The Brazilian Amazon region holds a very special place in the minds of the worldís nature lovers as a vast wilderness of tropical forest splendor; and southern Brazil's Pantanal area, an immense wetland, has a well-deserved reputation for its tremendous wildlife-viewing opportunities. Eco-travellers to these regions want to experience tropical forests and other stunning habitats and catch glimpses of exotic wildlife: toucans and parrots, monkeys and anteaters, frogs and toads, crocodiles and snakes. In this book is all the information you need to find, identify, and learn about Brazil's magnificent animal and plant life.

An indispensable guide to wildlife and travel in South America's Pantanal, where the continent's largest cat, the jaguar, lives alongside crocodiles, giant otters and the world's largest parrot.

Thoroughly revised text that focuses on the wonderful natural history of Brazil, as found in the wetlands of the Pantanal, the Amazon and the Brazilian rain forest. The northeast coast is also covered in detail offering some of the most beautiful and deserted beaches to be found anywhere, as well as the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture of the region.

The acclaimed author of Conquistador and Labyrinth of Ice charts one of history’s greatest expeditions, a legendary 16th-century adventurer’s death-defying navigation of the Amazon River. In 1541, Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro and his lieutenant Francisco Orellana searched for La Canela, South America’s rumored Land of Cinnamon, and the fabled El Dorado, “the golden man.” Quickly, the enormous expedition of mercenaries, enslaved natives, horses, and hunting dogs were decimated through disease, starvation, and attacks in the jungle. Hopelessly lost in the swampy labyrinth, Pizarro and Orellana made the fateful decision to separate. While Pizarro eventually returned home in rags, Orellana and fifty-seven men continued into the unknown reaches of the mighty Amazon jungle and river. Theirs would be the greater glory. Interweaving historical accounts with newly uncovered details, Levy reconstructs Orellana’s journey as the first European to navigate the world’s largest river. Every twist and turn of the powerful Amazon holds new wonders and the risk of death. Levy gives a long-overdue account of the Amazon’s people—some offering sustenance and guidance, others hostile, subjecting the invaders to gauntlets of unremitting attacks and signs of terrifying rituals. Violent and beautiful, noble and tragic, River of Darkness is riveting history and breathtaking adventure that will sweep readers on a voyage unlike any other.

Illustrated with 30-40 photographs and artwork and a map, this book helps you discover where the birds are whether in Mexico and southern Europe or in the distant, mythic Galapagos, Korea, and Antarctica.

The acclaimed guide to the ecology and natural history of the American tropics—now fully updated and expanded The New Neotropical Companion is the completely revised and expanded edition of a book that has helped thousands of people to understand the complex ecology and natural history of the most species-rich area on Earth, the American tropics. Featuring stunning color photos throughout, it is a sweeping and cutting-edge account of tropical ecology that includes not only tropical rain forests but also other ecosystems such as cloud forests, rivers, savannas, and mountains. This is the only guide to the American tropics that is all-inclusive, encompassing the entire region's ecology and the amazing relationships among species rather than focusing just on species identification. The New Neotropical Companion is a book unlike any other. Here, you will learn how to recognize distinctive ecological patterns of rain forests and other habitats and to interpret how these remarkable ecosystems function—everything is explained in clear and engaging prose free of jargon. You will also be introduced to the region's astonishing plant and animal life. Informative and entertaining, The New Neotropical Companion is a pleasurable escape for armchair naturalists, and visitors to the American tropics will want to refer to this book before, during, and after their trip. Covers all of tropical America Describes the species and habitats most likely to be observed by visitors Includes every major ecosystem, from lowland rain forests to the high Andes Features a wealth of color photos of habitats, plants, and animals

Explore gorgeous, cobbled colonial streets, take in a raucous and mesmerising carnival, hike in the mountains that overlook Rio de Janeiro or explore the emerald-green bays that bejewel the coast. Spot all manner of rare wildlife along the waterways of the Pantanal and explore the lush forest and waterfalls of the Goias Cerrado. Footprint's eighth edition of the Brazil Handbook is perfect for the adventurous traveller wanting to get off the beaten track and explore South America's largest and most diverse country. This guide is jam-packed with information about the country's eclectic festivals, passionate sporting events, vast biodiversity and spectacular scenery. • Great coverage of Amazonia and the adventure travel scene including caving, canoeing, scuba-diving, hang-gliding, paragliding and many more • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from dune-trekking in Olinda to birdwatching in Minas Gerais • Includes comprehensive listings from the Mardi Gras celebrations in Rio to the traditional parades and hippy festivals in Cidade de Goiás and Bahia • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-colour planning section to inspire travellers and help you find the best experiences Fully updated, Footprint’s Brazil Handbook is packed with all the information you’ll need to get the best out of Brazil.