In the first half of 2012, we spent our early Summer holiday in Brazil, where we travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Aracaju. Some of you may not know that I was born in Brazil, so it was very important to me that my husband Matthew got to experience my native culture, see my home town and meet my family, who is still entirely based in Brazil. Our trip to Brazil was almost 3 years ago and we are long overdue another visit, especially now with our son James. This was such a special holiday because we had the opportunity to spend time with my family, as well as travel a little bit to some places that mean a lot to me. I’ve selected a few of my favourite pictures from our holiday to Brazil and I’ve spent the whole day reminiscing and dreaming of going back. Just look at that tropical weather!

Aracaju, Sergipe

Highlights:
Xingó’s Canyon
Aracaju Aquarium (Oceanário)
13 de Julho Promenade
Croa do Goré
Orla de Atalaia

First stop: Aracaju – my home town. Aracaju is a relatively small city (compared to other cities in Brazil), and it is the capital of Sergipe. It’s located in the northeast of Brazil and we have Summer all year round, with temperatures that rarely drop below 24 degrees Celsius. I know that it sounds like I’m bragging, but I promise I’m not – well, maybe a little. It’s a lovely little city; small enough that everyone knows everyone and big enough to have access some big city luxuries, such as shopping centres, lots of restaurants, bars and a moderately exciting nightlife!

Oh, and the beaches are amazing; soft sand, warm water and literally on my doorstep. We took a boat trip through Xingó’s Canyon and swam in the São Francisco river and that was really good fun! If you ever feel inclined to visit Aracaju, I would highly recommend it as a place for a quiet family break. Click here to find out more about Aracaju.

Salvador, Bahia

Highlights:
Pelourinho
Iberostar Praia do Forte Resort Hotel
São Francisco Church and Convent
Stella Maris Beach
Farol da Barra Beach
Dique de Tororó
Mercado Modelo

Next we went to Salvador, the capital of Bahia and a much bigger city. My sister lived in Salvador for several years, where she went to University, and some of my family still lives there, so I know my way around pretty well. Carnival in Salvador is so much fun and the nightlife there is amazing! Tourism-wise, Salvador is one of oldest cities in Brazil, so there are lots to see and get a real feel of the culture, but my favourite part about Bahia is the coast line, filled with breathtakingly beautiful beaches and beach resorts.

We stayed at the Iberostar Resort Hotel at Praia do Forte, one of my favourite holiday destinations in Brazil! I’ve been there many times with my mum & siblings, but it’s always a pleasure to go back. Its all-inclusive packages offer the best value for money and luxurious experience you can have. It’s definitely worth having a look if you’re looking for a safe, picturesque and relaxing holiday for you and the kids, a romantic getaway or a fun break with the girls! Click here to read about the Iberostar Praia do Forte Resort Hotel.

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

Highlights:
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar)
Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer Statue)
Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)
Arpoador
Pedra da Gávea
Maracanã Stadium
Ipanema Beach
Tijuca National Park
Rio Scenarium
Copacabana Beach

Last but most certainly not least, we went to Rio de Janeiro. If you’ve never heard of either cities above, Rio is more likely to ring a bell. The poster city of Brazil and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, Rio was definitely a highlight of our holiday to Brazil. We visited all the main tourist attractions – the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar), Christ The Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor), Corcovado Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches – as well as other places recommended to us by some of our local friends.

We stayed at the Argentina Hotel, which is located within walking distance to Botafogo beach and also close to Copacabana. It’s a small hotel, but perfectly adequate and I would recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere in a good location and budget-friendly to stay in Rio. The Rio 2016 Olympics are coming up, so if you’re planning on going, click here to read more about Rio.

I hope you enjoyed seeing our pictures from our holiday in Brazil and reading a little bit about some of my favourite places to visit in Brazil. Leave a comment below or send me a message if you would like me to recommend some other nice places to go to in Brazil! :)

Did you enjoy reading this post? Read more about my travels:

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P&O Cruise to the Mediterranean

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