Why Visit Brazil, What to Do and See in Brazil
about brazil, blog, intro (October 25, 2008)
Why Visit Brazil? You’re kidding, right?
Well, for those who are just getting to know this big, beautiful South American country, here is a quick rundown of what Brazil has to offer…
Nature and Wildlife Encounters
Brazil has some of the most exotic and fascinating wildlife on the planet and you can get a close-up look when you visit Brazil’s nature hotspots. Everyone knows about the amazing plant and animal species in the Amazon Rainforest, featuring pink river dolphins, manatees and huge caiman (a type of crocodile). The pantanal area is the world’s largest wetlands and a haven for birds and land mammals. Giant anteaters, wild stork and rare blue macaws are just a few of the highlights there. Underwater animal encounters can be found all along the coast of Brazil, including Fernando de Noronha and Abrolhos and feature whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Unforgettable natural wonders include the desert dunes of the Lençõis Maranhenses and Foz de Iguaçú.
Eating and Drinking Brazilian Style
Brazilian food is a wonderful mixture of cultures and traditions. Fish and seafood is plentiful all along the coast, while country comfort foods are the specialty in the interior states. The Northeast Region is known for its African influences with spicy dishes, stews made with coconut milk, and dendê or palm oil. Get more information about Brazilian food in our food section.
Brazil’s Nightlife
There is always something going on at night and depending where you are, the options range from festive to completely off the hook! Festivities include dancing and drinking, outdoor festivals, concerts, and parties. Did I mention dancing? Here are a few top nightlife centers:
- Lapa and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro
- Iracema in Fortaleza
- Ponta Negra in Natal
- Jardins and Vila Madalena in São Paulo
- Pelourinho in Salvador
- Porto Seguro in Southern Bahia
- Lagoa da Conceiçõo in Florianópolis
Incredible Brazilian Cities
Brazil has more than a dozen cities with more than three million inhabitants and they all have something interesting to offer, including regional festivals, dining options and a piece of Brazil’s history and culture. Shopping and eating are always in abundance and each region has something unique to highlight. Here are some of Brazil’s top urban destinations:
- São Paulo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Salvador
- Maceió
- Recife
- Curitiba
- Porto Alegre
- Belo Horizonte
- Brasília
Brazil’s Sizzling Beaches
The Brazilian coastline seems to have no end and the variety of beaches you can visit is nothing short of astounding. There are urban beaches, like Copacabana in Rio and Pajuçara in Maceió. There are laid-back beaches for tanning and people watching, like Praia Grande in Ubatuba and the coastline at Arraial d’Ajuda in Southern Bahia. And there are remote, secluded beaches, like those around Paraty and on the northern coast of Natal. Here’s a quick list of some top beach destinations:
- Southern Bahia
- Rio de Janeiro
- Maceió and the Coast of Alagoas
- Natal and Fortaleza
- Porto de Galinhas and Vicinity
- Florianópolis
For a visual tour of some of these great beaches, check out our beach photo gallery at Brazil’s Beaches (A Photo Journey).
The Islands of Brazil
Brazil’s coastline is dotted with islands of all sizes and shapes. Some are tropical paradises and others are urban centers. Like just about everything in Brazil, the islands are many and varied. Here are some worth exploring:
- Ilha Grande: Brazil’s second largest island (next to Florianopolis) has no cars and one small village that serves as the port of entry. Hikes to pristine beaches, snorkeling and boating are the features here.
- Ilhabela: Not far from São Paulo, Ilhabela is a weekend getaway for many city residents. Half of the island features casual beaches and villages while the other half is wild and secluded.
- Fernando de Noronha: A remote and secluded island that specializes in clear water and pristine beaches. Scuba adventures are a popular activity.
- Florianópolis: Almost like a small country, Florianópolis (whose actual name is Santa Catarina Island) offers half of the state’s capital city, several small beach towns and remote beach villages. There’s something for everyone.
- Abrolhos: An archipelago of small islands about 70 kilometers from shore where snorkeling and scuba diving are at their best.
- Morro de São Paulo: An archipelago with a main tourist village and two remote towns. Beaches vary from crowded central beaches to remote and secluded.
- Ilha do Mel: This southern island offers a village atmosphere with miles of beaches and two principal villages for hotels and restaurants.
For more information about these and other islands, see our feature story The Islands of Brazil.
The People of Brazil
Brazilians can be the most accommodating people on Earth and they are proud of their country and culture. Brazilians celebrate their great racial and economic diversity with many regional festivals and dances.
History and Culture of Brazil
Brazil has over 500 years of history and culture, since its discovery in 1500 by the Portuguese. European and African influences are strong, as are the marks left upon this land from the many great historical movements: the sugar era, the Dutch occupation, the gold rush and the days of Bossa Nova are just a few.
Brazilian Adventure Sports
With its great coastline and diverse landscape, Brazil ends up being a fantastic destination for adventure sports. White water rafting, hand gliding, caving, scuba diving and rock climbing are a few of the possibilities.
Shopping All Over Brazil
Everywhere you go, you’re likely to find something unique and precious that comes from that area. From handicrafts to fine art and sculpture, from clothing to kitchenware…shopping is one of the best ways to enjoy Brazil.
