Travel and Culture in Brazil
Would you like to go to the opera in Manaus and then spend a few days in a floating lodge watching pink dolphins and canoeing amongst the treetops in the world’s largest flooded rainforest reserve? Or ride a buffalo in Marajó or charter your own Amazon river boat to explore the creeks and pristine white beaches in the company of an expert guide? Or spend a few days on the paradise island of Fernando do Noronha on deserted, unspoiled beaches? Or attend one or more of Brazil’s many festivals, carnival in Rio, Olinda or Salvador, or the Festival of Boi Bumbá on Parintins, an island in the middle of the Amazon?
Whilst Rio de Janeiro is the starting point for many travellers, Brazil is so much more than just Rio. It is a country of many hidden treasures: the north and the natural wonders of the Amazon, with its manmade oasis of Manaus; the northeast and its mix of perfect tropical beaches and culture that spread from Bahia to Maranhão by way of such popular destinations as Salvador, Recife, João Pessoa, Natal, Fortaleza and São Luis; the great dunes and clear pools of Lençois Maranhenses; the central west and the contrast between the wide savannah and the nation’s futuristic capital, Brasília; and the Pantanal, Brazil’s wild west and one of the largest and richest reserves of wildlife known to man.
And then there’s the south east, which, as well as being home to Rio de Janeiro, is economically dominated by São Paulo, Latin America’s largest industrial and commercial centre, the economic engine which pulls the Brazilian economy. Home to nearly half of the Brazilian population, the south east is also home to the historic cities of Minas Gerais, one of the great colonial legacies of a country full of artistic and architectural masterpieces. We can help you organise an itinerary that takes you along the Gold Route, following in the footsteps of the bandeirantes as they hauled gold and diamonds to the coast, enjoying the legendary Minas cuisine en route.
Last, but by no means least, the prosperous south, a sub-tropical region heavily influenced by the countless European immigrants who have flourished in their small communities, is a region steeped in history that is responsible for Brazil’s finer wines and outstanding beef, as well as one of the planet’s greatest natural wonders – the falls at Foz do Iguaçu. Some of the scenery really deserves the epithet ‘the Big Country’ for its sweeping grandeur and huge canyons, and charming colonial towns such as Gramado are delightful in the winter when days are clear and sunny but the evenings are cosy around open fires. Florianopolis is a wonderful destination with sweeping beaches great for surfing, and more sheltered little coves, lovely scenery, delightful pousadas and the opportunity to see whales in the right season.
No matter where you are working, we can help you experience the vibrant culture of Brazil. Brazil is a land of music and dance, including capoeira, and you can either participate or go to watch. Imagine going to work in Brazil and coming home able to samba or salsa, dance the forró or frevo. You can even take part in Rio carnival dressed in a fabulous costume that you can take home afterwards.
Opportunities for weekend activities are many and various. Apart from the endless beaches and warm sea offering relaxation or water based activities, there is also hiking and canyoning in the mountains and national parks. Surfing is a passion for many in Brazil, in Rio, the North East and especially around Florianopolis in the South, and you can take lessons no matter what your age. Brazil offers endless opportunities for fishing; from the Amazon to the mighty Paraná, world class fishing is available. You can go riding with the gauchos in the South or follow the Gold Route on a holiday lasting several days. You can go sand surfing or dune buggy riding in Natal or Ceará, whale watching from Abrolhos and the South. If your tastes are not so energetic, you can go sightseeing in the historic cities, visit prehistoric rock art, take a gastronomic tour of Minas Gerais or the North East or simply enjoy the view from your hammock.
Not only does Brazil, itself the size of a continent, offer endless opportunities for travel, it is also the gateway to almost all the other South American countries and their very different but fascinating cultures. You can travel by bus, car or plane and our dedicated representatives and partner travel agents are there to give you all the help, support and advice that you need.