Top 6 Things to Do in Brazil
Brazil is a country renowned for its amazing enthusiasm for soccer. While soccer matches will certainly be a prime activity, there are countless other destinations, festivals, and events that you won’t want to miss.
Get Moving at Samba School
Music might be the one thing on par with Brazil’s passion for soccer. The country is infamous for celebrating sounds that move them, and locals don’t miss an opportunity to sing, dance and play instruments – often in the streets. Rio de Janeiro is home to several samba schools, which house groups who rehearse to perform in Carnival.
Hit the Beach(es) in Florianopolis
There are 42 beaches in the city of Florianópolis, making it the perfect destination for sand and surf. Each one has unique features that will appeal to you based on what you’re looking for – whether it’s seclusion and tranquility or simply a place to party in your bathing suit. The most popular spot is Praia Mole, which is surrounded by lush hills and rocky mountains, while Lagoinha do Leste is more secluded, bordered by a rocky coastline, sandbanks and dunes.
Catch a Sail at Regata da Jangadas
Brazil’s proximity to the sea is a huge part of its appeal, world-renowned for its white sands and warm waters. But there’s also plenty of adventures to be had on the ocean – amongst them the Regata da Jangadas sailing festival. Crowds gather along the Cove of Fortaleza for the annual event, which brings hundreds of sailboats to the shore. If you’re looking for an optimal view of the event, be sure to go for a ride on a jangada, a traditional Brazilian fishing boat.
Watch the Sunset in Arpoador
Arpoador is located in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro, in a small peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana. Known as a walker’s paradise and also a popular spot to go surfing, the view of summer sunsets is a huge draw. Crowds gather to cheer when the sun hits the horizon. The spectacle is a romantic must if you’re visiting on June 12th, which is Dia dos Namorados – Brazil’s version of Valentine’s Day.
Ride Up Sugarloaf Mountain
This is amongst Rio de Janeiro’s most famous sites, rising 396 metres straight from the water’s edge. The site is accessible by cable car, which was originally built in 1912 and then rebuilt in 2008 to give passengers a panorama view of the city. With 60 climbing trails, it’s a popular spot for mountain climbers. The monolithic mountain consists of granite stone and has little vegetation on its slopes.
Feel the Mist at Iguazu Falls
Brazil’s version of Niagara Falls spans 2.6 kilometres wide, which makes it the widest falls in the world. While it shares the falls with Argentina, the Brazilian side gives you a better view of the enormity of this natural wonder. Its highest point rivals New York’s Flatiron Building, at 269 feet. The surrounding national park is also a sanctuary for exotic wildlife, like ocelots, jaguars and coatis.