Aside from being a popular destination amongst football and samba fans, Brazil is home to many stunning small towns, welcoming travellers to take a thrilling trip to this beautiful South American country.
[rpi]PARATY – THE PRECIOUS JEWEL OF RIO DE JANEIRO
Surrounded by mind-blowingly lush jungles and endless mountains, Paraty or Parati is one of the best-preserved port towns in Brazil. Founded in 1531 in a bay south of Rio de Janeiro, the town is the epitome of historical colonial architecture. As a heavenly port, undulating mountains, small sandy bays, floating sailboats and verdant groves compete for your attention, you must not miss the spectacular whitewashed buildings with eye-popping colourful trims sitting side by side. Here, you will fall head over heels for the peaceful natural beauty. It is no exaggeration to say that Paraty is a precious jewel of Brazil and a favoured destination for those who love adventure and discovery.
OURO PRETO – THE GOLDEN TOWN OF MINAS GERAIS
Founded in the early 1700s on the hills of the Vila Rica in the state of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is famous for its enormous gold reserve. Ouro Preto means black gold, this Brazilian town was a centre of the thirst for gold and a witness for the pinnacle period of Brazil in the 18th century. In 1980, Ouro Preto was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Visiting the small town of Ouro Preto, you will see idyllic white-painted buildings perched on the hillside and the colonial church of São Francisco with its unique baroque architecture. Ouro Preto also boasts a cool climate, refreshing landscape and proud historical and cultural values, making it a must-visit destination for any trip to Brazil.
MORRETES – THE PARADISE TOWN OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL
Your trip to the beautiful town of Morretes will be exhilarating and unforgettable as you hop on the Serra Verde Express. Departing from the city of Curitiba – the capital of Paraná, the train winds alongside the green mountainside of the Mata Atlantica, slowly descending down to almost sea level and steadily arriving into the small town of Morretes. Dating back to the early 1700s, Morretes lies along the Nhundiaquara River and works its way down to Paranagua Bay. You would be missing out if you took the train back to Curitiba City without walking around this peaceful village, appreciating the airy nature and enjoying the famous meat-stew, known as Barredo.
BUZIOS, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
If you are looking for a wonderful beach to revel in untouched nature and unique culture, then this small Brazilian town of Buzios is a must to add to your travel bucket list. Located on a cove-filled peninsula, jutting out into the Atlantic, Buzios is full of entertainment hot spots such as inns, pousadas, outdoor bars or bikini and surf shops, making it ideal for the ultimate leisure experience. Walking around the scenic town and admiring the long-standing historical structures and magnificent palaces with outstanding colonial architecture will be an unforgettable experience when travelling to this beautiful town.
OLINDA – THE ANCIENT TOWN IN PERNAMBUCO
Dating back to 1537, located in Brazil’s northeast, the ancient Brazilian town of Olinda is one of the oldest and most charming destinations. Olinda was a site of exportation of sugarcane and the importation of forced African labour to work on those plantations. Situated a stone’s throw from the small town of Olinda, the city of Recife is dubbed the ‘Venice of Brazil’ thanks to its diverse system of rivers and canals. In 1982, Olinda was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical values such as Baroque-style churches, monasteries and chapels. Here, you will be mesmerised by South America’s most intact colonial architecture.
GRAMADO, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL
Located in the southernmost part of Brazil in the majestic Serra Gaúcha mountains, the small town of Gramado looks like a Bavarian village in Germany with winding small streets and idyllic castles. Apart from the amazing variety of charming natural landscapes, its admirable historical and cultural values intrigue visitors from around the world. Gramado’s enchanting charm attracts millions of visitors every Christmas. Amongst the bustling festive ambience, visitors can enjoy terrific firework displays, drink a cool beer and taste the best traditional chocolate flavours in Gramado.
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