Posted 30 Jul 2009

A gap year in Brazil taking in the often-overlooked north of the country is perfect for those who are looking for something slightly different from the norm, it has been stated.

Answering the queries of gap year travellers in the Guardian newspaper, William Maddicott, who works in Manchester’s STA Travel branch on Oxford Road, believes that northern Brazil is "altogether different" from the rest of the region.

"You’ll catch sights from the beautiful and relatively quiet beaches around Ipojuca, to laid-back colonial towns like Olinda with their near nightly street caporeira performances and local craft markets," Mr Maddicott explains.

He further recommends that those who follow his advice also take a milk boat down the Amazon River starting at Belem at its mouth. Although this is far from luxurious, he adds, it is the ultimate adventure and provides a "true, once-in-a-lifetime experience".

Brazil is a favourite destination of American gap year travellers, a survey conducted in May by GeckoGo discovered.

Category: South America