Brazil

Brazil is a country of rhythm, contrast and breathtaking landscapes. From the moment I landed in São Paulo, I was drawn into its vibrant energy. A city of skyscrapers and endless movement, where modern art galleries stand next to bustling street markets and every corner hums with life. The streets pulsed with the sound of Portuguese conversations, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the ever-present beat of samba drifting from hidden bars.

Leaving the urban jungle behind, I followed the coast north, where Brazil revealed its softer, more tropical side. The beaches of Ilhabela and Paraty felt like postcards come to life—golden sand, turquoise waves and colonial towns where time moved slower. In Paraty, I wandered through cobbled streets lined with pastel-colored houses, their doors open to reveal artisanal shops and cozy cafés. A boat trip through the bay took me to hidden beaches and tiny islands, where I swam in crystal-clear water surrounded by lush green hills.

Further north, Rio de Janeiro welcomed me with its famous skyline—a mix of dramatic mountains, long beaches and the towering Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking it all. I hiked up to Sugarloaf Mountain just in time for sunset, watching the city turn gold as the lights flickered on below. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches were alive with energy, filled with locals playing fútebol, drinking coconut water and enjoying life to the fullest. At night, the streets of Lapa came alive with music, and I found myself dancing in a samba club, caught in the infectious joy of the city.

But Brazil is more than its beaches and cities. Traveling deeper into the country, I reached the Amazon Rainforest, where nature reigned supreme. The humidity wrapped around me like a second skin as I boarded a wooden boat, gliding down the dark, endless river. The jungle whispered with the sounds of unseen creatures—monkeys leaping between branches, colorful parrots calling from above and the distant roar of howler monkeys. I stayed in a small eco-lodge, where nights were lit only by fireflies and the distant glow of the Milky Way. Waking up to the sound of the rainforest was an experience unlike any other—wild, raw and humbling.

One of the most unforgettable moments was meeting the indigenous communities along the river. They shared their traditions, stories and a way of life deeply connected to the land. I tasted exotic fruits I had never seen before, learned about medicinal plants and even tried fishing for piranhas. The Amazon is a world of its own—a place where time slows down, and nature reminds you of its power and beauty.

And then, of course, there was the food. Brazilian cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes. From feijoada, a rich black bean stew, to freshly grilled seafood on the beach, every meal was an explosion of flavor. I drank açaí smoothies in the heat of the afternoon, enjoyed pão de queijo (cheese bread) with strong coffee in the mornings and indulged in sweet brigadeiros for dessert. At a churrascaria in Rio, I experienced the famous Brazilian barbecue—waiters slicing perfectly grilled meat onto my plate until I couldn't eat another bite.

Brazil is a place of wonder. It’s loud and peaceful, wild and refined, chaotic and deeply soulful. Whether dancing in the streets of Rio, exploring remote islands or feeling the pulse of the rainforest, every moment in Brazil was an adventure. It’s a country that stays with you, in the beat of a drum, the warmth of its people and the endless beauty of its landscapes.

If you go, bring your curiosity, an appetite for adventure and a heart ready to be captivated. Brazil will take you in and never really let you go.