Brazil is synonymous with Rio de Janeiro, carnival, exotic models, endless nights and more churrascarias than one could visit in a lifetime. But beyond all of the amazing things you’d expect from this colorful South American country there are some unique and unexpected gems in the lesser-known cities.
Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country in geographical expanse. That’s 3.2 million square miles of Latin American adventure! Don’t limit yourself to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (although both are fantastic). Get gritty and native with this diverse, history rich, vivacious and tactile country. There were ten Brazilian cities on our itinerary but these following five held a little extra magic!
#1 – Natal
Natal is the capital of the state, Rio Grande de Norte, on Brazil’s northeastern tip. It’s bright and clean with fantastic beaches that boast a quaint art, music and nightlife scene.
In my opinion, the main attraction of Natal is the BUGGY RIDES! (pronounced ‘boogie’ 😉 ) The best way to see the beautiful beach dune terrain is hours spent with the wind in your hair on a buggy. You will be asked if you’d like to ride “with emotion or without emotion.” Only choose “with emotion” if you’re feeling a little daring and you’re ready for a very wild ride! This is an all-day, multiple beach tour with stops that include restaurants, bars, a ferry crossing and other adventures depending on what package you purchase. Two words… DO IT!
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#2 – Recife
Some will argue with me on this next stop – Recife, Brazil. I’m going to be honest, as a city, Recife isn’t much to look at BUT it’s beaches are among the worlds top ten shark infested waters. If sharks are your thing and you’re hoping to lay your eyes on these underwater predators, then this could be the place for you!
About 40 minutes from Recife you will find Porto de Galinhas, which translates to chicken beach in English! With crystal clear waters that are an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, you will find yourself in a sweet hidden paradise. Yummy food, drinks, hand made crafts and trendy restaurants are found up and down this coastal area. Our day spent here is one of my favorite memories of Brazil!
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#3 – Curitiba
Curitiba is a city that made an important statement for Brazil. As other cities were growing in record time, Curitiba slowed things down and took a different approach. The locals wanted to keep the integrity of their history in tact as well as think of the growth of their city as a whole in regards to work, the environment and living leisure.
Not only is Curitiba one of the biggest agricultural hubs in South America, it has also become the gold standard for sustainable urban planning and a model for other “smart” cities. It’s only suiting that one of the biggest landmarks of the city is a lush, well-groomed botanical garden.
Each hedge is constructed carefully, the garden is filled with local flora and the greenhouse design will steal the eye of any visitor. It’s no secret that the botanical gardens are the pride and joy of Curitiba and one can see why this independent city has made a name for itself.
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#4 – Brasília
An interesting air and history fills Brazil’s capital. It’s an ultra modern city created from scratch in the grasslands of Brazil over half a century ago. The most famed topic of Brasília is it’s unique city design and architecture. An aerial view of the city will show that the landscape and road pathways were meant to resemble the outline of an airplane. Cool right?
We took a ‘hop on hop off’ bus tour throughout the city that shows you all of the most well-known spots in Brasília including the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, the capitol buildings and of course the famed Cathedral of Brasília. The tour also includes a detailed commentary on Brasília’s history, which I actually found very intriguing. Honestly, this city isn’t the most thrilling vacation spot, but if you’re interested in understanding more of Brazil’s past, then you shouldn’t pass up swinging by the capital for a day!
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#5 – Gramado
I’ve been saving the best for last… Gramado. This sweet (literally sweet, it’s filled with chocolatiers) town nestled in the mountains of Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, was founded in the 1930’s by German settlers, giving it a European feel. This Alpine paradise is like no other town in Brazil!
Gramado is filled with adorable shops selling local goods, chocolate museums, restaurants and bakery’s (we bought giant loaves of cinnamon, cherry and blueberry bread and shared family style! No regrets!).
Outside the city you will find some worthwhile adventures as well. Caracol State Park is a must if you’re a nature buff. Situated in lush, dense forest you will see the stunning and dramatic Caracol Waterfall. You can reach the base of the falls by a 927-step trail. If you’re ready to get your work out in, I highly recommend that you do it!
Then there’s Parque Terra Magica Florybal. Although I’m sure many people will look at this theme park and think, “what the heck?!” I have to mention it because of how much fun was had in the three hours we were there. It’s filled with the MOST random theming (dinosaurs, giants and somewhat scary gnome creatures) but take it for what it is! There are some ridiculous rides, odd maze-like pathways and most of the time you will have no idea what’s going on, but for a dinosaur theme park outside a German town in the mountains of Brazil (how ridiculous does that sound?! Haha!)… It’s a REALLY good time.
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I’m being 100% serious when I say my summer spent in Brazil was one of the best summers of my life. This sometimes misunderstood country has so many beautiful, unique offerings and, in my experience, much of that was found in the places that I didn’t expect. So dear friends… get out there and take yourself to all of the places you never thought you’d go. You will more than likely find something ridiculously awesome.
“I want a life measured in places I haven’t gone,
short sleeps on long flights,
strange voices teaching me new words to describe the dawn.”
– Tyler Knott Gregson