This time of year always comes with fond thoughts of a favorite destination of mine – Brazil. In fact, the Portuguese word “saudade” is the perfect fit for times like these. While no translation ever quite does it justice, saudade means a deep longing and nostalgia. It’s sensed during this season in particular, as they are celebrating Carnaval!
Brazil, One of My Faves!
I’ve been fortunate to have traveled extensively in South America and while it’s impossible to pick a favorite country among them, Brazil is one that I’ve especially grown to love. Every corner packs its own kind of charm. Whether you’re looking to be immersed in nature, culture, history, food, music, or a little of everything, there is something for you. My visits often frequented the main attractions where I would meet and host groups or other clients in the Amazon and Manaus, Salvador da Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguaçu Falls, but I’ve been grateful to have had many other immersive experiences besides.
Carnaval 2020
My last visit there was in January and February 2020 – yes, right before Covid shut everything down. I spent five weeks in Rio, exploring and learning the city, finding my favorite cafes, and diving deeply into one of my passions: Samba. No other music and dance quite lifts my soul and spirit like the rhythms of Brazil and I was there to drench myself in it. That year I experienced the honor of parading with one of the Samba schools as an International Passista (a dancer). The Avenida (pictured above), as it’s lovingly called, passes through the risers of the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí where the top 25 schools perform (and compete) for Carnaval. It was a dream to participate in this event and eight other dancers from Austin came down with me for the experience. It was epic… and full of contrasts.
One day soon, I’ll write more about Samba and Carnaval, but for now I’ll take a broader bird’s-eye view of a city and culture that I love and share a few of the must-do things you should consider on your own trip to Rio.
When in Rio…
In no particular order…
- Watch the sunset at Arpoador. On any given night you’ll find locals perched on the rocks of Arpoador (a small peninsula between the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches), basking in the sun’s last rays as it sinks behind the hills opposite the bay. It’s a prime place for people-watching too and after a round of applause for the sunset, you can head off to a nearby restaurant in Ipanema for a bite to eat.
- Take a food tour. Speaking of bites to eat, I definitely recommend immersing yourself in Rio’s culinary side by taking a food tour (and I know a great one!). From exotic fruits to tapioca; from Acaí to the unique flavors of Northern Brazil; and then of course, caipirinhas to go! …Your taste buds will thank you.
- Eat at a churrascaria. While we’re talking food, the barbecue lovers out there should find themselves a churrascaria – a Brazilian steakhouse. What makes it especially unique is the service: waiters will wander the floor with large skewers of meat and you can flag any of them down when you’re interested in partaking.
- Visit Christ the Redeemer. I usually don’t jump to recommend the really touristy sites, but this is just simply too iconic to miss. How can you go to Rio and not visit Jesus? It’s quite impressive and boasts magnificent views of the city and surrounding bays. (I recommend going early in the day to get the best of the weather and smaller crowds. You may even see some monkeys running around in the trees at the top.)
- Check out the library. For an off-the-beaten path experience, stop by one of the city’s exquisite libraries. The Royal Portuguese Reading Room (known as Real Gabinete Português da Leitura) is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. Opened in 1887, it boasts incredible architecture and one of the largest Portuguese collections outside of Portugal, including some rare and ancient texts.
- Go to a Samba School rehearsal. As a Samba dancer myself, I whole-heartedly recommend you see this side of the Brazilian culture while in Rio. It’s especially exciting as Carnaval approaches and the rehearsals are charged with the excitement and energy of it. Here you experience the real sense of community behind Carnaval – the hard work, the dedication, and the heart that goes into it. (There are many schools in and around Rio and I highly suggest you go with a guide or other local who knows them. While the schools are safe to visit, it is wise to take care in some neighborhoods. There are other ways you can connect with Samba though, if a school visit isn’t practical and for a complimentary experience, you can also check out the City of Samba to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Carnaval floats and costumes.)
Bonus Tip: Don’t stop at Rio! There are so many unique and wonderful places to visit in Brazil and you can easily combine your stay with a second destination. Salvador da Bahia, to the North, will give you a distinctly different cultural experience from Rio, as you explore the African roots and influence in Brazil. Or you can jet off into a remote lodge in the Amazon and immerse yourself in one of the world’s natural wonders. There is plenty to explore! Let’s go!
