Scratching the Surface of Brazil
Brazil is currently gearing up to host the 2016 summer Olympics in the city Rio De Janeiro, and it has been flooded with nagging issues for some time. The extreme poverty in the city is escalating despite efforts to distribute wealth around the population. Shoddy infrastructure for the games has caused construction deaths. To make matters worse, a mosquito-borne virus, Zika, is raging around Latin America- the largest known outbreak occurring in Brazil. The virus causes birth defects, and is spinning out of control in these warm months in the southern hemisphere.
But if you aren’t an expecting mother, Brazil is a pretty cool place to visit! I’m struggling to figure out how to fit Brazil into a 500-word blog post, because it’s a huge and magnificent country, but here goes:
My Itinerary:
Here’s a map so we don’t get lost!
First stop is Manaus, the gatekeeper of the Brazilian Amazon. Perched next to two roaring tributaries of the Amazon River, and straddling the massive forest, there are a plethora of outdoor activities to do around the city. Manaus is your best bet if you want to explore the Amazon. The city is also a sprawling metropolis begging to be explored. A main site to see in Manaus is the Amazon theatre opera house.
Manaus against the Amazon
the city of Manaus
My next destination is Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of islands 220 miles off of Brazil’s northeast coast. This area is paradise for those looking for pristine beaches, beautiful scenery, and world class diving. While Fernando de Noronha is expensive to visit, the experiences on the islands are well worth it. You would probably find me in the huge waves that tease the white sandy shores.
Fernando de Naronha
Heading down Brazil’s Atlantic coast, I would stop in Salvador. Still technically in the northeast of the country, Salvador is one of the most over looked cities in Brazil. It’s colonial heritage serves as an amazing addition to Salvador’s beach city vibe. It was once Portugal’s new world capital. I would definitely check out
Old city Salvador
the old city, Pelourinho, which harbors some of the most beautiful architecture in the country.
Rio
Further south is Rio de Janiero, a city than cannot be missed when travelling to Brazil. Rio is what comes to mind when you first think of Brazil. Its hopping party scene, beach life, and culture are so unique to the city. I would definitely climb the surrounding mountains to take in magnificent views of the city, and venture up to Christ the Redeemer, referred to some as an 8th wonder of the world.
Morretes
Finally, to get a preview of southern Brazil, I would travel to Morretes, a small colonial town resting at the feet of the Serra Do Mar mountain range. Morretes is a good base to explore the surrounding nature. I’d want to check out Aparados da Serra, a lush canyon hiding beautiful waterfalls. I would also travel on one of the colorful trains that wind up into the mountain range.
Aparados da Serra
This blog post has barely scratched the surface of everything that Brazil has to offer. The country is now calling my name!
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One Response to “Scratching the Surface of Brazil”
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!! I really really want to go to Brazil now, it seems gorgeous!!!! Can’t wait to see all of the places you write about this semester 🙂