Brasilian Bahia state is home to a fascinating national park where beautiful forests, cliffs, and beautiful rock formations where clean lakes give water to numerous animals which found their habitat in this environment.

Chapada Diamantina is a National Park since 1985. and since the foundation of the park a significant effort has been invested into the preservation of this precious ecosystem. In the 19th century, there were some diamonds found on the territory of the National Park and that is  from where the park got the name.

This park is home to the highest waterfall in the country, Cachoeira da Fumaça, which rises up to 380 meters and when the wind blows due to the height the water from the fall disperses in the air and often it doesn´t reach the bottom.

Oscar Niemeyer is responsible for the design of this marvelous modern style Roman Catholic cathedral.Its construction was completed in 1970 and it attracted views from all over the world due to its architectural features.

There are 16 columns made of concrete. Between the columns one can see stained glass that connects the cathedral in one single building. The interior is decorated by bronze angels while the glass in predominantly blue color lets enough light that fills the interior making it look even more spacious.

It is estimated that approximately 4,000 people can fit in this 40 m high cathedral which entrance is decorated with four evangelists.

This cathedral and its design are so popular that about one million visitors come to visit every year.

Catedral da Sé is a Roman Catholic cathedral built in Neo-Gothic style. As it is the case with many churches and cathedrals, this one too is built on the site of previous churches. Since the arrival of the colonizers, on this site were constructed two churches which were both demolished. The first one was built in the early 17th century while the other, in Baroques style was built after the destruction of the first one in the second hald of the 18th century. The later one was demolished two years before the beginning of the construction of the current cathedral in 1913. It took 4 decades to open this new cathedral even though towers weren´t finished at the time of inauguration in 1954.

This beautiful cathedral is considered to be one of the largest roman catholic churches in the world built in this architectural style while it is most certainly the largest church in Sao Paulo.

Its interior in beautifully decorated not only with marble stone, but also with sculpted descriptions of Brazilian products such as coffee, pineapples…

The Cathedra is also proud of a large crypt where one can see the  description of the history of Job and St Jerome. These sculptures in marble stone are a work of art by Francisco Leopoldo e Silva. Of course, there are several tombs inside pertaining to bishops and archbishops as well of Diogo Feijó and Tibirica, a regent and a chieftain respectively who were two important figures in Brazilian history.

Also, if in Cathedral it would be a great mistake not to see the Organ that is one of the largest in South America and is decorated with reliefs in Gothic style.

Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro South Zone (Zona Sul) was opened in 1822. Original plans for the garden was to cultivate only species found in the West Indies, but later on many other plants found home in this beautiful and spacious garden. It lies at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain

Today, the garden spreads over 54 hectares and about 6,500 species, of which some are endangered, are grown here. There is also the Orchid Conservatory. Besides the plants, the garden is also home to many monuments.

This park was home to the first Royal Palm, called that way because the King Dom Joao planted it himself. This palm spread outside of the garden in the following years. The fist or the Royal Palm grew here for 140 years until it was struck by lightning in 1972.

Nowadays, visitors can walk through the Avenue of Royal Palms that leads from the entrance to the interior of the garden.
60% of the park is covered by the Atlantic Forest that rises up the Corcovado Mountian. Since 1992 this Garden is protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It is also protected by the Patrimonio Historico e Artistico Nacional.

Tijuca Forest  is a world largest urban forest that people planted in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It covers the area of 32 square km or 12 square miles. Because of this forest Rio de Janeiro has more rain and fresh water. It is a part of the Tijuca National Park and it shares its name with the neighborhood located right next to it. The original forest was destroyed by coffee plantations but in the second half of the 19th century it was decided to replant the forest in order to protect water supplies.

Tijuca Forest is rich with tropical vegetation, animals, trails, and caves. Many of the plant and wildlife species here are endangered species. Some of the most beautiful scenic views could be seen here.  The peak of Tijuca (Pico da Tijuca) is high as 3300 feet.
Among notable sites one can find the Alto Boa Vista, Vista Chinesa, Mesa do Imperador, Cachiera dos Macacos (Monkey´s Waterfall), Mayrink Chapel, and Taunay´s Waterfall.

The statue of the Christ the Redeemer is located on the top of the Corcovado Mountain and it is the 5th largest statue of Jesus in the world. This Art Deco statue is 38m high and the span between its hands is 28 m. A small chapel is located at the base of the statue. Paul Landowski, a French sculptor, designed it and the message of this statue is that Christ loves us all. The construction of the site begun in 1927 and was inaugurated in 1931. The designer named Carlos Oswald was responsible for the final design.

There exists a Corcovado Railway that leads to the top of the Corcovado Mountain. The trip lasts approximately 20 minutes and the railway can take 360 passengers at once. The recommended time to visit Christ the Redeemer is in late afternoon or evening when all visitors can enjoy the lights of Rio De Janeiro.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a Rio de Janeiro landmark and one of the most recognized pictures of the world. It rises at 396 m above the Guanabara Bay. The Portuguese people thought of the name due to the popular sugar cane trade in the 16th century.  It has a shape of a cone and it is constituted of granite and quartz and it is one of the several similar.

There is a cable cat that leads visitors to the peak of the Sugarloaf. Visitors who come here, and this is a must if in Rio, will enjoy a marvelous view over the world wide known beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, the Guanabara Bay, Niteroi city and all the way to the inland and its beautiful green forests.
The cable car departures from Praia Vermelha and stops at Morro da Urca at 220 m of height from where leaves at Sugarloaf.

This church is built along the convent. Its construction begun soon after the arrival of the friars on the territory. Even though the church and the convent were built almost immediately upon the arrival of friars the first constructions were ruined by the Dutch in early 17th century. The constructions that still stand today were built in the first half of the 18th century while the interior was decorated during several following decades. The church is also special by the central nave with three aisles and numerous decorative details on the ceiling.

This beautiful and interesting cathedral dates back to the 18th century. It is located in Salvador, Bahia. Every January there is a great celebration where participate religious people from the region. 

The cathedral has two towers and the lower part of the façade was covered by Potuguese white tiles. The church was completely finished in the 19th century and the interior has features of Neoclassical style.  In the first half of the 19th century, an artist Franco Velasco made a wooden ceiling.

There is also a tradition of colorful ribbons which are hanged all around the church. This tradition has its origins in both African and catholic customs. These ribbons are hanged on the church gates and on ankles. These ribbons symbolize wishes that are connected with sentimental feelings.

The current monastery building was designed by D Adelbert Gresnicht and built in the first half of the 20th century. The building has some features which pertain to German style of construction. The interior is beautifully decorated too. Today, 40 monks live inside the monastery and they mostly produce their own food.

This monastery dedicated to Sao Bento or in English San Benedict is one of the most visited monuments of this type in this enormous city.