Visiting Brazil in between the World Cup and the Olympics

Visiting Brazil at Carnival is the best possible time to see its culture in full motion...

Right now, there is no nation in the Americas that is as hot from a travel standpoint than Brazil. After hosting a successful World Cup despite the gloom and doom predictions of naysayers, this country is in better shape than ever to host travelers in its many interesting cities, towns and tourist attractions.

Between the World cup and the Olympics, there is still plenty of opportunity to book flights on TAM airlines and come down to South America’s largest country to experience Brazil before the crowds drive up prices once again.

With this in mind, here are some sights that you should check out in this diverse and laid back country…

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s most famous city sits in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain and faces the idyllic waters of the Atlantic with some of the world’s most famous beaches, making it a perfect introduction to Brazil as a whole.

After getting settled in your hotel, don’t deny yourself any longer – head straight for Copacabana Beach, a hive of activity where beach volleyball, football and surfing are pursued with gusto, while others are content to bake in the sun.

Before departing Rio, be sure to pay the Christ the Redeemer statue a visit if you’re into history, or go hang-gliding from the clifftops above the city if you are in need of a shot of adrenaline.

Manaus

If exploring the Amazon is high on your list of things to do, then flying to Manaus is your first step to discovering the secrets of its massive wild interior. Before renting a boat to take you deep into the heart of this wilderness though, be sure to take in a Nacional Futebol Clube match, Manaus’ football team.

They now have a shiny new stadium courtesy of the 2014 World Cup, a fact that the NFC’s supporters greatly appreciate. Before setting off in the bush, take time to also view the fabulous structures that the rubber trade has built over the years, most notably Teatro Amazonas, where free performing arts shows go regularly.

Salvador

Are you an enthusiastic party person? If so, coming to Salvador for Carnival 2015 will be a very smart move, as you will be able to duck the crowds that will almost certainly be present in 2016 in the lead up to the Olympics.

This is the place that boasts the world’s biggest celebration of the week before the start of Lent, a time where Salvador’s residents celebrate decadence before the penance and self-denial that defines the 40 day season.

While the prices and the amount of people here will be less this year than next, be sure to book early regardless, as prices on remaining accommodations shoot up dramatically the closer one gets to the big week.

When you aren’t reveling, Salvador’s numerous museums, churches, and sublime beaches will occupy what time remains in your trip here.