hello hello! this is very random but I'm visiting brazil (specifically rio) for a university research project and I was wondering if you had any recommendations!!
I'll be there for six weeks so definitely have some time to explore :)
hi there and omg welcome to brasil!! if you're gonna be here during the world cup/festa junina (our june festivities) you better prepare cause you're in for an experience
i only went to rio once and the weather did not help so my first tip is to always check the weather before making plans lmao
i have to remind you that brazil is the size of a continent, so all regions are very different from each other. rio is in the southwest region, pretty far from where i live (north), and that's why i unfortunately can't recommend you specific rio things. but!!! if you are planning to visit other states, here are my recs:
for beaches and culture: bahia (northwest). when i tell you that's where the most beautiful beaches ive ever seen are... rio also has beautiful beaches so you are already in for a treat, however, if you want to visit others, that's definitely the place i'd recommend. bahia is the state where you'll see the most afro-brazilian culture, it's so rich and beautiful. the food is amazing and the people!! just talking about it makes me want to visit again :)
for a chill retreat: minas gerais (southwest). look into "hotéis fazenda" (farm hotels, but not all of them are really farms lol), they are hidden gems in the middle of the mountains, in minas gerais' countryside. you can easily go to minas gerais from rio by bus as well, so it's a nice option for a weekend! the landscapes are breathtaking.
for urban culture: são paulo (southwest). but you already know that. if you go, i would recommend visiting the museums, they are everywhere and students don't pay to get in. you can go from rio by bus as well. also, watch a corinthians (football team) match while you're there if you have the chance ;)
now, my most biased recommendation, for indigenous culture: manaus or pará (north). the tourism here is expensive though, and it's pretty far like i said, but how could i not add it when we are usually forgotten by other regions 😭 and if you come in june you will also get to experience "festival de parintins", it's very niche but girl it's beautiful, it celebrates the culture colonizers tried so hard to erase. look into it even if you don't come, it's worth it.
i hope you have an amazing time, even if you don't visit any of these places. dm me if you need anything, please, i love to talk about my country (as you can clearly tell), or if you need help with portuguese (i'm literally a portuguese teacher lol), i'd love to help you! and once again, welcome!! 💛💚💙
