Iguazu Falls, Brazil

So beautiful.. and we missed the Iguazu Falls the first time we came to Brazil!

From the Helicopter

If you get the chance.. make it a priority when you visit South America..

Be it in Brazil or Argentina!

It is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world for all the right reasons.

Spectacular, magnificent, and all their synonyms..

The Iguazu Falls is to me.. without exaggeration!

From the Helicopter

The pictures you see.. mine or on Google.. could never do justice to its grandeur.

So write it down on your bucket list!

* If the weather is good, one day is enough (Brazil Side) *

* Iguazu, Iguassu, Iguacu.. They're all the same *

(We did not go to the Argentina Side of the Iguazu Falls because we needed a Visa to Argentina)

Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil

Sometimes..

Even if there's a will.. 

There is no way! ;)

Lencois Maranheses in Brazil..

Was my wish fulfilled..

Just.. almost.. completely.

You see..

It wasn't easy to get to and through..

These beautiful white sand dunes that looked like a desert.

(But not a desert.. because it rains)

The ride was really bumpy..

The climbs were steep and hard..

It was very hot.. there was no shade at all..

And I was carrying my baby with me..

In my tummy! :)

So when my husband and friends were going down to the pools for a swim..

Pregnant me could only watch them from above because I would not be able to climb back up! :)

And when they were going up that very, very steep slope..

To see the grandeur of the Lencois Maranhenses at sunset..

I could only stay and rest in the hotel!

"Hun, what were you thinking while watching the sunset?"

"Nothing, I was just posing for the camera."

"You were not thinking of me?"

"Oh ya, of course, you, too!"

"Yeah right!"  :))

But I really wanted to see the white sand dunes and water pools from above too..

So we took a flight instead..

So that I could also see the spectacle of..

And experience the Lencois Maranhenses..

At least almost.. completely :)

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References:

Getting there - Fly to Sao Luis - Land transfer to Barreirinhas
Accommodation - Pousada Paraiso dos Lencois

Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A Week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A Week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to..

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Not much stories.. just sharing some highlights..

Copacabana Beach from our Airbnb roof deck..

At night.. A flea market pops up in the middle of the road..

On the other side lies a military base..

The Fort Copacabana..

From there.. This view..

Where's the Girl from Ipanema (Beach)?

Not this one.. Hang gliding at Sao Conrado!

The train at Corcovado..

To the Statue of Christ the Redeemer..

Spectacular sights..

(Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon)

But too many tourists..

Like me! :)

At the City Center..

Crowded streets..

But lovely finds.. A tribute to the Brazilian people..

Artist Jorge Selaron's famous steps..

Of coloured tiles, ceramics, and mirrors..

And charming discoveries.. The Confeitaria Colombo..

A piece of sophisticated.. 100 year old history..

A couple.. of Pastries.. And a cup of coffee :)

On the way to the Sugarloaf Mountain..

The scene..

The ride..

After sunset..

And dusk..

The Rio de Janeiro life ;)

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References:

Our Budget for 8 Days Per Person with shared rooms - September 2014

(EXCLUDING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS to and from Sao Paulo)

Domestic Flights - Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro Roundtrip - USD 120

Accommodations - 5 Nights Airbnb and 2 Nights Caesar Park Ipanema by Sofitel - USD 400

Transportation - Taxis and Buses - USD 60

Food - USD 150

Activities - Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Hang Gliding - USD 170

Total Per Person = USD 900

Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil