Brazil is one of the most impressive countries to travel to. No matter what you look for - city tours, country site, beaches, adventure, partying - Brazil will serve all tastes. Brazilians say that Brazil is a continent, and even though that’s a slight exaggeration, Brazil is immense and full of contrast. From modern and rich Sao Paulo, to the poor Northeast to the Amazonas…

I have to admit that when I first arrived in Brazil, I was a little disappointed. And it’s true that there is so much hype about Brazil, Carnival and the ongoing partying that my huge expectations weren’t met. But really, it took only a short time for me to get accustomed and to fall profoundly for this country, its happy, friendly inhabitants and this amazing culture.

My personal favorite is Salvador de Bahía –or Bahía how Brazilians usually call it. Originally the first capital of Brazil, its streets are still full of history and colonial buildings. It’s also one of the cities with the strongest Afro-Brazilian heritage. I read that Salvador is the city outside of Africa with the highest percentage of African descendants outside of Africa, and this heritage is omnipresent in Salvador. Capoeira-dancers, African drums and rhythms, Axé music. This city definitely has a relaxed attitude – until the frenetic Carnival starts. What, you thought that the best Carnival is in Rio? Well, Rio de Janeiro has the costumes, the Samba and it’s an incredible festival to watch. But the Carnival of Salvador is a Carnival to participate, where all and everybody celebrates and dances.

There is a lot of tourism in Brazil, so no matter whether you’re in Salvador, Rio de Janeiro or Floripa you’ll always find a lot of fellow gringos. On the one hand that means that there are all the tourism infrastructure you might need. On the other hand it also means tons of souvenir stores, massive tourism groups and unfortunately also prostitution. It’s not a big deal, you just have to know what you’re gonna find and be prepared to get out of the center in order to find the “real” Brazil with its friendly people. So in Salvador the Pelourinho is quite touristic, but if you go to Rio Vermelho the story changes a lot.

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city. It has one of the most spectacular views from the Pao de Açucar or the Cristo Redentor. A swirling night life – the best Samba places, but also the most chic clubs with electronic music and a hip crowd. And there is no better way to handle your hangout than relaxing on the beach, eating Açai ice and watching Brazilian beauties walk by (there are great sights, no matter whether you’re a guy or a gal…). The Favelas are really impressive. It is a sad reality, but for me also an impressive proof of the Brazilian spirit. No matter how poor, Brazilians enjoy life and maintain a positive attitude.

Sao Paulo is the Business capital and an asphalt jungle. There ain’t much beautiful in Sao Paulo (except for the Ibirapuera Park). But Sao Paulo has the best partying in Brazil, even better than in Rio de Janeiro. In Sao Paulo you can go out “de segunda a segunda” like Brazilians say (from Monday until Monday), and it’s true, you will always find somewhere a packed club, no matter what day of the week. If you like the hip crowd head to Vila Olimpia, if you prefer more bourgeois bars go to Vila Madalena.

But Brazil also has some of the most amazing natural wonders: the Pantanal is the biggest wetland and one of the best places to spot animal life, especially in the dry months when there are less water places left and the animals are easier to find. You will enjoy the sights of birds, snakes and alligators relaxing in the sun.

On the border to Argentine lie the mighty Foç do Iguaçu waterfalls. Make sure you go in the wet period when the rivers are swollen and the waterfalls are way more impressive. The most spectacular view on the waterfalls are from the Argentinean side so make sure you cross the border to admire the falls also from the other side.