Brazil
Overview
With 209.3 million inhabitants and an area of 8.516.00 km2 that stretches from the Amazon Basin in the north to the Iguaçu Falls in the south, Brazil is a country of superlatives. Its landscape and ecosystem are marked by a richness that is second to no other. This is one of the only countries where tropical islands and white sandy beaches neighbour on rainforest and red-rock canyons. Its incredible diversity makes Brazil the home of the largest collection of plant and animal species on the planet. Explore the lush green rainforest of the Amazon, climb the Pico da Neblina, Brazil’s highest mountain, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere of one of this country’s rhythm-filled metropolises.
Top Attractions
- Explore the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, known for its stunning beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and vibrant neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Lapa.
- Discover the natural wonders of the Amazon Rainforest, with opportunities for wildlife watching, jungle treks, and river cruises along the Amazon River, as well as visits to indigenous communities and eco-lodges.
- Visit the majestic Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, with its impressive cascades, lush rainforest surroundings, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Explore the historic city of Salvador, known for its colorful colonial architecture, rich Afro-Brazilian culture, and vibrant music and dance scene, with landmarks like the Pelourinho historic district and the São Francisco Church.
- Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and nature photography in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the flavors of Brazilian cuisine, known for its diverse influences, bold flavors, and use of fresh ingredients like tropical fruits, seafood, and meats.
- Sample iconic dishes like feijoada (a hearty stew of black beans and pork), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and coxinha (deep-fried chicken croquettes), as well as traditional side dishes like farofa (toasted cassava flour) and couve (sauteed collard greens).
- Try Brazilian specialties like churrasco (barbecue), moqueca (fish stew), and acarajé (fried bean cakes), as well as traditional desserts like brigadeiro (chocolate truffles), açaí bowls, and pudim (caramel flan).
- Savor refreshing beverages like caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime), guaraná soda (made from the guaraná fruit), and mate tea, as well as tropical fruit juices and cocktails made with ingredients like coconut, passion fruit, and pineapple.
- Don’t forget to try Brazilian street food like pastel (deep-fried pastries filled with meat or cheese), tapioca crepes, and açai bowls topped with granola and fresh fruit, as well as snacks like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and coxinha (chicken croquettes).
Outdoor Activities
- Go hiking in the Tijuca National Park, located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, with opportunities for exploring scenic trails, visiting waterfalls like Cascatinha Taunay, and spotting wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds.
- Explore the beaches of Brazil, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, at destinations like Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, and Praia do Forte.
- Take a boat tour of the Pantanal wetlands, with opportunities for wildlife watching, birdwatching, and fishing for piranhas, as well as overnight stays in rustic lodges or floating hotels.
- Visit the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site located off the coast of Brazil, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins and sea turtles.
- Experience outdoor adventures like zip-lining, rock climbing, and white-water rafting in destinations like Brotas, Chapada Diamantina, and Bonito, with opportunities for adrenaline-pumping thrills in some of Brazil’s most scenic landscapes.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Brazil with visits to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, the Afro-Brazilian Museum in Salvador, and the Inhotim Institute in Minas Gerais.
- Explore the vibrant arts scene of Brazil, with opportunities to attend festivals, concerts, and exhibitions showcasing Brazilian and international talent, such as the Rio Carnival, the São Paulo Art Biennial, and the Salvador Carnival.
- Experience traditional Brazilian music and dance performances, such as samba, bossa nova, and capoeira, as well as regional styles like forró, maracatu, and frevo, which reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the country.
- Discover the history and legacy of Brazil’s colonial past with visits to historic sites like the Historic Center of Olinda, the Pelourinho historic district in Salvador, and the colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Paraty, which showcase the architectural and artistic achievements of the Portuguese colonial period.
- Participate in local festivals and celebrations, such as the Festa Junina (June Festival), the Bumba Meu Boi festival in São Luís, and the Parintins Folklore Festival in the Amazon, to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of Brazil firsthand.
