Top 10 things to do in Brazil

Top 10 things to do in Brazil With all eyes on Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics in 2016, we thought we’d take a look at what you can see and do in this vast and vibrant country.

Cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain If you only do one thing in Rio, make it this. One of the most recognisable landmarks in Brazil, Sugar Loaf Mountain is a monolithic peak of granite and quartz reaching skyward at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Take the cable car from Urca Beach to Urca Hill, and then hop aboard a second car to reach the summit of Sugar Loaf.

Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue If you’ve ever opened a book or watched a travel show on TV, chances are you’re already familiar with Christ the Redeemer. The colossal statue, perched overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, was completed in October 1931 and held the title of the world’s largest statue of Christ for 69 years until it was overtaken by one in Poland.

Swim at Ipanema Beach If you’ve heard the song ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ and wondered where on Earth that was, wonder no more. It’s right here in Rio de Janeiro. The beach is breathtaking, particularly at dawn or dusk, and is frequented by all walks of life. It gets pretty busy, but that only adds to the buzzy coastal atmosphere.

Dive or snorkel at Fernando de Noronha A dazzling archipelago of 21 islands situated 354km off the north-eastern coast of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is a mecca for divers and snorkelers the world over. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, it’s an absolute must see.

Witness the power of Iguazu Falls Situated on the border with Argentina, Iguazu Falls is an incredible sight. Though the majority of the water cascades down on the other side of the border, it’s actually from the Brazilian side that you can witness the immensity of the falls. The walkway on the Brazilian side also provides some of the most breathtaking photo ops.

Take a journey to the Amazon Manaus is a colonial city in the heart of the Amazon jungle. From the city, you can take a few hours boat ride deep into the jungle. You’ll feel like an explorer as you chug along the river, witnessing the towering rainforest and abundant wildlife. For most people, two or three days are enough to get the experience but not tire of it.

See a show at the Rio Municipal Theatre Don’t miss a chance to see a theatre production at Rio’s Municipal Theatre. The opulent building, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is filled with gilded mirrors, stained glass windows and glittering chandeliers. If you don’t have time to see a show, a behind the scenes tour of the theatre is almost as good.

Enjoy the view from Mirante Dona Marta When it comes to views of Rio, nothing beats Mirante Dona Marta. From the lookout you can take your own version of that quintessential Rio skyline photo. Directly in front is Sugar Loaf, to the left is the entrance of Guanabara Bay, and to the right are the beachfront neighbourhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Take a guided tour of the Favela The stories of Brazil’s favelas (slums) are well known. Yet in Santa Marta, one of the oldest favelas, the drug lords have been cleared out and money is being spent to improve the lives on residents. If you take a guided tour, you can explore the vast Santa Marta favela and get a feeling for what daily life is like for many locals.

Surf at Prainha Beach One of the best surfing spots in Rio, Prainha Beach is a beautiful half-moon stretch of sand bordered on each side by jagged rocks and high cliffs. It takes a while to get to, but once there you’ll understand why it’s so highly regarded. For a more local experience, hop on the orange “surf bus” that passes through Copacabana.