Recommended Nights: 3+
Recommended Hostel: Hostel Backpackers Sharehouse
Florianopolis is one of the most popular backpacking destinations on the southern coast of Brazil. Many backpackers arrive here from other parts of Brazil and find it really worth spending a few days to enjoy its great beaches. "Floripa", as it is otherwise known, is a big island connected to continental Brazil by a famous bridge called Hercilio Luz.
Florianopolis is also the name of the city found on the island, which hosts nice hostels and restaurants. But the most interesting part of the island are the more than 40 outstanding beaches that promise fun and relaxation for backpackers. In the north part of the island you can visit the popular 'Ingleses', a wide beach filled with nice bars and frequent parties. You may also wish to visit Jurerê Internacional, one of the most visited beaches and Canasvieiras with its calm sea and a great nightlife.
Inside the island you´ll also find two marvelous lakes called Lagoa do Peri (fresh water) and Lagoa da Conceição (salted water), as well as nice dunes and small islands. Ilha do Campeche is a great island that can be reached by boat from Florianopolis. Its beautiful nature and clear water are perfect for snorkeling and diving. If you are not shy around nudity and naturalist beaches then don´t hesitate to visit Praia Galheta. Its a calm and comfortable area. Finally, the best beaches for surfing are Praia Mole and Praia Joaquina on the Eastern side of the island, Ingleses do Vermelho in the Northern part, and campeche in the Southern part.
There are also many incredible places off the island on continental Brazil that are great to visit. In the north you should try bombas and bombinhas, two beautiful beaches where it is possible to enjoy snorkeling, diving and surfing. Cuatro islas is also a tremendous place to consider for surf lovers.
If you go south of Florianopolis, there are many other interesting places to visit. For example Garopaba, a striking bay with nice beaches great for surfing. Close to Garopaba there are two stunning beaches with incredible nightlife called Ferrugem and Praia do Rosa. Enjoy their great bars and parties and you´ll never forget your visit to this part of Brazil.
Don´t be surprised if you decide to stay more than what you have planned in Florianopolis. The great beaches invite a longer stay, and with Green Toad Bus we'll help you have the best backpacking experience in Brazil.
Recommended Nights: 3+
Recommended Hostel: Bonita Ipanema Hostel, Che Legarto Copacabana, Cabana Copa Hostel, Ipaneme Beach House.
Rio de Janeiro 'Cidade maravillosa' (marvelous city) is one of the most exciting cities for backpacking in Brazil, if not the world! But what is so great about it? Well everything! Rio is located in a beautiful bay on the atlantic coast and is surrounded by mountains and nature. It has awesome beaches such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca which combine dark blue water, rocky islands and wild forests. Partiers shouldn't miss the famous Carnival and great nightlife, especially in Lapa.
The two most famous mountains of Rio are Sugar Loaf and Corcovado. The Sugar Loaf is located close to the main beaches and there you can enjoy a nice view from the summit, which you get to by taking a cable-car. Corcovado Mountain supports the Christ Redemptor, the icon of Rio which you can see from almost any part of the city and you can get to it by train or taxi. It is a fantastic experience, both to see the magnificence of the statue and the beauty of the city from above.
One of the most fantastic experiences in Rio is its Carnival. It is celebrated the last days of February or the first days of March, and it definitely transforms the life of the city. The streets are full of colours and lights and you can feel the joy and happiness of people everywhere. The fantastic Sambodromo, where the 'escolas de samba' perform and compete is the heart of the carnival. The previous Friday, the city council gives the keys of the city to the 'King Momo', a character that represents the figure head of the carnival, and this is the official beginning of the celebration. The carnival lasts five days and is an unforgettable experience.
Rio is a big city with excellent beaches that make it so special. The most famous Copacabana and Ipanema are in great location, surrounded by hostels and shops, and great views of the 'morros' (mountains) nearby. They´re also usually visited by celebrities from Europe and the USA. But there are many more beaches to visit like Barra da Tijuca or Prainha.
If you like soccer then you shouldn´t miss the Maracana. This enormous stadium was built for the 1950 world soccer championship. Every weekend you can see one of the local teams and enjoy one of the best football leagues in a country that breaths the game.
There are many interesting museums like National library, the National Arts Museum and many more. Also the Botanic Garden is one of the best in existance. You can also visit some of the impressive buildings designed by the brazilian modernist architect Niemeyer, including the Cathedral of Rio and the MAC (Contemporary Art Museum) in Niteroi.
Rio de Janeiro features many other attractions, so plan to spend a few days backpacking in Rio de Janiero, as some find it too hard to leave.
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