Brazil is a fantastic cruise destination with more than 4,500 miles of coastline and a high-energy culture. A variety of cruise lines call on this vast country, which covers roughly half of South America. Here’s a quick look at some ports you can visit along Brazil’s Atlantic coast, from north to south.
Like many
Brazilian port cities, Belém has a historic center where colonial-era buildings
make a scenic contrast with the skyscrapers in newer parts of town. Belém’s Cidade
Velha (Old Town) includes the lovely Teatro da Paz, charming squares, and the
busy Ver o Peso market.
In Fortaleza,
named for a fortress that dates from 1649, you’ll find Parque Ecológico
do Cocó, a huge urban park, and the Mercado Central, full of handmade jewelry, leather
goods, and local tastes. Or, head for a sandy beach that’s backed by dramatic red
cliffs at Morro Branco.
A network
of rivers, lagoons, and bridges makes Recife the “Venice of Brazil.” Enjoy the
beach at Boa Viagem, or view collections of medieval weaponry and art at Instituto
Ricardo Brennand. Perched on lush green hills, the lovely and historic area of
Olinda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally
a complex of sugar plantations, Maceio is now better known for beaches, seafood,
and Festa Junina, a celebration around the June solstice. Praia do Gunga is one
of Brazil’s prettiest beaches; or, you can take a boat ride to Maragogi and wade
in clear tidepools that emerge between the reefs.
Salvador
is prized for its blend of Native, African, and European cultures, which are
reflected in the city’s architecture, food, and music. The historic
neighborhood of Pelourinho is full of architecturally significant buildings,
museums, and demonstrations of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art.
Backed by stunning
mountains, Rio de Janeiro is world-famous for the beaches of Ipanema and
Copacabana, the celebration of Carnival, and the Samba tradition of music and
dance. It also has vibrant neighborhoods with top-level cultural attractions,
fine dining, and sports. There’s so much to see that it can be a challenge to select
just one shore excursion, so be sure to consider all your choices.
Many cruises
that visit Brazil also call on ports in the neighboring countries of Uruguay
and Argentina, stop at some of Brazil’s islands, or include a sail-up part of the
Amazon River. To explore your options for cruising in beautiful Brazil, talk
with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
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