26 articles tagged with brazil travel
The human brain responds powerfully to elevation—both literal and metaphorical. Standing 2,300 feet above Rio de Janeiro on my first morning atop Pedra Bonita, watching hang gliders launch themselves into the void, I experienced what psychologists call 'awe'—that rare emotion...
After decades of plotting shipping routes across California, I've developed quite the knack for navigating transportation systems worldwide. Last month, my wanderlust led me to Porto Alegre, the vibrant capital of Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul. What I...
The moment my boat slipped away from Manaus, leaving behind the last vestiges of urban life, I felt that familiar mix of exhilaration and healthy fear that comes with true adventure. Two weeks in the Amazon, solo—no tour group safety...
When I first moved from Louisiana to São Paulo for love, I never imagined how deeply I'd fall for Brazil itself. Porto Alegre, the vibrant capital of Rio Grande do Sul, has become my favorite solo getaway when I need...
The first time I stepped onto Rio's streets, I felt that familiar tingle of discovery—the same sensation I get when tracking wildlife through Darwin's forests. But here, the ecosystem is human: a vibrant tapestry of neighborhoods each with its own...
When most people think of Rio de Janeiro, images of Copacabana's golden sands and the rhythmic sway of samba dancers immediately come to mind. But having just returned from a week-long winter escape to this Brazilian metropolis, I'm here to...
The first time I laid eyes on Iguazu Falls, I was struck speechless – a rare condition for someone who's made a career out of describing the world's wonders. Standing at the Devil's Throat, with water thundering down from three...
The morning bells of São Francisco de Assis church pulled me from sleep just as they've done for locals for centuries. From my window, the undulating terracotta rooftops of Ouro Preto stretched across the valley, bathed in that distinctive Brazilian...
Standing at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Atlantic Ocean, Belém offers a fascinating gateway into one of Earth's most complex ecosystems. As someone who's spent decades studying how ancient peoples adapted to challenging environments, I found the...
The pulsing rhythm of samba drums echoed through the narrow streets of Lapa as I wandered alone through Rio's historic bohemian district. The city's energy was electric, reminiscent of those all-night Berlin warehouse parties from my stage design days, but...
Standing in São Paulo's chaotic Tietê bus terminal with my medical pack slung over one shoulder, I found myself doing what I always do in unfamiliar territory—assessing my options with the same methodical approach I use during triage. The 430-kilometer...
The cobblestone streets beneath my feet seemed to whisper stories of gold rushes and revolution as I wandered through Ouro Preto at dawn. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Minas Gerais isn't just another postcard-perfect Brazilian destination—it's a living museum...
The first time I laid eyes on Lençóis Maranhenses, I genuinely thought someone had photoshopped the landscape. Vast stretches of blindingly white sand dunes cradle thousands of turquoise and emerald lagoons that appear like a mirage in this otherworldly corner...
The moment my feet touched the golden sands of Copacabana, I knew Rio had captured my heart in a way few destinations ever could. As someone who's spent years guiding travelers along coastlines worldwide, I can tell you there's something...
The first time I stepped foot in Sao Paulo with my 10-year-old son Max, I felt like we'd walked into an animated feature film where every frame burst with vivid colors and unexpected characters. This wasn't the Brazil of travel...
