5 Must-Read Books Before Traveling To Rio De Janeiro

Brazil is home to some of the world’s best authors with the likes of Jorge Amado, Machado de Assis, Clarice Lispector and Paulo Coelho writing various critically acclaimed literature. Many of their novels leave a trace of Brazilian culture, whether it’s from their own Brazilian roots leaking through or the storyline setting. Yet for anyone visiting Rio de Janeiro, the following five books will scratch the surface of the gripping culture there and offer revealing insights into life in Rio.
The Slum – Aluisio Azevedo
Set in Rio de Janeiro, The Slum unpicks two interweaving storylines. The first is of an immigrant landlord that leaves his black lover for a rich white woman in his quest to become a rich investor. The second is a love affair between an immigrant and a mixed-race woman that happens to take place in a rented apartment from the landlord in the first storyline… The novel is critically acclaimed as one of the most accurate descriptions of Brazilian society, especially representing the attitudes of race and poverty in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. Azevedo brings his story to life with rich accounts and vivid imagery, as well as describing the deep underbelly of the complex Brazilian culture and values.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.http://instagram.com/p/BJgSpY3AYuC/?tagged=ocortico
Invisibles – Ed Siegle
Joel, a dentist, leaves his life in England and heads to Rio de Janeiro, a decision resulting from seeing his presumed-dead father alive on a news clip after a bus is hijacked in Rio (the story of the hijacked bus is actually based on a true story from June 2000). Joel stays with his friend Liam in an apartment near to Rio’s beautiful beaches. Invisibles lifts off the pages with its bright descriptions of the bars, the music and the food. Portuguese phrases are sprinkled throughout the book and although many readers may not understand the Portuguese words, they make sense in context and emphasizes the Brazilian theme. It’s a great story to read to delve into the culture before heading to Rio.
http://instagram.com/p/BK_qq2EhRxY/?tagged=jorgeamado
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon – Jorge Amado
Jorge Amado is considered one of Brazil’s best writers and his book Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is regarded as one of his best novels. The novel captures the very essence of Brazil, managing to exude something exotic and distant yet completely compelling. It’s a must read for anyone planning or thinking about visiting Brazil. Amado brings alive the smells, sounds and imagery of Brazil in his story of a young, beautiful, poor girl that starts working as a cook to take herself out of poverty, but she quickly becomes the object of the town’s men’s desire. The book reveals intimate cultural insights, especially in food and tastes.
http://instagram.com/p/BKvmlecBuJX/?tagged=jorgeamado
Futebol Nation – David Goldblatt
‘The story of Brazil through soccer’ is printed on the front cover and that’s exactly what the book aims, and succeeds, in telling. Brazil is associated with football quite unlike any other country and its presence is much deeper than a surface passion. Football has captured the hearts of the entire population and rightly so with five World Cup wins and some of the best players in the world. Yet there is also an intricate dark side of football in Brazil involving wealth and corruption which this book explores. For anyone visiting Rio de Janeiro, it’s impossible to miss the countless games of football on the beach and the general chit-chat about players. Futebol Nation will get you up to speed on the basics of Brazilian football and help you understand the society and sporting culture.
http://instagram.com/p/qRW0i9jzg7/?tagged=futebolnation
Nemesis: One Man and the Battle for Rio – Misha Glenny
This book offers a fascinating account into the life of a hardworking father, Antonio Francisco Bonfim Lopes, that came to rule Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro’s largest slum. It takes the reader through the story of his past days and how he became the head of a drug cartel and one of Brazil’s most wanted criminals. Whilst it offers a revealing insight into Rio’s favelas, crime and culture and answers many questions surrounding these topics, it does so in a way that doesn’t glamorize this aspect of Brazil. Rather, it shows a man that did what he could with the hand he had. Nemesis: One man and the Battle for Rio is a compelling read into Rio’s underworld, one that is complex and with strands at all levels in society. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever had a curiosity in Rio’s crime, poverty, corruption and darker side.
http://instagram.com/p/BHFNoaUgydv/?tagged=mishaglenny
By Sarah Brown
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.