Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro with Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and surrounding hills. — Rio de Janeiro captures the energy of Brazil, where mountains, water and city life meet in one spectacular setting. ©David Mark

Discover Brazil: 10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit This Vibrant Destination

If you’re looking for an incredible destination to add to your bucket list, look no further than Brazil. This massive country has so much more to offer than just football, and you can explore it all year round.

Hanan • 4 minutes read • 30 October 2020

There are countless reasons why Brazil should be on your travel radar, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top ten. From stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Brazil. So, why should you consider visiting Brazil?

1. Beach

Do you like beach holidays then Brazil is definitely the place to be. More than 1500 beaches and more than 500 paradise islands provide a lot of ideal places where you can settle under the sun. The most famous beach is that of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.

Straw hats with Rio de Janeiro lettering in an outdoor setting in Rio de Janeiro. — A Rio de Janeiro souvenir brings a touch of the city to a classic straw hat, made for sunny days in Brazil. ©emersonguimaraes2018

2. Party

The annual Rio de Janeiro Carnival is the biggest party on earth in the most famous carnival city in the world. Officially this takes four days, but in reality the partying takes place a lot longer. Samba schools, elaborate costumes and huge street celebrations turn Rio’s streets into a giant stage for Brazilian music and dance. Brazilians have been celebrating Carnival in Rio for 400 years, but other Brazilian cities are also going crazy.

Carnival performer in a colourful feathered costume during Rio de Janeiro Carnival. — Rio Carnival turns the streets into a riot of colour, feathers, music and movement. ©Pixabay

3. Climate

This largest country in South America has three different time zones with different climate types. If you want to avoid the tropical rain, choose a region where it is sunny and warm. This way you can visit Brazil all year round.

Children playing football outdoors in Brazil on a sunny day. — Brazil’s warm climate makes outdoor life part of the everyday rhythm, from football pitches to beaches and public spaces. ©sasint

4. Food

The land is generously supplied with fresh fruit and fish. You can enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the many open-air restaurants. The Brazilian cuisine is very diverse and the menu has many influences from the Portuguese, African, Indian and Japanese cuisine. After the meal you naturally take a delicious cup of Brazilian coffee.

Fresh Brazilian cashew fruit displayed at a market. — Fresh fruit is everywhere in Brazil, adding bright colours and tropical flavours to the country’s diverse food culture. ©giovanni42

5. Coffee

If you like coffee, be sure to visit a coffee plantation and have a taste. Brazil’s coffee-growing regions, particularly around São Paulo and Minas Gerais, are at the heart of the country’s coffee culture and production. More than a third of all coffee in the world comes from Brazil. It's renowned for its excellent quality and delicious taste.

Brazilian coffee beans displayed beside traditional coffee equipment. — Coffee is deeply woven into Brazilian life, from the plantations where it begins to the cup served at the end of a meal. ©Oswaldo Hernandez

6. Nature

The wetlands of Pantanal, the Amazon forest and a range of beautiful natural parks are Brazil’s major assets. And you don’t always have to traverse the whole country. Near the capital Brasilia you will find the Parque Nacional de Brasilia and the Parque Nacional Chapada dos Veadeiros. Brazil is a hotspot for eco-tourism. You will find unique animals and plants. But expect not only parrots and toucans, but also piranhas, caimans and countless insects.

Colourful blue and yellow macaw in a tropical Brazilian forest. — Brazil’s wildlife is as colourful as its landscapes, with tropical forests providing a home to remarkable birds such as the macaw. ©christian-mts0

7. Waterfall

You can discover the waterfalls of Iguazù over a length of almost three kilometres. 270 waterfalls plunge into the depth here. These waterfalls are actually on the border of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, and are called the most beautiful in the world. Moreover, the waterfalls are located in the middle of the tropical rainforest. This just has to be magnificent.

Iguazu Falls surrounded by lush rainforest on the Brazil side. — Iguazu Falls crashes through the rainforest along Brazil’s border, creating one of South America’s most spectacular natural scenes. ©JosephJR

8. Mythical

Rio de Janeiro appeals to everyone’s imagination and has many mythical places. Make sure to climb the Sugarloaf Mountain and visit the famous giant statue of Christ that overlooks the city from the Corcovado Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro with Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay. — Rio’s mountains give the city its unmistakable silhouette, with landmarks such as Sugarloaf rising above the urban landscape. ©LhcCoutinho

9. Historic

Do you want to discover a place full of colonial buildings and historic districts? Then be sure to visit Salvador Da Bahia. This city was once the hub of the slave trade, but today it is one of the most popular cities in Brazil. This bustling city with its beautiful historic centre also claims to be the birthplace of rhythmic samba.

Historic centre of Salvador da Bahia with colourful colonial buildings and ornate churches. — Salvador da Bahia brings Brazil’s colonial past to life with colourful buildings, historic churches and cobbled streets. ©DEZALB

10. Futuristic

In Brasilia and São Paulo you can discover impressive futuristic and modern buildings everywhere. No shortage of such buildings in these cities.

Modernist government building in Brasilia reflecting the blue sky. — Brasilia stands apart from Brazil’s historic cities, shaped by bold modernist architecture and an unmistakably futuristic vision. ©daherjr

So, whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences or just a good time, Brazil is a must-visit destination. Don’t miss out on all that this incredible country has to offer.