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24 Hours in Rio de Janeiro

Ah, Rio, where music and passion are always the fashion. With a population of over 14 million and a culture more colourful than the outfits at Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is a true melting pot. And there’s white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and mouth-watering cuisine too. We’d love to spend a week or two (or three) in this sprawling city, but if your South American itinerary is already jam-packed, 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro is just enough time to see the highlights and sample a taste of the carioca (local) lifestyle.

Art in Brazil

Depicting diverse cultures, identities and landscapes, the art in Brazil is among the best in the world. Showcasing the country’s distinct modern movement during the 20th century is an exciting exhibition by the Royal Academy: Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism. Focusing on Indigenous identity and the Afro-Brazilian experience, the exhibition presents over 130 works by ten groundbreaking artists, illuminating Brazil's artistic legacy.

Traditional Food in Brazil

As colourful as the streets it’s consumed in, traditional food in Brazil is packed full of irresistible ingredients, subtle spices and a rich history to tell. While some seek culture in the country’s carnivals and architecture, there’s a melting pot of influences to be found on your fork. So, whether you’re craving creaminess in Brazil’s fishy moqueca or a sugar rush in its brigadeiro, read on to discover our favourite dishes in this slice of South America.

Just Back: Ollie’s Research Trip to Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, and our Americas specialist, Ollie, discovered just how much it has to offer (spoiler: there’s a lot). From boat rides and unspoiled beaches in Bahia to game drives in the Cerrado, Brazil has something to satisfy every traveller. Eager to learn Ollie’s favourite dish, what surprised him about the country and his tips and tricks for a perfect getaway? Read on…   Where did you visit?

Just Back: Pat’s Research Trip to Brazil

On a recent trip to Brazil, our USA specialist Pat sampled some of country’s most original experiences. He explored the balmy Amazon jungle, soaked in the history of Salvador, ventured through the tropical Pantanal wetlands, searched for jaguars on a safari boat trip, and kayaked through a fantastical flooded forest. Read on for the lowdown on his trip and discover some of his top tricks for anyone considering a trip to this seriously cool country.

Five Best Bars in Rio de Janeiro

Located on the southeastern coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is best known for its stunning natural landscapes and iconic landmarks, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain. It’s also famous for caipirinhas so it’s only right to sip on one or two of them while you’re here. This national cocktail is made from a refreshing mix of cachaça (sugarcane spirit), sugar and lime.

Sustainable Tourism in Brazil

‘Sustainable’ has become something of a buzzword in recent years, especially in relation to travel. The pandemic forced us to slow down and take stock, subsequently shedding light on our globetrotting tendencies, and since then the urge to travel more sustainably and responsibly has become an irresistible force. Countries like Sweden, Kenya and Costa Rica have upped their already impressive sustainable tourism initiatives, while Brazil is another destination where travel can be a force for good.

Unmissable Landscapes in Brazil

When it comes to wildlife, Brazil tops the list of ‘mega-diverse’ countries, boasting between 15 and 20 percent of the world's total biodiversity. This title could equally extend to the breath-taking variety of environments which weave together to form the fabric of this extraordinary nation. As the largest country in Latin America, Brazil’s landscapes are legendary in scope; among them you’ll find the world’s largest waterfall system (Iguaçu Falls), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (Christ the Redeemer) and part of the planet’s largest tropical rainforest (the Brazilian Amazon).

The Lowdown on Rio Carnival

Rio Carnival is a party on the grandest of scales. Every year, images circle the globe of spectacular parades marching to the rhythm of raging drums, led by beautiful dancers covered in feathers. It's a well-earned break for the 6.7 million Cariocas (as the inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro are known) and an event that brings the whole population together, galvanised by music and dance, and yes, a few caipirinhas too (the country's flagship cocktail of white rum, cachaca, cane sugar syrup and lemon), in splendid euphoria.

How do you kill five hours in Rio if you don't Samba?

The late Sir Roger Moore asked of a companion in the 1979 classic, Moonraker ""How do you kill five hours in Rio if you don't Samba?"", followed by suggestive pause and arching of eyebrow, naturally.   Noughties Nostalgia Confession time: Rio de Janeiro and I have ""previous"". I spent a couple of weeks in the city backpacking in 2006 as part of a big Latin America trip and managed to spend the entire two weeks sleeping on the floor of some kind friends' hotel room, evading the attentions of the staff.

Best Honeymoon Hotels in Brazil

Brazil is the antidote to the cliché fly and flop honeymoon. From sleek hotels and stylish beach lifestyle, to countryside fazendas and barefoot beach bliss, the country is a cocktail that shakes and stirs the senses making a trip here exciting at every turn. That is of course if you know where to go. The sheer size of Brazil may have you in a tailspin when thinking about where to begin, but the silver lining is that you can sit back and leave the hard work to the experts.

Where to Stay in Brazil's Pantanal

Caiman Lodge Caiman Ecological Refuge is a 53,000-hectare property located in the heart of the Pantanal region of Brazil, one of the world's most important wetlands, hosting one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the Americas. The Caiman Ecological Refuge combines conservation with eco-tourism, and a working cattle ranch. Accommodation consists of two pousadas - Baiazinha and Cordilheira - which between them have a total of 11 rooms.

Rio de Janeiro in Style - The Copacabana Palace

Looking for style, ease and glamour without over the top grandeur? Rio's your place...   Rio - Where to stay? Looking for style, ease and glamour without over the top grandeur, the 1920's Copacabana Palace was the hotel for me.   What a position! The Copacabana Palace balconies look out over palm trees that line the beach promenade, and across the blue water of Guanabara bay, blue sky above and white sails on the sea, spanned by the sensational bridge to the city of Niteroi.

Luxury Hotels in Southern Brazil

Ponta Dos Ganchos The exclusive Ponta Dos Ganchos is set on a privately owned peninsula within the Santa Catarina province of Southern Brazil, and is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. A hop from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, this romantic hideaway makes dreams a reality: 25 sophisticated and charming bungalows in perfect harmony with the breathtaking scenery. Here the waters of the Emerald coast meet the lush rainforest vegetation in a dazzling display of colour and light.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Buzios & the Costa Verde

Belmond Copacabana Palace Originally opened in 1923, this impressive property is Rio's most traditional and luxurious hotel, and has been the go-to-place to stay for everyone from Fred Astaire to the Rolling Stones. The 226 bedrooms and suites in this Belmond property are tastefully decorated and spread throughout the main building and tower wing. Each is decorated with period furniture and original works of art, but also modern touches such as iPods and Wi-Fi.

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