Brazil is a country packed with icons: the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana; the bright lights of the Carnival; the Amazon Rainforest and river; the thundering Iguazu Falls… Football, bikinis, favelas, Christ the Redeemer. Each image that characterises Brazil is heady with passion, allure and, most importantly, colour. The largest country in South America (and the fifth largest in the world) is so replete with incredible sights it can be difficult to know where to start. All holidays to Brazil should include some time spent at the beach: the cerulean seas, golden beaches and emerald rainforest are reminiscent of the colours of the Brazilian flag, and there are many to choose from. Brazil holidays will also benefit from venturing inland, to the wetlands of the Pantanal and the mountains that once boomed with the success of the Gold Rush. This is a country with a culture as varied as its landscapes, of African heritage, colonial Portuguese influences and that Latin American zest for life. During Carnival Brazil vibrates with energy and samba beats echo through the streets. The best time to visit Brazil depends on what you’d like to see; as a large country the temperature varies hugely between north and south. The northeast is ideal all year round, but visitors to Rio would do well to stick to September to May for the best weather. The Pantanal is best from July to December while the Amazon differs, with March to August offering the best time to travel to the Amazon region. As well as the natural wonders and plethora of sights, sophisticated and romantic hotels make for a fantastic Brazil honeymoon, at any time of the year.