MADISON, Wisconsin—Many of us have dreamed of traveling to Brazil. For some, these dreams have been reaffirmed by watching the 2014 World Cup. What many people do not realize is that while Brazil holds incredible beauty and culture, there is also extreme suffering and poverty. The Borgen Project has compiled a list of the top five tourist destinations in Brazil and juxtaposed them with places your tour guide would never recommend in order to bring you a dual perspective on Brazil.
5. Florianopolis
Considered one of the best places to live in Brazil, Florianopolis is a main tourist destination for travelers seeking surfing, seafood and lots of history.
Photo: 8 things to do
Source: Trip Advisor
Slums like the ones pictured above are called “favelas.”
Photo: New Media
Source: World Bank
4. Salvador
Brazil’s former capital, Salvador is a unique city with its African influenced cuisine, music and architecture. It is also famous for its week long Carnaval celebration.
Photo: CRHR
Source: Trip Advisor
Brazil is a rising economy, but as a result the income gap has increased. Pictured above are failed businesses in Salvador for sale.
Photo: NY Times
Source: World Bank
3. Gramado
If you’re looking for something more relaxing and quaint, Gramado is highly recommended for those looking to escape the bustle of the city.
Photo: Wikimedia
Source:Trip Advisor
By going to quainter cities you escape the poverty that plagues large cities.
Photo: Death and Taxes
Source: World Bank
2. Rio de Janeiro
Famous for holding the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro boasts some of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Brazil.
Photo: The Hoya
Source: Trip Advisor
On the outskirts of the city are weakly structured “favelas” stacked stories high.
Photo: The Price of Reading
Source: World Bank
1. Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil with over 10 million people. Praised for its dining, shopping and museums, Sao Paulo has been voted the number one tourist destination in Brazil.
Photo: Black Dreamer
Sources: Trip Advisor
Sau Paulo is considered a mega-city due to its population of over 10 million people. One-third of this population lives in slums like the ones pictured above.
Photo: The Guardian
Source: World Bank
– Sarah Dalgleish
Article Sources: Trip Advisor, World Bank
Featured Photo: Wonder Mondo