Curitiba, Brazil, may not be as well known as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, but its attractions are plentiful and diverse. There’s a lot to explore, including everything from quaint historic districts and quiet parks to modern architecture, art museums and shopping.

Located in northeast Brazil, Salvador was founded in 1549 and served as the country’s first capital. It’s the third largest city in Brazil, and one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Salvador’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and numerous churches.

Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon, was our last stop in Brazil after the beaches of Buzios and the World Cup matches in Rio.

Buzios is a seaside resort town about three hours north of Rio de Janeiro. I go to Buzios every time I visit Rio, and my recent trip to Brazil for the World Cup was no exception. The town is picturesque and peaceful, even moreso after the hustle and bustle of the FIFA games.