The beaches, the weather, the culture, the wildlife: Brazil is something else. Everything is big from its rain forests and waterfalls to its statues and party culture. You have to see it to believe it. However the sheer size of the country and the number of things to do can feel overwhelming.
To experience the very best that Brazil has to offer, follow my top 10 recommendations.
1. Venture Into The Amazon
Travelling through the world’s biggest rain forest, you’ll see an abundance of wildlife including capybara, several types of monkey and sloths. If you’re really lucky, you’ll see a pink dolphin or two and maybe even an elusive Jaguar.
The mystique that surrounds this vast wilderness is eerie when you realise that a large proportion of its 2.5 million square miles still lies undiscovered. The cities of Manaus or Belem are gateways to the tours of the forest and to avoid the rainy and very hot seasons, go in May or June.
2. Absorb Iguazu Falls
Be prepared for your jaw to drop at this hugely impressive waterfall. It’s a massive 2.68 km wide by 269 feet high, putting it firmly on the list as one of the world’s biggest waterfalls. Situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls offers breath-taking beauty and the panoramic view is said to be completely awe-inspiring.
As a major tourist destination (one million tourists per year), the Falls can get crowded, so try to visit either very early or late on in the day.
3. Gaze At Christ The Redeemer
At a height of almost 30m and weighing a colossal 1,145 tonnes, Christ the Redeemer is the world’s largest Art Deco statue. It’s mounted above the city of Rio de Janeiro on a mountain called Corcovado, observing its people below. It’s not surprising that its been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
To travel up Corcovado to see the wonder of the sculpture, you can either go by train, van or if you’re feeling energetic, hike.
4.Samba At Carnival
This crazy and hedonistic annual carnival in Rio lasts 5 days in February which is Brazil’s hottest month.
Put on your dancing shoes and flamboyant costume to dance the night away watching the famed parade at Marques de Sapucai, or “Sambodromo”, where different Samba schools compete for the title of Carnival Champion.
Afterwards, kick back and replenish with some amazing Brazilian street food offered on practically every street corner.
5. Laze On Copacabana Beach
Undeniably, Brazil’s most famous beach, Copacabana is unrivalled in its picturesque setting. Its meandering promenade has scores of beautiful people lazing the day away; after a night at Carnival, what better way to recharge your batteries?
Of course, action-packed and energy-filled activities are never far away in Brazil. New Years’ Eve celebrations at the beach are legendary. It’s estimated that 2 million people each year choose to bring in the New Year at Copacabana.
6. Scale Sugarloaf Mountain
Named after its resemblance to the conical containers shipping sugar blocks to Europe from Brazil, this famous mountain stands 1,300 feet above Guanabara Bay, offering fascinating views of the stunning and varied landscape below.
Opting for the glass cable car (known locally as ‘bondinhos’) to travel up the mountain offers stunning scenery. Or if you’re feeling especially energetic, trek up the mountain in a couple of hours.
7. Discover The Pantanal
With an estimated area of between 54,000 and 75,000 square miles, the Pantanal is the largest tropical wetlands in the world. Hundreds of species of birds live here, along with jaguars, sloths and caimans. Go in the winter dry season to see strikingly beautiful lagoons.
Horseback riding, boat tours, or hiking are some of the ways you can see the Pantanal. Or if you’re feeling really brave, ride in an open-top vehicle to take you close to wolves, anaconda and alligators.
8. Unwind In Fernando De Noronha
This volcanic archipelago paradise is treasured for its untouched, divine beaches, amazing snorkeling and scuba diving and serene atmosphere. Sea turtles, rays, dolphins and reef sharks are prominent inhabitants of its warm and clear waters.
To get there, go by plane from Natal or Recife.
9. Taste Culture In Sao Paulo
View some of the greatest collections of fine art anywhere in Latin America, housed in spectacular architectural developments. The Museu de Arte, MASP, boasts the most thorough collection of western art in South America with artwork dating back to the Renaissance, displaying works by Picasso, Renoir and Van Gogh – to name but a few.
Finish the day experiencing the sprawling city’s exquisite cuisine in one of its gourmet restaurants.
10. Be Amazed At Lencois Maranhenses National Park
Gaze in astonishment at the thousands of clear blue lagoons that appear every year at the park during the rainy season. The sight is breathtaking and once the dry season arrives, the dunes disappear. Swim in these balmy lagoons and experience a short-lived paradise on earth.
Visit the lagoons between July and September when they’re most full and temperatures not too hot.
