Famous for its spectacular carnivals, its love of football, and gorgeous countryside, there’s no wonder why Brazil makes the list of many avid travellers. Being the largest country in South America, Brazil covers most of the continent’s north-eastern quarter, and borders all its other countries excluding Ecuador and Chile. If you’re planning to get a taste of this incredible country, here are some of the best destinations to consider.
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is not only the largest city in Brazil, but also one of the most populated in the world. Located in the south-east region of the country, this sprawling metropolis is well known for its gastronomy, skyscrapers, and vibrant culture. It’s also a melting pot of different cultures, and has the largest population of Japanese people outside of Japan. While some images make San Paulo look like another concrete jungle, the city has a lot of public parks for a settlement of its size, which you can escape to if the noise and the traffic ever gets too much for you. Portions of the Atlantic Rainforest are even technically within the city limits! Countless Brazil flights land in San Paulo every day, so what are you waiting for?
Paraty
If you want all the culture and vibrancy of a major city, but also a taste of the rich history of Brazil, then Paraty may be a better destination for you. This settlement is a paradise of emerald-green sea, coastal mountains, tropical rainforests and historical intrigue. Basically, everything you could want to get a genuine flavour of Brazil! Like many other places in Brazil, this city is a former Portuguese colony, and was established centuries ago on the shores of the bay of Ilha Grande. The centre of the city may as well be one big museum exhibition of its fascinating history; full of cobbled streets, brightly coloured colonial houses and ancient churches. Many of these rustic buildings now serve as B and B accommodations, known locally as “pousadas”. There are all kinds of historical attractions in Paraty, but one that you certainly don’t want to miss is the colonial defensive forts, which still have their original cannons and walls.
Rio de Janeiro
If you like your trips to be fast-paced, exciting and unforgettable, then Rio de Janeiro could be the perfect destination for you. Nestled in the south-east of Brazil, Rio is among one of the most visited cities in the whole of Latin America, and after only a couple of days there you’ll be able to tell exactly why. With its gorgeous beaches, world-famous landmarks, and of course the annual carnival, you’ll have a hard time running out of things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. If you ever want to take things slow, you can visit the many natural attractions, such as Sugarloaf and Corcovado. Of course, a trip to Rio wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands at the top of Corcovado looking down on the city.