There is much more to this diverse country than meets the eye.
Known for its diverse heritage, Brazil has long served as a getaway destination for Black travelers looking to escape to warmer temperatures, picturesque beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Home to the largest population of African descent outside of Africa, with approximately 56% of Brazilians identifying as black, the country is full of strong diaspora customs that show the importance of our contributions. That's why, as soon as you step off the plane, the energy and familiarity of the people and the place wash over you.
The country's main destinations, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador da Bahia, each offer something different to Brazil's curious traveler. Rio is known for its natural wonders, world-famous sights, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. It's usually the first city that comes to mind when you think of Brazil. São Paulo, meanwhile, is the cultural epicenter of the country. Similar to New York in the United States or Mexico City in Mexico, São Paulo is home to numerous museums, luxury hotels and eclectic culinary experiences, as well as an abundance of street art and a multi-ethnic social scene. And then there is Bahia, the mecca of the Afro-Brazilian experience. As Brazil's most African state, it is the heart of the nation, filled with a rich and flavorful history of diasporic culture.
Of course, you might also want to sunbathe on the famous Copacabana Beach, see the historic Christ the Redeemer statue, and admire the magnificent views from Sugarloaf Mountain.
For those visiting Brazil for the first time, here are some must-see experiences in this vibrant South American country.
SEE: Considered one of Rio's most famous landmarks, the Escadaria Selarón, or Selarón Steps, is the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. He decorated the steps as his “tribute to the Brazilian people,” and they even became popular in American culture (they appear in Snoop Dogg and Pharrell's “Beautiful” music video). The steps run from Joaquim Silva Street to Pinto Martins Street and are so striking that they are hard to miss.
EAT: In Rio, Meza Bar, co-owned by a black woman, helped make Botafogo a dining and nightlife hotspot when it opened in 2008. That bar and Yayá Comidaria are the chef's sought-after restaurants Andressa Cabral, where visitors always return to learn more. Biyou'Z Gastronomia Africana, in São Paulo, is a traditional African restaurant serving authentic dishes such as croquetas and crudo.
DO: One of the country's biggest draws is its celebration of Carnival, usually in January or February. Luckily, you can experience this all year round with the Carnival Experience at the Grande Rio Samba School. Open to visitors who want to learn a little more about the creation and production of Carnival parades, the school operates in the months leading up to the annual event at the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí each Carnival season. You'll have the opportunity to go behind the scenes to see how the costumes and assembly of the big cars are done by hand and meet the hard-working people behind the festivities.
STAY: While in Rio, a beach hotel will put you close to all the action. Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana is located in one of the most spectacular locations of the seaside town, Copacabana Beach, while Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is located on the legendary Ipanema Beach in Rio. Both offer sophisticated luxury and are ranked among the best accommodations in the city. In São Paulo, the neighborhood filled with art JW Marriott Sao Paulo, located in the chic business district of Chácara Santo Antônio, will take your breath away when you walk through the doors of its lobby. This is a no-brainer as it is one of the best hotels for a unique local experience.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2023 issue of ESSENCE magazine, on newsstands now!
