Beyond the Beach: The Raw Beauty of Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | South-America
Brazil has a reputation. Ask the average traveler about Rio de Janeiro, and words like “carnival,” “Copacabana,” and especially “dangerous” will be the first things you hear. But after traveling through the country for three weeks, one thing is sure: Brazil is so much more than the prejudices we hold in Europe. It is a land of immense hospitality, hidden communities, and nature so raw it takes your breath away.
Rio de Janeiro: Icons and Reality
Of course, you can’t escape the classics when you’re in Rio. You obviously have to head up the mountain to Christ the Redeemer and take a dip at Copacabana. These are icons for a reason; the view over the city from the mountain is unbeatable, and the ocean waves are so powerful they can completely sweep you off your feet.
While Rio certainly has its unsafe areas, there is a completely different side to it. If you dare to step outside the tourist bubble and adapt to the rhythm of the city, it doesn’t feel dangerous—it feels alive.
Paraty: Where Time Stands Still
Between the hectic energy of Rio, you can travel to Paraty. If you’re looking for the stunning, rugged nature that Brazil is famous for, this is the place. The drive there is breathtaking; you wind along the coast with the dense jungle on one side and the vast ocean on the other. The colonial center of Paraty is incredibly photogenic, but the real power lies in the surroundings. Here, you won’t find skyscrapers—only thick jungle and a remote coastline.
Campinho Quilombola: History You Can Taste
Just outside Paraty lies Campinho Quilombola. This isn’t just a village; it’s a community with a powerful story, founded by three sisters following the abolition of slavery. The pride in their African roots is immense.
Praia do Sono: Where the Road Literally Ends
For the ultimate “reset,” you have to visit the Caiçara community at Praia do Sono. You have to work for it: it’s a hike of over an hour through the dense jungle. The path is muddy and intense, but once you break through the trees and see the white sand, you forget everything else.
In Praia do Sono, there are no cars, barely any cell service, and everything revolves around fishing and peace. It’s a place where time truly seems to stand still. Don’t feel like hiking back? Take one of the small boats that will bring you back to civilization over the wild waves.
Final Thoughts
Brazil is raw and intense. But if you take the effort to look further than the standard guidebooks tell you, you’ll discover a country with an unprecedented human beauty. Whether you’re in the hustle of Rio or enjoying a meal at Campinho Quilombola: the genuine people and the incredible atmosphere ensure that this country gets under your skin.