Brazil – Passion, Rhythm and Tropical Scents

Brazil is not just a country, it is a feeling. The scent of the sea, the rhythm of Samba, the colours of the rainforest and the elemental energy that is almost tangible. Team Leader & Private Travel Designer, Tomáš Marek, of Exclusive Tours travelled across this vast and sensual country to discover its true nature and to assist those who want to travel in a different way – with comfort, certainty and experiences that cannot fit into the normal itinerary.

Which of Brazil's most famous landmarks did you visit during your journey ?

I visited some of the most iconic locations that are synonymous with Brazil – Rio de Janeiro with its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain with its amazing views, the beaches in the state of Bahia, and the concrete jungle of São Paulo. And I definitely have to recommend the Iguaçu Falls in the south of the country and the Amazon rainforest.

How would you compare the individual places – which ones impressed you the most and why ?

Rio is a city that never sleeps. What struck me most was how vertical it is – how many rocks, hills and mountains there are, and what views they offer. São Paulo amazed me with its size. It is a huge city and wherever you look, skyscrapers tower above you. The state in the east of the country called Bahia, and especially its surfing town of Itacaré,  captivates with its relaxed, friendly, party atmosphere and the omnipresent sense of ease symbolised by Samba in the evening streets.

What was your overall impression of Brazilian culture and history ?

In Brazil, history and culture are not hidden away in museums, but live on in the streets, in music, in football, in dance, in food and in the people themselves. Each place has its own rhythm, and together they form a fascinating mosaic. I am glad that I was able to experience Brazil in this authentic way – and thanks to Exclusive Tours, I can now help our clients discover the true nature of this country.

Which places should everyone visiting Brazil see for the first time ?

Definitely Rio de Janeiro – this city has everything that people associate with Brazil. For Exclusive Tours clients, we can arrange priority access to the Christ the Redeemer statue before the crowds of tourists arrive, as well as fast-track access to the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. Other locations I would highlight are the Iguaçu Falls, which are among the greatest natural wonders of the world, and, if time allows, at least a short stay in the Amazon.

How would you describe the atmosphere of each location – from cities to natural wonders ?

Rio is very lively – all is in motion, playing, singing. São Paulo has a metropolitan vibe, where business, art and gastronomy meet. When I hear Itacaré, I think of a sun-kissed beach and caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made from cachaça, lime, cane sugar and crushed ice. The Iguaçu Falls are a symphony of rushing water, while the Amazon is the embodiment of meditation. Each place has a different energy and Exclusive Tours knows how to combine them into a perfect, customised experience.

Was there anything that surprised you when visiting these unforgettable sights ?

I was surprised by the sheer contrast. Rio mixes luxury with simplicity, busy streets with peaceful beaches. The Iguaçu Falls impressed me with their monumentality and the Amazon with its purity. São Paulo with its towering heights. One cannot find any point of reference on the horizon, because there is no horizon – it is covered by the skyline. All these places are so rich in experiences and so diverse, that it is worth having your own guide. Exclusive Tours will not only provide a customised travel plan, but also local experts who reveal hidden spots off the beaten track.

If you had to choose one memorable experience out of all these highlights, which one would it be and why ?

The spontaneous Samba in the streets of Itacaré. I enjoyed the unrestrained happiness and energy everywhere.

Did anything unexpected happen during your journey? Anything that caught you off guard ?

I was surprised by the very Samba I mentioned and the moment when we joined in dancing with the locals in the street. For a moment, we became part of their community.

If you had to describe the locals in five words, what would they be ?

Smiling, lively, proud, relaxed, and athletic.

What are the best specialities of Brazilian cuisine? What should we not miss when visiting a Brazilian restaurant ?

Definitely a freshly caught grilled fish with a drop of lime juice served on a banana leaf – a simple dish, but it was the gastronomic highlight of Bahia. And, of course, the local fruit, which tastes completely different from what we have at home. I also enjoyed the many variations on the traditional Brazilian ­caipirinha cocktail with different types of fruit.

How did you view the differences between modern cities (e.g. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) and natural locations, virtually untouched by civilisation ?

It feels like switching back and forth between two worlds. São Paulo and Rio are dynamic, vibrant, noisy cities full of energy. There is already a huge contrast between Rio and its adjacent Tijuca rainforest, which I definitely recommend visiting. And the Amazon or Bahia will slow you down and help you breathe. There, you can disconnect from civilisation. Which is why at Exclusive Tours, we recommend combining both sides of Brazil – urban and natural.

I have a trip to Brazil coming up. What are the top three tips you would give me ?

Firstly, let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the country. Secondly, try everything you can, from street food to Michelin star restaurants. And thirdly, give yourself plenty of time for the trip, because Brazil is huge and has so much to offer.

The Amazon rainforest – how would you describe it to someone who has never been to such a place ?

It is a world in itself. Everything is bigger, louder, rawer. The Amazon teaches you to be humble – it reminds you that we are not masters of Nature, but part of it.

During your travels around Brazil, you visited not only many landmarks, but also hotels. Which hotel is the most memorable to you and why ?

There are many amazing hotels in Brazil, but if I had to choose just one, I would mention the Rosewood São Paulo hotel. Staying there was an exceptional experience for me. Despite its location in the heart of the city, it feels like an oasis. Its architecture stands out from the rest of the city. It is in a converted maternity hospital, built at the beginning of the last century, which is in sharp contrast to the concrete high-rises around it. Each room has its own original features – for example, a guitar signed by a famous Brazilian musician, which you can take off the wall and play. The design, the cuisine, the atmosphere – all coming together to create something that is difficult to describe. It is a venue that teaches you to see beauty in the chaos of the city. These are the kinds of experiences we strive to find for our clients.

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