What To Buy In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

1. Cachaça - sugarcane drink

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its Caipirinha cocktail called cachaça. What makes this cachaça unique is its ingredients, which is sugar cane. What used to be a drink for slaves to soothe the pain that came from hard work is now a drink that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is easy to find cachaça as it is widely available in specialized shops and supermarkets. Enjoy a bottle of cachaça with your best friends back home while spending some quality time together.

2. Traditional samba clothes

Samba is the country’s traditional dance and to remind you of your amazing vacation in Brazil, why don’t you buy some traditional samba clothes for yourself and some of your loved ones? Even though it would not be possible to wear it often, it will always be a pleasure to see a piece of the samba clothing in your closet.

3. Oscar Niemeyer-inspired jewelry

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

International tourists may not be familiar with the name Oscar Niemeyer. But to the local people, this person is a legend. Known as one of the designers of Rio de Janeiro, the late architect collaborated with H. Stern Jewelry to design the so-called Oscar Niemeyer-inspired jewelry. The architect’s signature in the jewelry is its organic shapes and flowing lines. This special jewelry line is inspired by the sketches that Oscar drew himself.

4. Carioca bikini

Brazil has its own bikini brand and it is called Carioca. The best place to get your own Carioca bikini is, of course, the city of Rio. The bikini is known for its thong-shaped bottom and people love this bikini for its colorful tropical color. Enough said, you should bring several pieces for yourself and your girlfriends back home.

5. Terravixta - mini wooden sculptures

Mini wooden sculptures that are made by passionate local people are called Terravixta, and if you are not sure whether people are going to love your souvenirs, they will definitely love the Terravixta. Who does not love a mini wooden sculpture? They will be proud to adorn their office spaces or houses with your gifts. Be extra careful though when you bring them back home, make sure the packaging is right.

6. Bottled butter

There is something about butter that makes our lives colorful, it is probably the creamy taste that will not go away for quite some time right after you taste it. Bottled butter is highly popular in the north of Brazil and when you are in Rio, remember to bring a bottle or two with you back home. You can use this butter to pour over your favorite dishes, including meat and beans. We know it may not be the healthiest option of souvenirs to bring home, but why not? You need to enjoy life every now and then by indulging in delicious meals.

7. Chilli-infused oil

Brazilian people, especially those residing in the northern part, love spicy food. You can find that chili is among the main ingredients in many recipes. Often times, the local people simply pour chili-infused oil over main meals as well as snacks such as pastels. Believe us when we say that the oil is fiery enough. If you are not used to eating spicy food, you may want to start with only a few drips. Then, for your next meals, you can add extra oil.

8. Hammock

We know that your home country may sell hammocks or you can also buy them in many other countries around the world. But Brazilian hammocks are unique in that they are handwoven and authentically made by the local people. One thing is for sure, you can easily give hammocks as souvenirs and people are going to love them because they are useful. String a hammock in your garden or your patio and you get to relax over a cup of your favorite drink or your favorite book.

9. Canga - Brazilian sarong

Sarongs can be found in countries like Indonesia or Malaysia, but the Brazilian sarong is totally different from the kind of sarong found in many Asian countries. Brazilian sarong is called canga. Canga is a sarong in one way, but you can also call it a beach towel as the local people frequently wear them when they are going to beach. If back home there is no beach around you, you can also wear your canga as a scarf or a throw on your sofa. You may also be tempted to put it around your waist and it will be your skirt when you hang out with your friends. The canga has many designs. But since you are a tourist, you may want to buy some that come with a Brazilian flag design. This design is extremely popular among tourists like yourself.

10. Brazilian soapstone

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Brazilian soapstone is commonly used as kitchen worktops, thanks to its dark color against a marbled effect. Now you are thinking that it is not very practical to bring home a kitchen worktop. No worries because nowadays, Brazilian soapstone has been widely used to make ornaments that are hand carved. You can see them in cookware or things in the shapes of animals like bear, pig and wolf.

Souvenirs from Rio

Whether you are planning to travel to Rio de Janeiro alone or with your loved ones, the metropolitan city has everything for everyone. One thing you must not forget is to buy some souvenirs. With our list above, you have enough options for what to buy when in Rio.