Travel to Brazil: The Best Hotspots to See and Activities to Do

This past January I took a trip to Brazil. The purpose was to see as much as possible, practice my photography skills and enjoy the tropical climates! Over the course of 30 days I traveled all over the huge country via domestic flights. Though the plane rides were a little redundant after the first, say, 3 of them, I was able to see more of Brazil than most Brazilians.

Here are some must-see places:

Salvador, Bahia

This happening place is probably my most favorite vacation destination yet. Salvador offers one of the most laid back atmospheres and is rich in culture and history. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets in your colorful summer-wear and soak in the sounds of Brazilian music and the scent of Brazilian cuisine. Salvador comes alive at night and the music literally never stops. Sit outside and enjoy a delicious caipirinha, the most popular drink in Brazil (it's made with Cachaca alcohol, mint, sugar and lime).

Make sure you visit: Mercado Modela (a former slave warehouse, now a market), the Pelourinho (Old City), Igreja de São Francisco (A baroquian church), Bloco rehearsals, Feira de São Joaquim (very popular market with local produce), Capoeira lessons.

Itaparica Island (from Salvador)

A great day trip from Salvador is a visit to Itaparica Island. It takes 2-3 hours by ferry and is a great place to get away from people trying to sell you things! You will discover an isolated, genuine group of people who are truly full of life! If you want, bring coloring books and crayons for the children (or any other school items). There is a woman's group that works with handcrafts that we can interact with at Paroquia Anglicana Cristo Salvador as well.

Amazon Rainforest

Saying you've been to the Amazon is a great discussion starter! I spent 6 days there and actually slept overnight in the rainforest itself (in a hammock under a mosquito net and that's all). There are a number of great tour agencies that offer guided trips. This is recommended.

Expect to see/do the following: Jungle hikes (in lowlands and high lands), lots of animals such as monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tarantulas, birds, insects, alligator, cows, piranha.

On my trip we went fishing for piranha (I caught 7!), went alligator hunting, camped out in the highlands, slept in hammocks, visited native families, etc.

On your way to the rainforest you'll likely leave from the Manaus port. Stop to look around the Manaus market and be sure to look out for the stunning meeting of two rivers: Negro and Solimões Rivers. You will see several-miles-long line where the world's two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. Half is brown, half is black. Very cool!

Rio De Janiero

The beaches of Rio are so fabulous that they've inspired many songs! You've got Copacabana, Ipanema Girl and a number of others. Think of it as Miami, only with much more Brazilian spice. Hot ladies on the beach (and handsome gent's, too), plenty of shopping, a plethora of world-famous sight-seeing excursions and a place to kick back and relax.

Make sure you visit: Christ the Redeemer statue, the Favelas (guided tour is suggested), Sugarloaf, Maracanã Futebol Stadium, Samba parade grounds, the beaches, Tijuca National Park, Jardim Botanico Gardens, Ruin Park in Santa

Foz do Igaucu (Iguassu Falls)

You can tour both the Argentina side and the Brazilian side of the falls. The Brazilian side is great for its overall view and the Argentina side is nice because you can get very close to the different falls. Foz do igaucu (ih-gwah-soo) are one of the world's largest waterfalls. They are over 2 miles long and form a semi-circle shape. There are over 275 falls that make up Foz do Iguacu. The most famous area, "Devil's Throat" is the tallest at 80 meters. They are surrounded by national parks and there is plenty to see. Bring your camera! Also, you can take a boat ride around the waterfalls for a small fee - totally recommended after all the walking you'll do. (When we went it was 115 degree's Fahrenheit).