Last Updated on January 29, 2021 by Darrif William
Brazil is extraordinary to say the least; its flamboyant carnivals, awe-inspiring landmarks, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests make it one of the most enchanting places to visit on the planet. From its diverse landscapes to its bustling colonial towns, there’s so much to explore in this huge country (the fifth largest in the world, to be precise) – if you’re not sure where to start, you’re in luck, as we’ve rounded up a few of the best things to do while you’re here…
1 – Enjoy A Glass Of Caipirnha
Once you’re in Brazil you have to indulge in a glass or two of the traditional cocktail, Caipirinha. Similar to a mojito, this refreshing, fruity and easy to make drink is made with cachaca, sugar, and lime, and is just as synonymous with Brazil as carnival.
Another must try is Acai, this Brazilian specialty includes Acai palm fruits and berries harvested from the treetops in the Amazon rainforest. This healthy bowl is colourful, full of energy, and makes for a super tasty breakfast or snack.
2 – Getting a Fita Do Bonfim
This Brazilian tradition has been around since 1809 and if you’ve ever visited the country, it’s likely you’ve seen or bought a fita do Bomfim. Also called a WISH RIBBON, they are available in different colours and inscribed with the message “Lembranca do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia” which translates as “In the memory of saviour of Bahia (Jesus Christ)”. According to the tradition, you tie three knots in the ribbon, symbolising three wishes, which are said to come true with the natural breakage of your ribbon. Pretty special, don’t you think?
3 – Attend Festa Junina
As the name suggests, this lively festival takes place in June and is celebrated throughout the country. Here you get to see the real authenticity of Brazil in terms of food, drinks, culture, costumes, dances and everything on top. Bonfires, local songs and dance numbers will keep locals and tourists entertained for the entire month, making your trip to Brazil this time of year a memorable one!
4 – Experience Carnival
One of the world’s biggest carnivals is, well, Carnival. Hosted in Brazil, the atmospheric Carnival do Rio Janeiro is a four-day event starting on the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday (which marks the beginning of Lent). The streets are bursting with vibrant parades, block parties, masquerades, live music and a whole lot of samba dancing. The exotic costumes are otherworldly, but are not only for aesthetic purposes – but form an important part of the story.
5 – Play football on the beach
There is a huge passion for football in Brazil, with it not only being the country’s most popular sport, but a prominent part of its national identity – since the Brazil National Football Team has won the FIFA World Cup Tournament five times, it comes as no surprise! Grab your boots and get involved in the game, whether you play with your kids on the beach or on one of the country’s pitches. Or, if you’re better at watching than playing, go and see a live match while you’re visiting.
6 – Hop On A Beach Buggy
In the Northeast region of Brazil, you can find colourful beach buggy’s to ride or take a tour on. Not only is it super fun, it’s a great way to explore the stunning beaches and coastline without a pile-up of sand in your shoes! Popular with tourists (especially with little racers), these buggies are famous among the locals too!
7 – Take A Cruise To The Amazon
Being one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, it’s unlikely you’ll have an experience like this anywhere else in the world. The Amazon is brimming with beautifully rich flora and fauna, which many of us will have only seen on Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries! But if you hop on a cruise, you can go and see this spectacular corner of the world for yourself. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a few indigenous tribes or you can even take a course on jungle survival! Now that’s sure to impress Bear Grylls!
8 – Go to Oktoberfest
Did you know that Brazil is also famous for its world-class beers? Situated in the city of Blumenau in Santa Catarina, the annual Oktoberfest festival plays host to an abundance of German-inspired brews, traditional dishes, bustling entertainment and costumes – with over 500 thousand visitors over the 17-day period! If you like to party and enjoy a good knees-up, this is the event for you.
9 – Vibrant Nightlife
Brazil is renowned for its high-spirited nightlife, where the party doesn’t confine to a single bar or setting. Instead, we’re talking exotic Samba clubs, lively underground bars, live performances, street parties and more – with a handful of atmospheric neighborhood’s serving up entertainment on tap, including Centro and Lapa.
Feel inspired? We have a variety of fantastic deals to different destinations within Brazil – so you can visit all that this spectacular South American destination has to offer. Book cheap flight tickets to Brazil with Crystal Travel today and let us tailor your holiday for you…