Brazil: Between Samba Streets and Jungle Rivers

By Amanda Sauer

Rio isn’t a city you simply visit—it pulls you in and insists you join the fun. We jumped off our redeye flight and straight into the city, exploring with a guide to get our bearings. Santa Teresa’s bohemian streets, the sweeping aqueduct, a stop for fried chicken with garlic and lime (heaven), and those first glimpses of Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s one-of-a-kind cathedral. It was the perfect welcome.

We ended out first day braving the afternoon crowds of the Selarón Steps, only to end up dancing with a group of Colombians, a $2 caipirinha in hand. Of course, we made time for Rio’s culinary scene too. A highlight was dining at Oteque, ranked No. 37 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Think of it as a journey of flavors; creative, unexpected, and every bit as bold as the city itself.

One of the best surprises? Stumbling into the Spring Festival. Food stalls, crafts and music bursting from every corner of a small park near Ipanema—and it’s where I first heard Toda Forma de Amor, which quickly replaced “Copacabana” as my new earworm. It’s these unscripted moments that make travel shine brightest. Later that night, walking home from dinner along Copacabana Beach, the famous song returned to my head on repeat (and honestly, it still hasn’t left). We ducked into a bar for live music, only to discover Rio’s quirky rule: come 10 p.m., noise ordinances kick in and suddenly the whole beach turns into a silent disco. Only in Rio.

Not every decision was perfect, though. Hiking down from Christ the Redeemer in sandals, with no map, no food, no water—was one of those “learn from my mistakes” travel tales. The trail markers are vague at best, and after two hours of wondering whether we’d make it out before dark (or accidentally wander into a favela), I can confidently say: plan ahead for this sight and the tram. Sometimes convenience really is luxury. This minor setback didn't stop us. We were off to Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset. One word, stunning.

And then came the Amazon. We splurged on a seaplane transfer to our lodge (after experiencing the three-hour return ride by car, I can confirm: worth every penny). We arrived just in time for a night safari—sloths, boas, caimans, tarantulas, birds—and then, as if the jungle wasn’t already dramatic enough, a blood moon rose over the river.

Days unfolded with one extraordinary experience after another: piranha fishing (yes, we caught one), swimming with the pink dolphins (botos) and their playful gray cousins, and gliding through hidden lakes while learning about the conservation projects that keep this region alive. A survival hike taught us skills I wish we’d had in Rio, and there was still time to relax by the pool with a caipirinha in hand or watch the sunrise over the river.

Even Manaus, where most people just pass through, surprised us. One night in the city turned into a full-on street festival, bands at every bar, food stalls as far as we could see, and the whole town out dancing. It was one of those unplanned moments that ends up becoming a favorite memory.

Why Brazil, why now?

Brazil offers both the pulse of Rio and the stillness of the Amazon, and it’s the contrast that makes it unforgettable. One night you’re immersed in city life on a Rio street, a few days later you’re drifting on the Amazon under a blood moon. It’s boisterous, magical, imperfect, and absolutely worth experiencing.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out the hard way. We can take care of the details, from securing tables at the world’s most sought-after restaurants to arranging the seaplane transfers that save you hours.

Brazil is full of surprises—we can help with the magic and avoid the mishaps.