If we talk about sun, caipirinha and football, you answer Brazil the first time, don't you? It is a country that offers us much more than that. Small overview.
SECURITY: BRAZIL ≠ FRANCE, so stay careful!
Unfortunately, despite its sunny beaches and busy streets, Brazil is one of the countries with the highest crime rate in the world. First, avoid ostentatious signs of wealth (jewelry, cameras, state-of-the-art smartphone, etc.). While it's partly true that it's no longer safe to walk around Rio's favelas, you can never be too careful. Snatching is unfortunately very common. Brazil, which is not immune to racial discrimination, has suffered for many years from enormous and truly visible social disparity. Copy the Brazilians and travel light! And as they say in Colombia:
"Don't show the papaya if you don't want flies on it!"
At night, take a taxi no matter which city you visit! There is absolutely no point in wanting to save a few euros by walking home at night, especially since many applications like "99" offer rides at unbeatable rates. Unless the streets are lively and lit, don't take any chances. Gangs and stalker specialists are not novices and know how to do it. However, don't be paranoid! Just stay alert.
Think big!
To discover the richness and diversity of the country, do not be afraid of the immensity. Brazil is the5th largest country in the world, and occupies a third of South America. These landscapes are all to be seen, as much the Amazon as the Northeast, through Rio and the Iguazu Falls. However, a 10-day trip to Brazil will only allow you to visit the Northeast or a small part of the Amazon. Do not try to do more, you risk frustration (especially if you are already used to the cool rhythm of Brazilians!).
You should also not be afraid of the long distances to travel. The most economical means of transport is the bus, but not all journeys can be done this way and sometimes the plane is the only solution. The best is to choose an optimized route by inquiring well in advance! And despite the few hours by bus or plane, it is certain that the trip is worth it!
Do not hesitate to negotiate
In Brazil, as everywhere in Latin America, almost everything is negotiable. Do not hesitate to negotiate the price of your taxi, a souvenir in a market, a caipirinha on the beach, or a coxinha in the street. Take an interest in your interlocutors and of course, remain courteous, polite and benevolent (no scam, but it goes both ways!). Brazilians are really conciliatory, but if they answer "no" at the first attempt do not insist heavily and go your way!
Be curious and surprise yourself!
Let go of your prejudices and let yourself be carried away! Brazil, with the exception of Rio de Janeiro, is not really a tourist country (6 million tourists per year against 83 million in France for example). There is everything to discover in Brazil: the Amazonian fauna and flora, the lagoons of Lençois in the Northeast, Rio de Janeiro, the Iguazu Falls, Chapada, samba, forro… This gives you the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the local culture: when traveling opt for CouchSurfing, Airbnb, do not hesitate to engage in conversation with the locals, whether with your Uber driver or at the local market!
Do not hesitate to get out of your comfort zone: try typical Brazilian dishes (here are some tips for Brazilian food), try forro in the Amazon and Samba, go to a match between Cruzeiros and Corinthians, etc! You will not be disappointed and Brazil may surprise you more than you imagine.
Smile, you're in Brazil!
Brazil is a sunny country and Brazilians are the image of their country. They are welcoming, warm, caring, almost solar! They are happy to live and it shows! Do not be offended if, from your first meeting, a neighbor serves you in his arms! It is simply his way of greeting you, of welcoming you. On top of that, Brazilians are very optimistic.
They obviously complain about certain things (from their government for example). But we will remember from them their ability to always see the bright side of things! Joyful and festive people, Brazilians will know how to give you a smile, even when you lose it, since here, everything is an excuse to party, to marvel and their smiles are really contagious.
Even if you don't speak Portuguese, gesticulate, take an interest and be alive! They will give it back to you. Enough to give you the banana every day!
