10 More Amazing Attractions in Brazil -
Brazil is a land of contrasts, from the wild jungles of the Amazon Rainforest, to the beautiful white sand beaches of the Atlantic Coast to its cultural heart at Rio. Brazil is the country that gave the world the rowdy Carnival, which reaches its apex in Rio de Janeiro, and the sensuous samba, which also originated in Rio. It is a country that not only gave the world the Bossa Nova, but is one where its most famous song, The Girl from Ipanema, put a beach on the map.
Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, became a Portuguese colony in 1500, remaining under Portuguese rule for 300 years. Remnants of this heritage can be seen throughout historic colonial cities even today. Brazil also has gorgeous beaches, famed for their surfing waves and scenic beauty. Great beaches can be found in the Rio area, while others may be so isolated getting there is an adventure in itself.
Travelers who dare to brave the wild rainforests of this South American country will find plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth. They’ll also find other wildlife such as sleek jaguars, giant anacondas and tapirs. These travelers may not have the luxuries of visitors to Rio or Sao Paolo, but the tradeoffs may be worth it.
This former Portuguese colony thus has something that will appeal to every tourist. We’ve covered Brazil’s top attractions in a previous article. Here’s a look at some more amazing attractions that are perhaps not as well known but are well worth a visit.
10Buzios
Travelers who like beaches are likely to gravitate to Buzios, a resort town 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro. Buzios has 23 beaches, catering to a different tourist, i.e., surfers will like Geriba while families may prefer Tartaruga. The waterfront features a fishing village with a harbor filled with colorful boats. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, bike riding, shopping for crafts, and dining on the Rua das Pedras.
9Aparados da Serra National Park
One of Brazil’s first national parks, Aparados da Serra was created to protect Itaimbezinho, one of the most impressive canyons in Brazil. Fringed with subtropical forest, the narrow canyon features sheer parallel escarpments with a depth of almost 720 meters (2360 feet). Two waterfalls cascade into a stone plunge pool that spills over into the Rio do Boi, which winds its narrow way along the canyon bottom. A steep rocky path leads to river from the canyon rim, but it’s a tough, hair-raising walk that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly.
8Cathedral of Brasilia
When does a Roman Catholic cathedral not look like a cathedral? When it’s designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The Cathedral of Brasília is unique among cathedrals. It is composed of 16 concrete columns, each weighing 0 tons, which resemble an Indian teepee more than a church. Completed in 1970, statues of the Four Evangelists, designed by Dante Croce, grace the front. Indeed, there is nothing very traditional about this innovative church.
7Pelourinho
Pelourinho is the historic center of Salvador, which was the first colonial capital of Brazil, and one of the oldest cities in the Americas, being established in 1549. The Pelourinho, which translates as “pillory.” is where slaves were punished. This old town is filled with graceful, colorfully painted pastel buildings, music and dancing in the streets. It’s a good place to buy local crafts as well as enjoy a traditional prawn dish.
6Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande, or “Big Island,” is a beautiful island off Rio de Janeiro that is largely undeveloped. It was first a leper colony and then was home to a maximum security prison that closed in 1994. Consequently, beautiful tropical beaches and virgin Atlantic rainforest abound on Ilha Grande. Vila do Abraão, the largest city on the island, has only 1,00 people. Motorized vehicles are banned from the island.
5Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
flickr/Aureliano Nobrega
Chapada dos Veadeiros is a national park in Goias state about 240 km (150 miles) from Brasilia. Many travelers say their visit here was the highlight of their Brazilian trip: cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, wildlife and hiking trails. They warn, however, that some of the hiking trails are demanding so hikers need to be in good physical condition. They recommend at least two days in the park.
4Jericoacoara
flickr/U C L
Jericoacoara, more commonly known as Jeri, may be hard to reach, involving bouncing over dirt roads, but the trip to reach this unspoiled beach town just may be worth it. Hammocks over the water, white sand beaches, sandy roads that usually don‘t allow motor vehicles all combine to make Jeri a charming place to just chill out. A popular activity is watching stunning sunsets from atop the Por do Sol dune.
3Museu de Arte Contemporanea
Depending on one’s perspective, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Modern Art Museum) looks either like an upside down light fixture, a UFO or an elegant serving bowl. Designed by noted architect Oscar Niemeyer, the museum opened in 1996 in the Niteroi suburb city of Rio where it overlooks Rio and the bay. Some visitors say the building itself is more impressive than its contents.
2Curitiba-Paranagua Train Ride
flickr/Torajiro Kuruma
The Curitiba-Paranagua Train Ride, officially known as the Serra Verde Express, is considered one of the most scenic train rides in Brazil: It cuts through the Atlantic rainforest, going through 14 tunnels and crossing 30 bridges on its 84 km (52-mile) route between modern Curitiba and historic Paranagua in Parana state. Six days a week, the ride ends in Morretes, only continuing to coastal Paranagua on Sundays.
1Parati
flickr/Otávio Nogueira
Travelers who enjoy walking without fear of hit by motor vehicles will appreciate Parati (also spelled Paraty) as vehicles aren’t allowed in the historic town center. With colorful buildings and pristine beaches, Paraty is considered one of Brazil’s historic gems. Located 0 km (125 miles) south of Rio, horseback riding through the rainforest that ends at the sea is the area’s top attraction. Centuries ago, this 16th century colonial town was a major exporter of gold to Europe.
10 More Amazing Attractions in Brazil10 More Amazing Attractions in Brazil
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