Welcome to the Next Stop: Brazil Blog

Each year, the result of the Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro is decided inside the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí , where the city’s top samba schools compete for the championship title. The Sambadrome, inaugurated in 1984 and designed by Oscar Niemeyer , is a purpose built parade avenue measuring approximately 700 metres in length and holding around 72,000 spectators during the main parade nights. The competition features schools from the Grupo Especial, the highest division of Ri

Brazilian Carnival is one of the world’s most vibrant, chaotic, and colourful festivals, known for its energetic street parties ( blocos ), samba parades, and extravagant costumes. One lesser known, but important, part of Carnival fashion is the abadá . If you're planning to attend a Camarote , a closed bloco, or other private events, you'll need to understand what an abadá is and how you can (and can't) customise it. What is an Abadá? An abadá  is a brightly coloured branded

Everyone has heard of Brazil's top destinations: Rio de Janeiro . The Amazon . Iguazu Falls . However at 8.5 square kms, almost the size of the United States, Brazil is a huge and highly diverse country. In 2026 the most interesting trips are happening in Brazil's top up and coming destinations. Across the country, smaller beach towns and national parks are gaining attention as travellers look for places that feel undiscovered. From windy beaches in Rio Grande do Norte to wat

Rio de Janeiro , while best known for its stunning beaches, samba, and Carnival parties , also hides some of the world’s most incredible hiking trails. Surrounded by lush mountains and Atlantic rainforest, ocean, and bays, these trails provide an incredible way to see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro while also encountering some of its local wildlife . This post will show you ten unforgettable hikes that every active traveler will love, that you can do while visiting in R

Shakira is set bring her iconic "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour" to the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on 2 May 2026, for a spectacular free concert. This show is part of the "Todo Mundo no Rio" initiative, aimed at boosting the local economy. Madonna performed at first edition of the event in 2024, which attracted 1.6 million people. Lady Gaga brought her iconic show "Mayhem on the Beach" for the program's second edition in 2025, attracting 2.1 million peop

In 2025, Lady Gaga brought her iconic Mayhem world tour to the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro , for a spectacular free concert called "Mayhem on the Beach". The year before, in 2024, Madonna performed attracting 1.6 million people. These shows were part of the "Todo Mundo no Rio" initiative, aimed at boosting the local economy. In 2026, the show is set to return, but the performer is yet to be announced. Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming 2026 fr

If you are travelling to Brazil, a common question is whether you can drink the tap water. The answer depends on where you are. In large cities such as São Paulo , Rio de Janeiro , and Brasília the municipal water supply is treated and considered safe by local standards. However, many travellers are advised to avoid drinking tap water directly, because changes in water chemistry, old plumbing, and unfamiliar bacteria can cause stomach discomfort for visitors even when the wa

If you're planning a trip to Brazil and have been wondering how to learn Brazilian Portuguese online, don't wait any longer to get started. Learning Portuguese is one of the best things you can do to enhance your trip to Brazil, helping you not only find your way around, but really get to know local people. With a little Portuguese, you'll find yourself making new friends and having new experiences that otherwise wouldn't be possible. Ready to plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro

Carnival in Brazil is a national celebration that brings music, costumes and community events into cities across the country. While many events cater to an adult audience, Carnival also includes many activities created specifically for families and children. Children are drawn to Carnival for the vibrant costumes, glitter, face paint, dancing and lively music. Dressing up, joining in small parades, and dancing to the rhythms of drums are experiences that captivate young audi

If you're planning to attend Salvador Carnival in 2026, you may be deciding the best way to celebrate. The main Carnival festivities in Salvador take place at blocos (street parties) and parades. In Salvador, Carnival is a city-wide street party with music trucks called trios elétricos  leading the way. Aside from following the trios in the pipoca  (the crowd following behind the truck), camarotes  offer a more private, organised, and safe way to watch the parades. Camarote

Carnival in Brazil is one of the country’s largest and most iconic festivals. It takes place annually in the days leading up to Lent and combines music, dance, samba school parades at the Sambadrome , and street parties, called blocos . The most famous celebrations are held in the cities of Rio de Janeiro , Salvador , Recife and Olinda , however there are Carnival events held across the country. The festival attracts millions of locals as well as international travellers look

Brazil is a country where urban transport can vary widely depending on the city and region. Ride‑hailing apps like Uber have become a popular choice for both locals and visitors, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and public transport. Beyond standard car rides, many cities also offer motorbike trips and access to public electric bicycles through the Uber app, providing flexible options for navigating traffic or reaching tourist areas. This guide breaks do

Brazil is a country known for it's parties and festivals - and their elaborate New Year's Eve celebration is no exception. New Year’s Eve, or "Réveillon," is one of the most widely celebrated events in the Brazil. Its blend of indigenous, African, and European new year traditions has given rise to a unique event combining religious practices with the modern NYE experience, including a huge fireworks display on Copacabana Beach. This post will explore how Brazilians celebrate

The Green Coast of Sao Paulo, known in Portuguese as Costa Verde, is a coastal area in the southern part of the state of São Paulo . The name refers to the stunning green forest that reaches the sea along most of the coastline, meeting the Atlantic Ocean at the eastern edge. It covers the shoreline from Bertioga through Ilhabela and Ubatuba, to the border with Rio de Janeiro state and includes beaches, Atlantic Forest, rivers and offshore islands. The region contains protect

The Pororoca Onda is a large tidal bore in Brazil that forms when Atlantic Ocean tides enter the mouth of the Amazon River system and moves inland. The name Pororoca, meaning "big noise" in the indigenous Tupi language, refers to the sound made by the incoming water. The wave can reach heights of about four metres in some sections and can travel for hundreds of kilometres along the river and its tributaries, making the Pororoca the longest wave in the world. This bore creates

Brazilians love a reason to celebrate, and Christmas is no different. The Christmas season in Brazil is full of colour an music, celebrated during the country’s summer, full of colour, music, and family traditions. Unlike in countries where Christmas is associated with snow, Brazilians enjoy sunny days at the beach or park alongside some European traditions like Christmas Eve dinner. The holiday season in Brazil blends Catholic and European traditions, with its own local twis

Rock in Rio  is back in Rio de Janeiro for its 11th unforgettable edition in September 2026. Running roughly every second year, this festival is a cornerstone of Brazil's live music scene. The 2026 edition promises even more excitement, world-class artists, improved infrastructure, and an immersive cultural experience. The first tickets for Rock in Rio 2026 went on sale on the 9th of December 2025. The next round will go on sale in March 2026, exclusively on the official tic

The Lakes Region of Rio de Janeiro, known in Portuguese as Região dos Lagos, is a coastal area in the eastern part of the state of Rio de Janeiro , Brazil. It stretches roughly from the city of Saquarema in the west to the tip of Cabo Frio in the east, covering a mix of lagoons, beaches, and small towns. The Lakes Region is known for its combination of calm lagoons suitable for water sports and long stretches of sandy beaches that attract tourists year-round. The region is na

Brazil contains some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Its wetlands, rainforests, coastal islands, and mountain forests hold thousands of animal species, from mammals to birds and aquatic animals. Brazil is a perfect travel destination for anyone who wants to spot wild animals in their natural habitats. Wildlife tourism in Brazil varies across regions, with diverse ecosystems supporting different animals depending on the environment. The Pantanal offers the most relia