The Olympics have suddenly redefined travel trends and now Corcovado and Sugar Loaf are in everyone’s bucket list. But honestly, do you really want another clichéd picture crowded with tourists in the background for your travel album?
Or would you like to experience something truly unique?
Brazil is a huge country.
In fact, it is the 5th largest country in the world both by size and population. With such dimensions, there are countless corners to explore!
Here are our top 3 picks:
1. Petropolis
Just an hour away from Rio de Janeiro lies Petropolis. Set amid the mountains of Serra dos Orgaos, Petropolis was originally colonized by Swiss and German immigrants and thus, displays the cultural traits of these European cultures. The city was built to be the Court Headquarters and has an unmatched majesty.
Visit the Imperial Museum to have a glimpse on the royal family’s summer lifestyle and marvel at its gorgeous parks and gardens.
The mansions of the barons and counts will whisper to you stories of a romantic aristocratic era, where refinement and power weaved the history of its people.
2. Paraty
A little bit farther away from Rio (3:30hrs to be exact), Paraty offers a seaside experience not to be missed. A bay of clear blue water frames a colonial town full of craft shops, guest houses and good food.
Cars are banned here, so you’ll have wake up your feet and discover the place walking.
Why are cars banned? Well, because when the tide is high, the streets get flooded and turn into water canals. That’s right; Latin America has its own Venice.
3. Pantanal
If you’re a wildlife lover, then Pantanal is a great place to visit. Set near the border with Bolivia and Paraguay, the Pantanal is both: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an internationally renowned biosphere reserve.
Beyond being the world’s largest wetland (150,000km²), it also is home to the greatest biodiversity in the Americas, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest open-air zoo and hosts the biggest freshwater boat-fishing festival.
Do you really need any more inspiration?
Contours Travel is the longest running Latin American operator in Australia. It has 40 years of experience designing tailor-made, small group itineraries and special interest tours throughout the region. Want to know more about South America? Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!