This past month I had the opportunity to venture to South America for the first time.
I was invited by my colleague, Shelley, another agent in the Mode Travel circle. Our conversation went something like this:
"Hey, you wanna come to Brazil with me for like eight days?" "Yep. Sure do."
And that was that.
I'm a very laid back traveler, itineraries don't really matter much to me, I like the adventure, and the surprise of the unknown is part of the fun for me. I find in my own travels that researching too much sets an expectation and I like to approach a new destination with as few pre-formed opinions as I can. All I really knew about Brazil is that they have a cool statue, Carnival happens there, the Amazon is there and they have snakes. I am not a fan of snakes, so I was, admittedly, a little hyper-focused on that. 😬
We had a few bumps along the way, including an unplanned overnight in Houston due to flight delays and our flight crew timing out, but we made the best of it and our tour group leader made sure we got caught up on what we missed.
So here are some highlights if you have seven days to spend in Rio De Janeiro:
Our hotel, right across from Copacabana Beach. The views were gorgeous. It was an ideal spot because we were walking distance to many shops and the night markets. Almost every night they have vendors that set up along the boardwalk selling all things Brazil - if you can't find yourself a unique souvenir here, you likely won't find it anywhere.
I also loved that in the evenings you could see the Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.
Visiting Christ the Redeemer
A sight you definitely want to see! Book your tickets on the tram early, as it was already packed with people by 9:30 AM
Ascend Sugar Loaf Mountain - the sky tram is amazing and you can see all of Rio from the top!
Ihla Grande (The Big Island)
We took a ferry to spend two nights on this amazing island. Only about 4000 people live on the island and there are approximately 2 cars on the whole island. Everyone walks everywhere - It was kind of a surreal environment. I could throw a rock and hit the ocean from our hotel's front door. Kids out playing in the streets (no cars, no problems) and I felt really at ease even walking around after dark. It felt like a small town.
After hiking a bit of their national park, we ate an incredible meal at a tiny mom and pop restaurant that was setup almost like a potluck style. There were literally crock pots keeping food items hot, and it was all SO GOOD. I also don't think I've ever had better fruit in any country I've visited.
Taken from the front door of our hotel
Highlight of the trip: Lopes Mendes Beach - WOWZA
We hiked through the Atlantic Rainforest to reach this little slice of heaven in beach form. When I say I was sweating, that would be an understatement. I wasn't sure if it was the possibility of seeing a snake or the hike itself, but I was natured out by the time we reached the heavenly beach.
The only comparable water color I've seen was in Turks and Caicos. It was like looking through blue glass. You could see the bottom forever and it was absolutely gorgeous. We had the beach almost exclusively to ourselves.
Emerging through the trees to the beach after a snakeless hike
Clearest water you've ever seen
Shelley and I also took a Samba lesson and trekked down to Ipanema Beach to finish out our last day.
A trip to remember for sure!
Add this destination to your list if you're an avid hiker, naturist or like trips with a bit more of an authentic flair!
Muah 😘,
Alicia
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