Iguassu Falls - Wow.

Wow just about sums it up. Speechless almost. This is one of the most spectacular things you will ever see, possibly even the most. Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil Iguassu falls is a sight to behold.

If you have the time I would deffinately reccomend doing both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides of the falls as they are both give very different perspectives. The Brazilian side gives more of a general overview of the falls allowing you to see more of a panoramic overview of its sheer size and stunning location. Wooden walkways allow you to see the sheer scale of it and you can walk over parts of the waterfall to get great views of some of the sections and the rainbows that seem to circle all around you.
However it was the Argentinian side that really did it for me. This is a much more up close and personal view of Iguassu. The walkways take you right to the edge of the drops and you can truly see its power and the sheer size of some of the drops. A short train ride and a walk takes you up to the ´devils throat´, a 150m wide 82m drop that really sums up why it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. You feel like your standing above the heavens. With spray all in your face and a bottomless plummet below you it really is an amazing sight to behold. Anyway i can't rave about it too much more so go and see for yourself!

If you get time do the boat rides that are on offer, allowing you to feel the sheer power of that much water. They are not expensive and the drivers really go for it to get you as far under as they can. You won't be able to see and it's seriously loud, but it's an exiting ride!

Hostel: Hostel Natura (although there are some good options on Hostel World)

Florianopolis - Surf by day, Dance by night

The nickname 'the Ibiza of Brazil' speaks for itself really. Stunning beaches and an unparelelled nightlife makes this place pretty perfect for a lot of people who get very stuck there.

Nighlife - Most of the mega clubs are an hour or so out of town such as Green Vally (now voted top nightclub in the world, above Space in Ibiza) but many hostels do a transfer with your ticket. Like Ibiza these places are not cheap and girls can expect a serious discount on their ticket but i say if your going to do it you may as well do it properly, check the local listings for whats on and where. 

Hostels - We stayed at Sunset Backpackers which was a brilliant social hostel with a cool bar and amazing views. It had cheap surfboard rental and well organised activities and nighlife (the party bus is kitted out with lazers and tunes to get you in the mood, is pretty funny); however it was slighly out of town. Barra de Lagoa is a nice beach spot and town with some good hostels.

Beaches and Watersports - if your into your surfing Floranopolis is ideal. The beaches have different breaks that allow surfers of every standard to find the wave to suit you. Lessons are not too expensive and a short bus ride can get you to most beaches. There is also a large lake which is popular for paddle boarding and windsurfing.

Hostel: Sunset Backpackers - Amazing views, awesome communal areas with a pool and a good crowd, plus free Caprinyas every night so you can't loose!

Ilha Grande - a slice of paradise.

If you want to escape the hecticness and madness of the cities then there is no place better than Ilha Grande, it is perfect. Brazils largest island is void of cars and concrete (and ATMs so get cash out before!) and boasts some of, if not the best, beaches in Brazil. Its small town immediately calms you and all worries dissappear in this tranquil haven. Don't get me wrong there are still places to have fun and the hostels get pretty lively but if you want to lie back, see some amazing scenery, eat nice food and do amazing treks then this is the spot for you.

Treks - Ilha Grande boats over a 100 beaches so you may struggle to see them all; here is a few of the best:

• A vital trek to do is to Lopes Mendes, it is considered to be the best beach in Brazil and it does not disappoint. The pure white sand sqeeks under your feet and can only be appreciated through sunglasses. The paths are easy enough to find either side of the front of town, Lopes Mendes takes around 3 hours to get there and i wouldn't reccomend it in the midday sun (very very sweaty!), you can either walk back or catch a boat taxi. 
• Walking the other way round the island is a reasonably short trek to a beautiful waterfall which takes around an hour and a half. There are monkeys everywhere and pools en route so its ideal for an afternoon stroll and to see some cool scenery.
• Another really good, and slightly more extreme trek is to the derelict prison of Candido Mendes. Originally a leper colony and later a prison. Tourists can do a stunning walk over the island in order to visit its ruins and some stunning beaches along the way. I personally couldn't reccomend it more. Its around a 4 hour round trip and take a local if you can in order to show you some secret spots. Well worth it. Alternitavely you can get the university bus over the hills to the nearby village, which could prove an interesting ride.

Other tips:

• Get cash out before as there are no atms! You can pay on card in some places but it's risky, i saw lots of people in pretty sticky situations!
• Book your hostel in advance during peak season, the lively party hostels are Che Lagarto and Aquerio, apart from that there are many good hostels around the town.
• The slow ferry is far cheaper than the smaller ferry however make sure you check where they are going too!
• Save enough time for the treks, taxi boats do not go everywhere and getting stuck somewhere could be pretty dodgy.

Hostel: Che Legarto - A good place to relax and if you fancy keeping the party alive the place to be.

Rio de Janeiro! Safe and Sound?!

Where to begin! Initially the horror stories kicked in when we arrived  and  realised our appartment was at the entrance to a favela but over time you realise Rio is a changed place. Much of the crime and  chaos you hear about has been cleaned up for its upcomming showcase on the world stage, and speaking to the locals will tell you that many of the crossfires and violence has negated. Don't get me wrong, DON¨T walk on your own into a favela or a dodgey neighbourhood, scores of travellers will tell you of their horror stories and we created our very own on day 3 of our trip.

Little hint, Santa Teresa may well look safe and picturesque with its beautiful cobbled streets and colonial building but it may decieve you! Five of us were strolling along a little too openly after the  famous lapa steps taking photos (standing out like complete tourists basically), when we noticed two guys on a moped going up and down the street (hindsight would later tell us they were on the lookout for the police, but hindsights annoying). The next thing we know i turn to see a pretty hefty kitchen knife in our face and a pretty angry looking fifteen year old kid so naturally........we leg it. We all leg it in different directions completely stupidly and he manages to get two of my friends backed behind a car, at which point one girl hands over her camera and her boyfriend heroically launched all that was in his hand at the mugger, which included a pretty hefty lonely planet book and a metro card, nice. This minor distraction allowed them to escape with him chasing them unconvincingly on his moped, however once people appeared, he disappeared. A near miss!!

The obvious tip is to keep your valuables hidden (which includes not wearing any jewellery, another mistake a friend of mine made), secondly to stay in areas where there are other people, thirdly don't say no to them as other stories have led me to believe they will use their weapon, and fourthly, always carry a lonely planet as it has uses you wouldn't believe!

Anyway..............onto happier things..............

Rio de Janeiro - Carnaval madness.

Ok so imagine a bunch of blaring crackling speakers, a gang of steel drummers, some big stacked cross dressing brazilian men and a bucket of caprinyas, combined with white sandy beaches and sweaty dancing in the street and that will get you something near Carnival in Rio. Ridiculous.

They certainly know how to enjoy themselves and it seems at Carvial everyone is pulling out there peak party performances. The parties mostly take place in different 'blocas' so basiccally different areas such as Ipanema, Copacabana and Lapa, so you just have to find out where the parties are each day. Most of the time its just streets packed with people but if you can find a moving float then even better as you can just dance behind that for hours of endless fun. One minuite you'll be next to a half naked girl, the next a transvestite in a vest and the next a couple having a bit too much fun in the street, a pretty hilarious experience altogether. Lapa was probably the craziest of all places, be wary as a tourist and don't take any valuables (speaking from experience!) but its so much fun there, a real local street party.

If you want to see the real Carnival as in the floats and the competing Samba schools then you have to get a ticket for the Sambadromo, a strip of road with huge stands either side. Most people get ripped off and there are a lot of fake tickets but its well worth a visit. The outfits are spectacular, colour is everywhere and the stands are packed with people drinking and dancing, its from 10pm to 6am though so be prepared to be there for the long haul! You can get cheaper tickets there but its a bit risky, its best to get them online or get down there early for a good seat.

Hostels: There are plenty but BOOK IN ADVANCE! Some charge up to £100 during Carnival so expect to splash out. Alternatively if you can get a group together i would definitely recommend renting an apartment. Six of us rented one for around £25 a night in an awesome location, allowing lots more spending money for the Carnival itself!