Top 10 sights to see in Brazil

You can’t escape Brazil this summer, but there’s more to this vast country than football stadiums and street parties. Brazil is full of culture and natural beauty from head to toe. As you approach your next holiday, you’ll want to be sure to be prepared, so you don’t miss a thing! From Rio to the rainforest, we can help you see the best and the beautiful of Brazil. Hit the local shops Rio de Janeiro might not have the fashion cache of Paris or Milan, but for beachwear, it has no match. Salinas on the Rua Viscone de Piraja is a local institution, with a vast collection of colourful bikinis to flatter every body shape. Why not pick up a piece from one of the local designers – try Maria Bonita (Rua Vinicius de Marques) for cocktail chic, or the up and coming label Okslen (Rua Maria Quiteria) for hip trends. Sun yourself on Ipanema Beach The Girl from Ipanema is one of the most recorded songs of all time, so why not find out what all the fuss is about for yourself? Less crowded than Copacabana beach, Ipanema is one of the safest and cleanest beaches in the city. Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy an al fresco seafood lunch at one of the many top class restaurants by the sand. Stand at the foot of Christ the Redeemer A must-do for any traveller. Christ the Redeemer (or Christo Redentor) is the iconic stone figure who watches over the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro. For a truly breath taking view, take a helicopter ride around the top of the statue. Take in the magic of the rainforest on an Amazon cruise No trip to Brazil is complete without a visit to the Amazon Rainforest. To get the most out of this experience, book a suite on a luxury river cruise ship, or charter your own river yacht. Schedule in a couple of guided hikes while you are there and see the wonders of the rainforest up close. See another side of Brazil at the Parque Nacional dos Lencois Maranhenses The Parque Nacional dos Lencois Maranhenses is one of Brazil’s best kept secrets. Located in the north of the country, between Sao Luis and Fortaleza, it is not easy to get to, but well worth the effort. The low lying sand dunes are dotted with freshwater lagoons and unusual sand patterns. Take a swimsuit, find a lagoon and while away a magical day. Learn to make the perfect caipirinha Brazil’s national drink is easy to drink, but difficult to make. Visit the hottest bars in Rio to taste caipirinhas at their best – Acadamia de Cachacha, Espirito de Cosa and Armazem Sao Thiago are all highly rated. To make your own version of the cocktail, take a class at the Cook in Rio school and see how you stack up against the local mixologists. Dance the Samba on the streets of Rio Rio de Janeiro is the birthplace of the Samba. Book a private dance class at one of the top Samba Schools – Academicos do Grande Rio, Gres Beija–Flor Do Brasil or Gres Estacio Primeira Mangueria. Island-hop along the Brazilian coast The Brazilian coast is dotted with some of the most spectacular tropical islands you will ever see. Charter a yacht or a catamaran and travel from Sao Paolo to Rio de Janeiro, or if you have more time in the country, sail north to the stunning Ihla Fernando de Noronha. Bring your snorkel! Swim in a tropical waterfall at the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros Situated right in the heart of Brazil, just north of Brasilia, the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros is a rainforest paradise. Famous for its dramatic waterfalls, ancient rock formations and deep canyons, the best way to enjoy this park is to book into a luxury hotel and spend your days hiking and your evenings relaxing. Relax at a luxury spa If you are worn out from hiking, swimming and sailing, why not book into one of Brazil’s luxury spa resorts. The Kenoa Resort in the north of the country is isolated enough to make you feel instantly relaxed, but with the very latest beauty and therapeutic treatments. Or try the Uxua Casa hotel and spa in Bahia, where treatments feature local ingredients such as almescar, cacao and eucalyptus. Now off you go! Daniel Abrahams is Co-founder and CEO of MyTravelMoney.co.uk. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.