Brazil’s beaches attract millions of beachgoers each year. Many regions also possess undiscovered treasures that may require exploration. Just be wary that large crowds pose the potential risk for flash mob robberies; always ask locals for assistance when seeking directions.
Brazilians don’t take personal space seriously, so expect close, intimate contact when meeting new people. Bring an appetite as meals tend to be served for two and may be large in portion.
1. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has made great strides since hosting the Summer Olympic Games to improve safety, with cleaner waters, decreased crime and greater tourist infrastructure than before. Yet it would still be prudent to practice general travel safety rules: avoid flashing expensive items, disguise tourist status with clothes such as I Love Rio instead of Flamengo jerseys and avoid sketchy neighborhoods altogether.
Ipanema and Copacabana beaches are only the start of Rio’s spectacular attractions. Cobblestone streets lead you from one corner to another and views at every turn; its boutiques, cafes and bars make exploring an absolute pleasure. Stop by Favela Hype to buy colorful clothing; Vinil do Mustafa opens up the world of Brazilian music; Novo Oeste offers up a lively karaoke experience!
Uber is an ideal way to navigate Brazil, offering set prices, driver details and the option to share trips for added safety. As part of your preparations for travel to Brazil, be sure to have printed copies of your passport just in case it’s lost; additionally consider vaccinations against hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid in advance; consult your physician if needed.
2. Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil is home to both one of the largest cities and one of the finest art scenes in the world – it boasts more than 41 million residents! Renowned for both its work ethic and vibrant cultural offerings from around the globe, this bustling metropolis thrives at full throttle.
People typically visit Sao Paulo for either a short day trip or layover; however, 2-3 days is ideal to explore its main attractions. Connecting with a travel expert from within Sao Paulo would be highly beneficial in creating the ideal itinerary, answering all questions, and giving great insider tips to make the most out of your first visit!
On Avenida Paulista among enormous municipal buildings and luxurious boutiques stands the world-famous Museum of Art of Sao Paulo (MASP). Designed by architect Lina Bo Bordi, MASP features multiple floors showcasing 21st-century art forms like sculptures and paintings to provide visitors with a great cultural immersion. This museum gives its visitors a sense of place while celebrating cultures from across the world.
MASP is located near one of the city’s oldest churches, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, which hosts daily Mass as well as tomb tours for a fee. This stunning church forms part of a beautiful park setting and makes an excellent way to take in some history of your hometown.
3. Bahia
Brazilians consider Bahia the heart of their country. Here, art and culture come alive through celebrations ranging from Candomble rituals to circle samba (an energetic dance-music practice with roots in Brazil’s slave past). Bahia boasts some of the best beaches worldwide as well as charming Portuguese colonial architecture that make this an invaluable travel experience.
Trancoso offers an amazing variety of restaurants and pousadas, while Itacare beaches feature deserted shorelines where visitors can swim pristine waters while watching whales, windsurfers and windsurfers from rocky headlands. In addition, Brazil is home to one of its most breathtaking national parks – Chapada Diamantina – making a full day tour one of the best ways to experience its majestic natural splendors.
Pelourinho, the UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful cobblestone streets is not to be missed in Salvador; here you will find music schools, dance and capoeira classes as well as some of the city’s top bars and restaurants.
As with any large city, Salvador can be dangerous at night; you should exercise caution if traveling alone at beaches and empty streets unless traveling with others. Also beware crowds during Carnival if visiting solo. To reduce risks like these and avoid any unnecessary incidents during Carnival it is wise to travel with a group like Flash Pack that specializes in solo travel for people in their 30s and 40s who desire freedom while having the safety net of being part of a group trip – we specialize in group solo travel!
4. Salvador
Brazil is an expressive nation teeming with wildlife, world-class art, beachside bossa nova music and mesmerizing dance performances. Salvador in the northeast corner offers a bustling Afro-Brazilian cultural scene as well as historic charm.
UNESCO has designated Salvador’s upper town district (cidade alta) a World Heritage Site for its stunning collection of 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture. Rua Gregorio de Matos boasts pastel pink, yellow and blue buildings which provide an idyllic setting for walking tours, Bahian vendors selling products on Rua de Gregorio de Matos as well as spontaneous capoeira demonstrations.
On any given day, stroll along cobblestone streets admiring brightly painted houses or take in a performance by Bale Folclorico da Bahia before sampling fresh seafood at a churrascaria. For some culture visit Fundacao Casa de Jorge Amado which houses his works and holds his personal library.
Be mindful when traveling solo or as part of a group: always follow local advice and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Pack travel-sized toiletries and medications such as malaria pills, Hepatitis A vaccine, yellow fever and typhoid vaccines (check with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to be sure), etc. When dining al fresco (which happens often in Brazil due to their love of al fresco dining) do not leave your phone on the table or swing your purse over the back of chairs which face towards streets – these could put lives in danger!