Aperte o play!
HELPFUL TIPS ABOUT BRAZIL
Local currency:
The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). The US dollar (USD) exchange rate is about 5 to 1, and for the British pound (GBP), it’s about 6 to 1.
Visiting Brazil is generally affordable. Keep in mind that when booking hotels, some rates may appear in BRL or USD, so it always makes sense to check! Most places accept major credit cards, including many street/beach vendors (but not all).
Is Brazil safe?
Every year, millions of people visit Brazil, and Brazilians are known for their hospitality. We advise our guests to take sensible precautions as they would when exploring any unfamiliar big city.
What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese. English is not widely spoken, but Brazilians are known for being extremely friendly and helpful.
Phrase tips:
• Hello – Olá / Oi.
• How are you? – Tudo bom?
• Nice to meet you – Prazer.
• Goodbye – Tchau.
• Sorry – Desculpa.
• Please – Por favor.
• Thank you – Obrigad(a/o) – if you are a man, say “obrigado”; if you are a woman, say “obrigada”.
What is the voltage in Brazil?
In Brazil, the voltage is 110/220V. The power supply can vary from state to state; São Paulo operates on 110V.
Do I need an adapter for the outlets?
The outlets used in Brazil are type N, which means your US or EU plugs probably won’t work, so consider bringing a plug adapter.
Typical food:
Brazilian cuisine is a fascinating mix of indigenous, European (mainly Portuguese), African, and, more recently, immigrant influences from various parts of the world. Here are some typical Brazilian foods:
1. Feijoada: Considered Brazil's national dish, it's a black bean stew cooked with various parts of pork, such as dried meat, sausage, and ribs. It's served with rice, farofa, sautéed kale, and orange slices.
2. Acarajé: Originating from Bahia, it's a deep-fried ball made from black-eyed pea dough filled with vatapá (a creamy paste made from bread, dried shrimp, nuts, and palm oil) and dried shrimp.
3. Moqueca: A fish or seafood stew cooked in coconut milk, palm oil, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. There are regional variations
like the moqueca capixaba from Espírito Santo and the moqueca baiana from Bahia.
4. Pão de queijo: A cheese bread snack from Minas Gerais made with sour cassava flour, cheese (typically Minas cheese), milk, eggs, and oil,
baked until soft inside and crispy outside.
5. Coxinha: One of the most popular Brazilian snacks, it's a potato dough filled with shredded chicken, breaded and deep-fried.
6. Churrasco: Brazil is famous for its barbecues, especially in the southern region. Meats like picanha (rump cap), ribs, sausage, and chicken are grilled on skewers and served with sides like farofa, rice, beans tropeiro, and salads.
7. Tapioca: A typical snack from the northeastern region of Brazil, tapioca is made with hydrated and sifted cassava starch. This starch forms a kind of pancake, which can be filled with various ingredients like cheese, coconut, and condensed milk.
Typical Drinks:
Like in cuisine, Brazilian drinks are diverse and reflect the country's cultural diversity. Here are some of the most well-known:
1. Caipirinha: The national drink of Brazil, made with cachaça (a sugarcane spirit), lime, sugar, and ice. It's a refreshing drink popular throughout the country.
2. Cachaça: A distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It can be consumed straight, in cocktails like the caipirinha, or shots.
3. Guaraná: A fruit native to the Amazon region of Brazil and the name of a very popular soft drink made from the fruit's extract. It's known for its
sweet and energizing flavor.
4. Mate: A typical drink from the southern region of Brazil, made from the leaves of the yerba-mate plant. It can be consumed hot (chimarrão) or
cold (tereré) and is appreciated for its bitter taste and stimulating properties.
5. Açaí bowl: Though more commonly known as food, açaí is also consumed as a thick drink, usually served in bowls and topped with fruits and granola. It's especially popular in the northern region of Brazil.
6. Cerveja: Brazil has a growing craft beer scene, with a wide variety of artisanal beers produced nationwide. Well-known brands include
Brahma, Skol, Antarctica, and Bohemia, among others.
7. Batidas: Cocktails with tropical fruits, condensed milk, and cachaça or another alcoholic base. Some examples include coconut, passion fruit, and strawberry batidas.
8. Quentão: A hot drink typical of June festivals, made with cachaça, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar. It's a comforting drink, perfect for the colder months of the year.
Places to visit in Brazil:
Southeast Region
São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil's and South America's largest city and a major global financial and cultural center. Located in southeastern Brazil, it is the capital of the state of São Paulo. Highlights include:
1. Culture and Art:
Museums and Galleries: São Paulo has many museums and galleries, such as the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), Pinacoteca do Estado, and the Museum of Image and Sound (MIS). Theater and Music: The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with theaters like the Municipal Theater and concert venues attracting national and international artists.
2. Tourist Attractions:
Avenida Paulista: An iconic avenue filled with cultural centers, museums, shops, and restaurants.
Ibirapuera Park: One of Brazil's largest urban parks, offering green spaces, museums, and event venues.
Municipal Market: Known for its architecture and diverse fresh products, including the famous mortadella sandwich.
3. Climate: The city has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. It can experience significant temperature variations throughout the year.
Gramado
In the Serra Gaúcha region of Rio Grande do Sul, Gramado is known for its European-style architecture, beautiful landscapes, and various attractions. Highlights include:
1. Architecture and Culture:
European influence, mainly German and
Italian, reflected in the city's Alpine charm.
2. Tourist Attractions:
Mini Mundo: A miniature park with replicas of famous buildings. Lago Negro: A lake surrounded by trees and gardens, ideal for
paddleboat rides. Rua Coberta: A charming street with shops, restaurants, and
cafes. Museums: Dreamland Wax Museum, Harley Motor Show, and Chocolate Museum.
3. Climate: Subtropical climate with cold winters and mild summers.
Florianópolis
Florianópolis, or "Floripa," is the capital of Santa Catarina, known for its beaches, nightlife, and quality of life. Highlights include:
1. Geography and Nature:
The city is partially on Santa Catarina Island, offering diverse natural landscapes. Beaches: Over 40 beaches, including Jurerê Internacional, Praia Mole, Joaquina,
and Campeche.
2. Tourist Attractions:
Lagoa da Conceição: Popular for water sports, bars, and restaurants. Hercílio Luz Bridge: A large suspension bridge and city symbol. Fortresses: 18th-century fortresses like Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa.
3. Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Curitiba
Curitiba, the capital of Paraná, is known for urban innovations and quality of life. Highlights include:
1. Urbanism and Environment:
Efficient urban planning and green areas. Public Transport: Innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.Parks and Green Areas: Botanical Garden, Barigui Park, and Bosque do Papa.
2. Tourist Attractions:
Botanical Garden: With a greenhouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. Wire Opera House: A theater with a metal structure in a park. Oscar Niemeyer Museum: A large and modern art museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
3. Climate: Humid subtropical climate with mild summers and cool winters.
Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is famous for the Iguaçu Falls. Highlights include:
1. Tourist Attractions:
Iguaçu Falls: One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, with 275 waterfalls. Iguaçu National Park: It offers trails, boat rides, and rich fauna and
flora. Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant: A major hydroelectric plant offering guided tours.
Three Borders Landmark: Where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. Bird Park: A conservation park with tropical birds and other animals.
2. Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Northeast Region
Bahia
Bahia is culturally rich and historically significant, with its capital, Salvador, known for African influences and vibrant festivals. Highlights include:
1. Natural Beauty:
Beaches: Beautiful beaches in Porto Seguro, Trancoso, Arraial d'Ajuda, Morro de São Paulo, and Praia do Forte. Chapada Diamantina: Mountains and valleys with trails, waterfalls, and caves.
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Coastal areas are hot and humid, while the interior can be drier with more temperature variation.
Alagoas
Alagoas, known for its beautiful beaches and lagoons, has its capital in Maceió. Highlights include:
1. Natural Beauty:
Beaches: Maragogi, the "Brazilian Caribbean," and other beaches like Praia do Francês, Pajuçara,
Ponta Verde, Japaratinga, and São Miguel dos Milagres. Lagoons: Lagoa Mundaú and
Lagoa do Manguaba.
2. Tourism and Attractions:
Maragogi: Famous for its natural pools and coral reefs. São Miguel dos Milagres: A tranquil fishing village. Praia do Francês: Known for its clear waters and tourist infrastructure.
3. Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures year-round and a rainy season from April to August.
Rio Grande do Norte
Rio Grande do Norte is known for its beautiful beaches and dunes, and its capital is Natal. Highlights include:
1. Natural Beauty:
Beaches: Ponta Negra, Genipabu, Pipa, São Miguel do Gostoso, and Maracajaú.
Genipabu Dunes: Famous for buggy rides and "esquibunda." Maracajaú Reefs: Ideal for snorkeling and diving.
2. Tourism and Attractions:
Natal: Known as the "City of the Sun," it has attractions like Ponta Negra Beach and the Fort of the Wise Men. Pipa Beach is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. São Miguel do Gostoso: Popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Dunes Park: An urban park with ecological trails.
3. Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and slight variation.
The rainy season is from March to July.
Pernambuco
Pernambuco is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, with its capital in Recife. Highlights include:
1. Culture and History:
Old Recife: Historic neighborhood with colonial architecture. Olinda: A historic city with well-preserved streets and baroque churches.
Frevo and Maracatu: Unique musical styles are celebrated during the Carnival.
2. Natural Beauty:
Beaches: Porto de Galinhas and Carneiros.
Fernando de Noronha: A paradisiacal archipelago known for diving and ecotourism.
3. Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures year-round and a rainy season from April to July.
North Region
Amazon
The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, known for its biodiversity. Highlights include:
1. Ecotourism and Adventure:
Activities: Jungle trails, boat trips, wildlife observation, fishing, and adventure sports.
Sustainable Tourism: Tours offered by experienced local guides focusing on biodiversity and conservation.
2. Indigenous Culture: Opportunities to learn about indigenous cultures through community visits and traditional ceremonies.
3. Wildlife Observation: This is a chance to see diverse wildlife, such as monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and river dolphins, in their natural habitat.
4. Conservation and Education: Tourism initiatives promoting environmental conservation and education.
