What makes Brazil so special? Is it the incredible geographic diversity of the continent’s largest country? After all, Brazil boasts the Amazon Rainforest, thousands of kilometres of pristine beaches, the world’s largest wetlands, and a rugged interior.
Or perhaps it is the most urbane pleasures of its vast metropolis? From the exuberant nightlife of Rio de Janeiro to the sophisticated art galleries in Sao Paulo. And from the colonial architecture of Ouro Preto to the Afro-influenced culinary scene in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil’s cities certainly have something for everyone.
Some may point to the country’s incredible 21 UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites. And with natural wonders like majestic Iguazu Falls and the wildlife-rich Pantanal, Brazil is well deserving of its many accolades.
However, we all agree that it is the people of Brazil who make the country an iconic destination for millions of people every year. They’re laid-back, fun, friendly, and welcoming. And what’s more, they throw the world’s biggest street party! What’s not to love about that?
Travel to Brazil and discover the people, food, landscapes, and culture for yourself!
When to go to Brazil?
– Brazil, and especially Rio de Janeiro, experience a massive surge in visitors over New Year’s Eve and Carnival – plan well ahead for travel over these dates.
– The weather for coastal Brazil is generally warm and pleasant and rarely experiences extreme hot or cold temperatures.
– The Pantanal dry season from June to September is the best time to see mammals; the wetter months are lovely for birdwatching.
– May to September are the driest months in the Brazilian Amazon, but rainfall is frequent all year round.
Our Expert’s Choice:
– For wildlife enthusiasts, a trip to the world’s largest wetland region, the Pantanal, is hard to beat. See blue hyacinth macaws, giant anteaters, toucans, and more with a stay in a traditional Fazenda.
– A stay in the picture-perfect colonial town of Paraty is the perfect way to wind down after the hectic pace of Rio de Janeiro.
Venture into Bahia’s interior to explore the stunning tabletop mountain scenery of Chapada Diamantina.
– Stroll the stunning historic centre of Salvador de Bahia and experience the vibrant African influence evident in local music, dance, food, and religion.
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Highlights
Rio de Janeiro
Granite mountains, white-sand beaches and lush rainforest combine to create one of the world’s most magnificent cities.
Foz do Iguaçu
The Brazilian side of the falls boasts the best panoramic views of majestic Iguaçu. Surrounded by tropical forest, it offers excellent birding opportunities.
Pantanal
For wildlife enthusiasts, a trip to the world’s largest wetland region is hard to beat. See Blue Hyacinth macaw, Giant anteater, toucan and more with a stay in a traditional Fazenda.
Colonial Cities
Ouro Preto, Salvador and Olinda are just a few of Brazil’s beautiful colonial cities.
Amazon
Fly to Manaus to join a cruise on the mighty Amazon River or head out to one of the many lodges in the region. See the famous Meeting of the Waters where the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes converge.
Cycling in Latin America has become increasingly popular as a convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective means of transportation within cities. Many urban areas now offer dedicated bike lanes and improved safety measures to encourage cycling and reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, some cities implement Ciclovia Sunday initiatives, where major streets are closed to cars, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to freely enjoy these routes. This biking revolution has transformed the urban landscape, making cycling a fun and healthy way to explore the vibrant cities of Latin America.
Moreover, on Sundays, you can experience the joy of cycling along famous streets, thanks to the growing Ciclovia Sunday initiatives that turn major arterials car-free for bikers. It’s a wonderful way to explore the urban landscape and stay active!
Best Latin America Cities for Biking
Bogota
Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bogotá shuts down 120km of streets and highways, handing them over to cyclists, runners, and walkers. Furthermore, Cali and Medellin have adopted a Sunday ciclovia scheme after witnessing its popularity.
Despite its often choking traffic, Bogotá is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
Mexico City
From 8 am to 2 pm each Sunday, more than 55km of city streets are closed to traffic. Grab a shared bike and enjoy coasting from Chapultepec to the Zocalo!
Cycle from Chapultepec all the way to the Zocalo along the normally congested Avenue Reforma
Quito
The Ecuadorian capital hosts its famous ciclopaseo (cycle-stroll) every Sunday. The city closes the main north-south arterial to vehicular traffic from 8 am to 2 pm.
Sao Paulo
Cycling in one of the world’s largest cities may seem daunting. However, every Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm, the city sets up pop-up bicycle lanes, enabling locals and visitors alike to safely explore downtown.
Rio de Janeiro
An excellent shared bike system and more than 450km of cycle lanes have transformed Rio into one of the world’s great cycling cities!
Cycle Rio’s beautiful coastal route from Leme to Ipanema – with plenty of opportunities to cool off with a swim en route
Buenos Aires
The Argentine capital already has more than 250km of bike lanes and is aiming to boost daily trips by bike to 1 million in 2023! The bike-sharing system makes exploring by bike even more appealing!
La Boca, Buenos Aires Cycling in Latin America
Merida
From 8 am to 12 pm every Sunday, the city-wide BiciRuta takes place along Paseo Montejo. Lined with stunning colonial mansions, this is one of the most picturesque avenues of the city.
Admire the stunning historic centre of Merida on traffic-free Sundays
Explore Latin America by Bike
There are lots of different ways you can explore South America by bike! Ask us about bike tours available on your holiday – these are a fun and immersive way of getting to know a city. Alternatively, use local shared bike systems to get around town! Not only will you be getting exercise and saving on cab fares – you will gain a much better sense of the geography and layout of the city when biking.
And for true biking enthusiasts, there are always more in-depth explorations in Latin America! Join a cycling tour of Cuba. Alternatively, tackle Argentina’s Route 40. Give your legs and lungs a workout biking through the Andes. In fact, we have met people who cycled over 10,000km from Tierra del Fuego to the northernmost tip of Colombia. Cycling in Latin America offers endless adventures!
So, whether you are a biking novice or a full-blown obsessive, there are multiple ways to cycle through Latin America. Talk to the team at Contours Travel about including a bike tour on your next holiday…and if all this sounds like too much hard work, there is always the option of an e-bike!
There's been a biking revolution right across Latin America. Discover our favourite cycling cities!
Are you a frustrated foodie? A budding Masterchef contestant looking to expand their repertoire? Or perhaps just someone who likes to get to the heart of the local culture via its cuisine? Well no matter what your reasons, there are a host of hands-on culinary tours across Latin America to help you achieve your goals. Not only will you learn to cook traditional dishes but delve into the history of the local cuisine and discover plenty of unique cultural quirks along the way.
The Argentine Experience, Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls
This entertaining evening is somewhere between a dinner party and a cooking class! The Argentine Experience is all about imparting the essence of Argentine culture and cuisine in a fun and informal context. Discover the importance of mate and learn how to prepare it to exact local standards! Find out how to order steak ‘your way’ in Spanish and learn the difference between a bife de chorizo and a bife de lomo! And share a fun evening of food and culture with people from around the world!
Take a boteca tour in Rio
This is a bar-hopping tour with a difference where you’ll uncover gritty dive bars, local microbreweries, and some well-guarded carioca secrets! And what better way to discover the boteca (bar) culture of the cidade maravilhosa than with a local connoisseur? Your host will whisk you away from the touristy haunts of Copacabana for an authentic and fun evening. Along the way, you’ll sample local brews, perfectly mixed caipirinhas, and plenty of bar snacks to keep you going. The night ends (or does it?) in the famous party district of Lapa, where your host will show you the best samba clubs and live music venues. Just don’t book any early morning tours for the following day!!
Bikes, beers, and tacos in Mexico City
Many of Mexico City’s best foodie experiences can be found in the quiet, residential streets of Polanco, Condesa, and Roma. And what better way to explore these hip, bohemian neighbourhoods than by bike? Your local guide will lead you to the best taquerias, cantinas, and markets to sample the famous tacos al pastor, tacos de canasta, and more. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for a progressive lunch! And every Mexican knows that tacos go hand in hand with cerveza! So there will be a local beer or two along the way! Or for those who don’t mind something a little stronger, perhaps a smoky mezcal or tequila! But if you prefer your adventures on foot – there are plenty of great walking tours too! In fact, you could spend weeks learning the secrets of the Mexican kitchen! Check out this great culinary tour of Mexico for more ideas.
Food Culinary Cooking class Mexico
Peruvian Classics in Lima
Peruvian cuisine has taken the world by storm over the last ten years! From Melbourne to London, Paris, and San Francisco, any foodie destination worth its salt boasts at least one Peruvian restaurant. And on this fantastic culinary tour in Lima, you will discover how to whip up two of Peru’s most famous concoctions. Before you get started, your guide will take you to one of Lima’s magnificent produce markets. Here you can appreciate the vast variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood that chefs have at their disposal here! And then it is off to one of the city’s exclusive restaurants for a hands-on demonstration in preparing the classic Peruvian cocktail, the Pisco Sour. Next up, you’ll learn how to create the perfect ceviche! This fresh, citrusy seafood dish is sure to impress your friends. And finally, enjoy the fruit of your labours followed by lunch!
This is only one of many available Culinary Tours in Peru!
Lima’s Culinary Tour
Colombian street food in Cartagena
We know that many travellers are wary of sampling food from street vendors! But many of our favourite culinary experiences have been had this way! And with a local guide on hand, it is a risk-free endeavour. So, you can concentrate on having a delicious experience instead! This tour takes you through the picturesque streets of Cartagena to sample local specialties which fuse African and European flavours. Perhaps the best part of this culinary tour is the bewildering variety of fruits sold at the local juice vendors! Colombia has an astounding array of tropical fruits – many of which you cannot find anywhere else in the world. So strap on your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to meet some of the city’s favourite vendors!
Discover the Best Culinary Tours in Latin America with Contours Travel! Embark on these unforgettable culinary adventures and immerse yourself in Latin America’s rich gastronomic tapestry.
Culinary tours are a great way to experience the local culture! Here's a few of our favourites.
Hit the road, Jack: 5 of the best road trips in South & Central America
Have you always dreamed about taking a road trip through South America? After all, nothing really compares with the freedom of hitting the open road! But South America is huge and for many people, the prospect of planning a road trip is just too daunting! But that’s where our team of experts comes in! We’ve road tested the best routes right across Latin America (not to mention some of the more questionable ones!). This means that we can take all the stress out of your next self-drive adventure.
From route planning to accommodation, top tips for off-road sightseeing, and the best roadside snacks, Contours Travel makes planning your South American road trip a breeze!
The most important tip for planning your Latin American road trip is not to bite off more than you can chew! Choose a small area and really take the time to explore it. Also, one-way drop-off fees can be truly exorbitant – so try and plan your trip as a circuit if possible.
So, are you ready to hit the road and explore more of South and Central America? Here are some of our favourite self-drive destinations for road trip enthusiasts!
Patagonia
We could wax lyrical about road-tripping across Patagonia for hours. This vast, untamed region is one of the best in the world for self-drive holidays. In fact, it is so incredible that our Patagonian specialists have been developing a series of unique self-drive itineraries that we will be sharing with you over the coming months in our newsletters. These remarkable, in-depth road trips will take you across the Andean Lakes, along the Carretera Austral, through Welsh Patagonia, and to the ends of the earth, Tierra del Fuego.
When to go?
Northern Patagonia can be enjoyed year-round but further south it is best to travel between October and May.
Top Tips
Always allow extra time for photo stops! The continually changing light and dramatic landscape will have you constantly stopping in amazement! Also, take note that high winds and prolific wildlife can make driving challenging in some parts of Patagonia. Drive cautiously at all times.
With views like this, you’ll want to allow for plenty of photo stops! 5 of the best road trips in South & Central America
North-western Argentina
Far from the glaciers and alpine forests in Patagonia, the northern provinces of Tucuman, Salta, and Jujuy offer a very different image of Argentina. Here you will find cacti-studded canyons, arid plains, and richly coloured hills. Pick up your hire car in Salta and spend a few days driving north to the cute adobe towns of Tilcara and Purmamarca, where you can see the Seven-Coloured Hill. Then, head west along Route 52 for the magnificent Salinas Grandes, a huge expanse of salt located at 3,450m above sea level. Continue south to San Antonio de los Cobres where you can see the incredible Polvorilla Aqueduct. From here you can return to Salta for a few days exploring this beautiful colonial city and enjoying some of northern Argentina’s culinary delights.
For the next leg of your road trip, you will be heading south and then west again along Route 33. This spectacular journey takes in some of the most memorable sections of the drive. You’ll pass through the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop’s Slope) and the striking Cardones National Park, before hitting Recta del Tin Tin, a super straight stretch of road that runs for more than 18km. Arrive in the village of Cachi and stay overnight. Or head south to Molinos and check out the amazing James Turrell Museum at Estancia Colome. Your next destination is the wine-growing region of Cafayate, a lovely place to base yourself for a few days whilst sampling the excellent local Torrontes and Malbec varieties.
From Cafayate, you can return to Salta along the beautiful Quebrada de Cafayate. Alternatively, continue south and east, crossing the stunning Calchaquies Range to descend through the cloud forest into San Miguel de Tucuman.
When to go?
Travel from April to November to avoid the summer rains which sometimes make travel along unpaved mountain roads impossible. The winter months tend to be dry and sunny – but quite cold in the evening.
Top Tips
There are some truly wonderful culinary treasures to be found in this region. Sample wine-flavored ice cream in Cafayate and stop for artisanal cheeses in Tafi del Valle. Try delicious local salami and olives in Amaicha del Valle and don’t miss Argentina’s best empanadas in Tucuman! Shop judiciously and plan picnic stops into your days!
Recta del Tin Tin – look both ways before the photo op!! 5 of the best road trips in South & Central America
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
This vast coastal region, jutting out into the Caribbean Sea, is a wonderfully easy place to plan a road trip. Firstly, there are numerous direct flights to your starting point, Cancun, from all over the USA and other Latin American countries. Second, accommodation options abound, with some incredible historic haciendas providing beautiful and authentic accommodation experiences. And last (but definitely not least) is the sheer variety of attractions that the whole family can enjoy. From ancient Maya ruins to stunning limestone cenotes and dense tropical jungles. Not to mention some of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities – Merida, Campeche, and Izmal, just to name a few.
Pick up your rental car in Cancun and head west across the top of the Peninsula, stopping at Valladolid and Izmal en route to Merida. Your route then turns south, passing magnificent Uxmal ruins to reach Campeche. Then, travel east through the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (complete with iconic wildlife such as howler monkeys, coatis, and toucans). Finally, return to Cancun along the Riviera Maya, stopping at Mahahual, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen for a well-earned beach break, before finishing at Cancun Airport. This self-drive itinerary is the perfect way to discover one of our favourite parts of Mexico!
When to go?
The Yucatan can be visited year-round but perhaps try to avoid September (due to heavy rains) and Spring Break, when vast numbers of US college students descend upon the peninsula. Book accommodation well in advance from December to April, while the rest of the year is more relaxed.
Top Tips
Pack your bathers and visit as many cenotes as possible! These stunning limestone sinkholes offer a refreshing respite from the heat of the day. And while some can be heaving with tourists, there are many off-the-beaten-track alternatives that can be easily discovered with your hire car!
Explore the many hidden cenotes that dot the Yucatan Peninsula. 5 of the best road trips in South & Central America
Cuba
Having your own wheels in Cuba makes sense. After all, there are fairly limited tourist coaches between cities and private transfers can be costly. Plus, with relatively little traffic and (mostly) decent roads, road-tripping across Cuba offers a relaxing way to explore this beautiful island.
Travel west from Havana and spend a few days exploring the gorgeous region of Pinar del Rio. Stop at Las Terrazas and Soroa, and perhaps spend a night or two in the lovely Viñales Valley. Then it is time to head east. Drive to Cienfuegos with a stop at Bay of Pigs en route. Spend a few days in Trinidad and visit nearby Topes de Collante, the Che Guevara mausoleum in Santa Clara and explore Sugar Mill Valley.
Next, you will be traveling across the interior through Sancti Spiritus, Camaguey, and Bayamo. Hiking enthusiasts may like to detour to the Sierra Maestra National Park for a few days trekking, before heading to sultry Santiago de Cuba. Spend a few sweaty days exploring the city’s many excellent live music venues and then hit the road again. The drive to Baracoa is one of the most scenic parts of your trip. And if you’re in need of a break? Look out for roadside vendors selling cucurucho (a mixture of dried coconut with sugar, honey, guava, papaya, and nuts). This sweet snack is a delicious pick-me-up and goes perfectly with a cup of rich Cuban coffee! From Baracoa, you’ll follow the coastal road to Holguin, where you can leave the car and take a flight back to Havana.
When to go?
November to June is the best time to visit Cuba – however, it can be difficult to secure a hire car during the peak season (December to February) unless you book well in advance.
Top Tips
Hire cars are all modern vehicles but don’t be disappointed! Cuba’s classic vintage cars may look stylish but they lack seatbelts (and often suspension!), making them both unsafe and uncomfortable for longer trips.
Traffic is rarely a problem outside of Cuba’s major cities! 5 of the best road trips in South & Central America
Brazil’s Bahia Coast
Bahia holds a special place in the heart of all Brazilians. This is the place where African influence on Brazilian identity is at its strongest. Millions of slaves were brought through Salvador de Bahia, and their cultural heritage has been preserved in the music, dance, food, and religion of their descendants. The region is also home to some jaw-dropping beaches, not to mention wonderful weather and scrumptious seafood. So why not hit the road and explore all that Bahia has to offer?
We recommend starting in Ilheus, where can spend a few days exploring nearby mangrove forests, waterfalls, and cacao plantations. Then, continue south to the bohemian town of Itacare, a local surfing mecca and ecotourism hotspot. Next, you will drive to the Marau Peninsula, where you can team up with a local guide and visit a local school or traditional fishing villages. And now it’s time to leave the car behind and hop a ferry to the stunning Ilha do Boipeba, a tropical paradise with less than 2000 inhabitants and no motorised vehicles. Spend a few days snorkelling, exploring remote beaches, and indulging in fresh local seafood. This is a difficult place to leave – but when you finally manage to tear yourself away you can take the ferry back to the mainland to collect your car. Drive to Itaparica and take the car ferry to Salvador.
When to go?
There is really no bad time to visit this region, with very little temperature variation throughout the year. March and April tend to receive more rain, but there will still be plenty of sunshine so you can enjoy the beach.
Top Tips
There are some fascinating cultural experiences to be had in this region however English is not widely spoken. It pays to be organised and have a guide meet you at each destination if you are keen to gain a deeper understanding of Bahia’s unique culture and history.
Bahia has a fascinating cultural heritage – as well as staggering natural beauty! 5 of the best road trips in South & Central America
Of course, there are many other fabulous road trips to be had around South and Central America. Talk to our expert consultants about planning a self-drive holiday in Costa Rica, Ecuador, or beautiful Colombia! And don’t worry – we will always be brutally honest! You can find out why we don’t always recommend renting a car here!
Ready to hit the road and explore more of Latin America? Here are some of our favourite self-drive destinations for road trip enthusiasts!
Are you planning a holiday to South America? Don’t Make These 5 Common Mistakes!
Planning a holiday to South America can be overwhelming. After all, there are so many countries, climates, seasons, and highlights to consider! Where is the best place to start? What direction should you travel in? And how much time do you need to spend in each place?
Here at Contours Travel, we have been designing tailor-made holidays to South and Central America for more than 45 years! And here are some of the most common mistakes people make when planning their own trips!
1. Beware Cheap Airfares (and don’t underestimate the power of the LATAM Airpass)
Airlines frequently release airfares to Santiago which are seemingly too good to be true! But did you know that adding regional sectors to your international ticket can save you hundreds of dollars? So instead of buying a Santiago return – book an open jaw into Lima & home from Buenos Aires (for example). This is the easiest way to maximise your ticket and save a ton of money.
While we are on the subject of airfares! Did you know that buying an international ticket with LATAM Airlines gives you access to the LATAM Airpass? And we cannot stress enough what a difference this will make. Especially if you have multiple regional flights. In fact, the airpass can save you anything from 20 to 50% on regional airfares.
2. The Tyranny of Distance
South America is a big, big place. How big? Well, consider that Brazil alone is larger than Australia! That should give you some idea of just how big the whole continent is. So, with that in mind – try to select just a few destinations that work logically together. Don’t try to fit Patagonia, the Brazilian Amazon, and Galapagos Islands into a two-week trip. You’ll spend most of your time in airports and return home exhausted. Less is more. Trust us.
Slow down and relax. Less is more in South America
3. Book Early for Bucket List Items
Have you always dreamt of hiking the Inca Trail? Or cruising the Galapagos Islands? Or maybe splurging on a deluxe lodge in remote Patagonia? Well, whatever your bucket list includes, make sure you get in early, so you don’t get disappointed. We recommend planning your holiday to South America at least 6 months in advance, especially for the Inca Trail, and anywhere from 6 to 12 months in advance for Galapagos cruises or Patagonian lodges (especially over the peak Christmas and New Year period).
Book early to secure bucket list items such as Galapagos Cruises.
4. Allow Room for Error
It is not unusual for delays to occur in South America. That is why we always recommend allowing some room for error. Especially when it comes to major highlights of your holiday, such as a Galapagos or Amazon cruise. Try to arrive in the country a few days prior to the cruise, rather than just one night before. This way, if there are any schedule changes or delays, you don’t need to stress about missing the boat!
Things sometimes move slowly in Latin America! Allow room for error!
5. Don’t Move Too Fast!
This is especially true for holidays in places with high altitudes such as Peru and Bolivia. It is extremely important to allow extra time to acclimatise to avoid becoming unwell. And there is just so much to see! So instead of giving yourself just 3-4 days to see Cuzco and Machu Picchu, we recommend a relaxed 8-day period. This will not only help you acclimatise to the altitude. But also means you have time to explore the many wonders of this stunning region. And believe us – you won’t want to miss a thing.
Take your time – there is so much to see and do. You shouldn’t rush it!
Hopefully, these tips will help you plan a holiday to South America. But if this all sounds too confusing – contact our Travel Specialists today! After all, we have been designing comprehensive tailor-made tours to Latin America for more than 45 years. So let us take the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the anticipation that comes before a holiday of a lifetime.
Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when planning their own trips!
Part of the Contours Travel team, Victor grew up in Rio de Janeiro and started his career as a tour guide in his hometown. He has been wandering around South America ever since he saved up the money for his first airfare. Last year he spent New Year in Rio, so we thought he could share his local’s perspective on this special event.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve like a local.
New Year’s Eve in Rio comes with a lot of expectations. There is certain electricity in the air. The days leading up to the 31st involve heaps of preparations. People start to think about their New Year celebrations weeks before New Year’s Eve comes, wondering what will they do, eat, drink, and where will they be.
What is more, a great part of these preparations are related to popular superstitious rituals. Many release white flowers into the ocean as an offering to Yemanja, the goddess of the ocean, asking her for good luck in the coming year. These rituals are a strong reminder of the mixed races that formed Brazil, blending aspects of Christianity and African traditions.
Across the city, many different neighbourhoods offer their own fireworks and shows. And festivities last until the early morning hours.
But while there are parties all over town, Copacabana Beach is undoubtedly the epicentre. Copacabana attracts millions of people due to the massive fireworks show (normally lasting for more than 20 breathtaking minutes!). And there is an incredible atmosphere created by the hordes of visitors from all over the world, all dressed in white.
It is easy to be seduced by Rio during ‘reveillon’. The summertime is booming and locals, called Cariocas, are at their most relaxed and happy. Perhaps because the much-loved Carnival is just around the corner? Or maybe this is simply the Brazilian character.
Rio Carnival is held every year during the week leading up to Lent, and is one of the world’s greatest celebrations. It is an exuberant explosion of colour, music, and of course, dance.
Carnival is a celebration of what Brazil is all about! And that is a bold, hardworking, and passionate nation of diverse people. The festival unifies this multicultural melting pot of European, African, and Amerindian descendants. And it is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
When does Carnival take place?
The official days of the celebration start 40 days prior to Easter, from Saturday to Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday. Therefore, dates for Carnival usually fall in February or March.
How does it work?
The main drawcard for Rio’s Carnival is the Samba School parades which take place on Sunday and Monday nights. Every school has around 2000 -3000 participants. These participants spend the entire year preparing for the event! And they actively participate in every step of production! That means everything from building the floats to designing and sewing costumes and choreographing the steps.
Throughout the year, some schools open their doors for you to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process! Visiting these schools offers a fascinating insight into the huge amount of work that goes into each presentation.
The whole procession is held together by the percussion section made up of 300 to 400 participants. It is their job to get the crowd involved, keep their dancers energized and keep time for the duration of the parade.
Each school is allocated 90 minutes to pass through the Sambadrome. And if they are late they will lose points! In fact, schools are judged on a variety of factors. These include costumes, drumming, lyrics, design, theme, and overall presentation.
The winning school flaunts their victory the following weekend, in the Champions Parade.
What do I need to know?
We recommend arriving several days earlier and getting involved in the festivities before you see the parade in the Sambadrome. Why not check out one of the many ‘blocos’ or street parties for a more informal taste of Carnival in Rio? Alternatively, Contours Travel can organize tickets to one of the many VIP events around town, including the famous ball at Copacabana Palace.
Are you looking for a more hands-on approach? Then let us arrange for you to join in the parade itself! Trust us, this is an experience you will never forget. Moreover, anyone can join the parade! All you need is a costume and a sense of adventure!
Where else can I experience Carnival?
Although Carnival in Rio is the most famous party, there are many other places for you to experience this fabulous festival. So, why not travel to Bolivia where the indigenous women parade in their layered skirts and bowler hats? Alternatively, Barranquilla in Colombia hosts one of the most colourful displays of folkloric dancing and costumes in South America. Or head to steamy Trinidad and Tobago! Their wild and raucous street party rivals Rio for its intensity!
Best to travel in August: Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil
Looking to escape the Australian winter this August? Look no further! This is the ideal time to visit one of Brazil’s most captivating natural spectacles – the lagoons of Lençois Maranhenses.
What’s special about it?
Lençois Maranhenses means “bed sheets” in Portuguese, and you’ll see why with the rolling, white sand dunes that stretch to the horizon. After the rainy season, it becomes truly magical, with hundreds of mini lagoons appearing from July to September. So travel in August for an unforgettable view!
How to get there?
Getting to Lençois Maranhenses National Park takes some effort, but it’s worth it! The closest city is Sao Luis, about a 4-hour drive away. The park encompasses around 70km of coastline and more than 50km inland. Barreirinhas is the most common point of entry, with a decent selection of accommodation.
Exploring the park
Whether you choose a 4WD, quad bike, or trek across the dunes, you’ll be dazzled by the landscape. Blinding white dunes contrast with deep blue lagoons, creating a dramatic spectacle. Tumble into the cool waters of the pools from the top of the dunes, or try sandboarding for a more adventurous option!
So don’t think twice and travel in August to this unique destination to savor the heat of the desert in Lençois Maranhenses. Contact our specialist travel consultant at Contours Travel to help you organize it!
The best you've never heard of? Not many people know about this sublime destination in north-eastern Brazil.
