5 Things to know before traveling to Brazil

Our first South American country had to be special, and that too with a toddler at hand (then 15 months).

As we were deciding on locations to explore in Brazil, we came to understand the immense size of the country. It is truly vast! To put it into perspective, Brazil is the fifth largest country globally and is nearly as large as Australia! Consequently, the travel durations between different locations caught us off guard.

There were so many amazing locations that we wanted to visit, including the famous Amazon rainforest, the city of Sao Paulo, the coastal town of Florianopolis, the famous Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls- the largest in the world, and more! However, with a limited time of only 10 days, we had to carefully select our destinations. After much deliberation, we ultimately decided to focus our journey on Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Bahia - two cities that promised to offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences.

Rio de Janeiro is known for its world-famous beaches and of course Christ Redeemer.

Salvador in Bahia that is famous for the roots of Afro-Brazilian culture and a source of the martial art of Capoeira.

Hi, I am Dimple, mom of two small girls (2 yr and 4 yr at the time), and write all things related to travel with kids- guides, itineraries, tips, and hacks so you don’t have to. This post is dedicated to things most people don't know about Brazil.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase something, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks

Here are a few things you must know before you travel to Brazil

What everyone thinks Brazil is Famous for

Just mention that you’re planning a trip to Brazil, and the idea will instantly conjure up images of sunny beaches and Christ Redeemer statue. Apart from that, there are other things Brazil is famously known for to the outside world :

• Soccer - Brazil, with a record five FIFA World Cup wins and a current ranking of 4th among the world's top teams, stands as the undisputed heart of football. The country boasts some of the greatest football players of all time, who are globally renowned for their exceptional talent. Icons like Pele, Neymar, and Socrates, clad in their famous yellow and green jerseys, have consistently showcased their skill and brought home numerous medals for their teams. Their names are widely recognized, even by those who are not regular soccer fans.

• Pristine Beaches- Brazil is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio de Janeiro to the secluded yet crystal-clear waters of Fernando de Noronha and Jericoacoara.

• Amazon Rainforest- Brazil is famously known for its vast and biodiverse Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth." This sprawling jungle is teeming with unique wildlife, indigenous communities, and rare plant species. One can embark on guided tours deep into the heart of the Amazon to witness its awe-inspiring beauty.

• Carnival- Of course, Carnival would be on everyone's mind when you say Brazil, thanks to numerous movies like Rio, Dhoom 2, etc. Brazil’s Carnival is the most famous celebrated carnival festival in the world where one can witness Samba dance performances, colorful costumes, and an extremely lively atmosphere practically every corner of the city.

• Christ Redeemer- People may not know what it is called, but if you have watched any movie that needs to be set in Brazil, the first shot is of this 98-foot statue of Jesus standing tall on the Corcovado mountain with open arms welcoming everyone to Brazil! Little wonder; not only is the statue itself epic, but the panoramic views from its feet, over Rio’s cityscape and bay, are astounding.

Of course, Brazil is this and yet so much more. Their culture,

Demystifying some common myths

Before visiting Brazil, I was probably one of those whose general awareness of the country was limited. That's what travel does to you - it opens your mind and broadens your horizons.

Because I was traveling with a toddler, I am not ashamed to admit that i did search some of the myths and asked about them on most forums to be prepared well.

Myth 1.  It’s unsafe- Nope! not even once i felt unsafe (that's coming from a mom). People come up to you and you say no, and then they don't bother. Of course, just coz I didn't experience it, doesn't mean things don't happen. Be cautious of your surroundings. Take the precautions that you would take anywhere in the world while traveling.

Myth 2. Lots of mosquitoes- I didn't feel any in Rio or Salvador. Having said that it might be coz we traveled during Oct- Nov time and not their peak season. Keep mosquito repellent handy with DEET

Myth 3. Require special vaccination to travel- No special vaccination is needed unless visiting Amazon. I did however get a yellow fever vaccination for my toddler before visiting. Yellow fever is recommended for kids especially when visiting the Amazon rainforest. But you can go to Rio, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Porto Alegre, and Curitiba all without any worry about vaccination.

Myth 4. Spanish is their official language- Nope! Though I can see why people are confused as to what language is spoken there given of the thirteen countries in South America, nine countries' official language is Spanish including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Brazil's official language is Portuguese while Guyana is English, Suriname is Dutch, and French Guiana is French.

Myth 5. Everyone lives in Slums- I can’t quite figure out why slums/favelas are just such an iconic image of Brazil abroad and in movies.

Brazilian cities - especially State capitals - are highly verticalized, that is, full of skyscrapers mainly used as residential units. This is as symbolic of Brazilian cities as its slums.

Truth in some rumors

Brazil is a country of contrasts. This is the country of Black and white. This is a country of massive happiness and widespread tragedies. This is the country where the rich travel in helicopters, but the poor are killed inside buses. This is the country of light and shadow, of beautiful and ugly; and it will shock you deeply, and forever.

1. Food is expensive- Yes, overall food is actually expensive in Brazil. Even if you are in Rio or Salvador, the average cost is around R$100 for a good meal. However, it's worth noting that the snack foods available on the beach tend to be more affordable, catering to a different budget range.

2. Ipanema better than Copacabana- Def yes. We stayed in Ipanema for the first 4 nights and in Copabana for 3 nights. And I could tell a big difference. In Ipanema, the waves are better, the beach is much cleaner, and the view is better with the much younger crowd.

3. Brazilians know how to beach- Absolutely true. What we see on beaches of the US, is not even 50% of what actual beaching looks like in Brazil. The beach culture in Brazil is deeply ingrained in the lifestyle of the locals. It's not just about sunbathing and swimming; it's a way of socializing, exercising, and enjoying life to the fullest. You have beach workouts, football, loud music, hammocks, tan lines, capoeira, and not to forget their beach fashion! The beach vendors offer a variety of delicious snacks and refreshing drinks, allowing parents like myself to indulge in the local cuisine without having to leave the sandy shores.

4. It is a huge country! It's the 5th most populous and the 5th largest country in the world. And air travel isn’t cheap. Don’t be surprised if you talk to locals in the South who have never been to the North or the other way around. Some of the internationally famous parts of Brazil are far away from the big urban areas and it’s just not a cheap option to just go and visit.

What no one talks about Brazil

How friendly everyone is

The people are some of the most friendly and approachable, to the point you may think they’re invading your personal space. The amount of care and attention the hotel staff would give to my 15-month-old daughter was heartwarming. There were so many occasions we were approached by strangers just to see my daughter smile and play with her.

The amount of fresh fruits and juices you be having

Kid you not, my toddler (15 months old at the time) survived mostly on fruits and juices during our trip. It was unbelievable how readily available and cheap they were. You can have a fresh acai bowl while walking down the streets or have fresh coconut water while lying on the sand. You would try the most exotic fruits you probably never heard of – caju, camu-camu, pitanga.

The amount of appreciation you'll have for art

Most famous artists around the world have been Brazilian, and the deep love for art can be visible anywhere you look, be it a random wall, a door, street murals, or windows! One of the biggest reasons the cities are so vibratingly colorful.

No matter how big or small your trip to this massive country will be, there is one thing im sure of-

You will never forget your trip to Brazil!

I do not think you will find a more beautiful country in the world. Brazil has every different type of landscape you can think of, except desert. It is very rich in natural resources. You can drive by a hillside and see how rich the soil is. They have beautiful beaches. lush, green mountainsides. Tropical forests. There is always something to see.

Did you learn something new about Brazil that you didn't before? Would love to know any myths or misconceptions you have about Brazil or something new that you learned. Drop in the comments below.

HAPPY TRAVELING!!!