Where To Go On Holiday In Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a great place to start your travels and flights to the city are becoming ever more affordable. A city of contrast, Rio on the one hand is an affluent area, yet sitting side by side are sky scrappers and favelas all adding to the sense of diversity and vibrancy. No visit to Rio is complete without taking in the imposing Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) statue, ascending the stunning Sugar Loaf Mountain via cable car to soak up its commanding views over the city and taking a stroll along the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Thrill seekers will delight at hang gliding off the stunning mountains, learning to surf or taking a helicopter ride over the city.
The serene island of Ilha Grande serves as a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, and is a perfect place to kick back with a Caipirinha and watch the sun set over the sea. With pristine beaches and lush rainforest, it’s hard to not be taken in by its beauty and tranquillity.
The dominant city of Sao Paulo is cosmopolitan and staggeringly large! Its historic centre is steeped in history, and its Avenida Paulista rich in culture. Enjoy a walk in one of its public parks, take in the panoramic view over the city from the Banespa Tower or take a city tour to find your bearings and explore what Sao Paulo has to offer.
Some of the most picture perfect beaches are to be found in the southern city of Florianopolis, and further down the country at its border with Argentina you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Iguazu Falls. Inland is the colonial town of Paraty where anyone could be forgiven for thinking that they had stepped back in time, with its cobbled streets, striking old buildings with beautifully coloured shutters and horse and carts. From here you can enjoy amazing boat trips and fantastic diving and snorkelling.
The Pantanal wetlands is your opportunity to get up close with nature – stay in a ranch and take a night safari to spot ocelots, armadillo, capybara, and if you’re really lucky jaguar, and a boat trip by day to spot caiman, iguana and monkeys. Embrace nature and trek by horseback, or learn to fish for piranha resulting in the best BBQ you’ll ever have!
In the north of the country the picture perfect Olinda and Recife provide a glimmer into the past with buildings dating from the 18th century, and are host to impressive carnivals, stunning beaches and interesting museums. From Recife head to the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha where you can enjoy Brazil’s finest beaches and rich marine wildlife.
The city of Salvador is a must for anyone wanting to experience capoeira – the Pelourinho is the heart of the city and it is not uncommon to see both budding and experienced capoeiristas throwing their heart and soul into the national dance. The music is rhythmic and sets the backdrop to any stay in the city.
For those wishing to enjoy the Amazon a travel to Manaus is a great start point. From here pick up a boat tour along the river or a canoe your own way to enjoy the expansive and inspiring surroundings.
In summary Brazil is whatever you want it to be – its colourful and charismatic, historical yet modern, capoeira and Caipirinha’s, being up close with Mother Nature and yet never being far away from dynamic and frenetic cities. It’s an adventure waiting to happen...