The Most Interesting Things You’ll Really Only See In Brazil

Anyone who has not visited Brazil might not know just how much this incredible and beautiful country has to offer. Brazil, a captivating and vibrant nation, exudes a magnetic allure that stems from its rich blend of culture, natural wonders, and diverse traditions. From the rhythmic beats of samba echoing through colorful streets to the awe-inspiring expanse of the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and ignite curiosity. Its lively cities, like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, pulsate with energy, offering a juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, while its pristine beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, invite relaxation and revelry. The country’s cultural mosaic is equally compelling, with influences from indigenous peoples, African heritage, and European colonization, creating a unique fusion that manifests in art, music, and cuisine. As a land of contrasts and surprises, Brazil never ceases to intrigue, beckoning travelers with its kaleidoscope of landscapes, vibrant festivals, and warm-hearted people, making it a destination brimming with endless fascination. Here are some of the most incredible things you’ll find there.

Gorgeous Beaches

Brazil’s beaches are seriously some of the most breathtaking in the whole world. With the white, sandy shorelines, turquoise waters, all contrasted with towering skyscrapers and mountains, the scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping. Some of the most beloved beaches here include Copacabana, Ilha Grande, Ipanema, Buzios, Jericoacoara, Praia de Pipa, and more.

Butter In A Bottle

If you live outside of Brazil, you are most likely accustomed to butter that comes wrapped in paper or foil or butter that comes inside of a tub. In Brazil, you can find Manteiga de garrafa, or butter in a bottle. It’s made of cream of cow’s milk and is made by being cooked on a high heat and then is blended.

Public Teeth Brushing

There is a huge importance on oral hygiene in Brazil, especially brushing teeth. Many Brazilians will carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with them at all times, and it is not uncommon to see people brushing their teeth in public restrooms. It’s part of an overall obsession with cleanliness, and it is quite normal for Brazilians to brush their teeth after every single meal.

Velaterapia, The Burning Hair Beauty Treatment

This one might seem odd to people outside of Brazil, but velateapia is a hair treatment that is quite common there. The hair treatment involves separating hair into sections, twisting these sections and then placing the twist into a flame, which makes the split ends stand out. That way, split ends can be easily trimmed. Then the hair goes through deep conditioning.

Beach Ice Cream Vendors

With a rich beach culture, it makes sense that people spend so much of their time on the country’s beautiful coastline. When it gets super hot out, people at the beach want to cool down with some ice cream, and that’s easy to do when ice cream vendors walk around the beach with coolers. The sweet, cold treats are usually quite affordable and are a great way to cool down on a sunny beach day.

Capybara Bread

Ever hear of capybara bread? Well, capybaras are adorable animals native to Brazil and can get up to 150 pounds! They are so synonymous with Brazil that many people like to bake bread in the shape of the animals. It is no easy feat, but the final result is certainly worth it.

Buchada

If you’re an adventurous eater and you want to explore Brazilian cuisine, then you absolutely must try buchada. It is comprised of bucho, the animal’s stomach, and is most commonly made with goat’s stomach. Goats are quite common in Brazil, which is why goat milk and meat is consumed so often here.

Long Lunch

While dinner is usually the most important meal in the U.S., in Brazil, lunch takes its place instead. Lunch is often a long affair, with some people taking up to two hours for lunch, which is totally fine with employers. This is typically the biggest meal of the day and consists of a hearty meal of a protein along with rice and beans, farofa, and salad.

Pet Ducks

It is very common to see ducks all around Brazil, and the most commonly found breed is the Amazonetta brasiliensis, also known as the Brazilian duck. They roam all around the country and is it pretty typical to see locals feeding them and caring for them as if they were one of their own.

Saideira

While out at the bar in Brazil, if you’re nearing the end of the night, you and your friends may order a saideira, of the last drink of the night. There’s even a beer named after this! Brazil’s national cocktail is Caipirinha, similar to a mojito, and is made of sugar, lime, and cachaça.

Havaianas

If you have been searching for flip flops that are actually comfortable, Brazil has the solution for you. You might have even seen these, as Havaianas are quite popular all around the world. They were created in 1962 and have since become some of the most well known flip flops globally. It makes sense, since it gets so hot in Brazil these are convenient to have.

Feijoada Wednesdays

Feijoada is a delicious Brazilian stew made of black beans, pork, and sausage. The dish is one of the most popular foods in the country, and is traditionally served on Wednesdays, and also on Saturdays. It is believed that the stew was created by African slaves who used cheap pork cuts in order to make the stew more flavorful.

Overcrowded Transit

It is very common for people to take the bus in order to get around the country, and since so many people rely on public transport, it gets overcrowded very quickly. Brazil’s major cities all of a public transportation system of busses and are quite affordable. However, that draws tons of people in, so don’t be surprised if you board a bus that’s crammed with people.

Parintins Folklore Festival

One of the most popular events in Brazil is the Parintins Folklore Festival which takes place in Parintins, Amazonas and takes place over three days in June. It celebrates a myth about a resurrected fox, and is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Brazil by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage.

Offerings To Iemanjá

Iemanjá is the spirit of the sea in the Yoruban religion, which originated in Nigeria but is also common in Brail in the Candomble  African diasporic religion that developed in Brazil during the 19th century. The sea deity is worshipped and given offerings in order to protect children and provide bountiful sea harvests.

Creme de Abacate

One of the most popular treats in Brazil is creme de abacate, which is a delicious sweet cream made of blended avocados and milk, sugar, and lime juice. The result is a creamy sweet treat that’s healthy and served as a pudding. It’s so simple to make too!

The Skeleton Hotel

Along the coast of Rio de Janeiro lined with a thick forest of trees, you’ll find an abandoned hotel, which is often called The Skeleton Hotel. The run down hotel has stood empty for fifty years. It was built in the 1950’s and took two decades to build when all of a sudden construction was stopped due to the building’s owner becoming bankrupt. Now the empty structure is a popular urbex destination in itself.

Carnival

Carnival in Brazil is the yearly celebration that is held on Friday before Ash Wednesday before the beginning of Lent. It is the most popular holiday in the country and consists of a week of festivities, drawing in millions of tourists to join in the colorful celebrations. These festivities typically include parades with dazzling and colorful outfits, samba dancing, and countless events.

The “Brazilian Hulk”

Valdir Segato was a Brazilian bodybuilder who was known as “the Brazilian Hulk.” He was known for injecting himself with oil in order to grow his muscles, as well as Synthol. He managed to get extremely big, but it came at a big cost as well. On his 55th, he was rushed to the hospital after having difficulty breathing and passed away shortly after. While his cause of death isn’t confirmed, many speculate that it happened due to his many injections.

Florianópolis

Florianópolis is the capital of Santa Catarina and is a gorgeous place to visit while in Brazil. It is home to lovely beaches, Pedro Ivo Campos bridge, and saltwater lagoons. There are also historical Azorean fishing villages where you can enjoy seafood that’s fresh and delicious.

Vale da Lua

Vale da Lua, which means Valley of the Moon, is a breathtaking natural site that must be visited if you spend time in Brazil. Vale da Lua is in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. The naturally formed rocks look otherworldly, and the spot is popular for hiking and swimming. The stones formed naturally over millennia by the river and lava flowing over the rocks over and over.

The Stone of Inga

Pedra do Inga, or the Inga Stone is an ancient basalt stone with carvings all along the 46 meters of length. It can be found in the city of Inga by the Inga River. The carvings feature glyphs of animals, fruits, and astronomical features like the Milky Way and the constellation Orion.

Trash Cans For Toilet Paper

If you’ve never been to Brazil before, you might be shocked to find out that toilet paper is thrown out in a trash can rather than in the toilet. This is also common in other countries, but most North Americans are not used to this. Since the pipes are too small to fit toilet paper without getting clogged, it is therefore thrown out in the trash can next to the otilet.

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo is a delicious Brazilian treat that is eaten as a breakfast food or snack. Originating in Minas Geraid, Pão de Queijo is cheese bread made out of eggs, cheese, and tapioca flour. The dough is divided into small balls and cooked in milk, oil, salt, and water on the stove. The indulgent treats are beloved in Brazil.

Dog Condos

Here we see a Caodominio, or a doggie condominium, which keeps dog safe from rain while still allowing them to spend time outdoors whenever they like. Brazilians love dogs, and according to World Animal Foundation, there are 58.1 million dogs, a big portion of the 132 million pets in the country, which also includes cats, turtles, snakes, and monkeys.

Secure Meat

This might seem crazy to anyone who isn’t used to it, but believe it or not, meat at the supermarket is actually secured with anti-theft technology. It seems like meat being stolen is a big enough issue that security measures had to be put in place.

Doggie Diet

This adorable doggie may have been overdoing it with the Pão de Queijo, and while we don’t blame him, his owners want him to get back on track with a doggie diet. His little bandana says: “I am on a diet. Don’t feed me bread.” We must say, it would be so hard to deny those adorable puppy eyes, but it’s for his own good.

No Squeezing The Chickens

We know that it might be super tempting to do so, but it’s best for everyone in the store if everyone follows the instructions on the sign that reads: “please don’t squeeze the chickens.” Otherwise, shoppers and employees may be driven crazy by the cacophony of these chicken toys all day long.

Monkeys Everywhere

If you ever visit Brazil, don’t be surprised if you run into a monkey or two while you’re there. Brazil is home to 131 species of monkeys, 81 of which are endemic to the country. Brazil is home to 65% of the world’s primate species along with Indonesia, Madagascar, and the Congo.

Brigadeiro

If you’ve never had Brigadeiro before, then you must stop everything and make these immediately. These beloved Brazilian treats are made of sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. These deliciously fudgy and soft treats are then rolled in coconut, sprinkles, pistachios, or other nuts. They are so good and we bet you won’t be able to eat just one.

Dia Dos Namorados

Dia dos Namorados is the official Brazilian equivalent of Valentine’s Day. It takes place each year on June 12th and is a chance for people to celebrate their love. Much like Valentine’s Day, it started as a retail holiday in 1949 when retailers in Sao Paolo wanted to boost sales.

Lots Of Accents

Brazil is a huge country, spanning over 3.3 million square miles, making it the fifth largest country in the world in terms of size of land.  It has the sixth largest population in the world, which explains why there is such a huge variety of regional accents throughout the country, over 15 total. In each of the 26 states of the country there is a unique culture.

Strong, Sweet Coffee

Brazilian coffee is world renowned, and with good reason. Brazilians love to enjoy strong, black coffee that’s piping hot and sweetened with sugar. It is consumed all day long, but each cup is much smaller than a typical cup of coffee in the U.S. One popular coffee drink in Brazil is the Cafezinho, a small cup of strong, sweet coffee.

Chourico Doce

Another uniquely Brazilian food to try out is chourico doce, which is a blood sausage popular in Rio Grande de Norte. It is made with pig’s blood, brown sugar or honey, spices, and cashews. It originates in Portugal but has since become a staple in Brazil.

Chapada dos Veadeiros

Chapada dos Veadeiros is a popular national park in Goidas. One of the most popular sites to visit here is its ancient plateau, which is one of the oldest natural sites in the world. There are so many stunning sites to visit here, including patches of rock crystals buried in soil.

Valley of the Vineyards

The Valley of the Vineyards, found in the Rio Grande do Sul is home to Brazil’s sparkling wine producing vineyards. It started due to colonization, when Italians moved to the area and started the vineyards. Now you can visit this beautiful location and enjoy the local wines as well.

Torresmo

One of the most delicious snacks you can enjoy is Torresmo, also called Crackle. It’s made of dried pork fat and skin that creates a rind-like texture that’s crunchy, salty, and delicious. Many people like to sprinkle Torresmo with some lemon juice to balance out the flavors. It is often eaten as a side dish with feijoada.

Monte Roraima

Monte Roraima, located in the Pacaraima Mountains, is the highest tepui plateau on earth, and is one of the oldest geological forms in the world as well. It’s home to some of the world’s most unique animals and plants, which you won’t find anywhere else. It is found between Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.

Capybara

So what on earth are capybaras? These animals are Brazil’s famous giant critters that are actually the largest rodents in the world. They can grow to weigh up to 150 pounds, and they have to eat between 6 to 8 pounds of grass per day! In addition to grass, they also eat squash, melons, grains, and reeds. They usually have a very calm temperament.

Escadaria Selaron

The Escadaria Selaron is a beautiful landmark staircase that was hand painted by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, hence the name. Found in Rio de Janeiro, Selaron painted these ceramic steps to honor th ecity that he loves so much.