Dangerous adventure: Kazakh traveler shares Brazil experience
Tengrinews.kz - Travel experiences can vary greatly: some prefer luxurious resorts, while others seek adventure and excitement. Yersultan Jusakinov opted for the latter, choosing to visit one of the most dangerous countries in the world – Brazil. He shared his experiences, highlighting the dangers and challenges tourists might face.
Difficult Journey
Traveling from Kazakhstan to Brazil requires multiple layovers. One of the most efficient routes is through Qatar, with a four-hour flight from Almaty to Doha, followed by a fifteen-hour journey from Doha to São Paulo. This route might not be suitable for those with health issues.
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Публикация от Ерсултан Джусакинов Предприниматель (@yersultan_j)
Brazil: A Land of Danger
Brazil is currently considered one of the most dangerous countries for tourists. Nevertheless, many are drawn to its rich culture, famous for its legendary football players, vibrant carnivals, and stunning yet challenging tropical jungles. However, behind the picturesque descriptions lies significant danger. Yersultan recounted that on the very first day, his travel companion, who had arrived a couple of days earlier, was beaten and robbed.
"He knew São Paulo was dangerous, so he went to the beach at 6 a.m. to avoid people and thieves. Yet, he was still attacked and beaten; he had a bump on his head and his hands were bloody. They stole his backpack, which contained a camera charger and a battery," Yersultan shared.
Yersultan’s first stop was São Paulo, Brazil’s largest metropolis and economic hub. However, the city is marked by stark social inequality, with some residents living in favelas (slums) and others in the luxurious city center.
Frame from the video
Local residents, likely in collusion with local mafia, offer five-hour favela tours costing $30 (13,500 tenge). Yersultan joined one and narrowly escaped with his life after filming in the favela.
"I entered the favela with a guide who had lived there all her life. Drug dealers almost took my camera because I accidentally filmed them. They grabbed it and started speaking in Portuguese. Each had a gun, and it was terrifying," he recounted.
Frame from the video
Yersultan advises future travelers to be extremely cautious, as danger can come from anywhere. For example, he ordered an Uber from the airport to his hotel. The situation seemed fine until he asked the driver to stop at the hotel to exchange money.
"I asked the driver to stop at the hotel to exchange money. I went down and when I returned, the car was gone with my suitcase. I contacted the police, and they found him. When I opened the suitcase, it was clear it had been searched, but nothing was missing," he explained.
Unique Laws in Brazil
As dangers increased, Yersultan began studying the country's laws. He learned that if a local steals an item worth less than $1,000, they face no consequences.
"I heard from locals that electronics stores put price tags above $1,000. At checkout, they apply a discount and sell the item at the real price," he said.
Prices in Brazil
On average, accommodation costs around $100 (47,500 tenge) per night. Food, however, is cheap. Around 5,000 to 10,000 tenge is enough for a whole day.
"Exotic fruits are very cheap since they are native to Brazil. Brazilian coffee tastes very different from ours and is a highlight. Brazilian meat is also delicious and relatively affordable. A steak costs about 5,000 tenge and is very large. Fast food is much cheaper," Yersultan shared.
Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?
Yersultan’s next stop was Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's iconic city. According to him, Rio is full of beautiful spots, including the world’s largest Christ statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the four-kilometer Copacabana beach.
"The waves are beautiful, and the water is warm. Just days before my visit, Madonna performed there, attracting 1.5 million people. Concerts with local and international stars are often held there," he concluded.