Frommer's Favorite Experiences

Attending Carnaval in Rio: The biggest party in the world, whether you dance it on the streets, watch thousands participate with their elaborate costumes in the samba parade, or attend the fairy-tale Copacabana Palace ball. It's the one event not to miss!

Watching a Soccer Game at Maracan? Stadium: Nothing can prepare you for a game at the largest stadium in the world. Up to 100,000 fans sing, dance, and drum for hours in one of the biggest parties in town.

Tree Climbing in the Amazon Forest: Get off the river and delve into the forest. Most visitors only see the trees from the bottom up. Actually climbing into the tree will give you a whole new perspective on the forest and its ecosystem.

Getting to Know Pelourinho: The historical center of Salvador is a treasure of baroque churches, colorful colonial architecture, steep cobblestone streets, and large squares.

Hearing the Drummers in Pelô: At night the historic heart of Salvador comes alive with music. Most impressive are the Blocos Afro, the all-percussion bands that create a rhythm and beat with their drums so intensely it sends shivers down your spine.

Herding Water Buffalo in Marajó: The buffalo ranches on this island in the mouth of the Amazon offer city slickers a unique cowboy experience. Riding out on horseback, visitors to Fazenda Sanjo help farm hands round up the water buffalo herd and bring it back to the ranch.

Watching the Sunset Over the Lençóis Maranhenses: The magical snow-white dunes interlaced with strings of turquoise, blue, and green lagoons make one of the most spectacular sights in all of Brazil.

Kayaking in the Amazon: To explore the rainforest in depth, nothing beats a slow descent of an Amazon tributary; the kayak provides the freedom to view the rainforest at leisure, guides explain the workings of this ecosystem, and cooks prepare meals of delicious Amazon fish..

Admiring the Modernist Architecture of Brasilia: Built from scratch in a matter of years on the red soil of the dry cerrado, Brasilia is an oasis of modernism in Brazil's interior. Marvel at the clean lines and functional forms and admire some of the best public art in the country.

Getting Drenched at Amazing Iguaçu Falls: These falls consist of 275 cataracts along a 2.5km (1 1/2-mile) stretch of the Iguaçu River. The water's power mesmerizes as you stare into the roiling cauldrons.

Tanning at Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro: Yes, this is one of the most urban beaches in the world, but it's still one of the country's prime tanning spots. The long stretch of white sand is perfect for observing the tan and lovely (male and female alike). Or watch a game of volleyball while having a beer and some fresh seafood; if you feel like it, go for a swim or a stroll.

Hang Gliding in Rio: Running off the edge of a platform with nothing between you and the ground 800m (2,624 ft.) below requires a leap of faith, so to speak, but once you do, the views of the rainforest and beaches are so enthralling that you almost forget about the ground until your toes touch the sand at S?o Conrado beach.

Experiencing Feijoada, the National Dish: It's impossible to single out one restaurant in all of Brazil for its feijoada. Just try it and try it right. Start with a caipirinha (that potent, delicious lime and sugar-cane drink) and some caldo (soup), followed by steaming hot black beans with all the various meats. Side dishes include farofa, cabbage, orange slices, and white rice. Dab a bit of malagueta peppers on the beans for an extra kick.

Finding the Perfect Island Getaway: The perfect island getaway, Boipeba makes Morro de S?o Paulo seem busy and hectic. Just south of Morro, Boipeba offers glorious empty beaches framed by rows and rows of palm trees. At Boca da Barra, where the river Inferno meets the ocean, huge sand banks appear at low tide. You can choose whether to swim on the freshwater side or play in salty ocean.

Canoeing the Amazon: Just you and a canoe in the jungle. Your senses heighten as you listen to the sounds of the forest, watch for splashes in the water, and peer into the trees to find birds, sloths, and monkeys.

Eating Street Food: Whether you want prawns, chicken, tapioca pancakes, coconut sweets, or corn on the cob, it can all be purchased on the street for next to nothing. Don't be afraid to try some of the best snacks that Brazil has to offer.

Horseback Riding in the Pantanal: Too soggy to hike, the wet fields of the Pantanal are best explored on horseback. And if you like it fast, there's nothing like galloping through the fields, as a flurry of colorful birds scatter and caiman scurry off underfoot.