The most recent addition to our amazing Native Eye team of travel experts is Karina, whose native country Brazil is renowned for its compelling cultures, spectacular landscapes, genuine hospitality, and vast array of thrilling experiences for travellers. Karina shares her local expertise and her favourite destinations in her home country. Our Brazilian Rhythms tour visits some of these places and our tailor-made tours can take in these and more.
Where to travel in Brazil
“When people think of Brazil, they tend to think of Rio’s Carnaval and Christ the Redeemer statue, and the huge stretches of coastline. But my home country has so much more to offer – incredible nature, of course, but also immense cultural diversity.
Lençóis Maranhenses: A Desert Paradise
For me, Lençóis Maranhenses blows the traditional desert experience out of the water. Imagine towering white dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with crystal-clear lagoons filled with rainwater. This surreal landscape in Maranhão in northeastern Brazil is best visited between July and September when the lagoons are brimming. Try to arrive early in the morning to catch the dunes while they are still untouched by human feet.
After a day of exploring the otherworldly dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, I recommend you kick back and relax in the charming fishing village of Atins. This laid-back haven boasts beautiful beaches, delicious goat sausages and seafood fresh from the boat, and a really peaceful feel. Plus, if you’re here at the right time of the month, and there’s no moon, you can hop on a night boat to witness the mesmerising glow of bioluminescent algae.
Abrolhos: A Marine Marvel
Spend the night on a catamaran and you might be as lucky as I was – we were the only boat around. Abrolhos archipelago 80km off the coast of Bahia is a protected marine area teeming with life – the place to go for world-class snorkelling and diving, with dazzling coral reefs and the chance to spot majestic humpback whales mating and calving here between July and November.
The Amazon Rainforest: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
I’ve lived and guided in the depths of the Amazon, and this forest will always have a piece of my heart. One of most favourite places anywhere, the Amazon rainforest in northern Brazil – the world’s largest rainforest – is an ecological wonderland of unparalleled biodiversity. Walk through the dense jungle, encounter fascinating wildlife and learn about indigenous communities. My top tip is a night walk in the forest – I guarantee you’ll never forget it.
Rio de Janeiro: Beauty and Chaos
Rio isn’t exactly hidden or unusual, but it would be a crime to miss it off the list. This complex city pulsates with energy, from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking it to the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Make sure to immerse yourself in the infectious samba scene, explore the hectic favelas and fill your eyes with the wonderful geography of this place – Rio is sensory overload in the best possible way.
Lageado do Pai Mateus: A Desert Oasis
Another tip of mine is to swap lush rainforests for the off-the-beaten-track semi-arid landscapes of the Cariri, a unique region of northeastern Brazil. I loved exploring its dramatic rock formations shaped by the heat and discovering a whole new ecosystem teeming with fascinating plant and animal life. The dozens of enormous boulders scattered over the plateau of Lageado do Pai Mateus are a must-see.
Urubici: A Mountain Escape
Head south to my own state of Santa Catarina to discover Urubici, which has the coldest climate in the country. Here you can walk in the lichen-covered Araucaria forest and take in the scenery while driving up the iconic roads of Rio do Rastro and Corvo Branco. This hidden gem is a haven for hikers, and I also urge you not to miss out on the mouthwatering local barbecue – it’s legendary!
My best bits of Brazil
So, there you have it – a taste of where to travel in Brazil. This incredible country really does offer something for all travellers, from breathtaking natural wonders to exciting cities and unique cultures.
If you want to explore some of this country, have a look at our tour, Brazilian Rhythms and call us (01473 328 546), or send an enquiry through our website contact form. I’d be delighted to talk about our group tour or help you plan your private itinerary. We’d love to hear from you.”
Other useful information
If this continent piques your interest or you want to return for a second visit, see all our Latin America destinations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua & El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, and Venezuela.
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