Things to do in Brazil

Lifestyle

Brazil has the world’s eighth's largest economy with abundant resources and developed infrastructure. There is little not to like on Brazil’s stunning and pristine coastline. Fill you day soaking up the precious sun and lazing on the pristine beaches before indulging in Brazil’s bustling nightlife. For those who like the more active adventures, Brazil offers a wealth of opportunities for all ages.

Surfing and windsurfing

Surfing and windsurfing is extremely popular along the coast of Brazil. Renting of surf and boogie boards is easy to do in any beach town. The waves are best in the Brazilian winter (June to August) and along the coast you will find excellent breaks with awesome swells.

Swimming and snorkelling

Brazil offers some of the best beaches there are in the world. The water is crystal clear with golden sand to compliment the perfect picture. All throughout the beaches in Brazil its common to have an array of vendors selling different sorts of bits and pieces on the beach. Brazil’s beaches are unspoiled, rich in beauty and are particularly ideal for swimming. The water is so crystal clear that it makes perfect visibility for snorkelling. Relax and absorb the unique ambiance and tranquillity that Brazil offers. Day after day could be spent on Brazil’s breathtaking beaches and swimming in the crystal clear water with soft sand at your feet.

Scuba Diving

Brazil is scuba diving hotspot. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the coast to enjoy excellent diving opportunities. Brazil’ rich coast is a diving haven. Diving enthusiasts also have the luxury diving in several hotspots throughout Brazil. If you have never dived before, Brazil is the best place to start this wonderful experience.

Capoeira

Capoeira is a dance that originated from the African slaves. It’s a remarkable movement that is performed throughout Brazil, particularly in the northern parts of Brazil. Capoeira blends elements of dance, music, rituals, acrobatics, and fighting. It is performed in a circle of people, and it is even very common to see performances on the beaches. There are plenty of schools throughout Brazil offering lessons in this unique dance.

Carnivals

The Carnivals in Brazil are the most famous parties in the world. The explosion of happiness and people celebrating and dancing all over the country is amazing and to full appreciate the Carnivals you simply have to experience them for yourself.

Brazil’s carnivals are larger, livelier, louder and more diverse than any other and nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer scale of the celebrations that takeover the entire country. And it is the entire country, with carnivals throughout the year in many places in Brazil.

The immense scale, the feel good vibe and electric atmosphere combined with the colourful costumes, exotic scenery, and flavours are unforgettably amazing. You will want to return for more each year and bring all your friends with you to share the magical experience. Carnival in Brazil normally starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and finishes on Ash Wednesday itself, though in some places the celebrations tend to spill over until the following weekend.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

The most famous and spectacular is the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, one of the unique highlights is the parade of the top samba schools which is known worldwide for the elaborate parades staged by the city’s major samba schools in the Sambadrome.

People from all over Brazil and from all parts of the world come to Rio to take part and witness the extravaganza. Samba is one of the most popular forms of music in Brazil. It is widely viewed as Brazil's national musical style.

The samba parade is one of the world’s major tourist attractions and is always an extraordinary visual spectacle. This takes place on the Sunday and Monday nights along the purpose-built sambódromo on Avenida Marques de Sapucaí, close to the city centre.

Dates for future parades are as follows:

• 2008: 3 - 4 February
• 2009: 22 - 23 February
• 2010: 14 - 15 February