South American ports of call...

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 01:59 AM

Dubbed the “Queen of the Plate River” by Argentine author Carlos Romero, Buenos Aires is Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital with a population of over four million. It is the country’s center of manufacturing, banking, culture and intellectualism. Often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires displays very little of its Spanish heritage as it was largely forgotten during colonial times. The city experienced its boom in the 19th century taking its cue from Paris. Based on the original Spanish settlement, old Buenos Aires was laid out around a central plaza, bordered by a fort and armoury, the city hall and cathedral. This ensemble was to become the Plaza de Armas, later to be redesignated as the Plaza de Mayo.

There are ample opportunities to stroll and shop in fashionable Calle Florida and Avenida Santa Fe, to test the famous tea-rooms and nightspots, and to explore further afield amid this intriguing scenario of 'Evita' and the hypnotic tango. If you have time it is possible to seek the gauchos of the Pampas and travel to the famous Iguazu Falls by air.

Camarones lies on Bahia Camarones on the eastern coast of Patagonia in Chubut Province. Camarones and the Valdez Peninsula are the home to thousands of Magellan penguins, who harbour here on the Patagonian coast until the end of March, after which they head south for the winter. This area is unspoiled by mass tourism and has an unhurried, casual air. The local inhabitants treasure their beautiful countryside and abundant wildlife. Facilities in the town are limited as cruise ship guests and travellers are the exceptions here rather than the rule.

Comodoro Rivadavia is the biggest city in South Patagonia, Argentina, on the Gulf of San Jorge 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of Buenos Aires. Founded in 1901 by Francisco Petrobelli and named after Comodoro Martín Rivadavia of the Argentine navy, this is an oil and fishing centre for the region. The region offers the the beach at the rsort town of Rada Tilly or the beautiful Bahía de Camarones. Nearby is the protected area, Cabo Dos Bahías, with a significant quantity of guanacos typical of the steppe, and a colony of Magellan penguins.

Deseado sits at the mouth of the Deseado River on the coast of the Santa Cruz Province in south western Argentina. Santa Cruz is a region of constant winds and dust storms which sweep over its dry tablelands and its arid, precipitous coast. Charles Darwin, when exploring the end of the Ría Deseado in 1833, said “I don't remember havig seen such a remote place far away from the rest of the world but this rocky crack in the middle of the vast plain. ”

From Puerto Deseado you can visit Ria Deseado Natural Reservation, which has the most diverse fauna on the Patagonian coast. Here you can see dolphins, sea lions, cormorants, terns and grebes. At Isla de los Pájaros, you can see penguins, oystercatchers and Kelp gulls. You can also explore Ria Deseado to its end, sailing across the Deseado River Gaps, where you can see Red-Backed Hawks, Crested Caracaras, Guanacos and Chilean Flamingos or visit the Petrified Forest Natural Monument and see the biggest fossil trees in the world that are 150 million years old. Further afield travel to the Natural Reservation Cabo Blanco to see Guanacos, Choiques, Maras and then climb to the lighthouse to appreciate the excellent view sea views.

Puerto Deseado was discovered in 1586 by Thomas Cavendish on his circumnavigation of the world. A Spanish settlement here lasted from 1780 to 1807, but three years later it was gone.

Mar del Plata, some 250 miles southeast of Buenos Aires, sits on the Argentine Riviera (locally called Atlantida Argentina). Beautiful beaches stretch 14 miles along the Atlantic. Here you will find fashionable Playa Grande, with its private clubs and summer estates of wealthy portenos (upper class) . At Bristol Beach you can visit the famous casino, the largest in the world (mostly roulette). The upper floor is open to the public for a small admission fee. You don't have to dress up to come here, but you might need your passport.

The seafood here is fabulous and fishing excellent - shark fishing is very popular. Sea lions splash in the waters of the old port as they try to climb the fishing boats that are docked in the harbour. At Punta Iglesia there is a large rock carving of Florentino Ameghino, the palaeontologist who collected most of the fossils in the museum at La Plata. The wooded municipally owned Parque Camet with its polo grounds and playing fields is 5 miles to the north. You can also find beautiful squares here. Plaza san Martin is especially nice.

Situated snugly in a well protected bay of the Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn is the Chubut region's natural access point for the plains of Patagonia, a vast area covering a third of the country, but occupied by less than four per cent of the population. The area around Puerto Madryn was originally settled by a group of adventurous Welsh immigrants some 120 years ago. Although the town appears today unmistakably Argentine, Welsh customs, names and even some of the language have survived. A statue of a Welsh woman sums up the simple life of these early-day settlers.

Puerto Piramides is a small village located on the Peninsula de Valdés, 97 km. from the city of Puerto Madryn, on the small Bahía de Pirámides, in the Province of Chubut. Approximately two hundred people live there. Surrounded by cliffs resembling pyramids, crystal clear waters and beaches. The surrounding area is desert like, typical of the Atlantic Patagonia. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century the town on salt extraction, the main industry now is tourism. Authorized boats take thousands of visitors whale watching between the months of May and November. The waters surrounding Península Valdés are the southern right whale's winter gathering area for giving birth to and raising its young.

Separated from mainland South America by the Straits of Magellan, Patagonia's Tierra del Fuego ('Land of Fire') is an island of ancient legend and austere grandeur. Ushuaia, set between the green Beagle Channel and snowtipped peaks, claims the title of the world's southernmost town, and its hilly streets and interesting buildings capture the distinctive flavour of a 'frontier' outpost. A tour of the spectacular Lapataia National Park will be a must for most visitors. You may have time to visit the spectacular Parque Nacional Tierra Fuego - look for Andean condors, and the colourful couquen (upland goose). Take the chairlift and a short hike to view looming Glacier Martial and a panorama of the Beagle Channel with little Ushuaia nestled by its shores below.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:01 AM

Barranquilla is a city in north-west Colombia. Located about 13 km (8 miles) upstream from the mouth of the Magdalena River, it is one of the country's chief ports and industrial centres and its fourth city. It is also home to one of the best carnivals in Latin America. The church of San Nicolas on the main plaza was replaced as the cathedral by the new Catedral Metropolitana. The main boulevard is Paseo Bolivar and from this you will find the main shopping and market areas. The Museo Romantico covers local history and Carnival. Nearby is the attractive bathing resort of Puerto Colombia and Soledad with its cathedral and narrow colonial streets. To the west is the large lagoon of Cienaga de Santa Marta containing all types of water birds and animals and several villages on stilts. On the eastern side of this lagoon is Cienaga.

The city of Barranquila developed as a river port in the 19th century and expanded rapidly as a harbour for ocean-going vessels after the mouth of the Magdalena was dredged in the 1930s.

Wonderfully preserved Cartagena is one of the country’s oldest settlements and without doubt one of South America's most impressive colonial cities. It features impressive fortifications with a series of seven forts protecting the sea approaches and almost impregnable city walls. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas dating from 1639 was the largest Spanish fort built in the Americas. The historic centre is a maze of narrow old streets, arcaded plazas and grand colonial buildings, notable among them the baroque Palace of the Inquisition, the Gold Museum and the Cathedral, all around Plaza de Bolivar. There are several interesting monasteries and churches including Santisima Trinidad, San Francisco, Santo Domingo and San Agustin. From here you can also explore the coral reefs around the Islas del Rosario or take a mud bath near the El Totumo volcano.

The Spanish established the city along Northern Colombia’s western shores in 1533. Although surrounded by walls, Sir Francis Drake in 1586 and Frenchmen Baron de Pointis and Ducasse successfully invaded Cartagena, among others. The city was freed from Spain in 1811, but later recaptured by loyalists, being freed once again in 1815.

Leticia is located at the start of the Upper Amazon River where the river flows across the border from Colombia into Brazil. It is Colombia's only Amazon River port and a bustling little town, with a marketplace where we'll find the colourful handicrafts of the Ticuna and Yagua Indians who live in the vicinity and a museum dedicated to Amazonian cultures. In the region you can visit the Indian settlements on Monkey Island, the Parque Nacional Amacayacu and the attractive village of Puerto Narino whereyou can watch dolphins.

Providencia (Old Providence), is one of the San Andres and Providencia group of islands in the Caribbean, to the north of the coast of Panama, 180km east of Nicaragua but belonging to Columbia, more than 500km to the south. It is the second largest island of the group and is volcanic island and much older than San Andres, the largest island almost 100km to the south. There are relics of fortifications, waterfalls, steep cliffs and the highest peak - El Pico - at 610 metres, is well worth a walk. The administrative centre is in Santa Isabel, a little village at the northernmost tip of the island. Providencia is not spoiled by tourism though it is rapidly becoming a fashionable spot for Colombian tourists. Aguadulce on the western coast has already been converted into a tourist centre with hotels, restaurants, boat and snorkelling gear rental. However, the rest of the island has remained virtually unspoilt, but the situation is changing fast.

The coral reefs around Providencia are extensive and provide for good snorkeling and diving particularly at McBean Lagoon, a National park and at nearby cays such as Santa Catalina, Crab Cay and Brothers Cay. There is much fine Caribbean English-style architecture and the locals are very friendly.

San Andres is located to the north of the coast of Panama, 180km east of Nicaragua but 480km to the northeast of Colombia's Caribbean coast. San Andres is a popular holiday resort and has beautiful beaches characterized by its white sand, red corals, and transparent water that has seven different shades of blue. For this reason it is known as the "Sea of Seven Colours." There is excellent diving in snorkelling around the island and on the nearby cays. The island is mainly coral and its vegetation consists mainly of coconut trees and its highest point is only 55 meters above sea level. Places to see include Hoya Soplador - a sea geyser, The Cove - a deep anchorage, and Morgan's Cave.

San Andres was discovered in 1510 by Spanish navigators while traveling from Jamaica to Miskitos. It was settled by the English and Dutch and later ceded to the Spanish government, giving rise to its Spanish heritage, however today, most of the island's inhabitants speak "Bende" or Caribbean English.

Santa Marta is a city in north Colombia on a deep bay of the Caribbean Sea at the mouth of the Manzanares River. Among the oldest permanent European settlements in Latin America and a major port on the "Spanish Main" since colonial days, Santa Marta is the third biggest Caribbean port of Colombia. It is the site of a cathedral (which once housed the tomb of the South American revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar), Fort San Fernando, and the ruins of the Santo Domingo Monastery. Bolívar died at the nearby San Pedro Alejandrino estate, now a museum. Founded in 1525, Santa Marta was raided by the English admiral Sir Francis Drake in 1586 and 1596, and by pirates in the following century.

From here you can also visit the Parque Nacional Tayrona which features unspoiled beaches, the archaelogical site of Pueblito and monkeys, iguanas and snakes. To the south is the large lagoon of Cienaga de Santa Marta containing all types of water birds and animals and several villages on stilts. On the eastern side of this lagoon is Cienaga.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:04 AM

Baltra Island (also South Seymour Island) is one of the smaller Galapagos Islands, with an area of 8 square miles (21 square km). Originally a part of Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island, it was separated by volcanic activity. With the growth of tourism, the WW2 airfield has been renovated and is now the main point of entry for visitors to the islands and departure point for island cruises.

This is one of the smallest islands of the Galapagos and offers beautiful white shell beaches and excellent snorkelling. Take in the extraordinary views of its impressive "moonscape", with craters and spatter cones, and the famous spire known as Pinnacle Rock. There is a Galapgos penguin colony here, one of the smallest species amd the only one found north of the equator. Sea lions abound in the waters and sea turtles nest on the south side of the island.

Espanola, also known as Hood, is the southernmost of the larger Galapagos islands and is 60 square km (23 sq miles) with a high point of 777 meters (2550 feet). Hood has beautiful cliffs on its southern side, and on the southwestern side off the trail there is a blow hole that shoots water 80 feet into the air. From Punta Suarez you can view abundant sea lions and boobies and 10,000 breeding pairs of Waved albatross, nesting here between April and November. Punta Suarez also has plenty of Marine iguanas, nesting Blue-footed boobies, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic hawks, doves, Masked boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls. Gardner Bay has beautiful white sandy beaches where most of the time you will find quite a number of sea lions. This is a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy good snorkeling.

Fernandina (formerly Narborough) Island is the youngest, most western and third largest of the Galapagos, with an area of 245 sq mi (635 sq km). Puerto Espinosa lies on the east coast opposite Tagus Bay on Isabela. The island has an active single volcanic crater, the caldera floor of which collapsed in 1968 due to seismic activity. Fernandina is entirely covered by lava flows frozen into stone and some small sandy beaches have formed along the shores shared by numerous marine iguanas, sea lions, flightless cormorants, penguins, and pelicans. You will also see lava gulls, lava herons, great blue herons, bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs, blue footed boobies and noddy terns.

The volcanic island of Floreana (also Santa Maria or Charles Island) is one of the southernmost in the Galapagos. The island has central volcanic craters reaching 1,800 ft (550 m) high and sloping green hills leading to a sandy shore. The area is rich in wildlife such as sea lions, brown pelicans, flamingos, Darwin finches, and interesting vegetation. With its crystal clear waters, and shallow coastal platforms, it sustains a rich variety of unique tropical marine life including green sea turtles. An offshore island known as Devil's Crown is the summit of a submerged volcanic cone; tropicbirds and noddy terns nest here, and the snorkeling can be excellent (currents permitting).

It was a particular favourite of the British whalers who used the island as a postal station and resupply port. Sailors would leave their letters in large wooden barrels and ships going back to England would take their mail with them. Sailors arriving from Britain would leave barrels filled with correspondence and those calling on the island would forage until their long-awaited letters from home were found. Today, yachtsmen leave their letters in barrels located there, largely due to tradition rather than the reliability of the post. This area, located on the northern part of the island, is consequently known as "Post Office Bay". There is also a more "normal" post office as well as a small settlement located on the western portion of the island.

Genovesa contrary to its name, does not resemble a tower but was formed by the remaining edges of a large crater that is now mostly submerged. It is the smallest of the 13 major islands of the Galapagos at 14 sq. km (5.4 sq. miles). The main landing point is at Darwin Bay, where a long scenic beach fronts a low plain and swallow-tail and lava gulls, red-footed and masked boobies, and off-shore birds such as shearwaters and noddies can be seen.

Tower is famous for its large colony of nesting frigate birds and red-footed boobies. Land at Prince Phillip's Steps and take the scenic walk to see short-eared owls, finches and thousands of storm petrels.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:05 AM

Isabela is the largest of the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands and was previously named Albemarle after the 17th century Duke. The island has sandy beaches and five volcanoes reaching an altitude of 5,540 ft (1,689 m), two of which are still active and hills covered with forests, vines, and orchids. Puerto Villamil, a small fishing village, is the main port located on the southeast side of the island. From here, take the road over the lava fields to Sierra Negra, with its spectacular view of the southern Galápagos or visit the lagoons and mangrove forests with flamingoes and other wading birds in Elizabeth Bay. Tagus Cove (Caleta Tagus) features a diversity of volcanic formations and a hike to view the scenic crater lake named after Charles Darwin as well as flightless cormorants, penguins, land iguanas and flamingoes. Urbina Bay lies on the west coast at the foot of Alcedo volcano and here it is possible to see flightless cormorants, penguins, land iguanas, flamingoes and even Galapagos tortoises inland.

At 130 square kilometers (50 square miles), Marchena (also Bindloe) is the seventh largest island of the Galapagos, more than twice the size of its nearest competitor, Española. Its northernmost location and difficult landing sites make it little visited by tour groups. Marchena is one of the few islands, apparently, to have never hosted a native population of the Galápagos tortoise.

Pinta (Abingdon) is one of the most northerly of the Galapagos Islands. Almost exactly the same size as Española Island at 60 square kilometers (23 sq. mi.), Pinta was home to a herd of goats that grew from 3 to 38,000, since eradicated by the Park Service. Possibly as a result of the goats, there is but one survivor of the saddle-backed tortoise species native to Pinta, the male known as Lonesome George. He currently resides at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz island, and although efforts are underway to cross-breed him with the related Wolf Volcano subspecies, they have so far proven unsuccessful.

Rabida (also Jervis) Island is uninhabited and one of the smaller Galapagos Islands with an area of about 1 square mile (3 square km). It features several small volcanic craters, a lagoon and a flamingo rookery and is covered in dense vegetation. Nine different species of Darwin's finch have been found here and sea lions are often seen on the beaches, formed of small reddish pebbles. In the bushes, just off the tide line, nesting pelicans can be found.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:07 AM

San Cristobal Island, also known as Chatham Island is the fifth largest island in the Galapagos. It was one of the first islands to be colonized and has around 2500 inhabitants, most of them in the capital of the Galápagos, Baquerizo Moreno. There is a new airport near to the town. San Cristóbal features a small museum, a monument to Darwin and a climbing rock called Leon Dormido with good views from the top. Natural highlights include the freshwater lake El Junco, a sea lion beach at Punta Pitt with masked and red-footed boobies and the aptly named Frigatebird Hill. At Wizard Hill (Cerro Brujo) you can find sea-lions galore, crabs and a few interesting birds (e.g. Yellow Warbler, Ground Finch, Plover, Oyster Catchers, Lava Heron and diving Blue Footed Booby).

Santa Cruz Island (previously known as Indefatigable) has become the commercial centre of the Galapagos Islands in recent years. On the south coast is Puerto Ayora which has a harbour that can accommodate boats. More than half of the inhabitants of the archipelago live here. Circular in shape, it has an area of 389 square miles (1,007 square km), and a central volcanic crater rising to 2,300 feet (701 m).

One can find hotels, souvenir shops, and the Charles Darwin Research Station. It offers seminars for naturalists, students, and teachers. Countless scholars from all over the world come here for their training programs, seeking solutions to international ecological problems, particularly in the Galápagos Islands. In 1968, the Darwin Station opened to tourists and in addition to the many educational exhibits one can see the giant Galapágos tortoise nursery.

Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill, named after the large land iguanas that once thrived here, is home to a brackish lagoon, where the the greater flamingo sometimes appears. Also worth seeing are the lava tunnels and the Twin Craters on the island. Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra), on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, shelters a large sea turtle population in the mangrove lagoons, and chances to see sharks, rays, and a great variety of birds including herons and pelicans.

Santa Fe, also known as Barrington, is located east of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos group. It is only 24 square kilometers (9.3 sq. miles.) and peaks out at 260 meters (850 feet). On the northwestern side is a small cove with two sandy beaches and a colony of sea lions. Inland you can find a subspecies of the Plazas land iguana in a forest of the large Opuntia cactus, largest in the Archipelago. The cove makes a nice snorkeling area where multicolored coral and a variety of tropical fish can be seen.

The fourth largest island of the Galapagos is Santiago Island also known as San Salvador or James Island. You can land at James Bay on the north western side of the island where a large number of marine iguanas are found at the Puerto Egas landing, sunning on the black rock, and offshore fur seals are usually seen. Inland of Espumilla Beach there is a lagoon where flamingos, ducks, stilts and other waders can be seen, as well as several of Darwin's finches and feral goats. Walk to the top of Sugarloaf Volcano (395 meters, 1295 feet) for the good views of the interior. Buccaneer Cove offers dramatic cliffs and rock formations while Sulivan Bay, on the west side of the island, is famous for its geologically interesting 100 year old lava flow.

Seymour Island (also North Seymour), a low flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity, is under 2 square kilometers in area (.7 sq. mile). It is located a couple of miles north of Baltra. On North Seymour, nesting frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and a variety of other species make for rewarding birding. In the interior there is the biggest concentration of red pouches in the Galapagos, belonging to the male Magnificent Frigatebirds.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:08 AM

Paramaribo is the capital and chief port of Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana). It lies 9 miles (15 km) from the Atlantic Ocean on the Suriname River. Tour the multicultural city to see its Dutch colonial architecture, canal system, mosques, synagogues and temples side by side. You can also visit the Suriname Museum, the botanic gardens and Government House. Nearby is the the 17th-century Fort Zeelandia. Later cruise the Suriname River through rainforest that covers 85% of this country and is home to monkeys, yellow butterflies, blue-and-yellow macaws and a variety of plants — many known for their medicinal purposes.

Paramaribo was an Indian village that became a French settlement in 1640 and an English colony in 1651. In 1667 it was ceded to Dutch colonial rule.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:10 AM

The Amazon River carries a greater volume of water than any other river in the world and is about 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometres) long. The Amazon enters the Atlantic through a wide estuary, known as the Amazon Delta and estimated at 240 km (about 150 miles) in width. A maze of islands separate the river into branches and its main stream (the Para) is 80 km (50 miles) wide and is separated from the rest of the entrance channels by the huge Marajo Island (the size of Denmark). The port city of Belem is located on the southern side of the Delta while Macapa is the port on the northern channel. The river and its tributaries help support a rain forest ecology that contains more species of flora and fauna than any other ecosystem.

Belem is located 100km (60 miles) from the Para River entrance to the Amazon Delta. Amid the broad avenues and busy markets of this, Brazil's chief port of the lower Amazon River, there remain many intriguing reminders of how thousands of tons of rubber were once loaded for transit here to the markets of the 19th Century.

Founded in 1615 by the Portuguese, Belém owes its commercial importance to the opening of the Amazon to foreign trade in the late 19th century. One of the most attractive cities in South America, Belém has numerous fine public squares and well-paved streets, many of which extend to the edge of the jungle. The cultural centre of northern Brazil, Belém is the site of Praca de Republica (free afternoon concerts), the neoclassical Teatro da Paz (1868 ) and many museums including the Goeldi, with its world-famous Amazonian ethnological and zoological collections. Churches to visit include the Cathedral (1748 ), the 18th century Santo Alexandre, the Merces church (1640) and the Basilica of Nossa Senhora de Nazare, built in 1909 from rubber wealth and featuring beautiful stained glass windows and marble.

Cabedelo is the port for Joao Pessoa in north-east Brazil on the Paraíba do Norte River north of Recife. Joao Pessoa was founded in 1585 and has interesting colonial buildings including the Church of Nossa Senhora das Neves ("Our Lady of the Snows") and the 18th-century Sao Francisco Church. Nearby is the Fortress of Santa Catarina and the Cape Branco lighthouse at Point Seixas, which is the most easterly point in Brazil.

Florianopolis was founded in 1726 by immigrants from the Azores, along with German and Italian settlers. Located on Santa Catarina Island, which is joined to the mainland by three bridges, the late 19th century pastel-colored, plastered buildings still recall faint "old world" images. The natural beauty of the island, its beaches and bays make Florianopolis a popular tourist centre. Most visitors head straight for the island's 42 beaches, with the best ones found on the north and west coast along with fashionable resorts and some of the best hotel facilities in the country. From here you can also take a flight to see the dramatic Iguacu Falls.

Florianopolis was named after Floriano Peixoto, former Brazilian President who defeated insurrection in the city in 1849. Among the city's historic buildings are three fortresses, the Jesuit Monastery and the 200-year-old Palacio Cruz e Souza, which houses the Historic Museum of Santa Catarina. The metropolitan cathedral stands at the highest point and overlooks the main square. The church features a life-size sculpture in wood of the flight into Egypt, originally from the Austrian Tyrol. Other attractions in the city include the Municipal Market and former Customs House, now converted to contain good craft stalls, art galleries and handicraft shops.

Today one of Brazil's major cities, with a colourful harbour area and a colonial history dating back to 1612, Fortaleza has developed around the ancient fortress of Our Lady of Assumption (Fortaleza Nossa Senhora de Assuncao). There's much to enjoy in its old centre, where you visit the magnificent iron structured Teatro Jose de Alencar and various museums or you can bargain in the market for embroidery, lace and other local handicrafts. In recent times, the city has made attempts to expand the tourist trade and to encourage the construction of luxury hotels along the city's fine beaches.

The first Portuguese arrived in 1603 and, after clashes with the Indians, restricted themselves to settling in the coastal area. Only with the eventual blazing of cattle trails into the interior was it possible to subdue the hostile Indians. It was from Fortaleza that the move for independence from Portugal had its beginnings and actual fighting took place between the Portuguese and the local patriots. Prosperity came to the city in the 19th century when ranching was rapidly expanding and Fortaleza became a major port for the hinterland.

Macapa in northern Brazil is situated on the northern channel of the Amazon Delta, about 100 miles from the entrance to the Amazon River on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Amapa region of Brazil and one of only five cities in the world lying directly on the equator. Established by the Portuguese, they built their largest fort in Brazil here, the Fortaleza de Sao Jose do Macapa, built between 1764 and 1782 from bricks brought from portugal as ballast. 50 iron cannons can still be seen. The city's oldest building is the Sao Jose Cathedral dating from 1761.

**Ally** · 08-14-2006, 02:13 AM

Manaus is a city in northwestern Brazil, capital of Amazonas State and a port on the Negro River (near its confluence with the Amazon River). It marks the boudary between the Lower Amazon River downstream to the east and the Central Amazon River upstream for another 1000 miles to the west. Despite being 1,000 miles from the sea it is accessible by oceangoing vessels and one of the chief ports for the developing Amazon River Basin. Among the city's exports are rubber, Brazil nuts, timber, and other products of the surrounding rain forest.

Manaus was founded by the Portuguese in 1669 and became one of the world's wealthiest cities at the height of the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it retains a certain style although its former glory lingers only in some of the grand buildings dotted about the city, including a large cathedral on the hill and the ornate Teatro Amazonas opera house - completed in 1896 and restored several times. Nearby is the famed 'Wedding of the Waters', where the dark Rio Negro and light Rio Solimoes join to form the Amazon, at first flowing side-by-side without merging.

Recife is Brazil's fourth largest city and and one of the country's most historic ocean cities. It also has the distinction of not having been founded by the Portuguese. In fact, it was the Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau who founded Recife in 1637 on reclaimed land after his troops had burned Olinda, the original capital. Recife is an exotic fusion of ancient and modern, threaded by the rivers Capibaribe, Beberibe and Pina, Canal Tacaruna and edged by the scenic Boa Viagem beachfront. Although much of the city centre is given over to modern skyscrapers and office buildings, there are still a few quiet squares with a number of impressive churches and lovely public buildings as well as several interesting museums. The best buildings of interest are the churches of Santo Antonio do convento de Sao Francisco (1606), Capela Dourada (1697), Sao Pedro dos Clerigos (1782), Nossa Senhora da Conceicao do Militares and many others. Other sights include the Forte do Brum (1629) and Forte das Cinco Pontas (1630), both built by the Dutch

Nearby is Olinda, founded in 1537, whose quaint cobbled streets and uniquely rich architectural and cultural heritage have deservedly gained National Monument and World Heritage site status. The Basilica e Mosterio de Sao Bento (1582) was founded by Benedictine monks, burnt by the Dutch in 1631 and restored in 1761. Also visit the Convento de Sao Francisco (1585), Igreja da Miscericordia and the church of Nossa Senhora das Neves. The city and coastal views from Alto da Se are exceptional as are the 17th century houses with latticed balconies and heavy doors.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second largest city, is in south-eastern Brazil, on the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Carnival and Samba, Copacabana and Ipanema, more than fulfils its romantic promise. Beneath the protective arms of the Corcovado - the great statue of Christ the Redeemer that soars above the Tijuca jungle - and the majestic silhouette of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the sweeping boulevards and confusion of skyscrapers and old colonial buildings that are Rio de Janeiro wind themselves around the beach-lined shores of Guanabara Bay.

Praca 15 de Novembro is Rio's focal point and has one of the greatest concentrations of historical buildings in the city including cathedrals, churches, convents and the former Royal Palace. Other sights include the Palacio do Itamaraty, Maracana Football Stadium, Corcovado by cog railway and Copacabana beach.

Rio's history effectively begins on January 1, 1502, when a Portuguese captain, André Gonçalves, steered his craft into Guanabara Bay, thinking he was heading into the mouth of a great river. The city takes its name from this event - Rio de Janeiro means the "River of January." Initial progress in Rio was slow, and only in the 1690s, when gold was discovered in the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais, did the the city's fortunes look up. During the 17th century the sugar cane economy brought new wealth to Rio. In 1763 the city replaced Salvador as Brazil's capital, which it remained until 1960 when the country's political administration was moved to the new federal capital of Brasilia.

São Paulo, Brazil's largest city is on a plateau at an elevation of about 823 m (2,700 ft) and is divided by the Tietê River. The population of the city has increased more than tenfold since 1920 and it has become the financial centre of Brazil, a major manufacturing area and the commercial centre for products (particularly coffee) brought from the interior and shipped from the nearby port of Santos. Both the Modern Art Museum and the Municipal Library have outstanding collections and are worth visiting.

São Paulo was founded by Jesuit priests from Portugal in 1554 and during the 16th and 17th centuries it was a base for expeditions sent from Portugal to obtain slaves and precious minerals. In 1712 São Paulo became a city, but its economy remained agrarian until the 19th century. On September 7, 1822, São Paulo was the site of the proclamation of the independence of Brazil from Portugal and in 1867 a cable railway was constructed joining São Paulo to the seaport of Santos. Large scale coffee growing began in São Paulo State around 1885 and as a result, the city gradually became the commercial centre of the region.