25+ Peculiar Things You Can Only Find in Brazil

Welcome to Brazil, a land of vibrant culture and breathtaking natural wonders. Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with unique attractions that captivate the senses. Dive into the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, teeming with diverse wildlife and indigenous cultures.

Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where vast expanses of pristine white sand dunes contrast with crystal-clear lagoons. Discover the pulsating rhythm of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, a kaleidoscope of color, music, and dance. From the majestic Iguazu Falls to the historic streets of Salvador, Brazil offers an endless array of experiences for every adventurer. Here are some hand-picked treasures below that one simply cannot miss while exploring the luscious rainforests and pristine beaches.

1. Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is a popular snack and breakfast food made from eggs, cheese, and tapioca flour. Cooked in a saucepan, these gluten-free cheese balls are delicious and addictive.

2. Beautiful Beaches

When you think of Brazil, you probably imagine stunning tropical beaches. Brazil’s most famous natural wonders include the Amazon rainforest and its breathtaking beaches. These beaches boast sunny weather, white sand, and crystal-clear blue waters—what more could you want?

Tourists and locals alike can’t resist visiting Brazil’s beaches. Some of the most well-known ones include Copacabana, Jericoacoara, Ilha Grande, Ipanema, Praia de Pipa, and Buzios. These beaches transport you into a dreamy world, almost like something out of a Disney movie.

3. Trash Bins for Toilet Paper

In Brazil, it’s customary to dispose of toilet paper in bins rather than flushing it due to narrow pipes that easily clog. You’ll find trash bins next to toilets throughout the country for this purpose.

4. Bottled Butter

Bottled butter, also called Manteiga de garrafa, is mainly found in northeastern Brazil and is similar to Indian ghee. This unique “kitchen butter” is made from cow milk cream, which is processed by blending and cooking at high heat.

The result is a thick, yellowish-orange liquid quite different from what you’d find in American stores. You can find bottled butter in various places in Brazil, from street fairs to small shops, often made by artisanal producers. However, since it’s handmade, the quality and taste can vary widely.

5. The Mystery of the Inga Stone

The Inga Stone, situated in the Inga River in Paraiba State, remains an enigma with undeciphered glyphs and symbols. Scholars believe native inhabitants carved these carvings, possibly representing celestial bodies, animals, and more.

6. Public Teeth Brushing

According to the BBC, tooth brushing is a big deal in Brazil. Brazilians take extra pride in their dental hygiene, always carrying toothpaste and a toothbrush with them. It’s not unusual to see someone in Brazil pull out a toothbrush and tube of Crest to brush their teeth in public. Hygiene is highly valued, from regular brushing to avoiding touching food with hands.

7. Vale da Lua (Moon Valley)

Vale da Lua, located in Chapada dos Veadeiros, boasts peculiar rock formations resembling the moon’s surface, formed over 1.8 billion years ago. Some believe the area has healing properties due to its high quartz content.

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8. Hair Burning Beauty Treatment (Velaterapia)

Velaterapia is a hair treatment popular in Brazil that might make you uneasy just thinking about it. During the process, hair is twisted into sections, and each twist is passed through a flame. This singes the split ends, which are then trimmed, and the hair receives a deep conditioning treatment.

9. Exploring Florianópolis

Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina, offers beautiful beaches, saltwater lagoons, and historic fishing villages. Known for its seafood, particularly oysters, it’s a great destination for a week-long trip at a reasonable cost.

10. The Taubaté Pregnant Woman Hoax

Only in Brazil could you find the “Taubaté Pregnant Woman Hoax.” Maria Veronica Aparecida Cesar Santos, a local from Taubaté, faked her pregnancy with quadruplets using a yoga ball and silicon. The hoax gained widespread attention until it was revealed as fake. Santos faced legal consequences and had to return all donations and gifts received.

11. The “Brazilian Hulk”

In 2012, a Brazilian man, Pablo dos Santos, painted himself entirely green to resemble the Incredible Hulk for a running event. However, he used paint meant for nuclear submarines, resulting in him being stuck as the “Hulk” for a while.

12. Beach Ice Cream Vendors

Brazilian beaches can get scorching hot, reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. People cool down by swimming and buying ice cream from beach vendors. These vendors stroll along the sandy shores with refrigerated carts, offering various treats for under a dollar to provide a sweet relief from the heat.

13. Carnival Parades

Carnival, a massive festival celebrated before Lent, is famous for its vibrant parades, including both beautiful and bizarre floats. It’s a centuries-old tradition in Brazil, featuring samba, music, and various events. The streets during Carnival burst with color, resembling scenes from a lively animated movie.

14. Capybara Bread

Capybaras, friendly creatures native to Brazil, are adored by Brazilians. They even inspired a dish called Capybara Bread, where bread is shaped like a capybara. Though somewhat complex to make, there are plenty of online tutorials guiding you through creating this adorable, buttery treat that combines two beloved things: cute animals and carbs.

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15. The Skeleton Hotel

Rio de Janeiro’s “Skeleton Hotel,” abandoned for nearly five decades, stands out amidst the lush greenery of the Atlantic Forest. Construction of the “Gavea Tourist Hotel” halted due to bankruptcy, leaving it to become an eerie attraction, with some believing it’s haunted.

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16. Buchada

Buchada, a dish not for the faint-hearted, is made from an animal’s stomach, typically that of a goat in Brazil. While goat might not be a common meat in American grocery stores, it’s widely consumed in Brazil. Buchada is a savory organ dish with roots tracing back to colonial times.

17. Sweet Avocado Treat

In Brazil, avocados are prepared differently, often as a sweet treat called “creme de abacate.” This dessert is made by blending avocado with milk, lime juice, and sugar until it reaches a creamy consistency. Creme de abacate can be enjoyed like pudding, served in small dessert bowls.

18. Lunch Is Key

In Brazil, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. Employers often give their employees two-hour breaks to enjoy a hearty meal consisting of rice, beans, farofa, salad, and meat like beef or chicken. If you’re still hungry afterward, you can indulge in a small afternoon snack called a Merenda before dinner.

19. Offerings to Iemanjá

Iemanjá, the Brazilian goddess of the sea in the Yoruba religion, holds significant importance in Brazil’s Candomble region, protecting fishermen, sailors, and children. Devotees gather yearly at the seaside to leave offerings like candles, rice, and cakes in hopes of receiving her protection and blessings.

20. Pet Ducks

It’s not uncommon for people to have pet ducks in Brazil, and it’s more socially accepted than in some other countries. The Brazilian teal is the most common duck species there. While technically wild animals, these ducks don’t shy away from accepting bread from passersby or their owners.

21. Parintins Folklore Festival

The Parintins Folklore Festival is one of Brazil’s most popular annual events, second only to Carnival. Held in Parintins, Amazonas, over three days in late June, it celebrates a local myth about a resurrected ox. The festival features colorful parades, elaborate floats, singing, and dancing, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year.

22. Saideira Tradition

In Brazil, the last drink of the night is called a saideira. Before leaving a bar, if your friends are ready to go, you’ll need to order one last drink. Brazil is known for its delicious cocktails like the Caipirinha, made from limes, sugar, and cachaça.

23. Crowded Buses

Public buses are a common mode of transportation in Brazil, as they’re affordable and accessible. Major cities have extensive bus networks, though they can get crowded, especially during peak times. While fares are cheap, expect to navigate through crowds for your journey.

24. Havaianas: Unique Sandals

Havaianas, flip-flop sandals originating from Brazil, are known for their distinct designs and are even patented. Made from high-quality Brazilian rubber, these sandals replaced traditional straw soles with something more durable. Havaianas constantly release new, quirky patterns, making them both a practical footwear choice and a fashion statement.

25. Feijoada Tradition

In Brazil, Wednesdays are reserved for feijoada, a hearty stew made from pork and black beans, differing from the Portuguese version made with black-eyed peas. Locals believe feijoada’s origin is tied to Brazil’s history, as it was reportedly invented by enslaved Africans using cheap pork offcuts and beans.

26. A cultural basket

Brazil boasts a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, with influences from Indigenous peoples, Portuguese colonizers, African slaves, and immigrants from around the world. This diverse cultural tapestry contributes to Brazil’s unique identity and makes it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking history, art, music, and cuisine.

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