Brazil: The land of the Samba, football, religion, rainforest, magnificent sprawling cities and unspoiled beaches. From vibrant beachside cities to local culture in rural villages, Brazil has so much to offer; its natural wonders, including the majestic Iguazu Falls and the amazing Amazon rainforest, have inspired globetrotters for over 500 years.
Brazil’s beauty lies not only in its natural wonders, but also in its people and culture - an ethnically and culturally diverse population whose heritage is expressed in vibrant art and celebrations, historical cities and bustling urban centres.
One of the first things you’ll notice as you arrive to Brazil is the people’s zest for life. Brazilians live for today. Whether rich or poor, they enjoy life and they’re not afraid to express themselves! They smile a lot, they laugh a lot, they yell a lot, they sing a lot, they dance a lot and they sure do celebrate a lot! When you’re around Brazilians, somehow this energy starts to become contagious…
Here are 11 reasons why Brazil is one of the best destinations to visit:
1. Brazilian Beaches
More than 2,000 beaches stretch along Brazil's shoreline and more than 1,000 islands dot the Atlantic Ocean within the country's limits. While many of them are densely populated, many are preserved ecological sanctuaries. The salty sea lapping against the strips of sandy shore as far as the eye can see, while the wind whispers through the fronds of the palm trees is absolutely one of the best reasons to visit Brazil.
2. Amazing Landscapes & Ecosystems
Brazil is the most unique destination with more than 1km of rainforest housing more than 100,000 tonnes of living plant life. The Amazon River and Rainforest and Iguaçu Falls are the most famous natural attractions in a country that has 62 National Parks and hundreds of conservation units. Brazil holds several records for its wildlife numbers and diversity. As one of the responses to the urgent need to preserve seriously endangered natural treasures, ecotourism and responsible travel initiatives are on the rise, making it possible for more travellers to enjoy Brazil in a sustainable way and opening up perspectives for local communities.
3. Brazilian People and Culture
For hundreds of years, Brazilian culture has been in the making by people with a very diverse ethnic and cultural heritage. A glorious mix of contributions is imprinted in the culture that generated easily recognisable expressions such as bossa nova, capoeira, and the yellow soccer jersey. Strong cultural resilience sustains, for example, the efforts of indigenous peoples and African-Brazilians as they reaffirm their sense of identity through strife. And it's safe to say that the people who have created Brazil are, as a rule, friendly to foreign tourists.
5. Celebrations & Events
Charismatic Brazil is famous for its hugely popular Carnaval, outrageous costumes, street dancing and parties that carry on until dawn, bring the city to life. They draw in some wild and festive characters from all over the world that come to party here from dusk til dawn. Rio has set the standard for the world and Carnaval is definitely a reason to visit Brazil for the avid partygoer.
However, there's much more to the Brazilian calendar. For example, many international travellers have discovered that Reveillon, the Brazilian New Year, is as much fun as Carnival.
6. Brazilian Cuisine
If you are serious about your food, then this will be your reason to visit Brazil. Making their distinctive dishes the same way as their ancestors did you can be sure that you are in for a treat. Whether at an open air restaurant or at a high end eatery or even at a street vendor, you will be captivated by the sights, sounds and aromas that burst out of bubbling pans held over open flames. Washed down with fried coconut bananas and coffee, the gastronomic delights are endless.
Great chefs, inspired by the country's diversity of native ingredients and regional traditions, are writing a whole new chapter in Brazil food. One of the best ways to get in touch with this diversity is through one of Brazil's many food festivals.
7. The Incredible Weather
As most of the region is tropical, the weather is absolutely awesome, well most of the time, and it also depends on where you are. With seasonal rainfall areas providing light relief from the tropical heat, the balmy, warm evenings and super sunny beach days, every day, means that you are just about guaranteed to have an outdoor adventure every day!
Northeastern coastal cities like Fortaleza have about 300 days of sunshine a year. Fall and winter travel in a great part of Brazil is delightful, with cool sunrises, a general shedding of sweaters during unbelievably bright sunny days and clear, chilly nights that are perfect for cuddling by the fireplace.
8. Hotels and Pousadas
Places to stay that could be destinations in themselves, such as rainforest lodges; better hotels, increasingly demanded by a growing business travel industry, and charming pousadas in the most attractive destinations are some of the trends in accommodations in Brazil.
9. They Love Tourists
Forget the thin lipped concierge, and the grumpy store owner, Brazilians treat visitors as if they were long lost friends that they have been waiting their whole lives to meet up with again. Tourism is a hugely integral sector of the country’s economy and Brazilians make a point of making travellers feel so at home and welcome, that visitors really never want to leave.
10. History
Brazil, like its people, has a colourful history that goes way back when to 1500, when Portugal displayed Brazil in its property portfolio. Tenacious and vibrant, the communities of Brazil took a few knocks in their time, building the country up to what it is today. Trials and tribulations over sugar harvest and gold mining left some interesting historical figures and stories that still get passed on today.
11. Soccer
Soccer fans around the world make this their number one reason to visit Brazil. With Brazil being the home to the best soccer team in the world, you can be rest assured that soccer is an integral part of a staple diet here. Brazil and its residents take the sport super seriously and are incredibly supportive and proud. The Brazilian Soccer Culture is definitely not to be missed!
You don’t need reasons to visit Brazil – I just need to build it into my vacation budget.
