Brazil: Much More than Just Football and Caipirinhas

What comes to mind when you think of Brazil? It could be the pristine sandy beaches, a country obsessed with football (or soccer, depending on where you are in the world), caipirinhas, or even samba. Well, I am here to tell you that the beautiful nation of Brazil is a lot more than just these defining features. As a previous resident of Brazil, I have put together a guide to experiencing and appreciating everything this diverse South American giant has to offer.

1. Amazonian Beauty

The vast Amazon rainforest houses around 10% of the world’s biodiversity, including endangered animal and plant species. Spanning over 6 million km² in size, the Amazon extends into Brazil’s neighboring countries of Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and more. A great starting point to explore the expansive jungles and rivers of the Brazilian Amazon is the city of Manaus. From there, you can catch a boat ride into the Amazon jungle and stay in Treehouse Hotels that are extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. Don’t miss your chance to swim with pink dolphins and support indigenous Amazonian communities.

2. Little Switzerland 

Believe it or not, there is a little Swiss town in the Southeast of Brazil called Campos do Jordão. It was discovered when Portuguese settlers set out in search of gold. The pleasant climate and clean air attracted travelers from all over Europe, believing that they could be cured of tuberculosis by breathing in fresh oxygen. That is why European architecture is a prominent feature in Campos do Jordão. Swiss-style chalets line the streets, with restaurants serving traditional fondue and wine in the winter months. The Boulevard Geneve is the place to go for all things Swiss: chocolate, fondue, and even home-brewed beer. A day trip to Campos does Jordão will make you feel like you never left Switzerland!

3. Carnaval Craze 

Similar to Catholic custom in Switzerland, Brazil celebrates carnival (pronounced ‘carnaval’ in Portuguese) to the fullest extent. The tradition was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 1800s but slowly carved out its own identity by incorporating elements and traditions from the indigenous and African cultures. Held annually in February or March, everyone sets out to parade the streets of Brazil for 4 days of dancing, drinking and partying. Carnaval is celebrated in all corners of the country, and all businesses and are put on hold during this time. The most well-known celebration takes place in Rio de Janeiro at the Sambadrome with large groups of people dancing, singing, and parading. Although Rio holds the most popular show, the carnaval in Salvador in the state of Bahia should not be missed! 

4. Beaches and Islands: Paradise

If you should know one thing about Brazil, it’s that the country has some of the most spectacular beaches and islands of anywhere in the world. My top three recommendations include the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Lagoa Bonita, and Maragogi. Each has their reason to be called a paradise. Fernando de Noronha is a protected island with a diverse collection of flora and fauna, and Morro Dois Irmãos in the National Park is not to be missed. Lagoa Bonita is a pristine blue lake surrounded by white sandy dunes. Praia de Maragogi, located in the Northeast of Brazil is sheltered from the over-crowded beaches in the South. Home to Brazil’s largest barrier reef, snorkeling, and scuba diving are the top activities to check out.

Morro Dois Irmãos in Fernando de Noronha

Now that you know the top spots in Brazil, which one will you visit first? 

Check out this video from the Lonely Planet if you are looking for more sites to see in Brazil:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW1SWAN6zlQ&ab_channel=LonelyPlanet

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