What most people have in mind when they think about spending their next holiday in Brazil, generally can be resumed in relaxing in a hammock under palm trees, shaded from the intense tropical sun, sipping a Caipirinha, strolling about in exotic nature and enjoying hot samba nights at Copacabana beach and it is so cheap: a pack cigarettes for $ 0.80, a bottle of Bacardi $ 2.70 a - non stop - BBQ dinner for less than $ 12, etc. etc. …not bad one might say, but…
Other travel options may be of interest to the more demanding traveler. Options, that offer insights in the cultural heritage of a people that have been influenced by a great ethnic diversity. Brazil means contrast in the first place, wherever you look. It is archaic and modern, very poor and very wealthy, at the same time.
Notwithstanding the dominating Catholicism - Brazil is the biggest catholic country - syncretism is extremely common, and not only among the lower social classes. Cultural roots can also be traced by the music for which Brazil has gained a world wide reputation. Design and architecture, both colonial and futuristic, are other highlights that put Brazil right up front on the international scenery.
The language is Portuguese, but it is heavily riddled with expressions and wordings from native Indian or even African linguistic root. Obviously both cultures are decisively linked not only to the cultural but also to the economical development of the Nation. Being a country of continental dimensions Brazil boasts seemingly endless natural resources that are becoming explored in a more sustainable manner than it used to be the case. Today Brazil is world leader in exports of a wide range of mainly agricultural products, but also its technology based industries, like aircraft, is growing steadily.
Through our cultural tours we aim to show the visitor Brazil the way it is - not the way a tourist would like it to be. Our guides are historians or architects and speak your language. The groups are small, never over eight people and the level is elevated.
Despite of superlatives and stereotypes, Rio de Janeiro can be considered one of the world most beautiful and fascinating cities. Hosting some 10 million inhabitants Rio is squeezed in between green mountains of the coastal rainforest and tropical beaches at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The city essentially shows the lifestyle of a South American metropolis, with a strong touch of tropical laissez-faire. A wide range of scenic, cultural and architectural highlights prove that the city does not strive exclusively on Samba and Carnival. A visit to the Sugar loaf, the Corcovado Mountain and a bath at the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema is obviously a must. The visitor however should not miss out on a stroll through the historical part of the city. Colorful, loud and busy, the city displays colonial architecture and - in contrast - modern office buildings, banks and business centers. But there are also quite corners and hidden places, where one can relax and meditate, surrounded by the exuberant tropical nature that makes Rio de Janeiro so attractive for visitors and locals alike.
A drive in southerly direction, along the shoreline of the Green Coast, takes us to the colonial town of Paraty, an 18th century seaport that played an important role during that period when gold from the Mines in Minas Gerais was shipped out from here to homeland Portugal; at that time an important colonial power that reigned Brazil during 4 centuries. The colonial gem is one of the most harmonic architectural ensembles in Brazil and has been named World Heritage by UNESCO. The about 4 hours scenic drive along the coast features great views on islands and little hidden beaches of overwhelming natural beauty.
The evening starts with a walk through the narrow cobble stone alleys romantically lit by colonial candelabras. The boutiques display a wide array of beautiful handicraft and Brazilian styled leisure clothing.
From here it will take a short drive through the Atlantic Coastal Mountains to get to the dream beach of Trindade. Sitting under a shadowy wild almond tree, right there at the beach and with a special batida poured by Carlos, right on your lips, you may wonder about all the hassle back home or elsewhere in the world. Heading back to Paraty in the afternoon not before paying a visit to one of the notorious sugar cane mills that produce fine cachaça, the Brazilian national drink! Our guide will take care however that the visit would not take too long, since a walk about the little town of Paraty is still on the list today. There you will marvel again at colonial mansions and churches that date back to the early 18th century and at elaborated architectural style of that time, contrasting sharply with modern edifications, fortunately not dominating in Paraty.
Peter Rohmer
southerncross2uol.com.br
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