Looking for a place with a beautiful culture, bustling streets, and breathtaking views? Why not start with Brazil!? While there are many, many, many states to visit in Brazil, I highly recommend visiting Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, specifically the city of Salvador in Bahia state. Each city has such a rich history that you wouldn’t want to miss learning about. Brazil is full of attractions…where else can you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, go to the Amazon Rainforest, and climb a mountain that has a terrific view of the beach at the top! If my spiel wasn’t enough to influence you, then head over to TikTok! Brazil has TikTok on lock.
There are so many places you absolutely need to visit and so many things to do while traveling, and it can get overwhelming… Thankfully, we’re here to help! Here’s a list of suggested dining experiences, tourist attractions, and much more:
Book recommendations that will make traveling easier:
Brazilian Portuguese by Karen Jacobson-Sive
Language learning is easy with Dummies Brazilian Portuguese For Dummies can help you achieve your goals of learning another language. Traveling to Brazil? Taking a class in school? Want to meet people and pick up a new hobby? Just curious about the sixth most spoken language in the world? We’ve got you covered, with easy-to-follow lessons on the basics, plus phrases and topics you need to know, like greetings, travel phrases, business phrases, numbers and measurements, and social media. Add speaking Portuguese to the long list of cool things you can do–with the help of Brazilian Portuguese For Dummies. Start from the beginning and learn the very basics of Brazilian Portuguese. Practice authentic phrases for travel, business, and communicating online. Perfect your pronunciation with bonus audio tracks, and discover fun facts about Brazilian culture Get recommendations for movies, travel tips, and more. Whether you’re studying Portuguese for business, school, or pleasure, Dummies is the best guide for getting started with this beautiful language.
Written by locals, Fodor’s Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Join Fodor’s in exploring two of the most exciting cities in Brazil.With the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have experienced rapid change. Rio continues to see an influx of visitors, and this colorful city, along with the equally vibrant metropolis of São Paulo, never disappoint. Whether you want to soak in the sun on Rio’s glamorous Copacabana Beach, shop in São Paulo’s cutting-edge fashion boutiques, or indulge in Latin American’s most innovative cuisine, Fodor’s Rio De Janeiro & São Paulo will ensure that you get the most out of these two exciting cities.
*Photo and description are from Amazon.
Cultural Recommendations:
Authentic Brazilian home cooking : simple, delicious recipes for classic Latin American flavors by Olivia Mesquita, creator of Olivia’s cuisine
“Inspired by the food Olivia’s grandmother made her as a child, these crowd-pleasing recipes draw from generations of vibrant Brazilian flavors, cooking and culture. Recreate the taste of your childhood with a mouthwatering Carne Louca, … Plantain Gnocchi or Pastel de Bacalhau (Fried Cod Empanadas).”
Inspired by Brazil:
Built in the 1960s, Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a sprawling housing project built to keep the poor as far as possible from Rio’s glamorous beaches and resorts. By the 1980s, it has degenerated into a war zone so dangerous that visitors from outside risk being shot to death on sight, a poisonous stew of poverty, drugs, and crime. “If you run away, they get you, and if you stay, they get you, too, ” says Rocket, who wants to be a photographer. Rocket’s brother, friends, and neighbors begin with truck stick-ups, which lead to brothel hold-ups that lead to murder that leads to coke dealing that leads to street brawls with armies of gun-toting 11-year-olds. Soon a full-scale gang war rages in the City of God–understandably not covered by wary Rio photojournalists–but just the opportunity Rocket needs to make his move, get a job at a newspaper, and get out.
“The story of two best friends, Fabio and Naama, as they navigate their way between the pitfalls of life in the slums and the joys of surfing on their favorite beach. Their goal: to win the contest and become professional surfers.”
*Music available on Freegal
There are so many items about Brazil that are available for check out here at CCPL! Visit your local branch to start planning your trip!
*All photos were taken by Atira Harrison unless stated otherwise.
*All cover art is from Cosmos.
