What is Brazil Famous For?

Brazil is a country known all around the world, whether it be for its incredible mountains and beaches, famous footballers or even backpacking Brazil which is becoming increasingly popular.

Everyone knows Brazil and often asks, “What is Brazil famous for?” Here we answer that question, as we share many of the things that Brazil is well-known for.

15 Things Brazil Is Famous For

There are a number of reasons for Brazil’s fame, a fame that is undeniably deserved. It’s one of the most unique and fascinating countries on our planet. 

So in no particular order, here are 15 things Brazil famous for.

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1. Carnaval

It’s impossible to mention Brazil without thinking of its infamous Carnaval. Every February, the country moves into party mode. With thousands of street parties, festivals and concerts, Carnival is the most fun time of the year in Brazil. The most famous Carnaval in Brazil has to be in Rio, but there are other popular ones as you go up the east coast.

I spent the most amazing week celebrating Carnaval in Salvador and can highly recommend it if you would prefer a less international but more local Carnaval experience.

Visiting Brazil during Carnaval is an experience like no other!

2. The Amazon

When thinking of South America, or Brazil, in particular, two of the first things to come to mind are the Amazon Rainforest and the Amazon River. The Amazon is well known as the biggest rainforest in the world.

Along with its incredibly unique wildlife and plantation, the Amazon is literally a huge thing that Brazil is famous for, a place that everyone has heard of. I had an incredible time exploring the Amazon on a trip I arranged myself on the ground from Manaus. However, many people find it easier and less stressful to book a tour in advance.

3. The Brazilian Football Team

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll know of many popular Brazillian footballers. From Ronaldinho, Pele and Ronaldo Nazario in the past eras, to Neymar and Vinicius Jr. in the modern game, Brazil has always been renowned for its skilful football team.

Did you know Brazil has won the most World Cups in history with 5 wins? Brazil has always been and will always be one of the biggest footballing nations in the world. If you walk around Brazil, you’ll always find someone kicking a ball about, particularly in the less developed areas.

4. Christ The Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is by far Brazil’s most famous landmark. When you see the huge Christ the Redeemer statue, so many people immediately connect it to Rio, Brazil.

It’s just as breathtaking in real life! It’s such a unique statue and has led to similar statues being built worldwide, inspired by Christ the Redeemer. There’s no wonder why it is so famous: it’s amazing!

It’s also possible to combine a visit to Christ The Redeemer with some other main sights in Rio such as Sugar Loaf Mountain.

5. The 2014 World Cup

Again, sports fans will know that 2014 was a huge year for Brazil. Hosting the World Cup for the second time. This saw seven new stadiums being built in Brazil as well as renovating five others.

Obviously, all sports fans have differing opinions, but there is a strong feeling that this is one of the best World Cups in recent history. Even if it did lead to the embarrassing 7-1 loss against Germany…

6. The 2016 Olympic Games

Following the World Cup in 2014, Brazil was playing host once again. This time it was the Olympics, the biggest sporting event in the world. This had a huge positive economic impact on Rio, along with the rest of Brazil, boosting tourism.

It will forever be in the history books that Brazil hosted the World Cup and Olympics, so it’s fair to say that they both are things that Brazil is famous for.

7. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls. Indescribable. Unimaginable. Words will never do due justice. Pictures can only try. When I visited it completely took my breath away.

Although falling across Brazil and Argentina, there’s no doubt that Brazil is famous for the Iguazu Falls, as is Argentina. The real-life Pandora in Brazil.

8. Favelas

Favelas are the communities people imagine when they picture Rio or Brazillian housing. They are also sometimes known as the “slums”, although I prefer favelas.

It’s possible to visit the favelas, which I did whilst I was first in Brazil many years ago. It can be a refreshing, enlightening and educational experience to visit Favela whilst you’re backpacking Brazil if you want to experience all aspects of the Brazillian culture.

Nonetheless, Brazil is known for its favelas whether it’s for better or for worse.

9. Beautiful Beaches

Brazil is famous for its beaches and for good reason, they are some of the best in the world!

Particularly in and around Rio, they are excellent, with soft white sand and inviting clear blue sea.

It’s without a doubt one of the things that Brazil is most famous for, and it’s clear to see why!

10. Rio de Janeiro

Speaking of Rio, Brazil is actually very famous for Rio de Janeiro. It’s widely, and falsely, believed that Rio is the capital of Brazil.

Although correct until 1960, Brasília is the capital of Brazil. Regardless, Rio is still one of the most, if not the most, popular destinations in Brazil for tourists to visit.

11. Coffee

Did you know Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer?

Making up for around ⅓ of the world’s coffee, it produces a large proportion of the World’s coffee for which it ships from country to country.

It can’t be up for dispute that Brazil is famous for its coffee. Not to mention how tasty the coffee is once in Brazil! One of the best ways to learn more about Brazilian coffee and how it’s produced is with a coffee tour.

12. Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazillian martial art that is practised all over the world. It’s a very unique martial art too, if you aren’t familiar with it, it’s probably not what you expect!

Capoeira is disguised as a dance and performed to music, usually traditional Brazilian songs, and it’s made up of specific offensive and defensive moves.

Taking part in Capoeira is so fun, even if you are most likely awful at it, it’s worth giving a go for a good laugh.

13. Nightlife

Brazil is infamous for its nightlife. As you know by now, Brazilians love to party! So the nightlife all across Brazil is particularly vibrant and colourful.

You’ll never have a boring night out when visiting Brazil, it’s guaranteed fun.

14. Samba

Samba dancing and music is an iconic part of Brazil. You’ve more than likely seen it performed somewhere, at some point in your life or travels.

It originated from, and is incredibly popular, in Brazil. It’s so extravagant, with the dancers dressing up in costumes with feathers and bright colours.

Samba is also very fast and hard to keep up with, so if you’re going to give it a go, prepare to accept defeat (but have a lot of fun in the process!)

15. Brigadeiro

Brigadeiros are enjoyed all over the world! You might have even had one before. They are like truffles but with a slight difference.

Truffles are made with cream whereas brigadeiros are made with condensed milk. And they are delicious! Mouth-watering!

They are commonly eaten across Brazil on all occasions and as said, enjoyed worldwide. Definitely, the tastiest thing Brazil is famous for.

So, Brazil is Famous For Many Things

And there you have it! 15 things Brazil is famous for. As you have learnt, Brazil is a country full of superlatives.

If you get the chance to visit Brazil, definitely take that opportunity as you will not regret it whatsoever. Brazil is famous for a number of reasons which we have listed, but there are so many more and the list is endless. What a country!

Have you been to Brazil? Is there anything else it’s famous for?

Planning Your Trip to Brazil?

Planning your trip to Brazil? Here are some of our recommended useful resources to help you have the best time possible.

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