I have made two work-related trips to Brazil, and though I never got to explore the country on my terms, I was fortunate enough to travel to cities such as Sao Paulo, Sao Luis, Fortaleza and Belém. There are numerous reasons why you should visit Brazil, and I have been yearning to return ever since I left. I am especially keen to visit Salvador, Bahia.
I loved the vibrancy of the country and its people. So manifesting a return, I continued learning Portuguese after my first visit, which I continue to this day (although very badly).
Brazil is extensive, and as well as occupying half of South America’s landmass, it is also the fifth largest country in the world. That said, despite its size and multiple things to do, the first place that springs to the minds of many at the mention of Brazil is Río de Janeiro. That’s cool, but don’t forget to explore other areas such as Sao Paulo, the beautiful beaches of Fortaleza, the capital of Brasilia, the gateway to the Amazon in Belém, Recife and the Afro-Brazilian cultural mecca of Salvador, Bahia.
Brazil is a spirited country known for its football, energetic samba rhythms, colourful carnival, natural landscapes, sun, beach, adventure travel, and historical and cultural tourism.
Apart from drinking Caipirinha’s (the country’s national cocktail) to your heart’s content, here are nine reasons why you should visit Brazil:
1. The Culture
Brazil’s diverse history is one of strong cultural resilience. The country has a mixture of influences from people of indigenous origin and African-Brazilians who maintain their sense of identity through their rich culture. Therefore, Brazil is one of the most culturally diverse countries in South America.
Brazil was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes. The country was then colonised by Portugal between the 16th and 18th centuries. At this time, Brazil received many Africans through the transatlantic slave trade and subsequently immigration from Europe and Japan in the 20th century. The result has produced a vibrant mix of cultures throughout the country.
Salvador is the capital of Afro-Brazilian culture. As the country’s first capital and an entry point for slave ships from Africa, it has played a crucial part in the history and development of Brazil. Africans brought with them their spirituality, traditions and culture, such as capoeira and samba, which have grown over time, maintaining social significance after the abolition of slavery.
With up to 80% of the population being of African origin, Salvador holds the title of being the most African city in the Western Hemisphere.
2. Carnival
Carnival is another reason why you should visit Brazil. It is the country’s most famous national holiday and is marked with festivities day and night for around a week.
Rio has set the bar high for carnival and is the country’s (and no doubt the world’s) biggest and most famous festival and attracts approximately half a million foreign tourists each year.
Rio’s huge street party consists of elaborate parades throughout the city with dancers, standout costumes, samba music and more. If you love to party, it’s a great time to visit the country and witness Brazilian culture showcased at its very best. People party throughout the day until the break of dawn (sounds like my type of party!).
Brazil also holds carnival festivals in other cities such as Salvador, Recife and São Luís.
3. The beaches
Brazil’s most famous beach may be Rio’s Copacabana, but tourists have an abundance of choices when it comes to sea and sand. The country has more than 2000 beaches stretching along its coastline, from north to south.
Many beaches are remote and largely underdeveloped, with plenty of coves. There are also more than 1,000 small islands within the country’s limits, many of which are ecological sanctuaries.
Beaches in Brazil are long and sandy with translucent waters and are among the most beautiful in the world.
4. The landscape and nature
Brazil has a plethora of natural wonders and waterfalls of all magnitudes. One of which is Iguazu Falls at the Brazil-Argentina border. Not only is it the most magnificent waterfall in Brazil, but it is also one of the world’s most stunning natural sights.
Over 275 individual cascades crash into the Iguazu River. The combined flow of these individual falls makes it the largest of any waterfall in the world. Although the falls are very powerful, you can still get close as there are many walkways throughout the area and boat ride tours.
Brazil also boasts 72 national parks spread around its five regions which are some of the best tourist attractions in Brazil.
5. The Amazon
No list of natural attractions in Brazil is complete without mentioning the largest and most ecologically diverse rainforest in the world.
Brazil is the perfect place to enjoy the Amazon’s biological diversity and offers the unique opportunity to escape into an untouched wilderness.
Belém is the closest major city to the mouth of the Amazon and the gateway to the Amazon River. You can enjoy the Amazon by staying in jungle lodges which provide an ideal base as you spend your days here and take guided boat tours on the river.
Although you don’t have to go to Brazil to visit the Amazon (you can access it in Colombia, Peru or Venezuela), 60% of the rainforest is in its territory – therefore another reason why you should visit Brazil. The rainforest covers almost half of Brazil with 62 National Parks and over 50,000 different plant species.
Not only does the Amazon have a plentitude of significant and unique wildlife and plant life, but it is also a carbon sink, which means it helps to maintain the earth’s climate naturally.
6. The weather
Brazil has 300 days of sunshine annually, and temperatures can reach over 40°C. Therefore, any rain is a welcomed, refreshing short shower. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters are mild. Consequently, this makes visiting Brazil a great idea no matter what time of year.
While in the northern hemisphere, winter takes place December – March, as Brazil is situated mostly below the equator during the same period, Brazilians enjoy summer outdoors.
The southern region is Brazil’s coldest area, while the Northeast is the hottest.
7. The music
The music of Brazil is as diverse as its people. It encompasses various regional musical styles influenced by African, Amerindian, American and European forms. Most notably, Samba, in particular, is identified with Brazilian culture. Samba is the music of former enslaved Africans and African religions and was once illegal in Brazil. It maintained social significance after the abolition of slavery and over time became widely accepted to the extent that it is now a cultural identity for Brazilians.
Another style of music popular in Bahia is Axé. Axé is a fusion of African and Caribbean styles such as merengue, salsa, calypso, reggae, and other Afro-Brazilian musical styles. This samba-reggae is typical of the carnival of Salvador, Bahia.
It has strong associations with Candomblé, a religion based on African beliefs which is particularly popular in Brazil.
The word Axé comes from the Yoruba word àṣẹ. Àṣẹ is the spiritual life force that flows through things and an affirmation of the power to make things happen – may it manifest!
8. The people
Although most Brazilians don’t speak English, the majority will try to help and mimic directions if necessary. Brazilians are very expressive, and I remember a lady kindly jumping in to help me even though she knew no English and I knew no Portuguese. With the use of our hands, she helped resolve my situation.
Brazilians are warm, friendly people and have an unspoken sense of appreciation when they see foreigners interested in knowing their country. If staying with a local, the whole neighbourhood will know everything about you in no time at all. They appreciate you trying to speak their language and will compliment you on how good you are even if you’re not! Timing, though, is not their strong point. Therefore, I wouldn’t worry about being a little late.
9. The Food
Food in Brazil is a cultural melting pot, again with influences from Europe, Africa and other regions. Popular ingredients include cassava, a root vegetable and fruit such as acai berries.
Because of its vast size and mix of native and immigrant populations, Brazilian food can vary from state to state. That said, one thing that remains the same no matter where you are in the country is Brazilians’ love for dessert. Brazilians have a sweet tooth, and a dessert accompanies most, if not every meal. They love eating bolo (cake), even at breakfast.
Barbecuing is also popular with seasoned meats and fresh seafood grilled on skewers. When visiting Brazil, it is a must that you try the national cocktail, the caipirinha, made from a mix of cachaça, sugar and fresh lime. This delicious but strong drink is served in bars all over the country and is internationally renowned, too.
There are many more reasons why you should visit Brazil, but I hope this is encouraging enough. Have you visited Brazil before? If so, what did you particularly like about it?
