Brazil Accommodation

Although neighbouring Argentina claims to be the homeland of barbecue, Brazil's approach to the cuts of meat used and the condiments used to flavour it are quite different. Brazil is known for using charcoal and meat skewers and queijo coalho (cheese skewers) are local favourites.

Feijoada, a stew of black beans, pork and sausage is a hearty meal which is popular across the country. The stew takes a day to prepare from soaking the beans to desalting the pork. Pão de queijo, a delicious cheese bread, is the perfect on-the-go snack! The soft cheese is surrounded by crispy bread and rolled into a ball. Variations on this snack include fillings such as cream cheese or meat. The traditional moqueca fish stew is served in a boiling hot pan. The stew is made of diced tomatoes, onions and herbs with fish in coconut milk.

If there is one thing that unifies this culturally diverse country it has to be the music and dance which is a big part of Brazilian identity. Styles like the Bossa Nova are internationally known and became popular in the 1950’s. The Bossa Nova is a mix of Jazz and Samba with an emphasis on acoustic guitars and drums.

Capoiera is a mix of martial arts and dance which is often performed accompanied by music. This impressive discipline was developed by African slaves using complicated dance moves following Brazilian rhythms.

Brazilians are known to be genuinely friendly and once you are introduced, it is easy to develop a strong friendship. Family and friends are valued and it is expected that you will return hospitable gestures and attention when the situation allows it. If you are invited to someone’s home make sure to accept the invitation and invite them back when possible.

Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is known for its 4km stretch of white sand. The beach is lined with various restaurants and bars serving capirinhas on sun loungers as the local soccer players display their talents to curious travellers. The beach is unofficially split between a soccer section, a gay friendly bar area and a quieter area for fishing.

The giant 30m high statue of Christ The Redeemer on top of Corcovado mountain stretches its arms to a span of over 28m above the city of Rio de Janeiro. Created by the French sculptor Paul Landowski, the statue is Brazil's most internationally famous landmark. Christ The Redeemer has been elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is an international symbol of Christianity. Access is easy with escalators and the views from the foot of the statue are stunning as you overlook the whole city.

In addition to its large and vibrant cities Brazil is also renowned for its impressive national parks. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iguaçu National Park which stretches for over 420km. The park is home to the biggest waterfalls in the world and many endangered or rare species and plants. Another of the country's most popular natual attractions is Fernandi de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago ideal for diving with sea turtles and manta rays.

One thing that strikes any visitor to Brazil is the country's love for parties and eccentric costumes! With its free open-air concerts and performances in the streets of the city, the five days of the annual Rio de Janeiro Carnival provides a famous example.

The Festa do Peão (literally: cowboy festival) is another popular yearly festival held across the whole country with the most famous celebration being held in Sao Paulo. The festival revolves around individuals dressed as cowboys riding rodeo bulls and horses.