Top 10 Reasons to Visit Brazil

 

By Patricia Ribeiro

What are the top 10 reasons to visit Brazil? Brazil is a country of great natural beauty. Dazzling beaches and rainforests are a few of the superlative attractions that await visitors. Brazil is also home to a people of great ethnic and cultural diversity, whose heritage is expressed in vibrant art and celebrations, historical cities and bustling urban centers. Here are some of the main reasons to visit Brazil.

1. Brazil Beaches

More than 2,000 beaches stretch along Brazil's shoreline and more than 1,000 islands dot the Atlantic Ocean within the country's limits. While many of them are densely populated, many are preserved ecological sanctuaries.

 

2. Amazing Landscapes & Ecosystems

The Amazon River and Rainforest and Iguaçu Falls are the most famous natural attractions in a country that has 62 National Parks and hundreds of conservation units. Brazil holds several records for its wildlife numbers and diversity. As one of the responses to the urgent need to preserve seriously endangered natural treasures, ecotourism and responsible travel initiatives are on the rise, making it possible for more travelers to enjoy Brazil in a sustainable way and opening up perspectives for local communities.

 

3. Cities and Towns

The vast majority of the Brazilian population lives in cities and towns. Take a dip into everyday life in Brazil by visiting colonial towns such as Ouro Preto and the daringly designed country's capital, Brasília - both Unesco World Heritage sites; megapolitan Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo; charming coastal and mountain towns.

 

4. Brazilian Culture

For hundreds of years, Brazilian culture has been in the making by people with a very diverse ethnic and cultural heritage. A glorious mix of contributions is imprinted in the culture that generated easily recognizable expressions such as bossa nova, capoeira, and the yellow soccer jersey. Strong cultural resilience sustains, for example, the efforts of indigenous peoples and African-Brazilians as they reaffirm their sense of identity through strife. And it's safe to say that the people who have created Brazil are, as a rule, friendly to foreign tourists.

 

5. Celebrations & Events

Yes, we have Carnival. And because it's a countrywide celebration, up-and-coming cities are gradually drawing more attention as options to leaders Rio, Salvador, Recife and Olinda.

However, there's much more to the Brazilian calendar. For example, many international travelers have discovered that Reveillon, the Brazilian New Year, is as much fun as Carnival. Here's a sample of the diversity of Brazil's festivals and events:

 

6. Brazilian Cuisine

From open fire pits tended in the open fields of Rio Grande do Sul by gaúchos, the South American cowboys, to upscale restaurants abroad, barbecue is one of the trends that have brought international attention to Brazilian food.

More than ever in Brazil, typical dishes share the culinary scene with a growing team of great chefs who are writing a whole new chapter in Brazilian dining. One of the best ways to get in touch with this diversity is through one of Brazil's many food festivals, such as:

• Brasil Sabor, the largest culinary festival in Brazil
• Comida di Buteco, the annual Belo Horizonte Bar Food Contest

 

7. Travel-Friendly Weather

Not all the time, not everywhere. And weather is definitely a very personal issue. But in Brazil, the right planning can improve your year-round chances of finding a place where the sky is blue and the temperature invites you to be outdoors. Northeastern coastal cities like Fortaleza have about 300 days of sunshine a year. Fall and winter travel in a great part of Brazil is delightful, with cool sunrises, a general shedding of sweaters during unbeliavably bright sunny days and clear, chilly nights that are perfect for cuddling by the fireplace.

 

8. Brazil's Hotels

In recent years, the hotel industry in Brazil has taken great strides. Major hotel chains are investing confidently in a market that also benefits from local initiatives. There is an increase in the number of both upscale hotels and quality budget accommodations.

 

9. Tourism is a Priority to Brazil

Brazil has a Ministry of Tourism and state and city administrations are investing as seriously in the area as the private sector. That translates into better roads, more jobs, an improvement of community life, and many other benefits that are turning Brazil into a more desirable destination than ever.

10. Brazil is a Gateway to South America

Brazil has awesome neighbors. Make it your hub to some of the greatest attractions in South America, such as:Buenos Aires, The Andes, Patagonia, Machu Pichu.