Brazil Holiday Reviews

Brasilia is an enjoyable city and one of the world’s most unique capital cities. I have visited Brasilia on a number of occasions and I do enjoy its functionality despite missing the charm of Brazil’s colonial cities or the internationalism of Rio. There are not so many typically touristy things to do in Brasilia but it is a great launch pad for exploring in the near area, travelling to the Amazon or heading South to Rio and Sao Paolo. Brasilia is easy to arrive at and leave from with an airport which doesn’t suffer from the same overcrowding as the Southern Brazilian cities. It will host the world cup in 2014 and perhaps that event will breathe further charisma and romance into what was a project of the mid 20th century in egalitarianism and nationalism. Make sure you visit the lake, have a drink in one of the lakeside hotels, and explore the plano piloto taking in the government ministries and senate and congress buildings. The National Theatre is half way between Hotel Melia and the home of government and there are often good exhibitions taking place. Enjoy one of Brasilia’s many road side bars and grab some freshly cooked meat from one of the streets near the hotel.

São Paulo, not known for it's beauty has few sights which are truly "pretty". Mercado Municipal is one of them.

Located in the center of town, the Mercado is less a real market, and more of an upmarket tourist attraction. You can buy fruits, vegetables and specialties there, just like at any other market, but the target group is more the sightseer, than the regular shopper.

The market, which has gone through several renovations over the past years, is a true architectural gem of the city, in a neoclassical building. Stalls in the market sell everything from fruits, vegetables and even souvenirs, but the true Paulista will not come here for any of these. Especially on weekends, you will hoards of people at the Mortadella Stall, where you can observe them eating mortadella with bread [sic!]. The sandwiches have absurd amounts of mortadella sausage on them, so that only a true meat eater will be willing and able to eat it whole.

The city of Fortaleza is a bustling metropolis but like other Brazilian cities, being built on the beach means opportunity to escape the city and enjoy the great beach life. Staying in a hotel close to the sea meant just a short walk to the beach which has many great restaurants, including sea food caught locally. The city is a party place and is famous for the forro music and dance so it is becoming a famous place especially for Europeans. Try to visit the colonial architecture in a few sites in the city which are being restored and upgraded, and if you can enjoy a sunset from near the fish market. I had a lovely holiday here and would recommend getting a cheap hammock from the market near the cathedral in the city centre.

I would defintely recomend this town, it is has a very safe feel about it which after Rio is a welcome relief. It has a good selection of resturants to cater for most tastes and budgets, and the best pancake bar that i have ever been too.

Pelourinho is a picturesque, old part of the city with renovated buildings, churches, small shops with souvenirs and groups of capoeira dancers.

But it's also a very unique place, especially for those interested in history of colonial Brasil. I dreamt of being there a long before my first journey to Brasil and I must say that it was a unforgattable feeling to see it for the first time, emerging from the small streets covered with cobblestones.

The location was beautiful and there were loads of things to do. The prices were reasonable and the food in the restaurants was very delicious. I cannot wait for our return trip there.

You may wonder when you´re scrambling up this steep, steamy jungle trail why on earth you agreed to climb Mamangua Sugerloaf Peak (or perhaps why on earth you agreed to that 4th caipirinha the night before), but just wait until the bush subsides, the air clears and you find yourself at the summit, looking down on the vultures, the jungle and the fjord below.

Despite Rio's reputation for crime and street children the stay felt very safe and no more or less dangerous than any other global city. Indeed staying in Rio never feels like hard work, only immense pleasure and a wonderful assault on one's senses. The range of things to do and culture to immerse oneself with is fantastic and there is something in this city for every human being. For a beach and see lover one can spend every day enjoying Rio's miles of beaches; for the history lover, there is a rich Portuguese heritage to explore, and for those with a love of heights you'll find mountain tops and air sports on Rio's nearby hills. You'll find a new love for outdoor pursuits and Brazil's engagement with its national pastimes, volleyball and football. The kids will love it here although for a couple it is one of the world's greatest romantic cities.

Rio is a tremendous city and there is everything to cater for all tastes. However, it is a beach and sun lovers' paradise with its long golden sands and casual way of life. Beach activities formed a large part of my experience in the city but I also gave time to explore inland visiting old colonial buildings and the lake underneath the statue of Christ. On Sundays the stretch in front of copacabana beach is closed to traffic and even more than usual the place comes alive with sporty brazilians and families soaking in the colourful, warm atmosphere of the beach front. I would also recommend a visit to watch a football match at maracana stadium to soak up the intense passion of football loving brazilians.

After a trail of 1 hour, which starts on the Pantano do Sul beach, you arrive at the wonderful Lagoinha do Leste beach.A track is a little hard.A landscape is very beautiful, a beach amazing,dont have road,building,hotels..nothing... only the nature.

You may wonder when you´re scrambling up this steep, steamy jungle trail why on earth you agreed to climb Mamangua Sugerloaf Peak (or perhaps why on earth you agreed to that 4th caipirinha the night before), but just wait until the bush subsides, the air clears and you find yourself at the summit, looking down on the vultures, the jungle and the fjord below.

We went in a small, friendly party with Interação Ambiental, and Jorge, our guide, was absolutely fantastic. Practically the best thing we did in all Brazil.

Not very much to do within the resort and the village near our hotel was very fake, I felt like I was on a TV set at some point and not in the middle of Brazil. Everyone we met was very friendly and our best buys were made on the beach (which is lovely). Would strongly recommend getting out of the resort and trying to see the real Brazil.

When you drive into this very small town you are arriving in your own bit of paradise. The village centre is small and basic but has all you would need for a visit including great restaurants, day trips and beach front bars. None are commercial but all are friendly and helpful.

The beach is long and sweeping with lots of activities, mostly small fishermen and kite surfers.

A beer on the beach front watching the sun setting is spectacular.

There is an increasing standard of accomodation be it hotels, apartments or just hosels.

The weather is great too, as an added bonus!

A must see especially if you are staying in the bustling city of Fortaleza, this place has so much more to offer

Lodging is primarily small pousadas of varying quality, camping, and a few more developed resorts. Days were filled with walking the beaches to some of the fantastic views and playing in the surf.

The beaches are huge and beautiful, the sand is fantastic, the lack of development refreshing.

We came before high season and spent most of our time there during the week. The beaches were wide open. The only down side was often things closed up early. Bring a flashlight of some sort since after dark the paths are mostly unlit. I highly recommend walking out on to the beach after dark with some drinks and watching the stars.

English comprehension is low here (so if you get all pissy because they don't understand English don't come here) but the people living and working here are extremely friendly and work with you on communicating. As long as you try to speak to them in Portuguese you should not have any problems.

Activities (among other things) include swimming, surfing, watersports, volleyball, fishing, and golf. My favorite two activities were the most simple ones - walking on the vast white Brazilian beach every morning and evening to breath in the fresh air and admire the spectacular views, and hiking the network of trails in and aroudn the property. Costao do Santinho has primitive petroglyphs on the property - which inspired its logo - you shouldn't miss an opportunity to see those. Brazil is an absolutely stunning country - and this is the most stunning state within that country.

While not a Four Seasons, Costao is probably the best spa in Brazil. It will meet the needs of any western traveler with an open mind and send of adventure. The setting of Floripa alone is worth the trip.