Modern gonzo Robin Esrock and partner Ana Alheiro lay out the argument in photographs.

MY FIRST VISIT TO Brazil was an accident. The next was a holiday. The most recent was a necessity.

With 192 million people, Brazil is one of the four nations (along with Russia, China, and India) anticipated to define this century. While China is revolutionizing the world of commerce, analysts expect Brazil’s natural attractions to transform the country into a global tourism powerhouse. It has the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and Rio will host the 2016 Summer Olympics — an unprecedented double-whammy of superstar events that will bring the world to its shores.

As a professional traveler, I am often asked what my favourite country is. The answer is Brazil, and with the photos below I hope to explain why. For my partner Ana, the reason is simple. She’s a born and bred carioca, growing up just steps away from the Copacabana. Whether you’re attracted to the beaches or Carnaval, wildlife or music, there’s too much going on here to ignore for much longer.