The Olympics are going to Brazil and so should you: Some places to visit in Rio and beyond

October 3, 6:52 PMSeattle International Travel ExaminerAnnika Hipple

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When Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Summer Olympics yesterday, it was a victory for all of South America, which has never hosted the Games. Preparing for the Olympics will be an expensive undertaking, but it will also be a wonderful opportunity for Brazil to showcase its many attractions. But why wait until 2016 to visit Brazil? 

Here is a sampling of what South America's largest - and only Portuguese-speaking - country has to offer. 

Rio de Janeiro – Known to Brazilians as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), Rio needs little introduction. Famous for its natural beauty, music, and celebrations, it’s a city filled with contrasts and zest for life. Enjoy the surf, sand, and atmosphere of unabashed sexuality at the spectacular beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, or take in the views from Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar) or Corcovado, home to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Wander through the diverse neighborhoods and savor some Brazilian cuisine at the city’s many restaurants.

São Paulo – South America’s largest city, São Paulo is the financial and commercial heart of Brazil. It’s a cosmopolitan place, home to a wide range of ethnic groups, including sizeable Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese Christian, Arab, and Italian communities. The many excellent ethnic restaurants reflect the city’s melting-pot character. São Paulo also has some of the best museums on the continent, a lively arts scene, and some of Brazil’s best nightlife.

Amazonia – Home to more species of plants and animals than any other ecosystem in the world, the vast Amazon basin sprawls over a huge portion of Brazil and its neighboring countries. Travel the waterways of the Amazon River and its tributaries by motorized canoe and venture into the rainforest on foot to get a feel for the richness of this amazing ecosystem. Stay at a jungle lodge in the heart of the rainforest or take a river cruise between Belem and Manaus or beyond.

Pantanal – This vast swampy region in west-central Brazil is a paradise for lovers of wildlife, which is more easily spotted here than in the dense Amazon forest. With luck you might encounter jaguars, ocelots, capybaras, armadillos, caimans, anacondas, monkeys, tapirs, and more than 700 bird species. Cuiaba and Campo Grande are the most common jumping-off points for excursions into the Pantanal. Horseback riding is a popular way to get explore the region.

Brasilia – Brazil’s capital is a planned city that was designed from scratch in the 1950s. The city is worth visiting for anyone with an interest in architecture and urban design. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its innovative modernist architecture and unified design.

Iguaçu Falls – Among the most stunning waterfalls in the world, Iguaçu straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. On the Brazilian side, the falls and surrounding area are protected by Parque Nacional Foz do Iguaçu. The park’s lush semi-tropical forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including toucans, ocelots, tapirs, and howler monkeys.

Bahia – The northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia is the heartland of Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded in 1549, the state capital Salvador was the first capital of Brazil and the site of the first slave market in the New World. The city has a rich tradition of music, dance, and folklore, including African-influenced art forms such as capoeira and the drum-driven axé rhythms. The historic city center preserves many buildings from the colonial era.

Nordeste – Northeastern Brazil, has long been the country’s poorest region but is an up-and-coming destination for travelers. Beyond Bahia, the region has much to offer, including historic cities such as Olinda, Recife, and Fortaleza; spectacular, uncrowded beaches; coral reefs and other marine life; and friendly people. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is renowned for its unspoiled beaches, clear water, and excellent snorkeling and diving.

In addition to Brasilia, several other locations described here are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are Iguaçu Falls, the historic center of Salvador da Bahia, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, and portions of the Pantanal and the Amazon basin. 

Photo by AP Photo/David Oziel: People relaxing on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.