Whether you are planning a vacation or you’re just starting out in your new career, there are plenty of things you can do on your first trip to Brazil. Here are a few of them.
Iguacu Falls
Located in South-America, Iguazu Falls are one of the most popular destinations in the region. The falls are situated between Argentina and Brazil, straddling the border of the two countries. Whether you’re traveling to Iguazu for the first time, or you’re a seasoned traveller, you’ll find that there is much to see and do in this area.
The main attraction of Iguazu Falls is the Devil’s Throat. This is a narrow gorge which is 260-300 feet deep, and 80-90 feet wide. The rumble and spray of the water is something to behold, but you may not want to rush through it.
There are many ways to get to the Falls, but the easiest is to travel by bus. The buses depart from the Puerto Iguazu bus station, which is located in the centre of Puerto Iguazu. You can also rent a taxi. The cost of a taxi varies depending on your negotiation.
Another option is to take a helicopter tour of the Iguazu National Park. This is a fun way to get an up close look at the falls. If you want to take advantage of this option, make sure you check the weather before committing to the plan.
You can also take a boat ride to the waterfalls. You’ll find that the Brazilian side of the Falls has more options for boat rides. However, the boat rides are too close to the Falls, and you should put away any non-waterproof cameras.
Copacabana Beach
Among the many tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach stands out. It is a popular destination for visitors to the city from all over the world. Known for its alluring waters and golden sands, Copacabana is an ideal place for sun worshipers and people looking for fun.
There are a variety of accommodation options at Copacabana Beach. You can stay in luxury hotels like Porto bay and Windsor Excelsior. You can also book a hotel room at the nearby Copacabana Palace. The Palace has many restaurants and bars for you to enjoy. The Palace offers a variety of services such as a relaxing sauna and massage. The spa uses indigenous herbs and hydro-massage therapies to provide a relaxing experience.
Aside from being a popular spot for visitors, the beach is also home to a wide range of restaurants. These include traditional Bahia cuisine and the exotic Amazonian dishes. The beach also has a variety of beach bars where you can enjoy an ice-cold Brahma beer and freshly made caipirinhas.
Another attraction of the beach is the wavy mosaic pavement, designed by Roberto Burle Marx. This is a popular walk that thousands of people take to enjoy the view.
You can also go on a banana boat ride if you’re a thrill seeker. The beach is home to a number of entertaining sky shows. It is a popular tourist spot during Carnival. During these five days, the beach comes to life.
Ouro Preto
Located in Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is a city that boasts some of the best colonial and historical architecture in Brazil. It’s a city of cobblestone streets and hilly narrow passageways. It’s an ideal place to explore.
Ouro Preto’s history goes back to the mid-18th century, when it was the largest city in the New World. It was twice as large as New York, and its population was around 110,000. The gold mines in Ouro Preto were some of the largest in the world. It was also one of the most prosperous cities in the country.
Today, Ouro Preto is a bustling university town. It’s also known for its churches and its beautiful hills. Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many museums that cover the history of the gold rush.
The Basilica Nossa Senhora do Pilar is a stunning church. It’s decorated with centuries old carvings. The interior of the church is gilded in silver and gold. It’s considered to be the best work of Aleijadinho. It’s also the only church where slaves were allowed to worship.
During Easter week, the citizens of Ouro Preto throw lavish celebrations in the streets. The Carnival is also a huge event in Ouro Preto, drawing college students from all over the country. There are lots of fun activities and places to visit.
The Church of Sao Francisco de Assis is also a UNESCO world heritage site. It contains sculptures by Aleijadinho. These statues are said to be the beginning of Brazilian art.
Lencois Maranhenses
Located in Brazil, the Lencois Maranhenses National Park is a beautiful destination to visit. It is a 260 km long park that stretches inland from the sea. This remote area is made up of white sand dunes and lush green forests. It is home to several lagoons. It is a natural beauty spot that attracts many international and Brazilian tourists.
The Lencois Maranhenses National park is protected by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular destination for kitesurfing. It is also known for its strong winds. You can find a variety of adventure excursions in the park.
You can book a day trip to the park from the nearby town of Barreirinhas. Most tour companies operate out of this town. Depending on how far into the park you want to go, the tour will vary in length. You can also take an overnight trip to Santo Amaro do Maranhao.
One of the biggest lagoons in the park is Lagoa da Gaivota. This is near the rustic village of Santo Amaro do Maranhao. The lagoon is filled up with water from June to October. After this time, the lagoon will slowly dry up. If you plan to visit in December or August, the lagoon may be dried up due to the bad rainy season.
To get to the Lencois Maranhenses, you will need to book a trip through a tour company. You can book a tour through Lotus Turismo e Aventura. These tours include a ferry ride and a boat tour.
Aparados da Serra National Park
Located in southern Brazil, the Aparados da Serra National Park is one of the country’s first national parks. It is located on the eastern border of Rio Grande do Sul. The park is renowned for its dramatic beauty and unique landscapes. The area is known for its lush green forests and countless waterfalls.
The Aparados da Serra National Park is considered a premier attraction in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Originally, the park was created in 1959 as part of the government’s initiative to protect a fabled valley called Itaimbezinho. In 1972, the area was re-defined to just 10,250 hectares. This reduction was made by a presidential decree. The park is currently undergoing conservation efforts.
The park features three trails, including the Elbow trail, which is a 6.3-kilometre loop. The hike is open from dawn to 3 pm and requires about 2.5 hours to complete. If you prefer a longer route, the Gramado trail is an addition of 58 km.
The Aparados da Serra is also home to the infamous Itaimbezinho Canyon, one of the largest in Latin America. The canyon is 2,700 feet high and boasts majestic rock walls. The canyon is also surrounded by a subtropical forest. The narrow margins of the canyon allow for extremely deep watercourses.
The park is closed during the rainy season. If you are planning a visit during this time, there are plenty of accommodations in Praia Grande, the main base for visitors to the area.
Salvador
Visiting Salvador, the largest city in northeastern Brazil, is a cultural experience. With a multiethnic population, you’ll find plenty to explore. The African influence can be seen in Salvador’s music, festivals, and religion. You’ll also find a vibrant nightlife. Luckily, you can make the most of your stay with a local guide to help you see and learn the sights.
The best things to do in Salvador include learning about the history and culture of this unique city. You’ll find museums that have excellent displays of Brazilian and African art. For instance, the Palacete das Artes is a former sugar mill that’s now a museum. The museum has an extensive collection of African art and encourages visitors to interact with the local community.
Another must-do is to visit the Lighthouse. This was built after a Portuguese ship sank in the bay. The building was meant to prevent future disasters and preserve the local heritage. You can see a great view of the ocean from the top.
The Castro Alves Theater is home to a number of world-class operas and classical music performances. There’s also a great shopping area for souvenirs of Salvador. You can also see the Bahia Symphonic Orchestra and the Castro Theater Ballet Company perform.
The Lacerda Elevator is an old art deco lift that links the Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods. The elevator is a great way to get from one place to the other, and it offers a stunning view of the city.