Traveling Around Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, about the size of Europe and offers very diverse and spectacular landscapes. From tropical beaches to cooling mountains and from pristine rain forests to historic villages or exciting metropolises. Brazil is as diverse as its continental size suggests.

Yet you don't have to travel all over the country to experience this diversity. Even if you have a week to spare, you can still enjoy the diversity of Brazil. The region of Rio de Janeiro is very diverse and offers its visitors a wonderful mix of beach, city, culture and nature. Today, we are going to take a closer look at Brazil, and everything it has to offer.

Things to Do in Brazil

Brazil is one of the largest, most beautiful and most diverse countries in the world. A city like Rio de Janeiro is one of a kind, and has unimaginable appeal and beauty. Of course, there are many more interesting sights and beautiful places in Brazil. How about the Amazon region or the Pantanal? If you are dreaming of a visit to Brazil, the following beautiful places deserve a place in your trip.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is often referred to as the most beautiful city on earth. The amazing atmosphere, the beaches and the nightlife create a very unique experience. Rio the Janeiro is also incredibly popular for its annual carnival celebration, but there are far more things to do here.

Sights such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer are among the most important in Brazil and you cannot miss them during your stay in the city. If you enjoy the nightlife and dancing, the Lapa neighborhood is bursting with fun bars and samba clubs, where cocktails are served until late at night.

The Amazon region

The Amazon is perhaps the most impressive nature reserve on earth. It is the world's largest rainforest and many places are still undiscovered. As a traveler, the cities of Manaus and Belèm are the starting point for an introduction to the Amazon. Here you can board a riverboat for a multi-day trip through the area, but a day trip is also very special.

The Pantanal

The Pantanal is a very popular destination in Brazil and one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is the largest wetland in the world, where it is possible to encounter many exotic animals, such as jaguars, caimans and toucans. Rangers in the area will take you out on a tour. They know exactly where you can spot certain animals. Definitely worth a visit for a couple of days.

Salvador de Bahia

Salvador de Bahia is the cultural highlight of a trip to Brazil. The city is strongly influenced by African culture, as it was the place where slaves from Africa came ashore for three centuries. Their influences can be seen in the local cuisine and dance: Capoeira, which was brought to Brazil by the African population.

Salvador de Bahia is also a beautiful city, with a colorful center that is on the World Heritage List. The highlight is the annual carnival party, which is celebrated here even more exuberantly than in Rio de Janeiro.

Foods to Try in Brazil

Brazilian cuisine is characterized by a mix of Portuguese, Indian and African elements. Sometimes Italian, Japanese or Arabic influences can also be found in Brazilian recipes. Main ingredients of the cuisine are rice, beans and meat. Exotic fruit is widely available and is regularly incorporated into meals. Let's take a closer look at some of the most delicious and must-try foods in Brazil:

• Feijoada: One of the most typical Brazilian dishes. It is a stew of beans and various meats. Often served with rice, green cabbage, vinaigrette and farofa.
• Brigadeiros: A delicacy made from cocoa, butter and condensed milk. It is sweet, and typically eaten at parties and birthdays.
• Pao de Queijo: Small balls of dough filled with cheese, which are baked and are crispy on the outside and nice, soft and creamy on the inside. It is a typical Brazilian snack.
• Beiju de Tapioca: A simple yet incredibly popular snack made out of tapioca flour. It is baked to create a flatbread, with a filling of your choice. There are simple ones that have a cheese filling, but you can also go for a sweet filling.

Brazil Travel Tips

• Never leave your belongings unattended. Avoid showing off your belongings; expensive jewelry and gadgets might attract criminal elements.
• Street food is not of the highest qualities, and may cause illness.
• If you plan on traveling to different places in Brazil, make sure that you have packed enough clothing. Some places can be freezing cold, while other places can be scorching hot.
• Using sunscreen and mosquito repellent cream is highly advised.