26 items to check off your list and help you head home feeling accomplished after visiting Brazil.

 

1. Visit Christ the Redeemer

 

Because, well… Visiting this iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro is not only great for that classic photo in front of the image of Christ, but also humbling in that you see the immensity of the city, its lush mountains and forests, the ocean, and more – are in the midst of people from all over the world.

 

2. See the Amazon Forest from the Treetops

 

Learn about the fauna that lives all the way up here, and get a sense of the density of the forest, and marvel at nature.

 

3. Get Wet Under the Iguaçu Falls

 

Take a boat tour in the National Park, and get wet by some of the  most powerful falls you’ll come close to!

 

4. Watch a Football (Soccer) Game in a Brazilian Stadium

 

The stereotype of the Brazilian is that he or she plays football, and although this is not the case for most of us, it is uncommon to meet a Brazilian who does not root for a particular team.

And watching a game from a stadium is the ultimate football experience in Brazil. As one of our clients said of a match he watched in the Maracanã stadium, “The atmosphere was electric and everybody was really nice and inviting!”

 

5. Sip on a caipirinha (or neat, aged cachaça)

 

Because if you’re into cocktails or spirits, cachaça is a must in Brazil. Cachaça is made of sugar cane, and a nice, aged cachaça is best served neat (in a shot glass, but for taking sips). A traditional caipirinha is a mix of white cachaça with sugar, lime, and lots of ice – perfect for a warm day!

If you’re not a big drinker, have a fresh fruit juice made of an exotic (to you) fruit. My favorite? Cajá, typical of the northeast of Brazil. 

 

 

6. Go Hang Gliding off Pedra Bonita in Rio

 

This is the optimal point in the city to go hang gliding, and a thrilling adventure, especially if hang gliding is on your bucket list (despite the destination!). There are many other parts of the country where this is popular, if you’d like an off the beaten track experience too.

 

7. Hit up a local bar to dance to samba or forró (or take a class!)

 

You don’t have to know how to dance, just join the party, and move to the beat. If you’re not a big dancer, but want to listen to live samba, look for a “roda de samba,” where you’ll find most people just swaying to the music and watching a band play in a circle.

 

8. Understand Brazil’s Role in the African Diaspora visiting a Quilombo

 

Quilombos are settlements founded by people of African origin, and most today are the descendants of escaped slaves.

Today, there are several of these communities which welcome guests, to learn more about their history, and their continued resistance to protect their custom, environment and lands.

 

9. Have a pão de queijo with a cafézinho in Minas Gerais

 

This inland state full of rolling green hills, is famous for its history, scenery, hospitality, and cuisine!

The cheeses and coffee found here are award-winning, and these small cheese rolls and coffee are a perfect combination for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

 

10. Go scuba diving in Fernando de Noronha – (or any of our several coral reefs!)

 

One of the best destinations in the world for divers, this archipelago’s waters are warm and almost free of sediments, makes the 24 dive spots in the region perfect for viewing marine life all year round.

 

11. Spot Exotic Fauna in the Pantanal

 

Jaguars? Hyacinth macaws? Caimans? Tapirs? All of the above! If you love spotting wildlife, birdwatching, and farm-living, then you must visit the Pantanal at some point in your life. Add this swampland destination to your bucketlist ASAP.

 

12. Watch the Sun Set from Sugarloaf Mountain

In Brazil, we have perfected the art of applauding the sun. No matter where you are, if it’s a prime sunset watching spot, we honor the sun as it sets, by clapping for it. And how can you get more iconic than the Sugarloaf mountain for a view of Rio and watching the sky’s colors at dusk?

 

13. Learn About the Brazilian “Gold Rush” in Paraty

This village and its surrounding natural reserves, have just become a mixed UNESCO heritage site, for its culture and nature. So you can imagine you’ll not only learn about the history of the region, and how it came to become this charming colonial village, but also why and how the local community keeps it as lovely and green as it is.

 

14. Experience a Carnaval Street Party in Olinda

Much is said about Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, but the third largest Carnival in Brazil, is probably the most fun you’ll ever have, and quite the workout. Dance up and down the hills of Olinda, amongst people from around the world, giant dolls (yes, this is a thing), to several different musical styles, and all in an historic city outside of Recife, with stunning views, and beautiful architecture.  

 

15. Experience a Carnaval Parade in Rio de Janeiro

 

Of course Olinda must be visited, but Rio must not be forgotten. Did you know this parade with its massive and complex floats takes an entire year to put together? Entire communities come together to practice along with the participants, so if you’re not in Rio for Carnival, try to visit a rehearsal!

 

16. Take a Capoeira or Percussion Class in Salvador

Still on the music front, Salvador whilst also famous for its Carnival, is most famous for its “Olodum” percussion groups and famous Capoeira masters. Although you may not leave a professional yourself, it’s possible to take a class and bring home some new tricks you can show off to your friends and families. 

 

17. See the Immensity that is São Paulo from the top of the “Banespa” Building

Currently named the “Farol Santander”, this building is known to locals at the Banespa or “Superman  building, and if you get to the very top, you can visit a small museum and see the sprawl of the largest city in South America, from close to its original geographic center. 

 

18. Slide Down a Sand Dune in Lençóis Maranhenses

… and swim in the natural lagoons in this magical oasis destination. You can get here by tours that arrive in licensed trucks, trekking through the dunes, or on horseback, with 3 villages to start from. A true natural (and fun!) spectacle. 

 

19. Stroll Through a Farmer’s Market Tasting Fruits

Have you had jabuticaba? How many types of bananas can you find in your local farmers’ market? What about different types of mango? Taste tropical and different strands of the most universal fruits at any local farmer’s market, or feira livre in Brazil. If you visit different cities, visit several, to see how local fruits and vegetables change throughout the country. 

 

20. Lounging on a beach (any beach), in the South of Bahia

Because you deserve a break on one of these chairs, under lush palm trees.

 

21. Go Fishing in the Ocean with a Local Caiçara

Visit a local fishing community, learn about the caiçara culture – the traditional people of the different coast towns in Brazil, and take a stab at traditional fishing methods with a true professional!

 

22. Learn About Brazil’s Recent History and Modern Architecture in Brasília

Did you know Brazil’s capital city was built in the 1960s? And the main architectural plan was developed by Oscar Neimeyer and Lucio Costa, famed architects and urban planners? It’s a planned city, and great for architecture lovers and those interested in politics.

 

23. Have a Traditional Churrasco and Local Wine in the Pampas of Rio Grande do Sul

The gaucho culture in Argentina is quite famous, but the Brazilian gaúchos also have their unique culture, way of making barbecue, and overall customs. Visit the rolling green hills of the Pampas, and see an off the beaten track part of Brazil in the far south. 

 

24. Go Surfing in Santa Catarina

Known for its laidback surf culture, Florianópolis is a great destination for those looking for fantastic waves, friendly faces, and beautiful landscapes surrounding the shore. 

 

25. Have Açaí in its Original Form, in Pará

Did you know açaí “inatura” is not as sweet as the ones you’ve probably tried? Have a bowl of açaí straight from the source, in the Amazonian state of Pará, as a side dish to your main meal. 

 

26. See the Meeting of the Waters in the Amazon

 

For 6 km the Rio Solimões (Amazon River) and Rio Negro, travel together, side by side, without mixing, near the city of Manaus. This phenomena is quite the scene, and a visit to put your hand in the water to feel the different temperature and textures for yourself, is a once in a lifetime experience!

What’s on your Brazil Bucket List? Any of the items on our list?