You’ve heard of the famous carnivals and Christ the Redeemer, but there’s so much more to Brazil. Whether you’re heading to Brazil for a romantic honeymoon or a lively trip with friends, you may want to see Brazil through the eyes of a local, rather than a tourist.
This is a great way to see what Brazil truly has to offer, and can also save time while leading to a more peaceful experience. But if you don’t know where to start in terms of seeing the authentic side of Brazil, we’ve put together five fantastic activities that you may not yet have considered.
Shopping in Rio
If in Rio, there’s a good chance that Copacabana is on your to-see list. But while the tourists flock to the world-famous Copacabana beach, why not head to the markets for a more authentic taste of this famous Brazilian neighbourhood? If you really want a unique experience, take in the night market, which is open from 6pm til midnight and offers a wide variety of local products, including food and souvenirs.
It’s also worth pointing out that there aren’t many better places to shop for jewelry than in Brazil; the nation is home to extremely rare gemstones such as paraiba tourmaline jewelry. If you are looking to treat yourself or the special someone in your life with a piece of fine Brazilian jewelry, head to more affluent areas of Rio, such as Ipanema or Leblon.
Brazil’s Lesser-Known Beaches
You can’t go to Brazil and not sample some of the world’s most stunning beaches. But as already pointed out, the most famous of them all, Rio’s Copacabana beach, will be awash with tourists from sunrise to sunset.
Fortunately, Brazil is home to over 2,000 beaches, many of which can compete with Copacabana’s beauty but also offer the benefit of being less crowded. Outside of Brazil’s most famous beach, Praia do Espelho in Bahia and Prainha Beach in Rio de Janeiro are two that should be on your list to visit.
Sample Brazil’s Love for Football
Football is synonymous with the nation of Brazil, and there are a number of ways you can incorporate Brazil’s rich footballing history into your time in Brazil.
For starters, there’s the iconic Maracanã Stadium, which hosted the 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay. Today, its tenants include Brazilian giants Flamengo and Fluminense, who both play in the 78,000 seater stadium. If your trip aligns with the football season, you have to experience the unrivalled passion that Brazilians have for the game, capable of creating one of the most boisterous atmospheres in world football.
If you can’t get to a game during your time in Brazil, the Maracanã stadium tour offers a unique yet equally enchanting way to view this famous stadium. Experience the stadium through the eyes of a player, from making your way from the changing rooms to the famous pitch.
If that’s not enough football for you, there’s also the Museu do Futebol located in São Paulo, where you can expand your knowledge of Brazil’s football heritage.
Beco do Batman
If you’re a fan of street art or graffiti-style artwork, there’s a certain street in Brazil that should definitely be on your list of places to see. Beco do Batman in São Paulo (which translates to Batman’s Alley) is one of Brazil’s most colourful areas.
The area got its name back in the 80s, after a piece of Batman-themed graffiti was added to one of the walls. Since then, other artists have paid homage to the Batman character by adding their own efforts to the surrounding walls, along with many other forms of artwork.
More recently, an image displaying the late Brazilian football icon, Pelé, embracing Batman was added to the wall.
Snorkel with Pink Dolphins
For the thrill seekers among us, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to adrenaline-filled activities in Brazil. But one of the more unique options includes snorkelling with pink dolphins in the Amazon River. Pink River Dolphins, or Botos as they’re known to locals, are one of the friendliest marine mammals, and they won’t think twice about coming to say hello when you encounter them.
There are various companies offering snorkelling or swimming experiences with Pink River Dolphins, so it’s worth doing some research, depending on how much time you want to put into your experience.
For those who want the full experience, companies like Big Fish Expeditions offer a 5-day experience that includes various encounters with dolphins as well as birdspotting. These experiences also include meals and accommodation, and are led by a local who can really help you to see Brazil like a Brazilian.
It’s hard to summarise Brazil’s offering into just a few attractions, so it’s definitely worth doing some wider research on top of our suggestions above. If you’re looking for some more Brazilian inspiration, why not check out our other articles, including the marvels of Rio.
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