With South African Airways offering direct flights to São Paulo from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, Brazil is back on the radar for many South African travellers.
According to Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa, venturing through the continent-sized nation can feel like stepping into an alternate universe.
Picture: Supplied
Indeed, the thought of exploring the largest country in South America is an exciting one. However, as a curious first-time traveller, where would one start?
Well, here’s a good overview courtesy of Turner and her team of travel experts:
Start in São Paulo
São Paulo is best known for its exuberant Carnaval festival in February, just before Lent. But should you want to skip the crowds, Brazil’s largest city offers a wealth of culture and creativity to explore all year.
The inland metropolis is brimming with graffiti murals, stylish neighbourhoods, underground bars and a buzzing food scene.
According to Turner, the city is best explored at a relaxed pace like a local.
‘It’s a place that rewards slow travel, so no need to rush off elsewhere too soon. You can spend a good few days wandering its tree-root-cracked sidewalks and never see the same thing twice,’ she said.
Next Stop: Rio de Janeiro
Picture: Supplied
You simply can’t go to Brazil and skip Rio. Once you’ve explored São Paulo, the postcard-perfect beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema beckon. As do the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car.
If you’re a soccer fan, don’t miss the chance to catch a live match at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, which hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.
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The Pantanal and Paraty
Beyond the big cities, Brazil’s quieter corners are guaranteed to steal your heart. The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is a wildlife lover’s dream. Think jaguars, capybaras, giant otters and over 600 bird species.
Further south, the colonial town of Paraty proves an underrated gem. Cobbled streets, art galleries and a protected bay filled with secluded beaches make it the perfect escape for first-time travellers.
‘Remember, Brazil is extensive. The most common way to get to further-flung places such as the Pantanal and Paraty is by air, with flights from São Paulo to either Cuiabá or Campo Grande.’
Head to the Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest remains a bucket list item for many. However, Turner urges travellers to time their visit carefully.
The ideal time to go is between July and December as the drier season makes hiking trails more accessible. Your visit is most likely to be extraordinary as unparalleled natural biodiversity awaits you just beyond a breakneck jungle metropolis teeming with exotic foods, frenetic markets and a river-driven way of life.
Things to know before you go:
- Download Duolingo and challenge yourself to learn a little Portuguese before you arrive. English is not widely spoken outside the main areas, so basic phrases will go a long way.
- Be smart about safety. Brazil is friendly, but petty crime can be a concern in cities. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid flashing valuables.
- Pack light, but right. Brazil’s climate ranges from steamy jungles to cooler highlands, so versatile clothing is key.
- Plan for festivals in advance. Be it Carnival, New Year’s in Rio, or São João in the northeast.
- Remember that the seasons in Brazil are similar to South Africa. If you want summertime weather, you should arrive between December and March.
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