Tourism
20 Must-Visit Attractions in Brazil
As the largest country in South America, Brazil is a vast playground for the intrepid traveller with everything from dense, exotic rainforest to bustling, dynamic cities, as well as sprawling national parks and glorious, jaw-dropping beaches. If you’re feeling spoilt for choice, here are the 20 attractions that are must-sees in Brazil.
Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu are one of the largest waterfalls in the world. This impressive natural phenomenon straddles the border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay and is made up of hundreds of powerful cascades that tumble down into the fast-moving body of water below. A highlight is the Devil’s Throat, an 80-metre fall where visitors can look over the edge of a wooden platform that crosses the top.
Christ the Redeemer
One of Brazil’s most iconic monuments and Rio’s most visited attraction, Christ the Redeemer captures the imagination and hearts of hundreds of thousands of travellers each year. In addition to the symbolic importance in the Catholic community, the statue is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and provides spell-binding views over Rio de Janeiro.
Fernando de Noronha
Made up of a collection of 21 islands, Fernando de Noronha is a slice of paradise in Brazil. As a protected national marine park, the area is home to a diverse and rich ecosystem that includes dolphins, reef sharks, tropical fish, and rays. Famed for its undeveloped beaches and rugged, green coastline, it is a picturesque retreat and ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Sugarloaf Mountain
One of Brazil’s most visited natural wonder is Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, a rounded peak surrounded by the sea. Visitors take a cable car to the top to enjoy panoramic views over the city, the coastline and across the ocean – the most rewarding time to go is at sunset when the lights of the city twinkle below, while the sun casts shades of pink, orange, and red across the sky and sea.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Located in the north of the country, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a striking desert landscape made up of sloping white sand dunes that stretch tall and wide, and dotted with rainwater lagoons that nestle between the valleys of the sand banks. The largest lagoons there are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita.
Pantanal
A huge wetland that swallows up the west of Brazil before sprawling into Bolivia and Paraguay, the Pantanal is a wildlife haven rich in a diverse ecosystem of rare and wonderful creatures. Nature lovers can spot hundreds of species of birds, in addition to large mammals such as jaguars and capybaras. Some of the most famous residents there are the thousands of caimans.
Amazon rainforest
One of the most ecologically complex regions in the world, the Amazon rainforest is an extraordinary natural wonders. The dense forest provides fertile grounds for thousands of endemic species, while the Amazon river provides a home for incredible freshwater life, including the elusive pink river dolphins.
Chapada dos Veadeiros
Stretching across the central of Brazil is Chapada dos Veadeiros, an immense national park comprising deep canyons, hardy vegetation, and imposing quartz crystal formations. It is a fertile ground for several orchid species that grow wild throughout the park, and local residents include jaguars and armadillos.
Pelourinho, Salvador
Pelourinho is the historic city centre of Salvador in the state of Bahia. The vibrantly coloured buildings are a picturesque example of how the African, indigenous and European cultures, which were thrown together in Salvador, have converged throughout the centuries.
Fortaleza
Located in the exotic northeast of Brazil, Fortaleza is a coastal city with strong winds that have attracted adrenaline-junkie kitesurfers for years. Watch the surfers race across the sea’s surface, their trajectory temporarily broken by impressive, daredevil leaps. The city is famed for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood with beachside restaurants in abundance serving Fortaleza’s delicious cuisine.
Jalapão State Park
Jalapão State Park is in the lesser-known state of Tocantins, yet the park has long been on the radar of curious travellers who love adventure. Known for its deep-orange dunes, raging rivers, and cascading waterfalls, it is a prime example of untouched wilderness that will keep any intrepid visitor satisfied.
Dunas de Genipabu
Just a short drive from Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the Genipabu dunes are an ever-changing collection of sand dunes that are shaped and reshaped by the daily winds that come off the coastline and whip over the sands. The region offers a host of adventurous activities such as buggy rides, camel treks and sledging down the sand dunes.
Olinda
The charming colonial city of Olinda sits in the north of the country, in the state of Pernambuco. Located on a hilltop, it is a cultural wonderland of churches, museums, and buildings that have kept their colonial façade. The best time to go is during carnival when the city comes alive with vibrant, colourful street celebrations that reflect its strong African roots.
Pantanal and Bananal Island
Located in the Western Brazil, but extending into Bolivia is the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest and most diverse freshwater wetland ecosystems. To visit this place, the tourist get to go to Campo Grande, in the state of Cuiabá (Brazil’s center-west) and reach the city of Corumbá. From each one of this cities you can visit the most beautifull places: from Campo Grande you can go to Bonito and Cuibá is the gateway for Chapada dos Guimarães. If you get a little bit more of time to explore this places, than we can suggest you to visit the Bananal Island, that is the largest river island in the world. The Bananal Island is located in the Brazilian state of Tocantins, as should be good to reach the brazilian capital of Palmas to start your explorations.
Rio de Janeiro Beaches
You will have a lot of fun here in the Rio Beaches. This is one of the most important cities from Brazil, and also used to have some of the most beautifull beaches as well! And you can get here almost what you want: Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches are side by side and remains as the favorites. If you want to stroll a little bit, then Avenida Atlântica is a great place for that. You can walk around with security and without any kind of trouble. If you want to go ahead, try to visit Praia do Arpoador, a prime site for surf and great location for watching the local guys catching the waves.
Amazonia National Park and The Amazon River
Who was out of the world in the last few years that can’t talk some words about the Amazonia and the Amazon River. Well done, this is just the most important ecosystem in the world. Is also the most broadleaf forest that cover a huge area of the entire continent of South America. This region includes territories that belongs to nine nations. From the total, 60% is majority from Brazil, 13% with Peru, Colombia with 10%, and with minor amounts in, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. One time in Brazil, try to spend some days in the capital of Amazonas, the city of Manaus. This should be a good point to start your jungle exploration. By the way, Manaus is a huge city, you will also enjoy amazing days in this brazilian capital.
The Iguazu Falls
This is one incredible place in the border of Brazil and Argentina. Iguazu, or Iguaçu Falls is located in the Rio Iguaçu, brazilian state of Paraná and is considered one of the brand New Seven Wonders of Nature, by the New Seven Wonders of The World Foundation. You can visit this wonderful atraction by both sides: Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. Iguzu is wider than Victoria Falls in Africa and Niagara In US as well.
Christ the Redeemer Statue on Corcovado Mountain
Maybe the most popular tourist attraction in Brazil. This statue of Jesus Christ is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with His face fronting Sugar Loaf. The Statue of Christ the Redeemer is 98 feet high and is the second largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. It is at the Peak of Corcovado Mountain and has become an icon of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. It was made with reinforced concrete and Soapstone. Every tourist can visit the top of the place and have this amazing view from the city of Rio de Janeiro.
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Tourism
The 10 Smallest Countries
Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, and Liechtenstein top the list of 10 smallest countries by land area
The continent of Europe has 50 countries with several countries having territories partly in Europe and Asia, while some are yet to be fully recognized. The continent is at times named Eurasia because the border between Europe and Asia is not well defined and some countries lie between the two continents. Europe has an area of about 3,930,000 miles square. The population of the continent was estimated at 738 million in 2016. The smallest countries in the continent include some countries that are only partially recognized as an independent nation.
10. Cyprus – 9,251
9. Azerbaijan – 6,960
The Republic of Azerbaijan is in the South Caucasus region. The country sits between Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe. The side in Europe measures 2,687.27 square miles while the whole country has an area of around 33,400 square miles. Azerbaijan got independence in 1918. The country joined the Soviet Union in 1920 and left on August 30, 1991. The country is among the six independent Turkic speaking states. The population of the country was estimated to be 9.762 million in 2016
For Azerbaijan’s entry on this list, we are only counting its land on the European side.
8. Luxembourg – 2,586 sq km
Luxembourg is a landlocked country found in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, Germany, and France. It measure 2,586 km squared, which puts it amongst Europe’s smallest countries. Luxembourg City is both the capital of Luxembourg, and one of the three capitals of the European Union (the other two are Brussels, Belgium and Strasbourg, France).
7. Georgia – 2,428 sq km
Georgia is located in the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia. It is located in between Eastern Europe and Western Asia with the bigger part of the country being in Asia. The country’s capital is Tbilisi, which is also the biggest in the country. Georgia side in Europe has a land surface area of 937.46 square miles. The total land surface area of Georgia, including the side in Asia, is 26,911.32 square miles. The population in 2017 was estimated at 3.718 million. Georgia separated from the Soviet Union in April 1991. Georgian is the national language of the country.
Although the total land area of Georgia is larger than some of the entries on this list, we are only counting the part of Georgia that is on the European side, which is 2,428 km squared.
6. Andorra – 468 sq km
The principality of Andorra is a landlocked country situated in the Eastern Pyrenees Mountains in Southwestern Europe. The principality was established in 1278 and is led by the president of France and the bishop of Urgell, Spain. Andorra has a surface area of 181 square miles. In 2016, the population estimate was 77,281. Andorra la Vella is the capital city, and it is the highest located capital city in Europe at the height of 3,356 feet. The national language is Catalan.
5. Malta – 316 sq km
The Republic of Malta consists of a group of islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, found in Southern Europe. The large islands include Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The island covers an area of 122 square miles. The population in 2016 was estimated at 436,947. The national language of the country is Maltese though English is used for official communication. Valletta is the capital city, and it is the smallest capital city in size in the European Union. Malta gained independence in 1964 and became a republic in 1974.
4. Liechtenstein – 160 sq km
Liechtenstein is a principality led by a prince. The principality is located in Central Europe and is double-landlocked. The country is located in the Rhine valley of the Alps ranges. Liechtenstein has a surface area of about 62 square miles. The principality’s population was estimated at 37,666 in 2016. German is used as the official language of communication. Liechtenstein is one of the Alpine countries which make it an ideal destination for winter sports. The capital city is Vaduz.
3. San Marino – 61 sq km
The Republic of San Marino is a microstate and an enclave in Italy. The country’s surface area is about 24 square miles and is mostly hilly. San Marino was the smallest republic in the world until 1968 when Nauru gained the title. The population was estimated to be 33,285 in 2016. The biggest city in the country is Serravalle, and the capital is the city of San Marino. The country is one of the richest countries in the world. San Marino is the only country where the number of motor vehicles surpasses the number of people. In 2014, there were 1,263 vehicles to 1,000 people. Italian is the official language in the country, but Romagnol is also a popular language.
2. Monaco – 1.95 sq km
Monaco is an autonomous city-state situated on the French Riviera officially known as the Principality of Monaco. The country covers an area of 0.78 square miles and it is the second smallest country in the world. A census carried out in 2016 showed the population to be 38,499. The 1861 Franco-Monegasque treaty saw Monaco become an independent state. The official language in the principality of Monaco is French with Monegasque, Italian, and Occitan widely spoken. The country’s government is a constitutional monarchy, and the current ruler is Prince Albert II. The principality of Monaco has been under the constitutional Monarchy since 1911, and the head of state is the sovereign prince. Monaco does not levy any income tax and has relatively low taxes on businesses making it a country with some of the wealthiest people. Monaco is famous for the Monaco Grand Prix.
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1. Vatican City – 0.44 sq km
The state of Vatican City is the smallest country in Europe and as well as in the world both by size and population with an area of around 0.17 square miles. The country is not formally self-governing, and it is governed by the Holy See. The population was estimated at 1,000 in 2015. The city was established through the Lateran treaty signed on February 11, 1929, between the Holy See and Italy. Italian is the official language of the Vatican. Vatican City is located at the Vatican Mount, and so the name was derived from the mountain. The government of Vatican City is an absolute elective monarchy with the power being exercised by the head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope.
VISA
Germany Visa application for Ghanaians
The German Embassy in Accra is responsible for processing visa applications of residents of
GHANA, LIBERIA and SIERRA LEONE.
The German Embassy in Accra processes Schengen visa applications on behalf of ESTONIA
for residents of GHANA.
Germany Visa application for Ghanaians
All applicants have to apply in person at the German Embassy in Ghana. Appointments can only be
booked through the Embassy’s Online Appointment System.
The processing of Schengen visa applications in general takes 7 days. Applicants are
encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of their intended travel date to allow
sufficient time for processing. Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the
intended travel date.
The visa fee is 60.00Euro, only payable in cash in Ghana Cedi at the current exchange
rate of the Embassy. The processing fee is not refundable in case of denial of the visa.
Visa application forms are free of charge and are available on the website of the Embassy
Documents handed in prior to the appointment date cannot be accepted.
in addition to the standard requirements, additional supporting documents may be required,
depending on the specific nature of your application. The Embassy does not return forms,
photos or any documents in case of refusal or if the application is withdrawn. Fraudulent
documents may be sent to the relevant authorities.
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In case of visa refusal, the applicant or an authorized third party may appeal in writing
against the refusal stating the file number and mailing address (P.O. Box) of the applicant.
Further supporting documents and background information should be provided with the
appeal letter. Please note that processing of appeals in general takes at least 4 weeks.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR Germany Visa application for Ghanaians
Every applicant is asked to provide the following mandatory documents ie original plus 1 legible
copy of each document, unless otherwise specified at the appointment day, after having
booked an appointment via the Embassy’s website: www.accra.diplo.de/appointment
completed and signed visa application form for Schengen visa
signed declaration according to Sec. 54 Par. 2 No. 8 of the German Residence Act
1 recent passport picture with white background (please do not attach to form!)
visa fee of 60.00 Euro, only payable in cash in Ghana Cedi
valid passport and 1 copy of the passport data page
Validity of passport must exceed the duration of intended stay in Germany by at least 3
months. Passport must contain at least 2 blank pages and must have been issued within
the past 10 years.
previous passports, if available
original birth certificate of the applicant, based on the first registration
if minors (below 18 years of age) are not accompanied by both parents: parental consent of
both parents and copies of their passport/photo ID. In case of sole parental custody,
adequate proof has to be provided (e.g. court order, death certificate of other parent).
flight reservation for round-trip (no ticket required)
travel health insurance, covering entire duration of stay and valid for all Schengen States
proof of accommodation / hotel reservation
proof of sufficient financial means for intended stay