Exploring Brazil: A Student’s Dream Vacation in South America

If you’re a student planning a trip to South America, I highly recommend sorting out your Brazilian visa beforehand, especially if you’re considering visiting Brazil. The visa process can be quite daunting if you do it from your home country, but it’s relatively easier for students studying abroad. Once you return home, the journey to South America can be quite arduous (a one-way flight can take nearly a day!). Brazil, being the largest country in South America, showcases a blend of its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, often at a lower cost than other countries.

This post serves as a continuation of my experiences after leaving Rio de Janeiro. The previous blog covered my magical and unforgettable moments in Rio, while this entry explores adventures in other parts of Brazil, along with essential travel tips 😊.

Enchanting Destinations in Brazil

Aside from Rio, I visited incredible places such as the Iguazu Falls, Salvador, and an island nearby Rio. I chose not to go to São Paulo, which is often likened to a smaller New York and doesn’t possess the unique South American charm of the other destinations.

Iguazu Falls: Nature’s Marvel

See pic 2! Words and pictures can hardly capture the immense beauty and power of Iguazu Falls. I arrived in the morning and took an Uber directly from the airport to the falls. The falls are split between the Argentine and Brazilian sides, with the Brazilian side being the better choice. Right next to the falls is a zoo (see pic 3), which is like a real-life “Rio Adventure.”

Salvador: A Cultural Melting Pot

Salvador, located in northeastern Brazil, is a city rich in history as it was one of the first landing spots for Portuguese colonizers. This city beautifully merges Portuguese colonial and African cultures and offers a dramatically different experience than Rio. In pic 4, you can spot stunning colonial architecture with low commercial influence. Don’t miss the beach scenes in pics 5 and 6 where locals gather at sunset to sing farewell to the sun 😊. I also recommend visiting a beachfront museum (see pic 7) that chronicles Brazil’s colonial history – it’s a must-see! Lastly, don’t forget to try local delicacies (pics 8 and 9).

Relaxing Shorelines Near Rio

The last three images feature an island near Rio, reminiscent of serene Southeast Asian beaches. To show my gratitude for the hospitality provided by Milena’s family during my stay in Rio, I took her along for this part of the trip.

Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Brazilian Experience

If you want to enjoy your trip to Brazil with zero regrets, be sure to adhere to the following advice:

Attire

• Avoid wearing branded clothing.
• Leave behind jewelry.
• Steer clear of touristy beach shorts.
• Never use your phone outdoors at any time!

Remember, if you take your phone out in public, it may not stay yours for long! 😍😏 Luckily, Wi-Fi is widely available in Brazil, so you may not even need a local SIM card.

Culinary Adventures

The famed Brazilian barbecue truly deserves its reputation. It’s vastly different from Texas BBQ! I suggest trying any mid-range buffet or barbecue restaurant – you don’t have to choose the most expensive options to have an excellent culinary experience.

Accommodations

I highly recommend staying in the Barra district of Rio; the hotels are updated, and the beaches are less crowded, consisting mostly of locals. The more locals present, the safer the environment 😊. In Salvador, consider staying in the northeastern part of the city; it’s affordable and scenic.

Transportation

Between any two locations in the cities, always opt for Uber. It’s safe and budget-friendly. And always remember to book your intercity flights well in advance, as last-minute prices can skyrocket! 😅

Brazil offers a rich tapestry of culture, adventure, and natural beauty that can lead to an unforgettable journey for students. So pack your bags, arrange your visa, and get ready for an experience of a lifetime!