Just back from another trip to Brazil, went north this time.  You really must go to Salvador in Bahia, this is where Brazil started.  From the Marcado Modelo (best place to buy souvenirs) you can get a boat to Morro de Sao Paulo, a great little island for a bit R&R.  Recommend staying on the third beach, they are all numbered, and eating around there as the second beach is much more expensive to stay and eat.  If you do plan to go there drop me a mail and I'll give you more details. JP

I spent three weeks in Brazil this year and the highlight of my trip has to have been Bonito.  It is an eco tourism town located in the west of Brazil near Campo Grande.  We stayed in the youth hostel www.ajbonito.com.br and organised all the trips through them.  You have to snorkle down Rio de Prata and if your feeling a bit daring then the Abismo Anhuma is a thrilling 72 meter abseil down into a cave followed snorkelling or diving in clean water inside a cave. The food in the hostel is great value and really good homecooked Brazilian fare.