Backpacking in Brazil

We backpacked one month in Brasil - a very exciting trip with many highlights. One of the better attractions were Rio De Janeiro, an absolutely amazing city in every aspect. The city has a population of 8 million people, and has been the capital until 1960 where Brasilia took its place. Rio is undoubtable the most beautiful city in the world. Spectacular beaches with Copacabana as the most famous of them, but beaches like Ipanema and Leblon are at least as popular by the local people - CARIOCAS - as people from Rio are called. On the top of the corcovado mountain in the outskirt of the city stands a world famous statue of crist looking at the spectacular view of the city. Often the people living in the slums have some of the best views of the city. Rio is also world famous for their carnival, which are held each year in February. If you like dancing, partying and happy days, the city will welcome you all year round. You won't find any city like Rio in the world! Our trip takes of in vibrating Rio whereafter we go south to some of the islands in the south. On the island Ilha Grande there are no cars or asphalt road, but lots of forest tracks linking the many wonderful beaches together. So if you need to get away from the stress and noice in the big city, these islands are the perfect choice, and just a few hours away. A 3 hour flight brings us to the northern parts of the country, which is highly influenced by the african culture. Salvador is the third most populous Brazilian city, after Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Over 80% of the population in this region are black African origin, a large contrast to the south. The city is full of beautiful historic buildings and monuments and in 1985 Pelourinho in the centre was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . The Population in this region is considered extremely "easygoing", and outdoor festivals and carnivals is very common in the daily life. Read about Salvador and when travel further north to the cities of Maceio, Recife and Olinda. The trip ends with a few days in one of the most populous cities in the world: Sao Paulo. The city which is probably the 5. largest city in the world is a cosmopolitan and modern city with over 11 million inhabitants. A number that is rapidly increasing because the city acts as a magnet for the rural poor from across the country and apparently also on foreigners who bring their clear mark on the city. Sao Paulo has more Italians than Venice and more Lebanese than Lebanon. Furthermore, it has the largest Japanese colony in the world. This alone means that Sao Paulo has the most cultural offers in Latin America with everything from art, theatre and museums. The city has 25.000 bars, nightclubs and restaurants, so there is enough to do in the city. The climate in Sao Paulo can be very unreliable, and when we visited the city, it was very cold in the evening. The price level in Brasil is below the one in Denmark - 50% lower. Still, Brasil is one of the more expensive countries in South America. The only down side is the security. Attacks of locals as well as tourist are a daily part of life. By using your reason in all situations, you can still enjoy a perfect vacation. Don't be afraid to visit this country as you will be rich on positive experiences as this population is very friendly and outgoing.