From the natural paradise that Fernando de Noronha is, to the wild beauty of the Iguazú falls, Brasil will never fall short to impress and leave you speechless. Big cities like Salvador offer a completely different perspective than the main touristic destinations but are unmissable to discover a more real part of the country. You can relax later in well-served beaches in Morro de São Paulo and try the taste of the healthy and rich Açai together with pasteis – thin crust deep fried pies – but before the pasteis, don’t forget to indulge in juggling with the ball on the beach together with the locals..

Discover now the 10 tips that will make you wish to book a flight to Brasil

Brasil

1. Fernando do Noronha – los dois irmãos (the 2 brothers)

Nowadays it is quite easy to travel around and explore even the most remote or simply still not very famous areas of the planet.

And I can for sure say that Fernando de Noronha is still one of those. Or at least it was when we flew there in 2015.
We heard about this place from a Brasilian friend, Fernando do Noronha is the main island of an archipelago of 21 and it is an UNESCO-protected natural reserve.

I promised I should have got there no matter what and I did keep my word, even though that meant 2 days of travel from London and 3 internal flights from Rio. And I must say the destination is not cheap at all and quite distant from the rest of country, hardly populated, extremely safe and almost living out of luxury Brazilian tourism.

But it was totally worth it.

2. Fernando do Noronha – beaches

If you are looking for a natural and unspoilt paradise, empty stunning beaches, peaceful sharks resting close to the shore and a bay full of giant turtles you can swim with, well you have found your lucky spot. Even if you do not dive (we don’t) you will love this place like almost no other.

Only a couple of flights connects the island daily with Recife or Natal only. We had a good experience with the Brazilian carrier Azul from Rio, via Belo Horizonte and Recife.

And we managed to stay in the stunning Pousada do Vale, where you can fully recharge your batteries starting your day with an epic breakfast in the garden. Tasting the fresh fruit from the pousada and treating yourself to tapioca pancakes cooked at request.

Do plan in advance as these guys are always fully booked and there is a reason why they are!

3. Sea turtles

Even if you don’t like or feel live trying it you can have fantastic snorkelling experiences in Fernando do Noronha.

If you go out on a boat cruise around the island in the morning you are likely to meet dolphins moving and you will see them really close!.

But if you are madly in love with peaceful giant turtles, just head to Baia do Sueste. Sitting in a park, the beach itself is not the greatest and the water quite dark and shady.

Finding the right spot to see turtles might not be super easy if you swim by yourself, and it could take quite a long time.
But if you ask for a guide they will know where to take you.

We strongly recommend it, if you want to make the most of it!

4. Iguazú (or Iguaçu) – rainbows

Still speaking of natural breath-taking beauties, Iguazú (or Iguaçu) falls are by far one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen in my life. Among the biggest waterfalls in the world, it is something you cannot miss out if you are travelling to Brasil (or even Argentina indeed).

Sitting right on the border between Argentina and Brasil, both countries argue they can offer the best view of these majestic falls but reality is that you should absolutely do both.

Whilst on the Argentinean side has the most of it (including the famous spot called Garganta del Diablo) and you can get closer and almost ‘feel’ the power of nature and waters, once in Brazil you can enjoy a wider view of the landscape.

And take amazing pictures, of course. From the Brasilian-side it is easier to see amazing rainbows if you manage to reach an elevated position – it should not be too difficult, just follow the path and you’ll find amazing shots opportunities.

5. Iguazú (or Iguaçu) – the falls

To get to the falls you can either land in Argentina or Brazil and, once there, crossing the border between the two countries is common and very easy to arrange.

To save time we arranged a car at our hotel, but I am sure there will be a cheaper bus option as well.
You just stop at the border and get your passport checked, almost in the middle of the jungle!

Both towns are not particularly enticing, you are really there to enjoy the national parks.
So my suggestion would be to try and book a hotel with a pool or a nice garden that you can take advantage of to rest at the end of your thrilling exploration days.

6. Salvador – gold

No todo lo que es oro brilla (not everything that sparkles is gold). And this is for sure valid for the beautiful but decadent city of Salvador, in the state of Bahia.

Whenever thinking about Brasil I have always been intrigued by the city of Salvador, a unique ethnic blend with a strong African heritage.

Even though it was on the wish list, Salvador was not originally part of our travel plans and we ended up changing our itinerary very last minute due to bad weather.

I must say I was really fascinated by the very centre of the city, the Pelourinho, a fully militarised triangle in the Citade Alta that has been declared UNESCO patrimony, but I also felt incredibly uncomfortable and quite upset realising the city was so poor and dangerous to require the army to patrol every inch of it (or the touristic path at least). And I could not really imagine what life would mean for the many people living there in the never ending favelas you can spot on your way from and to the airport.

Nevertheless, Salvador used to be very rich in his past and a testament to that are its sumptuous churches. Stunning examples of the Brazilian Barocco, of which the Igreja e Convento de São Francisco is probably the most famous.

7. Salvador – City

I recommend spending a maximum of 2 nights in Salvador, as apart from the city centre all the rest is crumbling and the beach definitively not worth it.

But in a short weekend break, there are loads of nice places you can try and some options to indulge a bit. To book an amazing stay at a reasonable price go and check Casa do Amarelindo, an old house turned into an adorable boutique hotel.

To enjoy your night out do have a bite at the stalls at the market in the main square and then head to the Bar Cravinho for a flavoured shot of cachaça.

If you get to Barra for a day at the beach do treat yourself to a nice lunch with fresh crab and iced caipirinha.

8. Morro de São Paulo

When in the state of Bahia and looking for a nice and relaxing time at the beach, Morro de São Paulo is definitively the pace to go.

Easy to reach by boat in 2 hours from Salvador (even though the trip can be a bit tough if you suffer from seasickness – everybody aware!), Morro is a peaceful and car-free island where all you need to concentrate on is which beach you want to go and where you fancy eating at night.

To enjoy an incredible sunset with your aperitif or dinner, do book a table at Toca do Morcego

9. Açai

Food in Brazil can be a bit repetitive but there are a couple of things you cannot miss out. Aside cassava chips (my favourite snack ever with a nice drink!), do try a couple of pastéis for lunch…

you will easily end up ordering a mixed dozen of these thin crust deep fried pies, from the traditional tomato and cheese filling to meat and prawns ones.

And if you want to stay on the healthier side (but still quite caloric!) have a nice and fresh Açai. A delicious berry that you can taste in something quite similar to a gelato, where you can add tasty tropical fruit on top. Papaya for example.

Once you’ll try it here you’ll discover the real taste of it.

10. Salvador – the heritage

So we mentioned the African heritage in Salvador right? You can feel it everywhere here, from the colours, the people, the music played at every corner.

But please ensure you also taste it! For example, when travelling to Bahia do make sure you try the traditional Acarajé. Known in Africa with the name of àkàrà (ball of fire), it is made of a bean based dough filled with prawns, chilli and salad, and then deep-fried in dendê (palm oil).

Look for the ladies dressed traditionally in white and selling it as street food.
And enjoy!