What is the best time to visit Brazil?

1. HYACINTH MACAW at the PANTANAL 2. a lane in the interiors of peru 3. a glimpse of the andes en route to lake titicaca 4. a potoo at the PANTANAL 5. the Iguazu Falls in brazil 6. a peek at Inca Architecture at cusco

Between September and February.

How does one get to Brazil from India?

There are four ways to get to Sao Paulo, Brazil:

(i) From Dubai via Emirates Airlines

(ii) From London/Frankfurt via British Airways/ Lufthansa

(iii) From Miami via American Airlines

(iv) From Johannesburg via South African Airways

What is the basic budget?

One has to look for cheap tickets on the long-haul sector. Most airlines offer discounts from time to time. Airfares within South America tend to be expensive. Accommodation is available to suit all budgets.

Which cities should one visit in Brazil and Peru?

As far as cities go, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Lima in Peru are musts. Other destinations, which must feature on your itinerary, are the Iguazu Falls (from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides) and Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru, which is where the Inca civilisation flourished. Nature and wildlife lovers must go to the Amazon Rainforest from Manaus and the Pantanal, the largest wetlands in the world, full of exotic birds and wildlife. Also Lake Titicaca at 11,000ft is the highest navigable lake in the world and truly an experience.

Take us through the highlights of the wildlife in Brazil and Peru…

Spectacular birds, many rare and near-extinct, can be seen in Brazil. My exhibition carries pictures of the Hyacinth Macaw, Toucan and Jabiru stork. Caimans can be seen in plenty. If one is lucky, one can get a glimpse of the jaguar too. We went piranha fishing in the Rio Negro river, caught 25 of them and our lodge in the Pantanal served that as starters to all the guests!

What is the coastline like in both the countries?

Beautiful. You get a view of the Atlantic from Rio de Janeiro and the Pacific from Lima.

What is the most exotic glimpse of natural beauty?

There are many exotic locations. Driving from Cusco to Lake Titicaca on the border of Bolivia, one gets a breathtaking view of the Andes with its snow-capped peaks. Machu Picchu at 10,000ft is an experience in itself with its beautiful Inca architecture.

Tell us more about the Inca trail…

There is a train which takes you from Cusco to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, there is a fair bit of walking and climbing involved amongst the ruins. You are recommended to spend a night at Machu Picchu.

What Brazilian local cuisine should one try? Is eating out expensive?

The Brazilian local drink (Caipirinha) and the food is excellent. There are many street-side cafes where the food is not expensive.

What is the time difference between Brazil and India?

Brazil is seven-and-a-half hours behind India.

Do you have any such exploration story to share? Tell t2@abp.in

Dream On Canvas, an exhibition of Sumantra Banerjee’s photographs, will be held at Emami Gallery (near Ruby Hospital on EM Bypass) from January 13-15