Brazil is a very musical country. Not only do they love (and know how) to play with feeling and soul, but they're also great dancers. You can listen to local performers in live music cafes, but to not only see Brazilian dancing with your own eyes, but to try it yourself, head to the country's many dance halls (called gafieiras). Whether it's samba, lambada or bossa nova is up to you!
2. Beaches
Brazil's beaches are truly one of the country's gems. With dazzling white sand, warm azure seas, and gentle sunshine, what more is there to be happy about? In addition to Rio's famous Copacabana, you can choose from the beaches of Buzios, explore the numerous islets and coves of Angra dos Reis, laze on the sand at Ilha Bella, or laze on the emerald beaches of Ubatuba.
3. Rio de Janeiro from above
It would be an unforgivable omission to visit Rio and not see its panorama! Therefore, we highly recommend that you take the time to climb the Pan di Azucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) or Corcovada (where the famous Christ the Redeemer statue stands) and marvel at the majestic and breathtaking panorama of the city at your feet.
4. Carnival
Brazil and Carnival have long been synonymous, with the most spectacular of carnivals taking place here! You have to travel to Rio in February, 40 days before Easter, to see it for yourself. The music, the bright colors, the fantastic costumes of the dancers - no one will be indifferent!
5. Salvador
When you've had your fill of Rio, head to Brazil's first capital, Salvador, for a change. It's a city of vibrant colors, leisurely pace of life, and colorful landscapes. Stroll the streets of the city and take in the atmosphere of old colonial Brazil, spend an hour or two on a beach (Itapoa, do Farol, Ribeira, or Flamengo), visit a couple of art galleries in search of lost treasures, and be sure to linger to watch the local capoeira dancers.
6. Iguazu Falls
If there's a crown of beauty in nature, it's Iguazu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Just imagine: 275 waterfalls merging into one and cascading down a canyon, crowned by a rainbow on a sunny day. The beauty is indescribable! Water excursions are available for the bravest of the brave.
7. Local cuisine
You can't say you've gotten to know a country if you haven't tasted the national cuisine. So what's one thing every foodie in Brazil should try? Start with moqueca, a fish or seafood stewed in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, and coriander with peppers and coconut milk. It is usually served with rice. You can continue with a stew of black beans, pork, and sausages - feijoada. It is served with rice, cabbage, orange slices, and farofa (cassava flour tortillas). For dessert, try açaí (the country's most popular berry) in different variations - juice, smoothie, or frozen dessert with granola and fruit. And be sure to try the kuindim, which is a baked egg, sugar, and coconut cupcake with a golden crust covered in cream and sprinkled with coconut shavings - finger-licking goodness!
8. Jungle Walk
You can appreciate the beauty of Brazil's wildlife by going not just anywhere, but into the real jungle.
Excursions into the Amazon begin in Manaus and can last from a day to a month, and during the rainy season (February to April) you'll even have the chance to explore the flooded wilderness by boat or canoe. One of the favorite tourist attractions is the trip to the confluence of the Amazon and Rio Negro, romantically called the "wedding of the waters".
9. Underwater World
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore not only the "land" part of the country, but also its underwater flora and fauna by diving.
One of the best places to do this is the Fernando de Noronha archipelago off Brazil's northeast coast. Or Angra dos Reis, a resort in the state of Rio de Janeiro, near Ilha Grande Bay, as well as the states of Baia and Pernambuco.
10. One of the largest stadiums in the world
Brazilians are known the world over for their love of soccer, so be sure to visit one of the world's largest soccer stadiums - the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro - to marvel at the size of this grandiose structure. And if you like to cheer in the stands yourself, this is a must-see.
Have a nice trip!
Cheap airfare to Rio de Janeiro can always be found on tripmydream!
