Hey everybody,
Hope you’re doing well!
I am a Swede who spent the last 2 years living in Brazil, a country that many people know something about. But not that many, at least that I know of, actually come to visit. So let me try to break some stereotypes, and shed some light on what it is actually like to live in this tropical country.
On this post I’ll be talking about my 10 favorite places, but of course being the 5th largest country in the world, there is no way to see it all.
10. Blumenau
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If you would have asked me what I know about Brazil a couple years ago, I would have probably said: Carnaval, soccer, beaches and “caipirinhas”. Little did I know that the most Southern states are filled to the brim with German colonies, and that there are secluded cities where until today they still speak Old German, and never learnt any Portuguese. The descendants are immensely proud of their heritage so it is not too surprising that the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany is held right here.
9. Florianópolis
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Another city in the Southern part but less German and more international. Since it is well connected with Buenos Aires you will find plenty of Spanish speaking people and luxurious clubs. Now that's not my cup of tea, but this city on an island has something to offer for everyone. During New Year's Eve, people dress up in different colors with each color representing a different goal in life. Most people chose white clothes, representing peace. But some say it can be traced back to the African religions practiced by the slaves.
8. Foz do Iguaçu
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Niagara falls, eat your heart out! Not only is this one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world, it is also where the three countries Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet.
7. Ilhéus
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We are now moving up the coast to the North East, in the state of Bahia, famous for their spicy food and amazing beaches. Definitely a must go!
6. Rio de Janeiro
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Of course the glamarous city of Rio de Janeiro has to get a spot on my list. But it is so much more than just Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana. With its botanical gardens, museums of amazing history and incredible high tech, you can return here plenty of times and always find something new. And if you have some extra time, why not take a short bus ride to historical cities like Petrópolis where the Portuguese Royal family lived while hiding from Napoleon’s armies.
5. Cambara do Sul
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Having spent most of my time in the South, it was difficult only choosing one place. But the vast mountain ranges and the complete sensation of freedom here helped me chose. Imagine to go camping here and having the Milky Way visible to you with the naked eye. Drinking “chimarrão”, a green tea mixture similar to Yerba Mate from Argentina, while waiting for a whole rack of ribs that has been slowly rotating over the fire for the last 8 hours. Doesn't get better than that!
4. Ouro Preto
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To learn firsthand the dark history of slavery and gold mining, but also enjoying the incredible churches and squares – Ouro Preto (translates to Black Gold).
3. Ilha Grande
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If you are spending some time in Rio, you have the amazing opportunity to visit this island. Roughly 5 hours of bus and boat ride to get there, but it is worth every second. With monkeys literally climbing over your hostel roof, challenging trekking routes and an international crowd, Ilha Grande, the big Island is must on the list.
2. João Pessoa
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Moving further up in the North East, this city holds a special place in my heart. Not only is my girlfriend from here, but it was the first time I got to see the Brazil that I always imagined. Sipping on a coconut on a perfect beach, with comfortable climate all year round, João Pessoa has got to be my go to vacation spot in the Northeast.
Bonus video!
1. Paraty
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Now, if you take basically every item on the list so far, throw them all in a big pot and set to mix. You will end up with Paraty. With beautiful nature, interesting history, waterfalls to swim in, international fairs, parties and amazing beaches. I was hopelessly trying to find the flaw of this place, but could not think of one after staying there two weeks. Every Sunday on the main square there is a free Samba band playing, perfectly illustrating the country of Brazil, a mixture of people from all walks in life just enjoying the moment.
Well, that’s my post for this time. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope I helped to open your eyes for this amazing continent of a country. Have any of you visited Brazil? And if so did you go to any of these places?
Let me know in the comments what I missed! Until the next one!
*photos: labled for reuse or taken by me