Looking at the (massive) map and getting a bit overloaded about choosing the very best places to go to in Brazil? Do not fret, we're here to help you to make the most out of your journey and give you the very best pointers to delight in Brazil like a regional. I'm Brazilian and I'm about to share all my preferred features of my country. From drinking caipirinha at the beach in Rio, to checking out a national park filled with beautiful blue lagoons in the north or helping to conserve turtles in the south, Brazil has an option for each sort of backpacker.
From north to south, you're going to find something remarkable to do in every corner of the country and I guarantee you'll be shocked by how diverse Brazil is. Choose an open heart, listen and talk with the locals-- there is no much better method to learn more about our culture.
The beaches in the north of the island are more touristy and have lots of well-known clubs, so things can get a bit more costly. I 'd advise that you visit Praia da Lagoinha, Praia do Specialty, Praia da Daniela, Praia Brava and Praia dos Ingleses. The east side of the island has a fantastic backpacker vibe and is a terrific area for surfing. My preferred beaches there are Joaquina, Praia Mole, Praia da Galheta and Barra da Lagoa. This is likewise the backpacker hotspot of the city, where you'll find individuals from all over the world, extremely cool bars and restaurants and individuals offering their art in the street.
If you're looking for some quiet time surrounded by nature, the south of the island is where you wish to be. We're talking unblemished beaches, some of them only available by trekking, like Praia dos Naufragados. If you want to join the residents, you ought to attempt the walking to Lagoinha do Leste, one of the most well-known treking trails in the south of Brazil. There are three various alternatives with different levels of problem, the most convenient one taking control of an hour. You won't be sorry for the views when you arrive though!
Ouro Preto is one of the best locations to check out in Brazil for anyone who wishes to comprehend the country ´ s history. The city's name translates to 'Black Gold' in English, since it was the centre of the gold enter the 18th century. Nowadays, you can still experience the city's past through its architecture and the art of the amazing Brazilian sculptor Aleijadinho. You can check out all the main attractions on foot, and just walking appreciating the scenery is really among the very best things you can do. The main attractions in Ouro Preto are the old mines from the colonial period, where you can take a trip to become aware of how tons of ores and jewels were drawn out and reclaimed to Europe, and how slave work was used for this.
The city also has lots of museums where you can start to understand more about the history of the country. At Inconfidence Museum you can discover Brazil's self-reliance, and if you're interested in Brazilian art, you ought to take a look at the Spiritual Art Museum. A great place to see Aleijadinho's work is São Francisco de Assis church, where you can discover lots of sculptures made by the artist.
Among the coolest things you can do in Ouro Preto is look for a university party. They're incredibly open and accept trainees from all over the world. All you have to do is go to the student neighbourhood Baixita and ask where the celebration will take place. You can literally knock at one of the fraternity's doors and ask. If you're visiting during Carnival, even much better-- there will be PLENTY of student celebrations you can join.Start your experience walking Vila Madalena, a trendy neighbourhood filled with great coffee shops, restaurants and vintage shops. On Saturdays, you can go to Feira Livre da Vila Madalena, a street market with arts and crafts, loads of fruits and veggies and fantastic street food. For a genuine Brazilian experience, try a pastel (a tasty savoury snack) with a sugar walking cane juice. After getting all the energy you need, head to Beco do Batman, a famous area in the city for street art enthusiasts.
If you enjoy art, check out the Museum of Art of São Paulo at Avenida Paulista. You're going to see the building quite quickly from a distance because of its incredible architecture design and you can get lost inside for hours.
After checking out the museum, head to Bixiga, among the most standard neighbourhoods in the city that's full of fantastic pizzerias. Mentioning pizza, you MUST SHOT Brazilian pizza. Forget whatever you believed you knew about the traditional Italian food and open yourself to a Check out here whole new level of nonsense. I am discussing ice cream pizza and I'm not even sorry.
By this point, you have actually most likely seen that São Paulo is a great place to walk around and eat tasty food, so if you're not veggie, head to Mercado Municipal to attempt a MASSIVE mortadella sandwich. After all this consuming, have a walk in Ibirapuera park and check out the Afro Museum, a space dedicated to telling the story of more than five centuries of African history in Brazil.
For an incredible sunset and to join the residents, go to Praça do Pôr do Sol (it actually suggests the sundown park) for among the most beautiful views of the city.Still in the historical centre, visit Largo Tereiro de Jesus, a place filled with gorgeous churches, restaurants and remarkable architecture. Go To the Afro Museum to read more about Afro religions in Brazil, and Casa do Carnaval da Bahia to get to know the history of Carnival in the city. Still around this area, check the Lacerda Lift. Built in 1873, this is the easiest (and most affordable) way to get to the high part of the city. When you're at the top, Tomé de Sousa square is a stunning perspective and ideal location to enjoy the sundown.
If you wish to purchase budget friendly and genuine keepsakes for your enjoyed ones back home, visit Mercado Modelo. This public market has been working for more than 100 years and has over 250 stalls selling art and food.Now, get ready for an amazing story. Bonfim Church was built between 1745 and 1772, and nowadays is the centre of a beautiful multi-faith celebration that happens in Salvador every year in January. On this day, around 200 women dressed in white walk a trip of 8km to wash the stairs of the church with water and flowers, while the residents commemorate with music and chants of African origin. This is a lovely routine to see and you need to think about checking out Salvador throughout this time. And let's not forget the Senhor do Fim ribbon, a custom which includes putting a vibrant ribbon on someone's wrist and inquiring to make 3 desires. You make one knot for each desire, and when the ribbon falls off by itself, all these dreams will become a reality. This tradition belongs to the Festa do Bonfim (Bonfim Party), but you can find these ribbons all year round in most cities in Brazil.
Together with Pelourinho, Barra Lighthouse is one of the most famous postcard images of Salvador. The lighthouse was integrated in the 17th century and nowadays is a museum. Simply in front of the lighthouse, there's a lovely beach for you to walk and enjoy the sundown.
How can we not discuss food? Food from Bahia is remarkable, and you can't leave the city without trying an Acarajé! It's a gorgeous mix of beans, shrimp, onion, salt and pepper-- completely and fried in palm oil. It's the most traditional food of the city and you can find the best ones in Largo da Dinha.Galeria 13 hostel is a great base for your Salvador experience. They have a pool, breakfast till 12pm, happy hours with caipirinhas, Brazilian movie nights and a friendly pet dog. They're also located in the historic centre, which will make your day of exploring much easier.If you have a bit more time in Recife, you need to think about investing a day in Olinda, a well-known historical city with incredible Carnival parties and blocks. It's so close to Recife that some people get puzzled and believe it's the same city. Check out the historic centre and its colourful colonial houses on foot, before heading to Alto da Sé, a location with a fantastic view of the city and markets offering food and art.The most well-known tourist attraction in Olinda is the Carnival and its giant dolls parade. They say everything began in 1931, when a really good-looking guy used to walk around at midnight. After some time, he ended up being popular (The Midnight Guy) and all the single women in the city would wait on him every night. After a few years, a giant doll of him was developed and an enormous carnival parade with him blazing a trail to other giant dolls became a tradition. Today the parade still follows the very same path as the mystical guy! Viewing the Giant Carnival Dolls of Olinda is a truly wonderful experience and you're going to be astonished by the energy in the streets throughout Brazilian Carnival.