Union”, which was the union of the Portuguese and Spanish crowns. This was due to the death of the king of Portugal, whose closest relative was […]
Map of Portugal and Spain, 1620 “Hispaniae Nova Describtio, de integro Multis Inlocis, Secundum Hydrographicas, Desc. Emendata”, Hondius, Jodocus Excellent map of Spain and Portugal, including Majorca and Minorca. Exquisitely engraved by Petrus Kaerius, with elaborate cartouches, sailing ships, sea monsters and compass roses. The sea is engraved in a […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
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A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
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Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
