If you’re considering a trip to Brazil, a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and perhaps a surprising number of species of brightly-colored birds, you’ve likely stumbled upon a wealth of travel guides. They’ll tell you about the beaches, of course – everyone talks about the beaches – and the Amazon, naturally. But what about the other things? The slightly less heralded, but no less captivating, experiences that might just take your trip from pleasant to truly memorable? I’ve compiled 30 essential adventures to have in Brazil, a collection so varied and intriguing that it might just inspire you to book a flight immediately. (Whether that inspiration is fueled by excitement or a sudden, inexplicable urge to escape your current surroundings is, as always, entirely up to you.) So, pack your bags, or at least start thinking about packing them, and prepare to delve into the wonders that await you in this South American gem.
My husband and I will soon be embarking on a journey to Brazil, a country I’ve previously only encountered in atlasas and the occasional movie featuring surprisingly agile sloths. But Brazil, it seems, is a country of such considerable size that attempting to see it all would be like trying to count all the grains of sand on Copacabana beach. We are, of course, realistic. We won’t be circumnavigating the entire nation during a single trip. However, I do have a list. A list of experiences that I’d very much like to experience. Whether we manage one, or a handful, or perhaps even a lucky thirteen, remains to be seen. But a list is a list, and even an unfulfilled list is better than no list at all, wouldn’t you agree?
Here are the most essential things to do in Brazil, according to my research.
This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links at no additional cost to you.
If you don’t do at least 10 of these 30 things in Brazil, you haven’t really been to Brazil.
- Enjoy the view from the Christ the Redeemer statue
- Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
- Hike in Tijuca National Park
- Enjoy some brigadeiros
- Go whale watching in Praia do Rosa
- See some unique bird species
- Drink a caipirinha
- Visit a museum
- Go to a fútbol game
- Get wet at Iguaçu Falls
- Join in on the fun during Carnaval
- Go surfing or kitesurfing
- Use at least 2 forms of transportation
- Eat acarajé in Salvador
- Explore the Pantanal wetlands – (rafting down the Rio Formoso) (Float down the river in Bonito)
- Watch the sunset
- Visit a cachaça distillery
- See a jaguar or sloth
- Relax on the beach
- See some street art on Beco do Batman
- Eat pão de queijo
- Take a capoeira class
- Dance the samba
- Spend R$100
- Eat some feijoada
- Spend some time in the Amazon
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling
- Walk along Ipanema or Copacabana Beach
- See a dolphin or monkey
- Visit an island
Essential Brazil Travel Bingo
Click here for your personal Brazil Travel Bingo card. Once your card is generated, save the link somewhere you’ll be able to find it again repeatedly and easily – save it to your favorites, email it to yourself, save it in your notes app, or create a shortcut on your phone’s home screen.
- The goal is to get a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line or four corners.
- Bonus points for an X.
- Extra Bonus points for a blackout.
Use the comments to share your winning card.
Prizes:
- My eternal respect for anyone who gets a bingo.
Enjoy! If you’re looking for more, here’s everything I’ve written about Brazil.
Leave a Reply