Brazil’s diverse culture stems from its multi-national roots. There are the Europeans that came as colonizers, there are the Africans that the Europeans brought with them, and then there are the Native Brazilians and in more recent years, the Asians. All of this mixed together is what makes Brazil so unique.
Travel along the old Gold Trail. When gold was discovered in 1669 in the mountains of Minas Gerais, the Portuguese built a 1200km road linking the mines through the cities of Ouro Preto and Diamantina to the port of Paraty. Each of these cities have beautiful colonial architecture and are steeped in history. Head to Paraty or Ouro Preto and explore each of the city’s unique stories, or take a gold trail tour to walk in the footsteps of old prospectors. Tours can be booked with Kudu Travel on their website, or contact them by email at [email protected].
If you wish to enjoy Brazilian music, especially samba and Bossa Nova, then Rio Scenarium in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best spots to listen and dance samba. Residing in an old colonial mansion, it features many floors of samba action. It is located in Lapa at R. do Lavradio, 20 – Centro. To listen to Bossa Nova, head to Vinicius Piano Bar, a club dedicated to Bossa Nova at Rua Vinicius de Moraes 39, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil is also home to some impressive galleries. Appreciate local South American art at Casa Daros in Avenida Lauro Sodré, 150 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro. Home to a collection of around 1200 pieces of art, it is a window into the heart of Latin America. For more contemporary pieces, the Museum of Modern Art Rio has been at the forefront of artistic experimentation in Brazil. Visit it at Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 – Flamengo Park, Rio de Janeiro.
Be sure to also experience the amazing food in Brazil! They are famed for their extravagant barbeques and their national stew Feijoada.