Brazil

One of the most enigmatic and captivating countries in the world, Brazil boasts so much diversity, from 7500 kilometres of sandy beaches to historic colonial villages to pulsating nightclubs and some of the hottest restaurants in the world. This is hardly surprising, considering Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, and dominates the majority of South America.

Brazil has a kaleidoscopic culture, with explorers and immigrants arriving from Portugal, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, each one shaping the country’s heritage and traditions in their own unique way. With a population of around 200 million, Brazil is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and this is evident just about everywhere you go. Portuguese is the main language spoken here, and this is quite different from the Portuguese that is spoken in Portugal. Keep in mind that unless you are in more of a tourist spot, English is not very widely spoken.

Brazil’s capital is Rio de Janeiro, an energetic and cosmopolitan city that sits in between jungle and sea. This world-famous city welcomes in visitors with its huge Christ the Redeemer statue, which towers over the glittering streets below. If you want an even more cosmopolitan city, Sau Paulo is the place to go, while Salvador is more historic, seeing that it was the country’s first capital. Manaus is the biggest city of the Amazon, and is the gateway to the rainforest, while Fortaleza is famous for its music, as well as for its many beaches, and the Iracema Beach Street Market.

While the vibrant city life appeals to many, it is also Brazil’s natural wonders that attract tourists from far and wide. From being home to the Amazon, the largest rainforest and river in the world, to boasting some of the most incredible waterfalls in the world, such as Iguassu, as well as the greatest concentration of wildlife in America, this is a country that is so abundant in natural beauty.

Bahia

One of Brazil’s 26 states, Bahia, which lies in the north east, is said to be the soul of the country. Known as the Land of Happiness, the sun shines just about everyday in Bahia, and the vibe here is friendly and relaxed. Stretched out alongside the Atlantic Ocean, Bahia’s coastline runs for over 900 kilometres, with each beach featuring coconut palm-lined white sand beaches.

For those wanting to visit some of Bahia’s spectacular coast, the Coconut Coast is the first area to head to, as the extensive coconut groves are a joy to explore, while the sand dunes and surging rivers make for a diverse landscape. The Discovery Coast is a truly unspoiled area of Bahia, with cliffs, beaches and river beds to explore, while the Cacao Coast is considered to be quite the ecological wonderland, boasting everything from wetland forests and cacao groves to reefs and tropical islands.

Of course, there is so much more to Bahia than its coastline. The town of Valenca is where you will find several island resorts, perfect for a tropical getaway, while Santo Amaro and Cachoeira are two colonial towns with such a fascinating history. Salvador, the capital of the state, is also not to be missed, as this city has a spirit and beauty that truly epitomizes the essence of Bahia. Praia de Forte lies just 80 kilometres north of Salvador, and is a traditional fishing village where you will experience a slower pace of life, as well as the ruins of the 16^th century Garcia D’Avila Castle, the only Medieval castle in the Americas.

In terms of food, Bahian cuisine is known for being amongst the best in Brazil, and there are a number of local dishes that you need to try. Moqueca is a traditional seafood stew, while acaraje is a crunchy street snack made from beans. The local tapioca here is also different from that of the rest of the world, while cocadas are a popular sweet treat made from coconut, condensed milk and eggs.

Salvador

The capital of Bahia, Salvador was founded in 1549, and played a significant role when it came to slave trade. This has led to Salvador being considered the Afro-Brazilian jewel of the country, with everything from music to food being influenced by this. In terms of geography, Salvador lies in Baia de Todos os Santos, otherwise known as All Saints’ Bay. You will find over 50 gorgeous islands here, making Salvador the ideal starting point for beach getaways.

Salvador’s rich heritage is what has led it to be a leader in the arts. Fiery festivals take place throughout the year, while the warm evenings see capoerira circles performing in open squares. Tuesdays see a street celebration called Blessed Tuesday take place, which dates all the way back to the city’s slavery days. Here you will be able to catch Olodum, the city’s famous percussion band, who have even played with Michael Jackson.

Pelourinho is Salvador’s historic town center, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and features quaint cobblestone streets lined with traditional colonial architecture. You will find a number of gilded churches here, featuring Portuguese-Baroque architecture, as well as an artisan market, Mercado Modelo, for those who want to get some shopping done. In the evenings, Pelourinho really comes alive, with dancers from samba bars spilling out onto the streets late into the night.

One of Brazil’s most famous attractions is held each February in Salvador, and this is Carnaval. With two million people attending the world’s largest street party each year, Salvador takes on an even greater sense of effervescence, welcoming in visitors from all over the world.

While in Salvador, a great way to end your day is by catching the sunset over the Baia de Todos os Santos, and there are several spots from which you can do this. If you haven’t yet seen the Elevador Lacerda, an art deco elevator designed to take people between the upper and lower levels of the city, then this is the perfect spot to wind down and take in the unforgettable view.