For a Real Taste of Brazil, Try Some of These Options

When people think of travel to Brazil, the first thought is often Rio de Janeiro. Rio is a beautiful city with sparkling beaches and one of the modern wonders of the world, the 130-foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer (O Cristo Redentor). However, if you truly want to see the Brazil that is not in the tourist brochures, there are unlimited other possibilities.

If a cultural and exiting urban vacation is what you seek, the second largest city in the world, São Paulo, is well worth your attention. The bustling streets are punctuated by serene parks. Almost every street in the downtown area is dotted with street vendors and cafes. You can enjoy cold Brazilian style lemonade while you shop for jewelry and CDs at incredibly low prices. It would not be a trip to Brazil if you did not enjoy a Brazilian style barbecue dinner at a churrascaria. At this type of restaurant, you go to the counter and point at what type of meat and fried cheese you want, and then pay by the weight. In a county that is the world's largest producer of beef, you can rest assured that you will savor your dinner. For a taste of culture, São Paulo is littered with theaters and museums, including the MASP, the Museum of Modern Art. Here is contained one of the finest collections of modern art in the world. Of course, it would not be Brazil without the nightlife. From modern pop music to traditional Brazilian country, you can dance yourself to death. As with any large city, be cautious of petty crime, particularly at night. Cell phones are a favored target here.

If beaches are more your style, head to the north. Brazilians do not go to Rio to vacation, they go to the northern states of Bahia or Ceara, etc. Here you will find stunning beaches and culture. The cities of Recief, Fortaleza, and Porto Seguro are good examples.

Of these, Porto Seguro in the State of Bahia is one of my favorites. It is smaller than the other beach cities, approximately 100,000 people. Porto Seguro also has more of the laid-back Bahian feel. Nothing is rushed, and there is always an excuse to spend the day at the beach. Do not be surprised if you arrange to meet with one of your new Brazilian friends and they are one or two hours late. It is the way Bahians usually are. Oddly enough, you may even begin to enjoy the lack of stress their lifestyle affords, and hate to return to our life of multi-tasking. This city can be quite affordable. If you want a beachfront room, you can find them for as little as $150 per night. If you go into town a little ways, you might come across a very nice hotel for only $40. Eating out is just as inexpensive. A dinner for two at a nice restaurant should not be more than $20-$30.

There is much more to Brazil than Rio de Janeiro. It is a country as diverse as the U.S., and almost as large as the lower 48 states. I could only scratch the surface here. Pick your next destination in Brazil, and you will come home with wonderful memories of warm people and gorgeous vistas.