No other country has Brazil's vibrancy. There's so much life in the landscape and that feeds through into the reputation that Brazilians have for passion and joie de vivre. It infects their architecture, their art and culture, and their way of life. This is South America's largest and most varied country, boasting tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches, old colonial towns, mega modern city centres, and sprawling favelas. That's before we've mentioned the great Amazon river and the wealth of wildlife that abounds in this vast country. This passion and energy feeds through to their hospitality, and the range of the best places to stay in Brazil, from hip and happening city boutiques and design hotels, to extensive rural fazendas and cosy pousadas.
There are so many ways to experience Brazil. On so many budgets. Before planning your trip, decide what kind of holiday you want. Maybe you want to be whipped into a frenzy during Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, or try out the bossa nova cafés of Rio's Santa Teresa district, hiking up to Cristo Redentor for one of the world's most spectacular views in the world? Or maybe you simply want some sun, to join the beautiful Brazilians on one of their world famous, caipirinha-soaked beaches?
If it's beaches you've come for, do look beyond Copacabana or Ipanema. For starters, consider Santa Catarina, South America’s equivalent to Australia, where the majority of people’s free time is spent on one of a number of the most spectacular beaches on the continent. Or Bahia, with its sunshine, white sand, coconut palms and incredible diving.
Salvador da Bahia is Brazil's most African influenced city — you taste it in the food, see it in the traditions and hear it in the music. The city is often in festive spirit, with music and parties celebrating one thing or another spreading out onto the streets with their wonderful 17th and 18th century architecture. Salvador was Brazil's first capital, and the ancient mix of cultures — coming from Europe, Africa and the Americas — which gathered here still shows.
Or consider visiting Paraty, a gem hidden on the coast just to the west of Rio, a colonial town surrounded by untouched beaches, jungle and natural parks. This is a great place for snorkelling, fishing and just relaxing. Or Búzios, that stunning hippy favourite east of Rio turned luxurious tropical hideaway.
Fashionistas should head for São Paulo, a global city of epic proportions and Brazil’s cultural capital. With 20 million inhabitants, some rich, some very poor and lots of different cultures, São Paulo has a landscape to match this diversity. As well as culture and shopping, São Paulo is also known for its nightlife. And don’t miss the incredible markets and a stroll along the Rua Oscar Freire and Paulista Avenue on a Sunday.
If it’s adventure you seek, you should get out of the cities and into the lush interior. The national parks and incredible landscapes of Minas Gerais make for a wonderful backdrop, as does the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia, 375,000 acres of tropical forest covering mountains and concealing waterfalls, natural swimming pools and caves. You can camp in the park but there are also plenty of more luxurious accommodation options. And then of course there’s the state of Amazonas, which has the incredible Amazon Rainforest, Anavilhanas and the Jaú National Park. And talking of waterfalls, Brazil shares the mighty Iguaçu Falls with Argentina on the border in the south, the largest waterfall system in the world. They are well worth a visit if you are here for the scenery. Just to the north are the world’s largest wetlands, the Pantanal, in the states of Mato Gross do Sul and Mato Grosso.
The best places to stay in Brazil are as varied as its landscapes and attractions. Use our guide and start to plan the trip of a lifetime to this extraordinary country.
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