Travel Guide Brazil

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Brazilians often say they live in a continent rather than a country. It’s an excusable exaggeration. The landmass is bigger than the United States if you exclude Alaska; the journey from Recife in the east to the western border with Peru is longer than that from London to Moscow, and the distance between the northern and southern borders is about the same as that between New York and Los Angeles. Brazil has no mountains to compare with its Andean neighbours, but in every other respect it has all the scenic – and cultural – variety you would expect from so vast a country.

Brazil fact file

Where to go in brazil, festivals in brazil, language in brazil.

Meet your Brazil local travel expert

Eric, Local Expert

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Blissful Brazil

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina

3 days  / from 590 USD

Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina

Imagine two nights in this breathtaking destination, coupled with an exhilarating full-day excursion to witness the majestic Iguazu Falls, both in Argentina and Brazil. Experience the power of nature up close, with private services ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.

North Pantanal in 5 Days

5 days  / from 1920 USD

North Pantanal in 5 Days

Spend the first night in Cuiaba before heading to the Pantanal. Over the next two days, indulge in exciting daily activities, ranging from boat trips to horseback riding and hikes. All lodges include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Despite the immense expanses of the interior, roughly two-thirds of Brazil’s population live on or near the coast and well over half live in cities – even in the Amazon. In Rio and São Paulo, Brazil has two of the world’s great metropolises, and ten other cities have over a million inhabitants. Yet Brazil still thinks of itself as a frontier country, and certainly the deeper into the interior you go, the thinner the population becomes.

Other South Americans regard Brazilians as a race apart, and language has a lot to do with it – Brazilians understand Spanish, just about, but Spanish-speakers won’t understand Portuguese. Brazilians also look different. In the extreme south German and eastern European immigration has left distinctive traces; São Paulo has the world’s largest Japanese community outside Japan; slavery lies behind a large Afro-Brazilian population concentrated in Rio, Salvador and São Luís; while the Indian influence is still very visible in the Amazon. Italian and Portuguese immigration has been so great that its influence is felt across the entire country.

Brazil is a land of profound economic contradictions. Rapid post-war industrialization made it one of the world’s ten largest economies by the 1990s and it is misleading to think of Brazil as a developing country; it is quickly becoming the world’s leading agricultural exporter and has several home-grown multinationals competing successfully in world markets. The last decade has seen millions of Brazilians haul their way into the country’s expanding middle class, and across-the-board improvements in social indicators like life expectancy and basic education. But yawning social divides are still a fact of life in Brazil. The cities are dotted with favelas , shantytowns that crowd around the skyscrapers, and there are wide regional differences , too: Brazilians talk of a “Switzerland” in the South, centred on the Rio–São Paulo axis, and an “India” above it, and although this is a simplification the level of economic development does fall the further north or east you go. Brazil has enormous natural resources but their exploitation has benefited fewer than it should. Institutionalized corruption, a bloated and inefficient public sector and the reluctance of the country’s middle class to do anything that might jeopardize its comfortable lifestyle are a big part of the problem. Levels of violence that would be considered a public emergency in most countries are fatalistically accepted in Brazil – an average of seventeen murders per day in the city of Rio de Janeiro, for example.

These difficulties, however, don’t overshadow everyday life in Brazil, and violence rarely affects tourists. It’s fair to say that nowhere in the world do people enjoy themselves more – most famously in the annual orgiastic celebrations of Carnaval , but reflected, too, in the lively year-round nightlife that you’ll find in any decent-sized town. This national hedonism also manifests itself in Brazil’s highly developed beach culture , superb music and dancing, rich regional cuisines and the most relaxed and tolerant attitude to sexuality – gay and straight – that you’ll find anywhere in South America.

  • By far the largest country in South America, Brazil covers nearly half the continent and is only slightly smaller than the US, with an area of just over 8.5 million square kilometres. It shares a frontier with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.
  • Brazil has around 200 million inhabitants, making it the fifth most populous country in the world.
  • Almost ninety percent of Brazil’s electricity is generated from hydropower, about six percent from fossil fuels and six percent from nuclear power. Brazil is becoming an important oil exporter, with new reserves recently discovered offshore from Rio.
  • Brazilian exports consist mainly of manufactured products (including automobiles, machinery and footwear), minerals and foodstuffs as varied as coffee, beef and orange juice. But only thirteen percent of GDP comes from exports: Brazil‘s growing domestic economy is the powerhouse of its development.

The most heavily populated part of the country is the Southeast, where the three largest cities – São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte – form a triangle around which the economy pivots. All are worth visiting but Rio, which really is as beautiful as it seems in pictures, is the one essential destination. The South, encompassing the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, is the most economically advanced part of the country and includes much of the enormous Paraná river system. The spectacular Iguaçu Falls on the border with Argentina is one of the great natural wonders of South America.

The Amazon

Central Brazil is dominated by an enormous plateau of savanna and rock escarpments, the Planalto Central. In the middle stands Brasília, the country’s space-age capital, built from scratch in the late 1950s and still developing today. The capital is the gateway to a vast interior, Mato Grosso, only fully charted and settled over the last fifty years; it includes the Pantanal, the largest wetlands in the world and the richest wildlife reserve anywhere in the Americas. North and west Mato Grosso shades into the Amazon, the world’s largest river basin and a mosaic of jungle, rivers, savanna and marshland that also contains two major cities – Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon itself, and Manaus, some 1600km upstream. The tributaries of the Amazon, rivers like the Tapajós, the Xingú, the Negro, the Araguaia or the Tocantins, are virtually unknown outside Brazil, but each is a huge river system in its own right.

The other major sub-region of Brazil is the Northeast, the part of the country that curves out into the Atlantic Ocean. This was the first part of Brazil to be settled by the Portuguese and colonial remains are thicker on the ground here than anywhere else in the country – notably in the cities of Salvador and São Luís and the lovely town of Olinda. It’s a region of dramatic contrasts: a lush tropical coastline with the best beaches in Brazil quickly gives way to the sertão, a semi-arid interior plagued by drought and grinding poverty. All the major cities of the Northeast are on the coast; the two largest are sprawling Recife and Salvador, Brazil’s most heavily Afro-Brazilian city and a fascinating place to visit. The coast of the Northeast is developing rapidly these days, taking advantage of proximity to Europe to attract package tourists and holiday-home buyers. But it is big enough for it still to be possible to get away from it all.

Discover more places in Brazil

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  • Mato Grosso Travel Guide
  • Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo Travel Guide
  • The Northeast Travel Guide
  • São Paulo Travel Guide
  • Brazil South Travel Guide

Carnaval is the most important festival in Brazil, but there are other parties, too, from saints’ days to celebrations based around elections or the World Cup.

When Carnaval comes, the country gets down to some of the most serious partying in the world. A Caribbean carnival might prepare you a little, but what happens in Brazil is more spectacular, goes on longer and is on a far larger scale. Every place in Brazil, large or small, has some form of Carnaval, and in three places especially – Rio, Salvador and Olinda, just outside Recife – Carnaval has become a mass event, involving seemingly the entire populations of the cities and drawing visitors from all over the world.

When exactly Carnaval begins depends on the ecclesiastical calendar: it starts at midnight of the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ends on the Wednesday night, though effectively people start partying on Friday afternoon – over four days of continuous, determined celebration. It usually happens in the middle of February, although very occasionally it can be early March. But in effect, the entire period from Christmas is a kind of run-up to Carnaval. People start working on costumes, songs are composed and rehearsals staged in school playgrounds and backyards, so that Carnaval comes as a culmination rather than a sudden burst of excitement and colour.

During the couple of weekends immediately before Carnaval proper, there are carnival balls (bailes carnavalescos), which get pretty wild. Don’t expect to find many things open or to get much done in the week before Carnaval, or the week after it, when the country takes a few days off to shake off its enormous collective hangover. During Carnaval itself, stores open briefly on Monday and Tuesday mornings, but banks and offices stay closed. Domestic airlines, local and inter-city buses run a Sunday service during the period.

The most familiar and most spectacular Carnaval is in Rio, dominated by samba and the parade of samba schools down the enormous concrete expanse of the gloriously named Sambódromo. One of the world’s great sights, and televised live to the whole country, Rio’s Carnaval has its critics. It is certainly less participatory than Olinda or Salvador, with people crammed into grandstands watching, rather than down following the schools.

Salvador is, in many ways, the antithesis of Rio, with several focuses around the old city centre: the parade is only one of a number of things going on, and people follow parading schools and the trio elétrico, groups playing on top of trucks wired for sound. Samba is only one of several types of music being played; indeed, if it’s music you’re interested in, Salvador is the best place to hear and see it.

Olinda, in a magical colonial setting just outside Recife, has a character all its own, less frantic than Rio and Salvador; musically, it’s dominated by frevo, the fast, whirling beat of Pernambuco, and is in some ways the most distinctive visually, with its bonecos, large papier-mâché figures that are the centrepiece of the Olinda street parades.

Some places you would expect to be large enough to have an impressive Carnaval are in fact notoriously bad at it: cities in this category are São Paulo, Brasília and Belo Horizonte. On the other hand, there are also places that have much better Carnavals than you would imagine: the one in Belém is very distinctive, with the Amazonian food and rhythms of the carimbó, and Fortaleza also has a good reputation. The South, usually written off by most people as far as Carnaval is concerned, has major events in Florianópolis, primarily aimed at attracting Argentine and São Paulo tourists, and the smaller but more distinctive Carnaval in Laguna. For full details of the events, music and happenings at each of the main Carnavals, see under the relevant sections of the Guide.

Other festivals

The third week in June has festas juninas, geared mainly towards children, who dress up in straw hats and checked shirts and release paper balloons with candles attached (to provide the hot air), causing anything from a fright to a major conflagration when they land.

Elections and the World Cup are usually excuses for impromptu celebrations, while official celebrations, with military parades and patriotic speeches, take place on September 7 (Independence Day) and November 15, the anniversary of the declaration of the Republic.

In towns and rural areas, you may well stumble across a dia de festa, the day of the local patron saint, a very simple event in which the image of the saint is paraded through the town, with a band and firecrackers, a thanksgiving Mass is celebrated, and then everyone turns to the secular pleasures of the fair, the market and the bottle. In Belém, this tradition reaches its zenith in the annual Cirio on the second Sunday of October, when crowds of over a million follow the procession of the image of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, but most festas are small-scale, small-town events.

In recent years, many towns have created new festivals, usually glorified industrial fairs or agricultural shows. Often these events are named after the local area’s most important product, such as the Festa Nacional do Frango e do Peru (chickens and turkeys) in Chapecó. Occasionally, these local government creations can be worth attending as some promote local popular culture as well as industry. One of the best is Pomerode’s annual Festa Pomerana, which takes place in the first half of January and has done much to encourage the promotion of local German traditions.

Football in Brazil

Going to a football match in Brazil is something even those bored by the game will enjoy as spectacle: the stadiums are sights in themselves and big matches are watched behind a screen of tickertape and waving flags, huge banners, massed drums, fireworks and firecrackers, to the chants, roars and whistling of the world’s most passionate football supporters.

Brazil’s major teams are concentrated in Rio and São Paulo. In Rio, Flamengo is the best-supported team in the country, and its distinctive shirt of red and black hoops is seen everywhere. Its clashes with perennial Rio rival Fluminense (maroon, green and white stripes) is one of the most intense matches in Brazilian club football, rivalled only by the games between São Paulo’s two leading teams, São Paulo (white with red and black hoops) and Coríntians (white). In Rio, Botafogo (black and white stripes with the famous white-star badge) and Vasco (white with black diagonal stripe) vie with Fla-Flu for dominance, while Palmeiras (green) and Santos (white) make up the big four in São Paulo. The only teams that consistently live with the best of Rio and São Paulo are Internacional (red) and Grêmio (blue, white and black stripes) from Porto Alegre, and Atlético Mineiro (white) and Cruzeiro (dark blue) from Belo Horizonte.

Brazilian stadiums tend to be enormous, concrete, and with a few exceptions rather dingy and lacking in character: they are rarely full save for clássicos, matches between major teams, and rely on the supporters rather than their architecture for colour and feeling. Most pitches are separated from supporters by a wide running track and sometimes even a moat, which puts the play further from the terraces than British fans will be used to. But some stadiums are worth going out of your way for: the Maracanã in Rio, it goes without saying, but also the beautiful Art Deco Pacaembú in São Paulo. No football fan should visit Rio without leaving a morning for the excellent tour of the Maracanã, or miss the superb new Museu de Futbol when in São Paulo.

Tickets are very cheap by European standards; good seats at a clássico will cost no more than R$50, but an ordinary match will be half that or less – the issue is availability rather than price. For clássicos, hotels often have packages that include transport, tickets and a guide for around R$100 all in, an expensive way of doing it but often the only practical option if you can’t get a ticket a few days in advance. For ordinary matches, you can almost always turn up half an hour beforehand and look for the bilheteria, the ticket office, which usually only takes cash. All stadiums are two-deckers, most are now all-seaters but a few still have terracing on the lower deck: upper-deck seats are arquibancada, lower-deck geral. There is not as much of a problem with crowd violence in Brazil as in many European countries, but don’t wear a Brazilian club shirt just to be on the safe side: non-Brazilian shirts are no problem (except for Argentinian ones – the two countries don’t get on well in footballing terms), and Brazilian fans are extremely friendly to foreigners. December is the off season; otherwise, a mixture of state and national championships ensures constant football.

Learning some Portuguese before you go to Brazil is an extremely good idea. Although many well-educated Brazilians speak English, and it’s now the main second language taught in schools, this hasn’t filtered through to most of the population. If you know Spanish you’re halfway there: there are obvious similarities in the grammar and vocabulary, so you should be able to make yourself understood if you speak slowly, and reading won’t present you with too many problems. However, Portuguese pronunciation is utterly different and much less straightforward than Spanish, so unless you take the trouble to learn a bit about it you won’t have a clue what Brazilians are talking about. And contrary to what you might expect, very few Brazilians speak Spanish themselves.

Unfortunately, far too many people – especially Spanish-speakers – are put off going to Brazil precisely by the language, but in reality this should be one of your main reasons for going. Brazilian Portuguese is a colourful, sensual language full of wonderfully rude and exotic vowel sounds, swooping intonation and hilarious idiomatic expressions. You’ll also find that Brazilians will greatly appreciate even your most rudimentary efforts, and every small improvement in your Portuguese will make your stay in Brazil ten times more enjoyable.

People who have learned their Portuguese in Portugal or in Lusophone Africa won’t have any real problems with the language in Brazil, but there are some quite big differences. There are many variations in vocabulary, and Brazilians take more liberties with the language, but the most notable differences are in pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese is spoken more slowly and clearly; the neutral vowels so characteristic of European Portuguese tend to be sounded in full; in much of Brazil outside Rio the slushy “sh” sound doesn’t exist; and the “de” and “te” endings of words like cidade and diferente are palatalized so they end up sounding like “sidadgee” and “djiferentchee”.

Carnaval plunges Brazil into the most serious partying in the world. Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Notting Hill in London are not even close; nothing approaches the sheer scale and spectacle of Carnaval in Rio, Salvador and Olinda, just outside Recife. But Carnaval also speaks to the streak of melancholy that is the other side of the stereotype of fun-loving Brazil.

Part of the reason is Carnaval’s origins at the time when Brazil was still the largest slaveholding country in the Americas. The celebrations just before Lent acquired a kind of “world turned upside down” character, with slaveowners ceremonially serving their slaves food and allowing them time off work – giving a particularly double-edged feel to Carnaval as servitude reasserted itself come Ash Wedneday. Brazil has come a long way since then, but the traditional freedom to transgress that comes with Carnaval gives its partying an edge that deepens in the small hours, as alcohol and crowds generate their usual tensions – the already high murder rate hits its peak over the festival and traffic deaths are also at their annual high. There is a big difference between day and night. Carnaval during the day is for families, and you can relax along with the Pierrots, masks and brass bands that ply the streets and squares: if you travel with children they will remember a good Carnaval for the rest of their lives. Carnaval at night is memorably spectacular in Rio and the biggest street party you will ever see in Salvador and Olinda, but it’s best to keep your wits about you and your head clear. For more information, see Carnaval dates and the relevant sections of the guide for more information.

Travel advice for Brazil

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil

  • Eating and drinking in Brazil
  • How to get to Brazil
  • Getting around Brazil: Transportation Tips
  • Travel Tips Brazil for planning and on the go

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Brazil

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Brazil. There are 62 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 57 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time to visit Brazil.

62 Fully Guided tour packages in Brazil with 153 positive reviews

Best of Brazil Tour

  • Active Adventure
  • Christmas & New Year

Best of Brazil

Well planned and overall very smooth. Enjoyed company of the other tour members and tour guide. One recommendation would be for tour guides to do a little more introduction (~30 min) of each city when we first reach one.

Tailor-Made Best Brazil Tour to Rio and Iguazu Falls, Daily Departure & Private Guide Tour

  • Sightseeing

Tailor-Made Best Brazil Tour to Rio and Iguazu Falls, Daily Departure & Private Guide

  • Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Private Brazil Tour to Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty, Daily Departure Tour

Tailor-Made Private Brazil Tour to Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty, Daily Departure

Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguazu and Amazon Sustainable Experience Tour

Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguazu and Amazon Sustainable Experience

NATTRIP was with us every step of the way. They are reachable 24 hours and we needed them since one of the flights we booked on our own was cancelled. Rio was a full day of sightseeing. In Foz de Iguazzu, we were escorted by Daego and Bruna to the Bird Park, dam and waterfall. They also took us on a nature hike and kayaking. My 18 and 20 year old loved all the activities. In Manuas, Gero and his crew from AmazonGeroTours made sure our adventures in the jungle were fun and safe. It was great spending several days at a lodge in the ama on and then on a boat on the Rio negro. Sleeping in the jungle, looking for sloths and piranha fishing were highlights. Anselmo our day to day guide was extremely knowledgeable. Everything was smooth and easy for us to travel in Brazil not knowing the language thanks to NATTRIP and their contractors.

Jalapão Experience Tour

Jalapão Experience

Great trip, guide was very knowledgeable, professional and courteous.

Route of emotions Tour

Route of emotions

Best Of Brazil Tour

Best Of Brazil

4 Days North Pantanal - Unearthing exotic treasures in the Pantanal wetlands - New*** Tour

4 Days North Pantanal - Unearthing exotic treasures in the Pantanal wetlands - New***

We were able to observe a large number of animals of different species, we were lucky to see some that are very difficult to find. They have to make this trip and bring a camera to save these incredible moments
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Pure Brazil Tour

Pure Brazil

Brazilian Amazon by Boat Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

PRIVATE Experience @ Rio de Janeiro - Carioca spirit and carnival atmosphere, 4 days *New* Tour

  • Festival & Events

PRIVATE Experience @ Rio de Janeiro - Carioca spirit and carnival atmosphere, 4 days *New*

Tour was excellent! Having the private guide was prefect, it allowed us to be flexible and see all that we wanted. Our guide was great, very friendly and he went out of his way to make sure we saw the sites at the best times. He even made sure we found a spot to watch the football match!!

Itacare by bike Tour

  • Mountain Bike

Itacare by bike

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME SURF TRIP TO THE GREEN COAST OF RIO DE JANEIRO Tour

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME SURF TRIP TO THE GREEN COAST OF RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio Carnival Experience Tour

Rio Carnival Experience

The guides were excellent, being local they were very knowledgeable and passionate about Rio and Brazil, the places and events we went to were amazing and well planned. The hotel was very good and in the best location for carnival. The only reason I gave it a good and not an excellent rating was they used a 3rd party for the actual samba drome event. It was disorganised and the lady running it was rude and not nice to her own staff as well as us, the intrepid tour guides that we had all week were not allowed with us which made it very difficult. Hopefully from our feedback they will not use them again. Otherwise highly recommended this tour.

Iguassu & Beyond Tour

Iguassu & Beyond

This trip was truly amazing! Full of once in a lifetime (maybe!!) experiences, great staff, and the tour group really bonded over the course of the trip. Transportation was efficient and got us to and from safely every time.

Reviews of Fully Guided Tours in Brazil

Luma was amazing. The trip was basic, but she made the trip
I have nothing bad to say about the recent trip I do have 1 recommendation for Nattrip. I would try to find an alternative hotel in Manaus for those travelers going to the Amazon. The Intercity Hotel was somewhat remote from the nicer restaurants and theatre area and the food was terrible

Regions in Brazil

  • Amazonas (25)
  • Mata Atlantica (22)
  • Southeastern Brazil (22)
  • Brazilian Highlands (12)
  • Northern Brazil (9)
  • Northeast Brazil (5)
  • The Cerrado (5)
  • Pantanal (5)

Travel Styles

  • Fully Guided
  • Brazil Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Geführte Rundreisen in Brasilien
  • Français: Brésil : Circuits entièrement guidés 2024/2025
  • Español: Guiado Total Circuitos en Brasil
  • Nederlands: Volledig begeleid Rondreizen in Brazilië

Brazil Tours & Vacations

Woman dancing in colourful red and yellow costumes, with headdresses at the Rio carnival in Brazil

Everything in Brazil is bigger, brighter and bolder – from the waterfalls and jungles to the street parties and beaches. It’s no wonder there’s always a festival.

Brazilians are famous for their zest for life. The country is loaded with incredible natural attractions – the Amazon, roaring Iguazu Falls and jungle-clad mountains where you feel on top of the world (much like Christ the Redeemer). And let’s not forget Brazil’s infectious music – from samba and bossa nova to Afro-Brazilian beats – and a party to be had around every corner. And of course the pumping beaches, where you can play football until the sun dips low behind Corcovado.   Brazil   is your cue to pick up a caipirinha and join the fun.

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Beach bliss: Why Florianopolis is a must-visit in Brazil

Brazil at a glance

Capital city.

Brasilia (population 3 million)

214.3 million

Brazilian real (BRL)

(GMT-03:00) Brasilia

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about Brazil

Best time to visit brazil.

In most parts of Brazil, temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, regardless of the season. The summer months between December and February can be hot and humid, bringing temperatures to the high 30s – perfect weather to enjoy Brazil’s famous beaches. It’s also festival season, so it’s well worth visiting during this time.

Rainfall varies greatly around Brazil so depending on where you’re traveling, you could experience some rain. Around the Pantanal, Manaus and the Amazon basin, expect patches of rain all year round. Rio and the areas around Foz de Iguacu don’t have distinct rainy seasons and are typically drier than some other areas of Brazil.

The south of Brazil experiences extreme seasonal changes, so pack accordingly.

Read more about the best time to visit Brazil

Culture and customs

Brazilians are universally known for their infectious enthusiasm and lust for life. The wild celebratory atmosphere of Carnaval isn’t a one-off —impromptu street parties, heaving nightclubs and busy dance halls all display the same vibrant energy and passion all year round. Travelers will find that music, dance and good times are all passionately pursued by most Brazilians, regardless of income, gender or age. But it doesn’t stop there. Fun is not limited to the dynamic bars and clubs of the big cities - the natural world is also enjoyed by most Brazilians. With so many spectacular beaches, national parks, mountains and forests, there are plenty of places for Brazilians to enjoy their favorite past times – football, surfing, swimming, hiking, volleyball and capoeira (a Brazilian blend of martial arts and dance). Brazilians are also known for being one of the most open, friendly and affectionate nationalities – personal space isn’t regarded as highly in Brazil as in most other countries, so expect to be hugged and kissed by new and old friends when traveling here.

In contrast to the exuberant, modern life that Brazil's city dwellers live, are the humble, traditional ways of the indigenous tribes that live in the Amazon and surrounds. Despite modern advances, many still live off the land – hunting for wild animals and gathering fruit and berries - although sadly this is rapidly changing due to deforestation and urbanization. In the face of this, many tribes still cling to their ancient culture through traditional clothing, dance and song.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Brazil’s major cities feature a wide range of international cuisine, so it’s possible to eat a western-style breakfast, Mexican for lunch and Italian for dinner, with a few traditional Brazilian snacks in between. For an in-depth look at what you can eat in Brazil, visit our   South American food guide . 

Things to try in Brazil

1. Churrasco

This traditional Brazilian barbecue is a true pleasure for meat eaters. Beef, pork, chicken, duck, lamb and fish are all skewered and cooked to perfection over hot coals, creating a smoky flavor and tender texture.

Brazil’s coastline is home to a bounty of marine life so when on the coast, be sure to eat seafood while it’s at its freshest. Fried baby octopus, king prawns and fragrant, seafood stew are great options.

3. Feijoada

This stew of beans and beef is Brazil’s national dish, and reflects its rich immigrant history. The flavors and style are a mix of African, Indian and Portuguese food traditions, making it a direct culinary link to Brazil’s past.

4. Caipirinha

This refreshing cocktail made from cachaca (a spirit derived from sugar cane), sugar, crushed ice and lime is the Brazilian national drink, and the perfect accompaniment to a beachside sunset.

Brazil has plenty of tropical fruits and berries – so for a quick snack, head to the markets and buy fresh bananas, limes, oranges, guava, jackfruit and acai berries.

Discover the must-try foods in Brazil

Geography and environment

Being the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil shares land borders with many other countries including   Venezuela , Guyana,   Colombia ,   Peru ,   Bolivia , Paraguay,   Argentina , Uruguay, Suriname and French Guiana. Home to many different landscapes and ecosystems, Brazil’s natural environment is one of the most famous in the world. From the steamy tropical rainforest that surrounds the Amazon River and the swirling torrents of white water at Iguazu Falls, to the stunning beaches, reefs and islands of the coast, Brazil is certainly blessed with the very best of Mother Nature. Home to many of the world's most rare and endangered species, travelers will be able to see the full spectrum of colorful bird life, curious mammals, gigantic snakes and unique marine life.

With such a large population, Brazil’s major cities are busy, crowded and chaotic. It can take some getting used to, but once you’re working with the flow of the Brazilian way of life, you’ll begin to enjoy the pace. With a widening gap between the rich and the poor, housing can vary from large mansions in upscale neighborhoods and modern apartments right in the heart of the city, to humble tin sheds in the sprawling favelas. In some ways, Brazil’s major cities are full of contrasts but the universal appeal of partying, dancing and drinking seems to cross all cultural and social barriers.

History and government

Early history.

Indigenous tribes inhabited Brazil for centuries before the arrival of the first European settlers from Portugal in the 1500s. Colonization brought agriculture and crop growing to Brazil, resulting in extensive land clearing which dispossessed much of the indigenous population. The growing of sugar cane resulted in an influx of new residents, mainly slaves who brought rich African traditions with them. Remnants of this can still be seen in much of today’s music, dance and food. By the 19th century, coffee had taken the place of sugar as Brazil’s most valuable crop. The increase in coffee production brought a new wave of migrants to Brazil, mainly from Europe, and Brazil’s economy continued to flourish until the military coup of 1889.

Recent history

Brazil’s more recently history has also been characterized by wide spread immigration – especially during and after World War II - with large numbers of Jewish people choosing to flee persecution to live in Brazil, as well as significant numbers of people from the Middle East and other European countries.

In 1989, Brazil held its first democratic election in almost 30 years after decades of military rule. More recently, a stable government has resulted in increased economic prosperity, although many of Brazil’s residents are still impoverished, living well below the poverty line.

Top 10 beach spots of Brazil

1. praia do rosa.

The big surf and relaxed vibe of this hip holiday haven in Southern Brazil makes it a firm favorite with visitors and locals alike. Praia do Rosa manages to balance development with tradition - elegant small-scale hotels and eco-lodges provide the perfect place to rest after hiking, whale watching or surfing.

The cosmopolitan charms of this world-famous beach make it popular with people from all walks of life. Expect to see enthusiastic travelers, smug millionaires, bohemian artists and indifferent locals all enjoying Ipanema’s magnetic magic.

3. Jericoacoara

Far away from the showy extravagance of Rio lies this secluded spot only accessible by 4x4. Strictly protected from overdevelopment, the slow pace suits the windsurfers and kite surfers who prefer to get their thrills from the ocean's wild tides.

4. Lopes Mendes

This beach, located on the island of Ilha Grande, is considered one of Brazil’s best. The killer combination of fine white sand, great waves and clear, blue water guarantee perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and sun-worshipping.

5. Canoa Quebrada

This mellow hippie haven boasts stunning sand dunes and a deep blue-green sea. Horse riding on the dunes at sunset or cruising the coast on an old fishing boat are great ways to make the most of this picture perfect piece of Brazil.

Put on the world map by Bridget Bardot back in the 1960s, Buzios is the epitome of Brazilian sophistication. The designer boutiques, glam hotels and cool bars attract the celebrity jet set – but it’s the beautiful bays and beaches that are the true superstars of Buzios.

7. Copacabana

One of the world’s most famous urban beaches, Copacabana, is a top spot to indulge in a bit of people watching. Watch an eclectic mix of people play football, work on their tans and strut their stuff on this busy meeting spot that attracts all walks of life.

8. Praia da Mole

Soft white sand for lazing in the sun and a year-round supply of waves for surfing make this beach in Florianopolis a top pick. Paragliding, wakeboarding and other water sports provide more thrills, while the nearby bars and clubs ensure good times when the sun goes down.

9. Maragogi

Found on the Coral Coast of Brazil, Maragogi’s calm waters offer some respite from the big breaks found on many other Brazilian beaches. Colorful offshore reefs make snorkeling or scuba diving a must for visitors looking for aquatic adventures.

10. Tambaba

One for the free spirits of the world, Brazil’s only official nudist beach is flanked by steep, dramatic cliffs and dotted with swaying coconut palms. Choose to get cheeky and take advantage of lying on Brazil’s only sanctioned nudist beach in all your glory, or keep your kit on and stick to the “non-naturist” side.

Brazil’s two largest cities – Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo – offer a wide range of shopping opportunities, from high-end designer shops to independent boutiques and everything in between. Every mid-sized city will have at least one ‘shopping’ (what Brazilians call their shopping malls), but as you move to more rural and remote areas, your best bet is the local market.

Shopping tips in Rio

Peddlers roam Rio’s beaches offering an enormous range of items including footballs, bathing suits and jewelry. Be aware that the price might be good but the quality likely isn’t. For better quality bikinis and swim trunks, consider heading to Blue Man, Brazil’s most successful beachwear label. Or visit Barra Shopping, one of the largest malls in South America, which boasts more than 570 stores, a movie theatre, a bowling alley and a range of restaurants and bars. Rio also hosts a number of popular markets including the Hippie Fair in Ipanema, where more than 700 vendors sell one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, leather shoes, paintings and gourmet goods each Sunday. Like many markets, bargaining is accepted.

Responsible travel tip 

You may come across goods made from the skins of protected species (such as reptiles or wild cats). Keeping with Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, please refrain from supporting any business that exploit or abuse endangered animals. 

Festivals and events in Brazil

Rio carnival.

Colorful, raucous and hedonistic, there’s a reason Rio’s Carnival is one of the best-known parties in the world. The parade of elaborate floats and colorful, bejeweled dancers in barely-there costumes dancing to samba may be the main event, but the revelry begins a whole month before. Each February in the lead up to Lent, the caipirinhas are free-flowing as clubs hold glitzy parties and bandas (street parties also called blocos) take over the streets.

Parintins Folklore Festival (Bumba-mei-boi)

An annual spectacle that commemorates a legend about a pregnant woman’s craving for bull tongue, the murder of a bull to satisfy said craving, and the bull’s magical resurrection. Two teams retell the myth and attempt to outdo each other using flamboyant song and dance routines, colorful costumes and giant floats. Spectators cheer and moo to performances at this three-day June celebration.

Festa Junina

This nationwide festival held each June celebrates saints John the Baptist, Anthony and Peter, but celebrations in the north-east take on a distinctly country flair. People flock to rural fairs wearing straw hats and plaid shirts to feast on corn and sweet treats, play games and dance the quadrilha (similar to a square dance).

Rio New Year’s Eve

Join two million revelers decked in white at Copacabana beach for a unique New Year’s celebration. Before the concerts and massive fireworks display begins, Candomble worshippers (an Afro-Brazilian religion) push boats filled with flowers and other offerings into the sea in exchange for safe sailing in the upcoming year.

Further reading

Brazil travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to visit Brazil?

Foreign nationals from over 80 countries – including folks from EU countries, the United Kingdom , New Zealand, South Africa and Japan – can travel to Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days per entry. You’ll need an empty page in your passport, as a border officer will stamp it on arrival.

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor Visa (VIVIS) through Brazil’s consular website.  Find out whether you require a VIVIS or not .

As of 10 April 2024, passport holders from Australia , Canada and the United States must apply for an e-visa to enter Brazil for tourism, transit or business  on the Brazilian government's e-visa website . If you have a valid physical visa on your passport for the purpose of your visit, you do not need to apply for a new visa.

Last updated: 15 Jan 2024

Is tipping customary in Brazil?

Tipping is up to the individual when traveling in Brazil. It isn’t expected but will be happily received by service workers like taxi drivers and waiters. Restaurants in Brazil add a 10% surcharge, which is included in the bill. Feel free to leave spare change or tip extra if the service is particularly good.

What is the internet access like in Brazil?

Internet access is widely available in cities and tourist areas like Rio and Sao Paolo, where there are many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Brazil?

You will be able to use your cell phone in most urban areas of Brazil, although some of the more remote areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your cell carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your cell while in Brazil.

What are the toilets like in Brazil?

Toilets in Brazil will vary depending on what area you are traveling in. Flushable, western-style toilets are common in the cities large hotels, malls and clubs but more modest squat toilets are the standard in rural areas and while camping. Either way, carrying a supply of toilet paper and soap is a good idea, as these aren’t always available in public toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee in a café = 2 BRL Beer in a bar = 3.5 BRL Budget meal = 10 BRL Three course meal in a restaurant = 60 BRL

Can I drink the water in Brazil?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Brazil. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Brazil?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Brazil. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Brazil.

What is ATM access like in Brazil?

ATMs are found widely throughout Brazil and withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

What public holidays are celebrated in Brazil?

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day
  • Good Friday*
  • 21 Apr: Tiradentes
  • 1 May: Labour Day
  • 7 Sep: Independence Day
  • 12 Oct: Our Lady of Aparecida
  • 2 Nov: All Soul’s Day
  • 15 Nov: Republic Day
  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

*Please note these dates may vary. See a current list of public holidays in Brazil .

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Brazil?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Brazil but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Brazil a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Brazil is a welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. There is no law against homosexuality, and the country tends to be more tolerant than anywhere else in South America. Rio is considered the gay capital of Latin America, though Sao Paulo and Salvador have lively gay scenes as well. That being said, discretion is still advised in smaller towns, which tend to be more conservative.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip to Brazil support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Brazil directly support our foundation partner, Gastromotiva Brazil . 

Gastromotiva Brazil  

Gastromotiva Brazil is tackling youth unemployment and homelessness while promoting a zero-waste movement. Gastromotiva addresses important social and environmental issues through job training, advocacy, and sustainable cooking classes. Donations from our trips support their professional cooking courses for vulnerable youth in Rio De Janeiro. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

tour guide in brazil

Brazil Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

389 brazil trips. compare tour itineraries from 107 tour companies. 232 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular brazil tours.

Best of Brazil

Best of Brazil

  • Let loose and samba the night away in Rio de Janeiro – South America’s party capital. Arriving in this bustling metropolis is the perfect way to start your Brazilian adventure.
  • Party down with the locals in the streets of colonial Paraty, where Portugal meets Brazil, jungle meets sea and your adventure dials up a notch.
  • After seeing its virgin rainforests, blue lagoons and splendid beaches, you’d never imagine that Ilha Grande had such a treacherous pirate history. This is true natural beauty, Brazilian style.
  • You’ll have plenty of time to choose your own adventure at Ilha Grande with two full days on the island. So if hiking, boating, kayaking or lazing on a beach is your thing, we’ve got you covered.
  • With some of Brazil's biggest icons, including Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain all at your fingertips, why not consider extending your stay in colourful Rio?

Pure Brazil

Pure Brazil

  • Feel samba beats in Rio and the pounding Iguazu Falls
  • Wildlife spotting in the nature-rich Pantanal
  • Explore the Amazon rainforest and colourful Salvador

Brazil (North): See & Experience it ALL in 13 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Brazil (North): See & Experience it ALL in 13 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

  • Amazon Cruises & Lodging Inside the Jungle
  • Flightseeing Over Mangrove Swamps & Desert Landscape
  • A Morning-to-Sunset Sand Dunes & Lagoons 4x4 Safari
  • Dune Bashing & Sand Boarding
  • A Visit to North Brazil’s Party Island

Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil Discovery (Classic)

Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil Discovery (Classic)

  • Buenos Aires: Start your first full day in Buenos Aires with a city tour of Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. Take in the gorgeous local sights, including the Palacio Barolo, Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo.
  • Montevideo: Visit the city of Colonia del Sacramento, with its charming cobbled streets and historic buildings. Now a UNESCO World heritage site, this colorful destination was originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s.
  • Iguassu Falls: Take in breathtaking views of the jungle and falls, before heading out with a Local Expert to explore the Argentinian side of the park.
  • Iguassu Falls: Today you’ll take a guided visit to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls. While the walk is on the shorter side, it's no less impressive, allowing you to see all the cascades at once.
  • Rio de Janeiro: Conclude the day with a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the Guanabara Bay and Rio's mountainous coastline.

Argentina & Brazil Exploration Tour

Argentina & Brazil Exploration Tour

  • Start your journey in Buenos Aires the capital of Argentina, where culture, art, and gastronomy are ever-present.
  • Meet Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and take a boat trip!
  • Visit Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and feel the welcoming spirit of the city where people dance samba all year round, and visit the colossal Christ the Redeemer.
  • Best time to travel: All year round.

Recife - Porto de Galinhas - Fernando de Noronha 2022

Recife - Porto de Galinhas - Fernando de Noronha 2022

  • Porto de Galinhas
  • Fernando de Noronha 2022

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

  • Discover the rich ecosystem of the Amazon by boat
  • See the white-sand beaches of Alter do Chao
  • Find the pink river dolphin and enormous waterlillies on the Rio Negro

Discovering the East in 9 days - Iguassu Falls & Ibera Wetlands

Discovering the East in 9 days - Iguassu Falls & Ibera Wetlands

  • Observe the incredible landscapes and the vast typical fauna and flora of the region
  • Discover the Iberá Wetlands, an important place in Argentina for its animal diversity
  • Complete nature trip

All Brazil , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Brazil

tour guide in brazil

Small Group Brazil Tours

Small Group Brazil Tours

Rio Carnival Experience

  • Perfect your samba steps at a local club and learn how to blend in with the Carioca crowds, a great introduction for your first night in this pulsating city.
  • Witness a parade of elaborate floats and costumes as samba dancers show off their moves in the Sambadrome – a party that stretches well into the early hours.
  • Leave the guidebook at home and get to know the rhythms of Rio on a city tour of the top sites. See Christ the Redeemer up close and soak up sweet views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
  • Be a part of the biggest stage in the world – don a costume and take part in the parade – dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
  • Experience the best of Carnival under the safe and knowledgeable guidance of your expert leader. They’re on hand to make sure you have a hassle-free, fun-filled adventure!

Brazil, Argentina & Chile in 18 days - Cities, Falls & Glaciers of South America - Charm

Brazil, Argentina & Chile in 18 days - Cities, Falls & Glaciers of South America - Charm

  • Puerto Natales
  • Santiago de Chile
  • Torres del Paine National Park
  • Buenos Aires
  • El Calafate

Fascinating Tour of Brazil 14 days / 13 nights

Fascinating Tour of Brazil 14 days / 13 nights

  • Rio de Janeiro with green hills, blue sky, beautiful bays, islands and marvelous beaches.
  • The Pantanal, a unique world conservation area in Brazil.
  • Lakes and rivers with crystal clear water.
  • Bonito, the land of rich flora and fauna.
  • A Trip to the heart of the Amazon jungle.

A Touch Of Brazil & Argentina

A Touch Of Brazil & Argentina

  • City tour with private guide in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro
  • Comprehensive sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
  • Tango show in Buenos Aires
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites as outlined in the program
  • Explore the lively district of Palermo famous for its beautiful parks and artificial lakes

Land of the Jaguar

Land of the Jaguar

  • Seven boat trips to maximise chances of jaguar sightings
  • 90 percent success in jaguar sightings to date
  • Explore a more off-the-beaten-path part of the Pantanal
  • Wetland birdwatching
  • Good chances of seeing capybaras, giant anteaters, jabiru storks and other wildlife

Best Brazil Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Brazil Tours by Price

Top Brazil Attractions & Experiences

Top Brazil Experiences

  • Taking a river cruise through the Amazon Rainforest
  • Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain
  • Exploring the streets of Rio de Janeiro
  • Snorkeling along Brazil’s coastline
  • Trying some of Brazil's classic and delicious cuisine, from rodizio to brigadeiros. 
  • Experiencing Brazil’s vibrant culture  
  • Seeing the iconic Brazilian festival of Carnival

Brazil Tours & Travel Guide

Brazil Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Brazil, by far the largest country in  South America , encompasses one of the widest gulfs between raw nature and urbanity anywhere in the world. It's home to both bustling cosmopolitan cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo along the Atlantic coast and to indigenous tribal villages virtually untouched by outsiders in the Amazon Rainforest . There's the frontier city of Manaus along the Amazon and the heavily Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia along the Atlantic adding further diversity.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

But even more than its places, Brazil is known for its fun-loving people, exemplified by the spirit of their annual Carnival celebrations, marked by samba dancing, skimpy and elaborate costumes and all-night revelries. 

A Brief History of Brazil

One of the biggest misconceptions about Brazil is its official language. Unlike its Spanish-speaking neighbors, Brazil’s official language is Portuguese. The first European settlers arrived from Portugal in the 1500’s to harvest the profitable pau-brasil, the red wood, that gave the country its name.

Before European colonization, the territory of Brazil was inhabited by millions of indigenous peoples. Much of the indigenous population died of disease or fled from the coast. The Portuguese monarchy turned to the African slave trade in order to maximize the potential of gold, sugar, and diamond exports.

In 1888, Princess Isabel officially ended slavery. However, the melding of indigenous, European, and African ancestry can still be seen today in the people and culture of Brazil.

The Sights of Rio

Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Most travelers visiting Brazil start (or eventually make their way to) Rio de Janeiro , known for its iconic landmarks, gorgeous beaches, boisterous Carnaval celebrations, and as the host city of the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. While in Rio, which fronts the Atlantic Ocean, it’s almost mandatory to spend some time on Copacabana or Ipanema beach.

These beaches are known for their beautiful views, relaxed atmosphere, and the beautiful people that visit the. Other must-sees include the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which occupies the highest point of the city and offers spectacular views of Sugarloaf Mountain and one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. Rio’s nightlife is also some of the best in the world. 

Natural Wonders

The Amazon region, the largest tropical rainforest on earth, is centered in Brazil. Manaus, the capital of Amazonia, is the starting point for many of the river cruises on the Amazon River and its tributaries such as the Rio Negro, which flows into the Amazon just outside the city. Manaus is also known for its opulent 19th-century opera house, financed by the wealth of rubber barons and considered the finest outside Europe in its day.

Small-ship cruises usually make multiple stops per day for rainforest hikes, visits to remote villages, and dugout canoe rides through jungle creeks. Listen for howler monkeys in the trees and watch for pink dolphins in the rivers. You might also spot sloths and alligators.

Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil.

The Pantanal is an often overlooked but fascinating natural region. Lying south of the Amazon, it’s the world’s largest wetlands area and is a prime spot, many say the best in the Americas, for spotting wildlife such as jaguars, tropical birds, and giant otters. (The Pantanal lacks the thick foliage that often obscures Amazon wildlife viewing).

And in the far southeastern part of the country, on the border with Argentina , stands enormous Iguazu Falls , one of the most powerful cascades on earth. A mile and a half wide, it consists of 275 separate falls, producing often thunderous noises and towering mists.

Weather in Brazil

Brazil’s climate is as diverse as the country is large, with microclimates in the far north and along the eastern coast. However, Brazil’s climate can generally be described in three main categories: equatorial, tropical, and temperate. The Amazon Rainforest in Northern Brazil is crossed by the equator and experiences constant rainfall and thunderstorms.

Temperatures generally remain near 85 degrees in the forest. Moisture is almost always at 100%, creating the perfect habitat for the dense, exotic foliage the Amazon is known for. Although the heat and humidity are year round, the heaviest rainfall occurs from December to May.

Most of central and southern Brazil has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from October to March, and a dry season from May to August. Temperatures generally fall in the mid to high 80’s with little fluctuation. The sea on the northeastern coast hovers in the 80’s, while the southern coast averages between 72-77 degrees, making Brazil’s coast a perfect destination for swimming and beach-going.

Tropical weather on the beach in Brazil.

The farther south you go, the more temperate the climate becomes. Rio de Janeiro and its southern neighbors do experience a colder winter from June to August, with some temperatures falling to the low 70’s, still plenty comfortable for most travelers.

Again, microclimates and exceptions in weather do exist in this diverse country. It is best to research the particular towns, cities, and attractions you want to visit in order to get the most accurate information on weather.

The City of Curitiba

Curitiba, Brazil.

Curitiba lies east of Sao Paulo and is the capital city of the Brazilian state Paraná. While Curitiba is not the most glamorous Brazilian city, it has been recognized as one of the best examples of urban planning. What that means for visitors is clean streets, a pedestrian friendly city center, and a transportation infrastructure that really works.

The city boasts a downtown area closed to vehicles, where pedestrians can walk to shops and restaurants safely. Visitors to the city can hop on one of the many express buses to see the sights, such as the Panorama Tower, which offers a 360° view of Curitiba, or one of the plethora of green spaces. Bus fare is the same no matter how far you’re riding.

This city is a welcome respite from the intensity of other major cities in Brazil, and is well worth a stop if you are traveling to Iguazu Falls from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo.

Top Festivals in Brazil

Reveillon  - On New Year’s Eve, Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is packed with two million party goers. Festivities run from 7 pm to 4 am and include music, dancing, and fireworks. If you want to party like the locals, wear all white, as this is the official color of the Brazilian New Year.

Celebration of Iemenjá  - This festival pays tribute to the Candomblé goddess of water, Iemenjá, and is particularly popular in the city of Salvador. On February 2, devotees dress in white and send their blessed offerings out to sea. If the offerings do not return, Iemenjá has accepted them.

Festa Junina (June Festival)  - Across the country, Brazilians celebrate the beginning of winter with festivities spanning the entire month. These celebrations also recognize the Catholic saints Saint Anthony, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Peter. Celebrants also honor the harvest season while enjoying its plentiful food. Specific traditions vary from region to region.

Festival Parintins - Also known as Boi Bumbá, this festival is held in the city of Parintins on the banks of the Amazon. Boi Bumbá is part folk art, part performance, and part storytelling, as two groups compete to see how who can provide the most compelling reenactment of important folklore. Think colorful costumes, big dances, and serious but respectful rivalries.

Nazaré - About two million Catholics parade through the streets of Belém to pay tribute to Our Lady Nazareth in one of the largest religious festivals in the world. The festival takes place in October and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. No matter what you believe, witnessing devotees pulling the car that contains Our Lady of Nazareth’s image by a rope, is unforgettable.

Carnival in Rio - The city of Rio makes the list again with their famous Carnival celebration. Even though other cities offer their own festivities, Rio by far is the most popular. Look below for a more in-depth guide to Carnival.

All You Need to Know About Carnival in Brazil

What has become one of the biggest parties in the world actually began as a religious celebration. Carnival is held the week before the Catholic observance of Lent, in late February or early March, and marks the last feast and revelry until Easter. The official celebration begins the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday and ends on Ash Wednesday at noon, but for some Brazilians, especially in Rio de Janeiro, the party starts months before.

Carnival has become synonymous with Samba, the music and dance of Brazil that showcases its Latin and African roots. In Rio de Janeiro, Samba schools prepare all year for a chance to compete in a city wide competition, held in the Sambadrome Arena in front of over 70,000 spectators. These schools prepare elaborate costumes and parade floats, sometimes costing millions of dollars, to carry their dancers and musicians to victory.

The winning Samba school brings serious bragging rights to its neighborhood for the rest of the year. Ticket price to the Sambadrome parades range from the affordable to the luxurious. Tickets do sell out, so it is best to book early and always through a reputable party, as counterfeit tickets exist.

Some argue that the real party happens in the hundreds of block parties, or blocos, that happen around Rio from early January to mid February. Streets are shut down as musicians and drink vendors move in, drawing in crowds of hundreds to join in the fun. Some blocos boast hundreds of thousands of attendees.

These street parties are for everyone, not just the hedonistic. Although some blocos are known for an anything goes attitude, others cater to a mellower party-goer. There are blocos for the mature, the young, and the whole family.

Lodging in Rio becomes scarce and prices increase dramatically during the Carnival season, so it is best to book early. Rio de Janeiro has become synonymous with Carnival, but this celebration is not unique to one city. Cities all over Brazil, such as Sao Paulo, Recife, and Salvador, have their own unique Carnival traditions that all center around music, dancing, and the joy of celebration.

Common Tour Routes in Brazil

With Brazil being such a large country, it can be overwhelming trying to decide on your trip route. Most tours will cover specific regions to ensure you’re not spending most of your trip seeing Brazil through the window of your vehicle. Less travel time means you get to experience more.

Many Roads Lead to Rio

The most popular city on tours, by far, is Rio de Janeiro. Located on the eastern coast in the southern part of Brazil, Rio offers a starting point for many Brazil tours. From here, tours head north, to the state of Bahia. Visitors can go to Salvador, once the capital of Brazil, and experience the deep influence of Africa on Brazil's culture. Salvador is known for its music, food, and beaches.

Another popular destination for tours starting in Rio is Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Paraguay. On their way, tours often stop in Curitiba, a very unique Brazilian City, before continuing through the rainforest, and arriving in Foz do Iguazu.

Wildlife and Adventure Travel in Brazil

Hyacinth macaw in Pantanal, Brazil.

If your dream is to see Brazil’s wildlife in all its glory, then these tour routes are for you. Amazon tours typically begin in the city of Manaus, where guided boats steer you through the river and its abundant vegetation. Some tours cruise leisurely downstream while others offer a bit more adventure.

The other popular wildlife destinations are the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland, and Bonito, known for its clear waterways and fascinating caves. These two destinations are a 4 hour drive apart, making them a popular pair on tour routes.

If you have the time, resources, and the drive, there are tours that visit every region into one trip! That way, you don’t have to choose between the excitement of Rio and the wonder of the Amazon. You can choose whatever tour route speaks to you.

Food in Brazil

When you’re eating in Brazil, expect a lot of meat! Brazil is known for its barbecue and serves it in generous portions. In churrascarias , or steakhouses, waiters cut meat straight from the skewer onto your plate.

Feijoada, a hearty stew of black beans and different cuts of pork, is another traditional Brazilian meal. Sea food, as in the dish bacalhao , is also popular along the coast. Pão de queijo , a sort of cheesy bread, is made with tapioca flour and curado minas cheese, and is naturally gluten-free.

Steak in Brazil.

Vegetarians and vegans will be hard pressed to find options, as most meals center around meat with rice and beans, and foods often include cheese. However, por kilo restaurants, which are self-service and priced by weight, could provide some choices.

Brazil also has some of the most available and delicious fruit juices, including acaí , which is often blended with ice and topped with more fruit and granola. And anyone can enjoy cachaça , a sugar cane alcohol used in Brazil’s national drink, the caiparinha.

5 Must Try Brazilian Foods:

1. Feijoada   - This traditional Brazilian meal is a hearty stew of black beans and different cuts of pork. It usually takes at least 24 hours to make and is traditionally served on the weekends when families can enjoy it together.

2. Moqueca -  This dish is typical of the northeastern state, Bahia. This fish or shrimp stew utilizes ingredients commonly found in the region, such as coconut milk, coriander, onions, and dendê , or palm oil.

3. Pão de queijo   - Literally translated as “cheese bread,” this dish is just that. It is made with tapioca flour, making it naturally gluten-free, and curado minas cheese, all rolled together and baked until the unique bread rolls are golden brown.

4. Acaí   - Brazil is the birthplace of this now-popular superfood, which is often blended with ice and topped with more fruit and granola.

5. Cachaça   - This isn’t technically a food, but it sure is an important part of Brazilian meals. Cachaça is a sugar cane alcohol used in Brazil’s national drink, the caiparinha. While the lower end stuff can have a strong resemblance to paint thinner, aged cachaça can be quite high end and smooth.

Working with a Brazil Trip Designer

The best way to ensure that you see everything on your Brazil vacation bucket list, working with a trip designer is a must. Trip designers help travelers make travel arrangements and customize their trip. They often make reservations for accommodations and activities.  They do all the hassle and you get to sit back and dream up your perfect trip. 

The alternative is joining a pre-planned tour. If you like meeting new people and want to explore Brazil with a group, this is perfect for you. However if you want a personal touch to your visit, then this won't be the right fit. Pre-planned tours are great too, but you only can get so close to your dream vacation. With a Brazil trip designer, you can make your dream trip a reality.

Connect with an expert travel planner now  >>

Brazil Vacation Cost and Trip Length

Much like any destination, the cost of a trip to Brazil can vary and depends on many factors. The type of tour whether it be small group or private guided can influence price as well as the duration. If Brazil is just one of many destinations in a vacation package then the price will tend to be higher and a longer duration.

Trips to Brazil tend to range from $2,000 to $6,000.

Some trips do range higher with costs closer to $7,000 or $8,000. These trips tend to include multiple different countries or are designed for luxury travelers with deluxe accommodations.

Browse all $2,000 - $6,000 Brazil vacations   >>

The typical trip length on a Brazil vacation is between 10 and 20 days. However, there are trips that go longer, closer to 5 or 8 days and some range higher, closer to 30 and 50 days. It's best to note that these longer vacations do tend to have higher costs.

Browse all 10-20 day Brazil vacations   >>

Brazil Reviews & Ratings

Trusted Customer

The time in the Pantanal was amazing. Did the day trip to see the jaguars which was a long day, but worth it. Lots of animals around the lodge too. If you are lucky,...

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

Covered the highlights of Brazil making sure the traveller saw the best of its highlights with sufficient enough time to take in the various areas and experience wha...

Pure Brazil was one of the few tours that covered my personal highlights of the country, Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu falls and Rio. Accommodation overall was both comfo...

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"I love watching our guests find their rhythm in Brazil. Learn how to dance the samba, move to the drumbeats of Carnival, or listen to the jungle song of the Amazon."

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Visit a traditional Brazilian churrascaria

We’ll take you on a journey through Brazilian culture, with a visit to a churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian barbecue where meat is cooked in churrasco style. We’ll have churrascaria dinners while enjoying folkloric performances of Samba and Tango, and we’ll even learn how to make the perfect caipirinha.

Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car

Board a cable car and take to the clouds, as you glide up Sugarloaf Mountain. This monumental mountain is one of the most famous peaks of Rio de Janeiro, towering 396 metres over the harbor, and you’ll make it to the top for spectacular views over the bay and city.

See how the country prepares for the annual Rio Carnival

When you join our Brazil group tours, you’ll dive into culture with a visit to a local Samba school. Discover how the school prepares for the pageantry of the annual Rio Carnival, see the colorful costumes and feel the rhythms of Samba as you experience an exciting dance lesson.

Take a walking tour around Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a gorgeous hillside district, built around a convent during the 16th century. It was once home to upper-class residents, although it’s now the home of artists with many galleries and museums. We’ll show you around the beautiful architecture, bohemian atmosphere and sweeping views of the city below.

Visit one of Rio de Janeiro's hillside favelas

Join our Local Specialists on a journey into Rocinha, one of the hillside favelas of Rio de Janeiro. You’ll see the daily lifestyles of the locals of Rocinha, visit a community school, and you’ll also have the chance to interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture.

Our top 5 things to do in Brazil

Our Brazil tour packages soak up the monumental sights of Sugarloaf Mountain, and also delve deeper into Brazilian culture with visits to a churrascaria, Samba school and a hillside favela.

Rio de Janeiro

Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã)

Housed in an incredible futuristic building, the Museum of Tomorrow shares a glimpse of life in the future. The museum displays digital ideas rather than objects, and predicts the future based on social, environmental and economic factors. You can spend hours exploring interactive experiments and exhibitions on a sustainable future.

Rio Art Museum

The Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) tells the history of Rio de Janeiro through art. You’ll find traditional and contemporary Brazilian works of art, including paintings, photographs and sculptures. The museum is housed in a striking building, with a wavy roof canopy that appears to float above the building.

Museum of Modern Art

Located in Sao Paulo, the Museum of Modern Art (MASP) has one of the best collections of European art in Latin America, with artworks by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Picasso and Renoir. The museum building is also a fantastic piece of architecture, perched on large pillars.

Best museums in Brazil

See the country’s top museums on our Brazil vacations tours, from a collection of Brazilian art to a digital insight into the future.

The Brigadeiro is a popular Brazilian dessert made from a mix of condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter, shaped into small balls and showered in chocolate sprinkles. It’s named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian war hero, and can be found in bakeries across the country.

Coxinhas are the quintessential snack of Brazil. These beloved deep-fried treats are made from breaded and fried dough filled with potato and chicken, and shaped in a triangular cone. You can find these everywhere, from street stalls to lavish restaurants.

Beijinho de Coco

The coconut version of the brigadeiro, Beijinho de Coco are one of the most favorite desserts in Brazil. They’re made from condensed milk, coconut milk, butter, covered with sugar or grated coconut. They’re a classic treat at birthday parties and you can find them in bakeries all over Brazil.

Best food in Brazil

Our group tours in Brazil will introduce you to the delicious Brazilian cuisine, from deep-fried chicken croquettes to sweet desserts sprinkled with chocolate and coconut.

What to pack for Brazil

People packing for a tour

Portuguese phrasebook

Unlike the majority of Latin America, the official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Learning a few phrases is always appreciated and will help you connect with the locals.

Brazil is famed for its golden coastline and has some of the world’s best beaches. Pack a swimsuit to soak up the sun and the dazzling waters.

Sunglasses and sunscreen

As one of the sunniest destinations in the world, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items in Brazil. Be sure to pack UV-protected sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen or higher.

Adaptor plug

In Brazil the standard voltage is 127 / 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type N. The standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Versatile shoes

You’ll need to pack shoes that can take you from exploring hillside favelas and traversing jungles, to dancing the Samba in Rio de Janeiro.

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One great big carnival of blue and yellow, Brazil bursts from the eastern edge of Latin America with gems like Rio and the mighty Amazon. Make the most of it all with a local tour guide in Brazil from tourHQ.com.

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KENRICK LACRUZ

KENRICK LACRUZ

Hello. I work as a tour guide in the city of Manaus where I provide 'Jungle Survival' tours as well ...

Demion Crosa

Demion Crosa

Hello visitors thank you for visiting my page, I'm Demion one of the AMAZON jungle ...

Carlos Cardoso

Carlos Cardoso

Hello friends, willing to come to my wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro, I have been working as a ...

Carlos Eduardo Barbosa

Carlos Eduardo Barbosa

Hi, I'm Carlos, nice to meet you! Graduated in business administration, but always a lover of ...

Ederson Oliveira

Ederson Oliveira

Congratulations! You have chosen the best place to visit in the world, Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil! ...

Carlos Damasceno

Carlos Damasceno

I am "The Jaguar" Tour Guide with more than 32 years of experience in the ...

Wildamazotours Expedition

Wildamazotours Expedition

HI Dear Travellers. My name is Magno I have been a tourguide in The Amazon rainforest for ...

Eugenio Souza

Eugenio Souza

A passionate and informative tour guide can make all the difference in your understanding of the ...

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Naun Amable Silva

I am a true jungle man, born and raised in the Peruvian Jungle. I worked for an NGO as the main ...

FRANCISCO  SILVEIRA PINTO

FRANCISCO SILVEIRA PINTO

History, Gastronomy, Nature, Traditions, Crafts, Art, Architecture and Photography are just some of ...

Fabiana  Bandeira

Fabiana Bandeira

Hello! I am Fabiana Bandeira, a Brazilian historian, History teacher and tour guide ...

Jean Duval  Cypion

Jean Duval Cypion

My name is Jean, I am originally from Haiti, living in Brazil since 1997. I was born in the ...

Paulo Scavone Arroio

Paulo Scavone Arroio

I have ten years of experience in the tourism area. A Graduate in Business Administration and ...

Samir Zen

Aho!!! My dear friend! I´m Samir, I was born on amazon and I´ve worked as a guide for ...

Mariley Maia

Mariley Maia

I am Brazilian, have been living in Rio for more than four decades. So I consider ...

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Jim Campbell

I am a life-long world traveler of Scots' and German origin, who's come to (somewhat) settle in the ...

Brazil is a nation of beauty and adventure, thrill and relaxation. Antique colonial provinces sit amongst urban cities thriving with the all-encompassing exhilaration of Brazilian culture. Meanwhile, its’ coast finds hundreds of tropical islands dotted along the country’s shoreline. White sand beaches welcome the warmth of regional sunshine, where crystal clear waters flow over breathtaking coral reefs. Nearby, the Amazon’s rivers welcome kayakers to meander through its’ waters amidst endangered species and tropical plantation.

Don’t let its’ ecological exoticism mislead you- Brazil is as vivacious as it is beautiful, and nothing proves this more than their annual Carnaval. Rio de Janeiro’s yearly festival finds the local sounds of samba beating through the city even more than usual, welcoming residents and visitors alike to its’ vibrant land. As any Brazil tour guide can tell you, tourism is the country’s priority commercial business; budget friendly travel opportunities and luxurious lodgings have made Brazil a universal destination, welcoming all who visit to indulge themselves in the country’s indigenous spirit and stunning respite.

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Brazil Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

The iconic view over Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as seen from the Wonder of the World Christ the Redeemer

Brazil is impossible to summarize in just a few paragraphs. It’s the largest country in South America and home to cosmopolitan cities like Rio de Janeiro and its Wonder of the World Christ the Redeemer statue, the rambunctious and world-famous Carnival, the Amazon River and rainforest, and an abundance of lush and untamed nature.

Brazil has more plant and animal species than anywhere else in the world, making it a paradise for travelers who love the outdoors. It’s also home to the towering and awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls.

In other words, you’re going to need longer than a week to visit this massive, diverse country.

Meet the locals at Copacabana Beach in Rio or spend an evening learning how to dance the samba. Cruise the wetlands of the Pantanal or the Amazon River while keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife like toucans and pink dolphins. Gorge on a barbecue feast, and cool off with caipirinha , Brazil’s official cocktail of sugarcane liquor, sugar, and lime.

Throw in passionate fútbol (soccer) matches, beautiful people, and low prices, and it’s easy to see why Brazil is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

This travel guide to Brazil will help you plan your trip, save money, stay safe, and make the most of your time in this amazing country.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Brazil

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Top 5 things to see and do in brazil.

The expansive Iguazu Falls in Brazil within the lush rainforest at sunset

1. Visit Rio de Janeiro

Home to over 12 million people, Rio de Janeiro has dozens of museums, the world-famous sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, countless party spots, the towering Christ the Redeemer statue (a New Wonder of the World), Sugarloaf Mountain, Tijuca National Park (the largest urban rainforest in the world) right in the city’s backyard, and so much more. No visit to Brazil is complete without a stop here. It’s fun personified, especially if you come during Carnival!

2. Visit Florianópolis

Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s most popular coastal cities, (especially for surfers taking advantage of big waves). Brazilians love to vacation here, and it’s a big spot for backpackers too, thanks to its powdery beaches, cheap seafood, fantastic hiking, and awesome nightlife. Come here to party, lounge, hike, and enjoy the sunshine!

3. Spend time in the Amazon

The Amazon covers 8% of the earth’s surface and is home to 50% of its biodiversity. There are so many ways to experience it: take a jungle cruise down the Amazon River, do a guided multi-day trek , or join a wildlife tour. You can also visit indigenous communities and learn how they live in such a unique place.

4. Go to Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha was Brazil’s first national marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sandy beaches with turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling (there are lots of dolphins here) will take your breath away. 70% of the island is protected, and less than 500 people are permitted at a time, meaning the island is largely empty. It’s one of the most gorgeous places in South America, though be prepared to pay for it in higher accommodation and food costs, as well as a daily visitor tax (87 BRL per day, plus a 330 BRL 10-day visitor pass).

5. See Iguazú Falls

Other things to see and do in brazil, 1. attend a fútbol match in rio.

Fútbol (soccer) is a religion here, and the chaos and excitement during a match are contagious! Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest stadiums in the world, and it seats 100,000 supporters. The best games are the local teams (Flamengo, Vasco, Botafogo, and Fluminese) because you’re guaranteed a game full of singing, cheering, and insult-slinging. You can buy tickets through the teams’ websites or the FutebolCard site. Tickets can be as low as 20 BRL. To learn even more about the sport and stadium, you can take a stadium tour for 77 BRL.

2. Enjoy Rio Carnival

The Rio Carnival is an epic festival of music, samba, and revelers dressed in elaborate, colorful regalia as they take to the streets by the thousands. It’s one of the biggest celebrations in the world (2 million people hit the streets every day during Carnival). The entire celebration is one last hurrah before the start of Lent’s quiet period. Prices for accommodations triple during Carnival (held every February) so be sure to book far in advance for the best deals. You can reserve your 2024 Carnival tickets in advance here (highly recommended – they sell out quickly)!

3. Visit Brasilia

Brasilia is the often-overlooked capital of Brazil. This futuristic city was established in 1960 and is a hub for modernist architecture, including the National Congress, with its odd bowl-shaped structures, and Santuário Dom Bosco church which boasts long, narrow windows made of blue-colored Murano glass that represents a starry sky. Visit the 60,000-acre Parque Nacional de Brasilia and walk the trails between tall Cerrado trees while looking for wildlife like anteaters and pampas deer.

4. Explore the Pantanal

Located in Western Brazil, the Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world, stretching into parts of Bolivia and Paraguay. Over 11,000 species of animal live here, including the rare marsh deer, the giant anteater, and the hyacinth macaw. The two main access points are Cuiabá and Campo Grande. I recommend the latter as it tends to offer more affordable accommodations and tour options. Most wildlife and sightseeing tours are multi-day and cost a minimum of about 1,325 BRL per day.

5. Relax in Recife

Located on the eastern tip of the country, Recife is the place to be if you want to relax and enjoy some of Brazil’s scenic beaches. Boa Viagem, the 7-kilometer (4-mile) stretch of sand between Pina to Piedade, is very developed with cabanas and sun chairs for rent. Piedade is equally as beautiful but less touristy, lined with restaurants and bars where the locals hang out. For an even more low-key beach area, head south to Porto de Galinhas, where the beach is virtually empty.

6. Visit Salvador

Salvador was Brazil’s first capital city, and today it remains the country’s cultural capital, thanks to its vibrant Afro-Brazilian community. Located down the coast from Recife, Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is a perfect example of this community’s unique spirit: it’s a church that peacefully combines Catholicism and Candomblé (a religion originating from West Africa). Furthermore, the pastel-painted colonial buildings and cobblestone scenes of the Pelourinho neighborhood are extremely photogenic, and if you stay in this area, you’ll have easy access to shopping, restaurants, bars, and live music. Local tour operator Your Tour Brazil offers many different tours to help you dig deeper into Salvador’s culture, including their African Heritage & Acarajé Tasting tour .

7. See São Paulo

São Paulo, the fourth-largest city in the world and the largest in South America, is home to over 23 million people. This sprawling metropolis is for anyone who loves wild nightlife, great museums, interesting street art, live samba music, and fine dining. Every area is like its own micro-city and it’s a completely different vibe than Rio (taking a walking tour is one of the best way to get a handle on this gigantic city). São Paulo also has a flourishing art community, which you can discover through its many experimental theaters and art-house cinemas (including CineSala, an independent street theater founded in 1959).

8. Try capoeira

Capoeira is a combination of dance, music, and martial arts created nearly 500 years ago by enslaved West Africans to disguise their combat training. It kind of looks like breakdancing, emphasizing flow over specific stances. In Brazil’s larger cities you can sign up for intro classes, including in Rio de Janeiro, where classes start from 70 BRL. Angola N’Golo is an affordable school to check out.

9. Unplug in Ilha Grande

You’d never know from the look of it that the tropical island paradise of Ilha Grande was once a pirate’s hideout, a leper colony, and a high-security prison. Nowadays people (especially locals from nearby Rio) come here on the weekends to hang out on the pristine beaches, like Aventura Beach and Palmas Cove. There are a handful of hostels and accommodations here, but mostly the island is made up of undeveloped jungles and beaches. Come here to lounge, disconnect, and chill out.

10. Visit Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto, a 17th-century colonial town, is one of Brazil’s most picturesque towns for its brightly painted houses, Baroque churches, and large leafy plazas. Located around 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of Rio, Ouro Preto sits in a valley at the foot of the Serra do Espinhaco, and up in the hills surrounding the town are 23 churches you can hike to visit.

11. Learn samba

Samba is a musical genre and dance born in Rio de Janeiro’s Afro-Brazilian communities in the early 20th century. Today, it’s an important Brazilian cultural symbol, but Rio remains one of the best places in Brazil to learn how to dance. Rio Samba Dancer is my favorite for its all-levels group classes, especially for the classes combined with social outings to samba clubs. Classes start from about 105 BRL.

12. Admire the Azorean fishing villages

Brazil has 7,400 kilometers (4,500 miles) of coastline with many historic fishing villages to explore. Florianópolis has a number of particularly beautiful ones, including Santo Antonio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha, where you can indulge in delectable oyster and seafood dishes and enjoy secluded beaches, cobbled streets, and jellybean-colored houses. Sights in Ribeirão da Ilha include the Acoriano Casario Church and museum Ecomuseu do Ribeirão da Ilha, where you can learn more about the natural and Azorean cultural history of the area. Museum admission is 5 BRL.

13. Hike in Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is the largest urban rainforest in the world, stretching across 8,300 acres. The area is home to over 350 different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including howler monkeys, which only came back to the park recently after a 100-year hiatus. The Corcovado (Christo) hike through Parque Lage to the top of Corcovado is a steep climb, but it’s shaded and only takes about three hours. Another scenic hike is to Tijuca Peak, starting in Rio’s North Zone and going past waterfalls and through dense rainforest. This hike only takes about two hours, and you’ll be rewarded with views over Niteroi and Guanabara Bay. Entrance to the park is free. This is a place where it’s really worth it to go with a tour though. You’ll not only have a more in-depth experience, learning history of the rainforest as well as how to recognize native flora and fauna, but get round-trip transportation to/from your accommodation as well. There are tons of tours available, from the popular jeep tours to full-day adventure hikes that go to lesser visited sections of the rainforest.

14. Visit Paraty

This incredibly well-preserved Portuguese colonial town and UNESCO World Heritige site is located almost halfway between São Paulo and Rio, making it an excellent place to stop and unwind for a few days as you travel between Brazil’s two largest cities. The picturesque cobblestone-lined streets of the 16th-century town are lined with handicraft shops, bars with live music every night, and great restaurants (go to family-run Vinicius for a superb homecooked meal). Located on Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast), there’s a lot of adventure activities to be had here too, including jungle tours of the Atlantic Forest (usually with stops to visit historic cachaca distilleries, as the area is famous for brewing Brazil’s most popular spirit), and boat tours with snorkeling and beach stops. You’ll be able to see and enjoy all the main things to do in about three days here.

  For more information on specific cities in Brazil, check out these guides:

  • Fernando de Noronha Travel Guide
  • Florianópolis Travel Guide
  • Sao Paulo Travel Guide
  • Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Brazil Travel Costs

A street lined with brightly colored historic buildings in the city of Salvador, Brazil

Accommodation – Brazil is a huge country (it’s the 7th-largest in the world) and accommodation prices fluctuate from city to city and from season to season (with huge increases during Carnival). Prices in places like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are pretty consistent, but for beachy destinations like Florianópolis, prices change dramatically depending on the time of year.

A 4-6 person dorm costs about 75-85 BRL per night, while a bed in a 8-10 person dorm costs 60-70 BRL. More remote places like Fernando de Noronha have higher prices, with dorms costing up to 150 BRL per night.

A private double room in a hostel costs about 225-300 BRL, but sometimes you can find rooms for as low as 150 BRL per night.

A budget two-star hotel room in the center of town costs 200-300 BRL per night with air-conditioning and breakfast included. If you’re willing to leave the city center, you can sometimes find rooms for as low as 150 BRL per night.

Airbnb is another great budget option, with private rooms averaging around 100-150 BRL per night, while entire apartments or homes start around 275 BRL.

Campgrounds are plentiful by the beaches and national parks. Expect to pay around 40-70 BRL per night for a basic plot. Amenities generally include free Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities including hot showers, and charging stations.

Food – Brazilian cuisine — like the country itself — is a mix of many cultures, with European, Amerindian, African, and Japanese influences. As such a large country, food varies per region, with seafood plentiful on the coastlines and Brazilian barbeque dominating in the south. Rice and beans are a staple no matter where you are.

Common vegetables include tubers like cassava and yams, tomatoes, red peppers, okra, and more. Being a subtropical country, there’s a huge variety of fruits, with the most famous being the superfood açaí, though cupuaçu, mango, papaya, guava, orange, passion fruit, and pineapple are all common as well.

Feijoada , Brazil’s national dish, is a meaty bean stew that is traditionally eaten for Wednesday or Saturday lunch. Other popular dishes include moqueca (fish stew), polenta, and vatapá (a stew of bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts) among countless others.

Some popular street food snacks include pão de queijo (cheese bread rolls), acarajé (black eyed pea and shrimp fritters), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and pastéis (savory fried pies with assorted fillings).

All of this is to say that Brazil has such a variety of food and flavors that you never have to go far to find an affordable meal.

Street food like pastel (a deep-fried pastry with filling) or coxinha costs around 8-10 BRL. An açaí (served pureed and frozen, with toppings you can choose from) from a street stand or takeaway spot is 15-20 BRL. A sandwich and drink at a juice bar should be no more than 35-40 BRL, while a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant (think McDonald’s) is around 30-35 BRL. A meal at a Chinese takeout restaurant costs about the same, at 35 BRL for a dish like fried rice. Burgers cost 25-30 BRL and pizzas are around 50-60 BRL.

Buffets, where you pay by weight, are very common throughout Brazil. You usually pay around 65-80 BRL per kilo.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical Brazilian dishes costs about 20-40 BRL, depending on the region and city. A meal with two courses at a casual restaurant starts from 60 BRL, though prices at restaurants along the beach can go much higher, often starting at 80 BRL for a dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about 150-180 BRL, but you can expect to pay nearly double this price at some places in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Dishes at higher-end seafood restaurants cost 150-225 BRL and up. At many restaurants in coastal areas, seafood dishes and platters are meant for two (often served with an entire fish) – it’s a huge portion of food that could easily be split between three people.

A domestic beer costs about 10-15 BRL, while a cocktail is 15-25 BRL. Wine is expensive (and not very good) in Brazil, so expect to pay at least 15-20 BRL per glass. A soda or juice is 5-8 BRL, and a cappuccino is 9-11 BRL.

Grocery shopping costs about 100-200 BRL per week for basic staples like fresh veggies, pasta, rice, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Brazil Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Rio de Janeiro, expect to spend about 215 BRL per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, cooking some of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like enjoying the beach and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of about 420 BRL per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for all your meals at cheap local restaurants, take the occasional taxi to get around, take buses between destinations, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like surfing or samba lessons.

On a “luxury” budget of about 750 BRL per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take taxis everywhere, fly between cities, and enjoy all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

If you’re coming during Carnival, expect prices for accommodations and activities to increase significantly (sometimes triple or even quadruple) — especially if you’re booking last minute.

If you’re staying in Fernando de Noronha, budget double the above suggestions.

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BRL.

Brazil Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries in South America, but prices depend on where in the country you are and what kind of activities you’re doing. Brazil’s main cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are more expensive than rural areas (unless you’re seeking out less touristy locales, like Fernando do Noronha). Here are some money-saving tips to help you get started:

  • Agree on taxi prices – Agree on the price for your journey with the taxi driver before setting off. Many drivers refuse to use their meters and try to rip you off. It’s much better to take a bus most of the time.
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money.
  • Visit off-season – December to March is a pretty busy time as people from the Northern hemisphere escape the winter. Try to avoid these dates if you want to keep prices low.
  • Skip Carnival – Carnival might be fun, but it’s also super expensive. If you’re on a budget, avoid visiting during Carnival.
  • Get an Airpass – If you book your domestic flights in advance, the Airpass can save you money on flights. It’s the cheapest way to fly around the country (more on this below).
  • Cook your meals – Eating out here can easily blow your budget so try and stay somewhere with a kitchen so you can do some cooking. It’s not glamorous, but if you live like the locals you’ll save a fortune.
  • Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Brazil

Hostels are widespread all over Brazil. You’ll also find a ton of B&Bs and cool Airbnbs. Basically, there are a lot of budget options here. My suggested places to stay in Brazil are:

  • Joy Hostel (Brasilia)
  • Barra Beach Club Oceanfront Hostel (Florianópolis)
  • Submarino Hostel (Florianópolis)
  • The Search House Beachfront Hostel (Florianópolis)
  • Tucano House Summer Hostel (Florianópolis)
  • Hostel e Pousada El Shaddai (Iguacu)
  • Hostel Bambu (Iguacu)
  • Books Hostel (Rio)
  • Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro (Rio)
  • Mango Tree Hostel Ipanema (Rio)
  • Bamboo Rio Hostel (Rio)
  • O de Casa Hostel Bar (São Paulo)
  • Hostel Galeria 13 (Salvador)

How to Get Around Brazil

Small boats docked in clear turqoise waters along a lush green shoreline in Brazil

Public transportation – City transportation in Brazil is efficient and modern. Many places (like Rio and São Paulo) have an extensive subway system. Fares cost around 5 BRL per one-way ticket. In most places, you can pick up a multi-day metro card to save money.

Buses are everywhere. A one-way ticket costs about 3-5 BRL, and as with the subway, there are usually multi-day metro cards available.

Taxis – Taxis are recommended in the evening when public transportation may not be as safe. Fares start at 6-8 BRL and then go up to about 3-6 BRL per kilometer. Use an app like 99 (formerly 99Taxis) to ensure you get a licensed taxi. Ridesharing like Uber is also available and common here.

Bus – Long-distance buses are a convenient, economical, and comfortable way to travel in the country. There are hundreds of routes. You can use Brazil Bus Travel to check schedules and book your tickets.

A bus from Rio to São Paulo takes 6.5 hours and costs about 180 BRL, or you can book a sleeper bus with a bed for 420 BRL. Rio to Florianópolis is a 20-hour journey that costs about 520 BRL for a regular seat or 1,050 for a bed.

Train – Train service is limited to the tourist-oriented steam train that offers transport in between São Joao del Rei and Tiradentes. It’s expensive, so I don’t recommend doing this.

Flying – Air travel is useful if you’re trying to get around the country on limited time (especially if you’re traveling between the big cities, or between places like Rio and the Amazon). The country’s major airlines are:

If you’re booking a flight two months in advance from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus (the easiest way to reach the Amazon), you can find airfare for as low as 1,700 BRL (round-trip). Rio to Salvador is about 360 BRL (one-way), while flights between Brasilia and São Paulo can be as little as 155 BRL (one-way).

An Airpass is a practical option if you’re going to take a lot of flights within 30 days (especially if you’re going to the Amazon, which is far and expensive to get to). With GOL you can get a 90-day pass with four domestic flights in its network for 2,600 BRL. Azul offers something similar with four flights within three weeks for the same price. Brol.com can help you find the right pass.

Just keep in mind that you have to book in advance for these passes so this doesn’t allow for flexible travel. You also cannot use these passes during popular time periods, like during Carnival and Christmas/the New Year.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 65-90 BRL per day for a multi-day rental. However, the road conditions aren’t great here and drivers are aggressive. Moreover, since break-ins and carjackings are common, I’d likely skip the rental here just to be safe.

When to Go to Brazil

Brazil covers such a large territory that the country is broken up into different climate areas. The “coldest” part is in the far south and southeast, with the winter season lasting from June to September. Brazilians will complain about the cold here, but it rarely dips below freezing. The summer months from December to March are hot.

If you’re sticking to Brazil’s coastal areas, the weather is warm year-round. During the winter (December to March), the temperature is always higher than 25°C (77°F). There’s near-constant sunshine, but there is also a rainy season, which lasts from October-January. The rainy season often starts earlier in Salvador and Recife.

The northeast (around the Amazon) is always hot, with temperatures often climbing to 40°C (104°F). There’s no real winter season. In Manaus and the central Amazon, the dry season is from July-October. This period is also the best time to visit wildlife in the Amazon as the water recedes and animals gather at watering holes. The same goes for the Pantanal.

If you come during the Brazilian winter, you’ll find much fewer crowds and lower prices. I consider this the best time to be here, but only if you’re not trying to escape the North American winter.

If you’re super budget-minded, don’t come during February when it’s Carnival and prices skyrocket!

How to Stay Safe in Brazil

Travelers need to be vigilant in Brazil . Pick-pocketing and other petty crimes are common here, especially in Rio. Don’t flash expensive belongings and always keep your phone and wallet secure and out of reach. Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach either. Be sure to lock up your valuables before leaving your accommodation, whether you’re staying in a hostel dorm or in a private hotel/Airbnb room.

Avoid going out alone in the evenings after dark. If you do need to travel at night to get back to your accommodation, take a taxi (use the 99 app to call one) or an Uber.

Solo female travelers will want to exercise caution here. Avoid walking around alone when possible and definitely avoid walking around at night. Always keep an eye on your drink (even when it’s being poured) and never accept drinks from strangers.

Use ATMs inside a bank or have a friend with you to keep an eye out while you withdraw cash.

To learn which scams to be on the lookout for, read about this post about common travel scams .

Carjacking and break-ins are common, so I’d probably avoid renting here just to be safe.

When hiking, always bring a lot of water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly. Don’t pick fruit off a tree and eat it without knowing what it is (it might be poisonous). There is also a risk of the Zika virus and/or Malaria in certain areas. Carry bug spray and use it often.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 190 for assistance.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Brazil, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Brazil Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Brazil Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Brazil and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

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Several of Jacada’s Travel Designers have worked and lived in Brazil, so we’ll not only provide you with suggestions like where to find the most secluded and pristine beach spots, but also the best accommodation that will tick your boxes. All of our fantastic Brazil trips are meticulously designed to give you the ultimate supreme full-service and private tailor-made experience of this magnificent country.

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Musing over the Sugar Loaf Mountain while sipping on the perfect caipirinha in  Rio de Janeiro

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I absolutely love Brazil, it has everything in one captivating country. Here, you can relax on beautiful beaches, explore pretty colonial towns, adventure into the rainforest, party at world-famous festivals or search for wildlife in the Pantanal – and you will have only scratched the surface of this vast destination.

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Brazil’s most iconic city with one of the most famous beaches in the world on its doorstep; Copacabana. The towering sugarloaf mountain and emerald green forests and parks, coupled with a vibrant culture make Rio a city not to be missed.

Brazil’s largest waterfalls thunder into the Parana river below. From Brazil, stand within the lush tropical rainforests for the best views of the 275 cascading waterfalls, stretching all the way into Argentina.

An unmatched natural wilderness, its sheer scale is hard to comprehend. Brazil’s amazon is the ultimate adventure with hikes, boat trips, nature walks, bird watching and fascinating cultural encounters.

South America’s premier wildlife spotting location and the world's largest wetlands area. The place to find the sleek, strong and surprising large jaguars among many other intruiging and endangered species.

Rural beach life, relaxed and connected to local culture and stunning nature. There’s an effortless and sophisticated luxury hidden away here among village life that attracts Brazil's glamorous crowd.

Buzios is a collection of sandy coves where clear blue waters lap at the glistening rocks. The town itself is bustling with many chic bars, boutiques and restaurants where it’s become known as the St Tropez of Brazil.

A picturesque town of cobbled streets and white washed buildings with bright colourful doors and shutters. Nestled into the Costa Verde it’s a wonderful place for exclusive boat trips around the many inviting coves and beaches of the area.

Ibitipoca, just half a day's drive from energetic Rio, is an area of intense natural beauty and serenity. Great for hikes, horse rides and swimming in waterfalls, there’s also lots of opportunity to join in with and learn about local rural life.

Florianopolis

Many Brazilians and Argentineans head to the secluded beaches of Florianopolis to relax. Long white sandy stretches punctuated by little fishing villages with great surfing, windsurfing and kayaking activities.

An architecturally beautiful city with a rich history. This is one of the best places to learn about Brazil’s African culture with an expert guide. As you explore the city's old town look out for the impromptu displays of hypnotic capoeira.

Chapada Diamantina

Chapada Diamantina is a stunning part of Brazil’s interior where table-top mountains, waterfalls, vast plains, caves and streams stretch out endlessly before you. Explore this natural playground on foot, mountain bike or horseback.

A beach destination that is well and truly off the beaten-track. A protected area that’s crammed with natural highlights from secluded sandy beaches to lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.

A magnificent metropolis and Brazil’s capital of commerce, known mostly as a business city. There’s much more though; a thriving art scene, gourmet restaurants, stunning hotels along with a cosmopolitan fashion and music scene.

Fernando de Noronha

One of the world's premier dive spots, Fernando de Noronha is part of a tropical archipelago 160 kilometre off Brazils coast. Crystal clear waters are home to dolphins and turtles and the white sandy beaches are beyond idyllic.

A huge savannah region of Brazil where allusive jaguars lurk and the iconic maned wolf roams. Due to Corrado's size there's a massive range of plant and animal biodiversity that can be explored with expert naturalist guides.

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When to visit

Brazil’s summer is from December to March, and the country experiences winter from June to September. It can get very hot and humid during the summer, making the slightly cooler shoulder seasons great for travelling. The Amazon is humid all year round. Carnival is a great time to visit Rio, but you must book well in advance.

Wildlife

June - October

Beaches

December - March

Iguassu Falls

When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?

Brazil travel guides, a guide to exploring the amazon in brazil, luxury travel to brazil: an insider guide, what to pack for a trip to brazil, plan your trip to brazil.

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Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

As returning Jacada customers, our Brazil trip was a spectacular 22 day adventure that took us from Sao Paulo, to the Falls, to the Pantanal, to the Amazon, and Rio. Everything from pre-planning to execution and all things in between were handled flawlessly as Charles and Melanie created an outstanding itinerary with a good pace, locations, guides, and accommodations. Every…

The guides were great, especially the one we got in Brazil. Also, the guides were always there waiting for us at the airport when we landed. Appreciate all the little presents from the agency as well.

They organized a tour for me in Brazil. I have to say that the organization was perfect, the guides were very knowledgeable, and I felt impeccably assisted throughout the entire trip! I also had a mishap at one of the domestic airports which they handled magnificently without even needing my prompt. From now on, they will be my go-to travel…

The company representatives went above what I had expected...and I had expected quite a bit. Their pre-trip advice was spot-on, however they did listen to my goals and amended times, travel and locations to better suit my agenda. The guides we were assigned were knowledgable and punctual to a military standard. The recommended accomodations were perfectly located and we were…

Jacada arranged an extensive private tour for my wife and me in November (2022), visiting Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The entire trip took 3 weeks, starting with 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, 2 nights at the Iguazu Falls, 3 nights in Buenos Aires, then a week in Patagonia followed by a week in and around Santiago in…

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Ultimate Guide to Planning a Perfect Trip to Brazil: Expert Tips from a Local!

April 10, 2023

Paula Martinelli

If you are planning a dream trip to Brazil, this is your one-stop guide! Here you will find all you need to know to plan a safe trip to Brazil , plus all the useful tips prepared by a Brazileira ;-).

When you think about Brazil, what comes to  your  mind? Carnaval…Rio de Janeiro…Samba…Soccer (Futebol)…Beaches…Amazon forest? Most people have some association with Brazil from popular culture. I am here to EXPAND on those associations so that you can get to know this amazing country, diverse culture, and incredible people.

Join me as I take you beyond the usual associations with Brazil from popular culture, and delve into the rich history, culture, and people that make this country truly unique. With stunning landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and a blend of Portuguese, African, European, and Brazilian influences, Brazil has something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty and excitement of Brazil like a local. Let this guide be your go-to resource for planning the perfect trip to Brazil, tailor-made just for you. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this extraordinary destination!

Brazil trip planning

Why you Should Travel to Brazil

Well, amigo, let me start by saying why you should travel to Brazil. Brazil is one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit on the Planet, and I really mean it.

Visit the natural beauty of the falls at Iguaçu, meet the locals at the Copacabana beach, see one of the Seven Wonders of the New World, Christ the Redeemer, learn how to dance the samba, enjoy a barbecue, and cool off with a caipirinha and be able to cruise around some of the largest jungles in the planet, Pantanal and Amazon.

Brazil offers it all for any travel style –  from solo travelers to a family vacation trip of a lifetime, to adventure travelers, to one of the best routes to backpack in South America . 

Brazil is a very vast country, and because of its size, it is impossible to travel around and get to visit many places on your first trip. You will need good planning and longer than a week to visit 1-2 States.

planning a trip to Brazil

Brazil Travel Tips Essentials

LANGUAGE:  The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. English and Spanish are not widely spoken.

CURRENCY:  The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, and the U.S. Dollar is not accepted. Check here  for the latest conversion rate.

TIPPING: It is not customary to tip in Brazil

CREDIT CARD & ATMs:  A credit card is widely accepted in Brazil. ATMs can be easily found in commercial areas, but they may be closed at night for security reasons.

PLUGS: In Brazil, the power plugs are type N, the standard voltage is 127 / 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. I recommend buying a  universal adapter  and using a  converter  for hair dryers. 

WI-FI IN BRAZIL: You can get Wi-Fi service in Brazil pretty much everywhere (unless you are planning to visit some remote areas). Normally the hotels, restaurants and shopping malls offer free internet service.

CELL PHONE: Your international cell phone will work in Brazil. However, to avoid high international calling charges, you’ll want to pick up a local SIM card and get a local calling plan. You can buy these at street-corner kiosks (called bancas) and some supermarkets.

tour guide in brazil

HUAWEI E5577s-321 Mobile WiFi Router

I recommend buying this WiFi router. You can insert any SIM card around the world, and it shares data across all your devices, up to 10, via WiFi and the battery lasts up to 12 hours.

planning a trip to Brazil

Brazil Travel Planning: Orientation & Map

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest country in the world, with a population of 212 million people (2.75% of the total world population). 

Brazil might be the largest country most of the world doesn’t know a whole lot about. Brazil’s economy ranks 1st in South America,  2nd in the Americas, and 8th in the world.

Although Brazil covers an area equal to 88% of the US and therefore is  almost  as large, being the size of the US without Alaska .

The coastline of Brazil measures 7,491 km, which makes it the 16th longest national coastline in the world. Throughout the coastal areas, geographical features can be found like islands, reefs, and bays.

Planning a trip to Brazil

What is the Visa Requirement to Travel to Brazil?

You need a valid passport for at least 6-months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred below.

A visa to Travel to Brazil is not required by all nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90-days. A Visa to travel to Brazil is required by nationals of Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Visa-Free Entry to stay up to 90 days for American, Canadian, Japanese, and Australian passport holders. Consult this website for more visa requirements.

What are the best Flights options to Brazil?

There are numerous options for flights to Brazil and many gateways in the US and Canada.

Direct flights leave from:  Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York, Orlando, Washington, and Toronto.

TAM is the only Brazilian carrier serving the US at present, while the North American airlines are American, Air Canada, Continental, Delta, and United.

Most flights go to either Rio  or  São Paulo.  If your ultimate destination is somewhere other than these cities, it is usually best to connect in Rio or São Paulo.

Planning a trip to Brazil

What are the Best Places to Visit in Brazil?

When talking about visiting Brazil, everyone seems to gravitate to either  Rio de Janeiro ,  Iguaçu Falls,  or the  Amazon .

I regret to say that those places are very far distance from each other. Therefore, if you have only 2-week to visit Brazil you would need to pick one destination over another. You can see some ideas of the Best Brazil Route here . 

Just take a quick glance at a map to figure this out, I have picked my top 10 places to visit in Brazil and pinned the map to help to give a better perspective of each location:

  • SÃO PAULO (São Paulo State)  – Largest city, very metropolitan and cultural, great cuisine
  • RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio de Janeiro State)  – Second largest city, amazing natural beauty, and beaches
  • PARATY (Rio de Janeiro State)  – 4 hours driving from Rio, Brazilian imperial town by the ocean
  • ANGRA DOS REIS (Rio de Janeiro State): The most beautiful coastline in Brazil with over 2,000 beaches to choose from
  • CURITIBA (Paraná State)  – Large city praised with one of the world’s best models of  urban planning
  • FLORIANÓPOLIS (Santa Catarina State)  – Island in the South with perfect beaches and excellent surfing
  • PANTANAL (Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul State)  – The world’s largest inland wetland area, one of the best to spot animals
  • AMAZON FOREST (Amazonas State) – The largest tropical rainforest in the world
  • JALAPÃO (Tocantins)  –  Large variety of landscapes including sand dunes, rivers, waterfalls, and Savana
  • NATAL (Rio Grande do Norte State)  -Stunning beaches, white sand dunes, and rich diverse culture.

Brazil travel guide map

Plan Well Your Itinerary in Brazil

Remember that pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe. I have spent years of my life living and traveling around Brazil and these articles will be extremely helpful with tons of Brazil Travel Tips for you:

  • 10 Best Backpacking Routes in South America
  • 15 Amazing day trip from Sao Paulo
  • 21 Amazing Facts about Rio de Janeiro
  • Rio de Janeiro Itinerary
  • Sao Paulo Itinerary
  • Jalapao, Brazil Itinerary
  • Angra dos Reis Itinerary
  • Petropolis Itinerary
  • Paraty itinerary
  • Bonito Itinerary

Sugar loaf interesting facts

How much does a Trip to Brazil Cost?

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries to visit in South America, but because of the exchange rate, when converted, prices are still very affordable.

The best time to travel to Brazil on a budget is in the off-season. If you travel outside of Christmas or Carnival, flying to Brazil can be quite affordable.

Check the average trip to Brazil cost below – Per day for 2 people – Based on 4 stars hotel, eating all meals at the restaurant, renting a car – Of course, it can be less, it will depend on your travel style:

Average Prices per Day/ 2 People

Planning a trip to brazil: transportation & getting around.

If you are visiting more than one state, I recommend flying instead of traveling by bus or car. The distances are long, and flying will save you time and allow you to visit more locations in less time.

You can get a 15% off your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend RentalCar because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

Planning a trip to Brazil

Planning a Trip to Brazil: Accommodations

Prices and options will vary a lot, depending on what area of Brazil you are visiting and what time of the year you are visiting. But the good news is that because of the exchange rate, the prices will be very affordable when converted.

I have selected 3 options for the most popular accommodation options in Brazil, and I recommend booking using Booking.com   because it is a reliable source and also, there is free cancelation policy:

Nepal Trip Cost

The capital of Nepal is a typical busy city, with pollution and traffic. But still, a fascinating place to visit including the Boudha Stupa, Asan Market, and Swayambhunath.

What is the Best time to Visit Brazil?

Brazil is one of the few destinations on Earth that is warm year-round. Because of its tropical landscapes, there are several climatic extremes, though none of which are too extreme to deter travelers.

Winter in Brazil lasts from May to September . No matter where in Brazil you are visiting, temperatures won’t drop below 60 F. It’s one of the best times to go sightseeing and hiking in cities like Rio, thanks to plenty of sunshine and cooler temps.

During the spring and summer (November to March) , temperatures can get up to 120 F so be sure to stack on a whole lot of sunscreen and prepare for some humidity.

Around February and March is when it happens the largest party on the Planet: Carnival!

What is the Weather in Brazil?

The summer months are from December to March and winter is from June to September

Because of the size of Brazil, the country is broken into different climate areas. Check here for the weather in Brazil.

  • The south of Brazil is the coldest part, with winters that can even be seeing some snowflakes.
  • The North of Brazil , where you can find the Amazon forest, is always hot with temperatures climbing up to 100F (40C).
  • The coastal areas in Brazil – If you are visiting the coastal areas, the weather is warm most of the year, with temperatures higher than 77F (25C).

Planning a trip to Brazil

Planning a Trip to Brazil: Safety

Let’s start with a million-dollar question. Every time I engage in a conversation with someone, I am asked this question: “Is it safe to travel to Brazil?”

Safety is a big concern for Brazilians. Drug gangs control certain territories, police corruption is not uncommon, and if you are not aware, you could become a victim of theft or pickpocketing.

With that being said, Brazil is not a dangerous place, and every year millions of people visit Brazil and it is not a reason you should avoid a trip to Brazil, just follow some basics suggested safety tips:

tour guide in brazil

Backpack Travel Anti Theft with USB Charging Port

To keep your belongings safe during your travels, I recommend this anti-theft backpack. The hidden theft-proof pocket designed on the back sits up against the wearer’s body. Anti-Pickpocket back pocket is difficult to steal personal items. It fits my 15.6” laptop with a bit to spare.

Planning a trip to Brazil

What is the food in Brazil?

Maybe you are already family with the Brazilian steakhouse. Yes, steak is very popular in Brazil, it seems that every weekend you will have at least 2 invites for a  churrasco  (barbecue) at your family or friend’s house. 

A  churrasco   usually includes sausages and several different cuts of meat, grilled over hardwood charcoal, sliced to bite-size pieces, and eaten hot off the cutting board.

In addition to  churrasco , there are many other delicious Brazilian foods to experiment with:

  • Açai:  Antioxidant super fruit gaining popularity outside of Brazil – açaí bowls are very popular
  • Pão de Queijo:  They are getting very popular in the US, they are the heaven version of cheese bread.
  • Cachorro Quente:  It is the Brazilian version of hot dog, it is another level
  • Moqueca:  Anyone who tries it, falls in love. Fresh fish cooked in coconut milk
  • Brazilian Pizza:  My vote goes to the Brazilian pizza. Want to know the difference between Brazilian and American pizza?
  • Feijoada:  Brazilian comfort food, which is a slow-cooked black bean, beef, and pork stew served with rice – a truly must try the traditional dish, that every time I cook it and invite my friends to try, they leave asking me for the secret recipe.
  • Brigadeiro:  Sweet like a bonbon and extremely scrumptious and delicious
  • Creme de papaya:  a perfect ending to a big meal, papaya helps digestion.
  • Caipirinha:  It is the Bazilian popular drink. Strong is the definition, made by sugar cane, sugar, lime, and ice.
  • Guaraná:  the Brazilian soda – loaded with caffeine from the guaraná plant

Brazilian feijoada

What to Pack for a Trip to Brazil?

I recommend packing light, and if you forget anything, buy it there. Brazil makes very good quality clothes and shoes and the prices are really good.

The packing will depend on what area of Brazil you are planning to visit, and what time of the year. But in general comfortable, light and colorful clothes are the best option. Some MUST PACK items are:

  • Colorful casual clothing: tank top, t-shirts, shorts, skirts,
  • Summer dresses
  • A pair of jean
  • Shawal – is always a great item for the cooler evening
  • A light rain jacket
  • a pair of Havaianas
  • Bikini/ bathing suit
  • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
  • Dress shoes/ sandals – to go out at night
  • Long sleeve shirt/ nice dress – to go out at night
  • 1 pair of sneakers
  • LifeStraw water bottle with a purifier
  • socks/ underwear
  • A day backpack
  • Universal charger/ adaptor

tour guide in brazil

PACK SMART ALERT!

If you are planning to carry a backpack for your trip to Brazil, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today – Also, it doesn’t matter if it is summer or winter, it is always smart to carry a jacket with you, so check my complete review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel and pack smart!

Brazil tip planning

Pack Light & Smart when you Travel to Brazil

Here is one of the most important Brazil travel tips to keep in mind. I recommend packing in a backpack if you are planning to travel around Brazil. Consider that you will be traveling from point A to point B on public transportation. Or even if you fly, it is easier to just have a carry-on item with you. Pack light and smart is always my rule of thumb!

I love traveling with my Osprey Backpack , and if you are taking a backpack, I recommend rolling your clothes and using small packing cubes separated by categories (pants, tops, socks…), so you don’t need to empty the backpack every time when you are trying to reach to the items you need. Here are the best backpacks for travel that I recommend:

tour guide in brazil

Osprey Talon 20 Liters

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling with luggage or a backpack, the fact is that you will need a day pack for Vietnam ! This is the backpack that I use and recommend because you can fit a lot, keep everything organized and it is super comfortable to carry around for hours.

tour guide in brazil

Osprey Levity 45 Liters

This is an ultralight backpack specially designed for minimalist travelers who are particular about light and smart packing. Made with breathable fabric and enough pockets for proper pack organization. It is a great backpack for hiking because it is light and very comfortable to carry.

tour guide in brazil

Osprey Atmos 65 Liters

This is the backpack I have been using for many years now and they are amazing! I love the anti-gravity system and it really works wonders, plus it has ventilated suspended mesh back panel and adjustable torso length and straps to ensure carrying comfort.

Photography Gear in Brazil

We all know that Brazil is a very unique and magical place. It is impossible to not take many pictures and want to capture the amazing moments while traveling around Brazil.

Therefore, do not forget to bring your camera equipment with you:

  • This is the camera I use and love – Sony Mirrorless a7III
  • Bring a couple of good lenses for different pictures – I always carry this lens with me
  • Extra memory cards 
  • I recommend bringing some filters
  • Tripod to photograph the waterfalls and depending on the time of the year, the Aurora Borealis. 
  • If you want to capture amazing videos, I use and recommend a Gimble Smartphone Stabilizer
  • I also recommend a GoPro HERO9 for some action images videos and pictures.
  • You can also capture incredible Drone images in Iceland. I use DJI Mavic Air 2

7-Steps for a well-planned trip to Brazil

  • CHOOSE A LOCATION TO VISIT:  Start by checking other itineraries and tips that I have prepared, as I am providing the best information for you to plan an independent trip to Brazil on my  BRAZILTRAVEL GUIDE .
  • BUY A GUIDE BOOK: An excellent guidebook that I recommend is  Lonely Planet Brazil Guidebook , as it has tons of great information on main attractions, places to stay, and many curiosities about Brazilian culture.
  • BOOK YOUR FLIGHT: There are great options to fly direct to Brazil to the major airports of the country. Book in advance to try to get a better deal. The flights are approx. 6-8 hours. The best way to start your South America backpacking route is to fly to a large city. 
  • BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE:  Brazil has great options for accommodations, but make sure you book in advance to take advantage of the best prices and best options. I recommend  Booking.com  as it has a great policy of free cancelation.
  • START PACKING: It will depend on each area of Brazil you will visit to pack accordingly. Check my recommended packing list and my expert review on the Best Backpacks for Travel here.
  • BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER: Responsible and Ethical traveling is REALLY IMPORTANT.  Check my complete guide
  • BOOK ANY TOUR IN ADVANCE:  There are great options for group or VIP tours in Brazil, just make sure you check the many options and book in advance.  Check here  for options or check some options for you below:

Planning a Trip to Brazil Conclusion

Brazil is a very large country, and you will need to plan accordingly before your visit. Preplanning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe.

Make sure you have the places you want to visit highlighted. Brazil offers everything from large cities to the Amazon Rainforest to stunning beaches. You can visit my Travel Planning and print the easy 10-steps to plan an international trip.  

Planning a trip to Brazil

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Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

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51 thoughts on “ultimate guide to planning a perfect trip to brazil: expert tips from a local”.

Great Post Paula and a perfect place for me to start. Thank you ?

I’ve always wanted to go to Brazil, but got lost in the vastness. This is so helpful, thank you!

Nice post Paula. I have always loved Brazil since childhood – from their football! 🙂 Someday I would like to visit the Amazon rainforest and the Iguazu falls in this large diverse country. Do you plan to write about these destinations?

I am so happy you liked my post and that you loved Brazil. Yes, I am planning to cover every special corner of the country on my blog and planning to write about Amazon and Iguaçu also. I saw you have some great content on Peru and I cannot wait to go back and explore more, I will be using your blog for reference.

It is hard to pick a destination when you are going to a big country. There is so much to explore in Brazil. My recommendation is start with São Paulo and/or Rio de Janeiro e explore the surrounding. You should go with me sometime 😉

Thank you! I am excited to continue to write about Brazil, and hopefully you will be there soon too. You will love it!

What a great article Paula! A great resource to demystify a lot of the misconceptions about Brazil and encourage travelers to visit our beautiful country. Also thanks for linking to my article about the difference between Brazilian vs American pizza. ? As “Brazileiras” we know which one will always win. Hehehe ?

One of these days I will visit this beautiful country!! The food looks amazing. Pinning for future reference!

Adorei o texto e o contexto…muito útil para amantes viajantes!!!! Nosso lindo país vale a pena ser visitado, experimentado, com tanta diversidade, fauna exótica, praias de tirar o fôlego, montanhas cheias de charme e tranquilidade, você certamente encontrará vários países dentro de um só. Aproveitem e pesquisem sobre Rio Grande do Sul, especialmente Gramado e Canela, Pantanal Mato Grossense, Nordeste e seus encantos, nossa culinária que é um grande patrimônio. Paula parabéns por este post completo e maravilhoso.

Obrigada Patricia – sim, o Brasil tem vários países dentro de um só, e com um lugares tão unicos e incriveis para visitar.

For the first time I want to visit Brazil. Thanks for the interesting review.

Really a complete guide!

Thanks for all the useful tips! I’ve been to Brasil once, and I’m definitely coming back one day!

Brazil is absolutely one of my favourite countries in the world. I’ve been 3 times, but still have so much to see. I haven’t been for nearly 15 years, so I’m definitely due a return visit!

I’ve only been to a few places in Brazil and I fell in love with it 🙂 This guide will be very helpful when I plan my next trip 🙂 Thanks!

This post comes to me just in time as I am actually planning my trip to South America next year! I was a bit concerned about travelling safely in Brazil, and luckily found lots of useful tips from your post. Thank you!

I loved Brazil but sadly could only stay for 2 days! I need to go back and see more places there for sure, and will definitely keep this comprehensive guide handy! Thank you! 🙂

This is such an amazing and comprehensive post about Brazil! I will definitely be saving this for when I go in the future!

Such a great post! Would love to visit Brazil!

I last went to South America in 2009 but have never been to Brazil so it’s always been on my bucket list. I’ve recently been watching Race Around the World so now I’ve moved it right at the top. I really want to go and photograph animals in the Pantanal. So this is a really great overview for a beginner like me!

You will absolutely LOVE Brazil. I have been in Pantanal twice and I was planning to go back this year again. Whenever you want to go, just let me know, maybe we can go together! Pantanal is so unique from any other place in the Planet.

Thanks Tyra. I hope you get to visit Brazil, it is so diverse and there is so much to explore.

I am so happy to hear you like it Marisa. I hope you get to visit Brazil one day, you will love it and see how diverse this amazing country is.

Only 2 days! Girl, you need to go back and with the photography skills you have, you will have the best time of your life just photographing and exploring this amazing country. Thanks for stopping by.

I am so glad to hear that this guide was helpful for you Fiona. Yes, it is a good start, Brazil is so big and so diverse. Let me know when you are getting ready and if I can help you with your plans.

Hi Or, I am so glad you found this guide helpful. Brazil need to be explored on many trips. I am from Brazil and I still haven’t explored half of this vast country.

Time to go back again Deborah 🙂 and really makes me so happy that you love Brazil. There is so much to do and so many places to visit. It is so awesome you have been 3 times and love it!

Thanks Mal, and I am so glad you have visited and enjoyed Brasil. Actually I read your blog about Brazil and make me so happy to see that you are helping to promote my beautiful home country.

Thanks for the guide! I have a colleague who lives in Brazil, and I would love to go visit! Your photos of the fresh fruit are calling my name. Also, love the link to the Brazilian pizza 101 article. Yummm!

It’s my dream to participate in Carnival in Brazil haha I love the costumes so much. Also really want to go to the Amazon and Iguazu falls. But like you said, they are so far from each other. Might have to be more than one trip 😛 These are such great tips! Always love hearing from someone from the country.

I went to Recife for two weeks this year. You are right, not many people speak English, it was a hurdle we had to get over. But the FOOD! Wow! a lot of the stuff we ate was regional (not even on your list!) and it was all SO good!

The size of Brazil has always been so intimidating to me – I’ve never known where to start. Thank you for simplifying the top points, especially the key areas to visit. I hope to make it to at least one of them some day.

What a comprehensive guide, and i love the mention on being a responsible traveler! I have to say its one of my dream destinations, but the safety aspect has always concerned me! Thank you for sharing it Paula!

This is such a helpful guide, thanks so much for putting this together! I’m hoping to visit Brazil when we can travel again, so this is great!

Hi Emma, I am so glad you enjoyed this guide. I hope so too that you get to travel to Brazil one day, you will love it.

hi Tia, I am so glad you found my guide helpful. I agree with you about the safety aspects, but during my last trip to Rio last year, I was as a solo and I felt really safe and enjoyed the beauty of this incredible city.

Thanks for your feedback, Katie. I hear that a lot, that people don’t even know where to start because Brazil is so big. If you evern decide to go, reach out to me and I will be happy to help you with some ideas of places to visit.

Amy, I am so happy to hear you visited Recife and loved it. Yes, Brazil is very diverse and each region has it’s own accent, food, culture…In order to explore all the amazing food, someone would need to spend at least a year traveling around the country. The food is really amazing!

I am so glad o hear you like this article Viola. I also have the Amazon on my bucket list, I haven’t been yet and I cannot wait to visit. You will love Brazil! Maybe we can go together one day 🙂

Brazil is very high on my bucket list. I love how vast and diverse the country is. Thank you for this great guide. Definitely will keep it handy for when I plan my future travels to Brazil. 🙂

Thanks for sharing such useful information .hope to visit Brazil someday

What an incredibly helpful guide. I especially loved the section on safety as well as suggestions for what to pack. As always, your pictures are stunning! I just pinned for future inspiration 🙂

Oh wow! i really want to visit one day! looks so stunning!

I really hope you get to visit Brazil one day, you will love it.

I am so glad you enjoyed this guide, Elena. Thank you so much!

I hope you get to visit Brazil someday too, you will love it.

Oh Taylor, you will fall in love with Brazil. I am so glad you found this guide helpful

Paula, nice blog. I’m heading to Brazil in 10 days for a 2 month trip. How do you deal with your camera equipment when passing through customs? I’m a wildlife photographer so I will be taking a camera body and several large lenses. For non-resident travellers, it appears that camera equipment over $500 dollars must be declared on the customs form.

Hi Shane, I am glad you found my blog and enjoyed it. That is a great question, and I always traveled to Brazil with a lot of electronics – 2 laptops (personal and work), 2 cell phones (personal and work), and my camera gears (lots of lenses, filters, etc.) and I never declared anything as they are all my personal items. Where are you planning to travel to, Guarulhos (GRU in Sao Paulo)? or any other city? It will depend on when you are traveling, but my experience is that if you are traveling to GRU you won’t have any issues if you are only carrying your personal electronic items.

so great infos thanks very much, also try this out ” atm fee saver” app, i just used it while travelling. its shows atm around with the lowest fees for withdrawing money. i always struggle to find good atms or i dont know how much i can withdraw, it has all the infos so i can totally recommend it 🙂

Hi Anni – this is a very good information, thanks so much. I will download it and use it myself too.

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A beginner's guide to Brazil

Kevin Raub

Jan 21, 2016 • 7 min read

Man and woman wearing backpacks, looking at city scape, elevated view from balcony, on vacation

A couple with backpacks overlook Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

What do you get if you combine cinematic landscapes, kaleidoscopic culture, head-spinning biodiversity and a constant rhythm of carefree joie de vivre? Welcome to Brazil!

The world's fifth-largest country commandeers the lion's share of  South America , all the way from the  Amazon Basin  – the world's largest tropical rainforest – to the pampas of southernmost Rio Grande do Sul, delivering 7500kms of sun-toasted sands in between.

It is these postcard-perfect shores for which Brazil is arguably most famous, but this Latin giant boasts far more than beaches. Lush jungle? Check. Colonial villages? Check. Unparalleled wildlife? Check. Delectable restaurants and pulse-pumping nightlife? Check. Stunning waterfalls, canyons, mountains and dunescapes? Pronto, pronto, pronto and pronto!

Carnival by Prefeitura de Olinda. CC BY 2.0.

Brazil owes its language and much of its cultural potpourri to  Portugal – both unique compared to its Spanish-settled South American neighbors – whose explorers arrived in the 1500s and settled what was then a land of largely indigenous inhabitants numbering between two and four million people. Waves of immigration from  Africa ,  Europe  and the  Middle East  have shaped and enriched the country throughout history. Today, with a population of nearly 200 million, Brazil is one of the world's most diverse nations.

A tropical wonderland

A visit to Brazil usually begins in Rio de Janeiro , one of the world's most vibrant urban landscapes, where dramatic, rainforest-crowned mountaintops surround a city nestled picturesquely between jungle and sea. The Amazon region – and its namesake river – are home to the planet's greatest collection of plants and animals, and this enigmatic landscape has long intrigued explorers, naturalists, novelists and travelers alike. Brazil's other hotspot for biodiversity, the Pantanal , is the world's largest wetland, where every moment throws up another photo opportunity full of colorful birds and wildlife.

Hyacinth macaws by Geoff Gallice. CC BY 2.0.

The roar of Iguaçu Falls will redefine your idea of the power of Mother Nature; this torrent thundering over the edges of cliffs is a spectacle without rival. And in a country with no shortage of world-class beaches, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha  serves up three of the best, and then adds the distinction of being Brazil's top spot for diving and surfing, and one of the best places on Earth to mingle with endangered sea turtles and Spinner dolphins.

Iguacu Falls by Mike Vondran. CC BY 2.0.

But wait, there's more! Pristinely preserved colonial villages (Ouro Prêto, Tiradentes, Paraty , Olinda), scenic national parks (Lençóis-Maranhenses ( parquelencois.com.br ), Chapada Diamantina , Chapada dos Veadeiros ( whc.unesco.org/en/list/1035 ), Chapada dos Guimarães ), idyllic tropical islands ( Ilha Grande , Ilhabela , Ilha de Santa Catarina, Morro de São Paulo , Boipeba, Ilha do Mel) and an even longer list of diverse regional cuisine and culture, from the African-fueled state of Bahía to the heavily German and Italian-influenced states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul , all unite in a seductive marriage that ticks off a traveler's wishlist.

Olympic fever (and fears)

Summer 2016 brings the Olympic Games to Rio de Janeiro, the first time the world's most important amateur athletic event has been held on South American soil. From August 5-21, 2016, the world's spotlight will once again focus on Brazil in much the same way it did for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And much like the world's greatest football tournament, the lead-up to the event has not been without controversy and concern.

Tennis Center at Rio's Olympic Park © Renato Sette Camara / Rio City Hall

For starters, the Brazil of 2016 is a very different country than the Brazil of two years prior, so economic woes and rising inflation have plagued costs and budgets. Several of the 14 under-construction Olympic venues are behind schedule, as are most infrastructure projects associated with the event, such as the new metro line built to link the city with the Olympic Park in suburban Barra di Tijuca. Finances and construction woes aside, a 2015 Associated Press investigation revealed dangerously high levels of viruses and bacteria in all of Rio’s Olympic water venues, most notably Guanabara Bay, the host site for sailing and windsurfing events, and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, which will host rowing and canoeing events. The lead-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup spawned similar pre-event outcry, but despite deeply concerning construction, budget, crime and social unrest woes, Brazil pulled off an excellent party in the end – and by all accounts, from athletic and spectator perspectives, the tournament was a roaring success.

The bottom line? Brazil has its fair share of problems, but throwing a party isn't one of them. The friendliness and hospitality of the Brazilian people and a deep pride in proving the naysayers wrong when the world's eyes are focused on the country will always prevail in the end. It's safe to say you can expect a wonderful Olympic Games, made all the more cinematic against the backdrop of one of the world's most remarkably gorgeous cities, Rio de Janeiro.

Visa-Free Travel

If you're planning on traveling to Brazil in 2016, and are a citizen of the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia, you're in luck. Brazil has announced the waiving of visa requirements for those nationalities entering the country through September 18, 2016, for a stay of up to 90 days.

During the much ballyhooed Brazil boom of the early 2000s, there was no sugarcoating it: Brazil was expensive. By 2016, however, the Brazil boom had flip-flopped to the Brazil gloom. The overvalued r eal has come crashing back down to earth amid a fast and furious economic collapse spurred by government mismanagement, rampant corruption scandals, alarming inflation and a president, Dilma Rousseff, who may or may not make it through her second term (impeachment proceedings remain a dark and looming cloud over her head). But what does a Brazilian economy in tatters (and projected to decline further) mean in practical terms from a tourism perspective? Brazil is on sale! With the r eal spending the better part of recent times hovering around R$3.7-4 to US$1, that gourmet burger that cost nearly US$20 in 2011 now costs just US$7. Bom apetite!

Brazil's official language is Portuguese. English is still under-spoken by most Brazilians, even by folks working in hospitality in major tourist destinations.

Brazil is home to extensive air and bus networks. The country's major domestic airlines include Latam ( latam.com) , the re-branded offering from the recent merger of Lan and Tam Airlines;  Gol ( voegol.com.br ), Azul ( voeazul.com.br ) and Avianca ( avianca.com ). Most visitors arrive at Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (Galeão;  aeroportogaleao.net/en ) in  Rio de Janeiro  or Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos (GRU Airport;  aeroportoguarulhos.net/en ) in  São Paulo , but there are also international arrivals in  Brasília ,  Fortaleza ,  Natal ,  Recife ,  Salvador ,  Belo Horizonte  and  Porto Alegre , among others. Flights are expensive, though competition-spawned mega-sales are common and, if you are covering a lot of ground, a Brazil Airpass is your new best friend. Miami-based BR Online Travel (BROL;  brol.com ) specializes in passes, which are available only to foreign visitors.

Itapemirim ( itapemirim.com.br ) and Cometa ( viacaocometa.com.br ) are two of the biggest and best bus companies. For a national database of bus routes, try Busca Ônibus ( buscaonibus.com.br) or ClickBus ( clickbus.com.br) , the latter accepting international credit cards and PayPal for payments. Fares begin around R$10 to R$12 per hour for the cheapest services and rise from there in price and comfort level.

In addition to the usual traveler precautions, malaria is a concern in certain areas of the Amazon and northwest Brazil. Travelers should weigh the risks of an appropriate preventative (chloroquine is not effective here), and cover up as much as possible to prevent mosquito bites. Brazil has become the epicenter of mosquito-borne dengue fever in Latin America, especially in and around Rio and in Bahía. Pregnant women in particular should take extreme caution against mosquitoes while in Brazil as an alarming surge in cases of the Zika virus in 2015 was blamed for 20 times more cases of an incurable fetal deformity known as microcephaly than previous years.

Tap water is safe in most urban areas but doesn't win any taste competitions. Bottled water is preferred by most Brazilians.

Brazil receives a lot of bad press about its violence and high crime rate but the country is generally safe for tourists. That said, extra precaution should be taken in major urban areas, Rio de Janeiro, Recife  and São Paulo in particular.

Besides all of the standard-issue traveler safety provisions, heed some added warnings: never take anything of value to the beach, use ATMs only inside banks or shopping malls, and do not walk along empty streets, deserted parks or urban beaches at night.

This article was first published in December 2013 and updated in January 2016.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Guarulhos International Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Best Hotels

Top Things to Do

Coolest Attractions

Best Museums

Where to Shop

Sao Paulo's Architecture

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Sao Paulo: The Complete Guide

tour guide in brazil

On the Brazilian landscape, one city stands above the rest in gastronomy, shopping, nightlife, street art, and museum offerings: Sao Paulo. Here foodies come to try all the flavors of the regions of Brazil, dishes of its diasporas, and experimental projects by Michelin-starred chefs. Over 50 shopping malls, the most famous high fashion street in South America, and 60 specialized shopping streets for everything from electronics to wedding dresses draw enthusiastic buyers to its stores every day. Paulistinos (the city’s residents) party literally until dawn in its baladas (dance bars) and along the Baixo Augusta. During the day, world-famous museums like the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo opens its doors, while cultural centers like the SESC Pompéia offer free activities for residents and tourists alike. Stroll through the graffiti art of Beco do Batman or see Niemeyer’s massive Modernist building Edifício Copan. Everything can be found here, except a beach, but even those aren't too far away.

Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit : Come to Sao Paulo in the spring (September to November). During this shoulder season, days are long, nights are cool, and the city hosts weeks-long events focused on food, art, and entertainment.
  • Language: Portuguese  
  • Currency: Brazilian real  
  • Getting Around : The Metro, Sao Paulo’s public transit system, will be the easiest and one of the cheapest ways to travel throughout the city; download the Moovit app for simple navigation in English. Avoid renting a car as traffic can be horrendous—especially for those not familiar with the roads. Instead, take an Uber or taxi, both of which are plentiful.
  • Travel Tip: Most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Except for buying tickets to ride the Metro and in certain markets, you won’t need cash unless you prefer using it over your card.

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Things to Do

Sao Paulo has bangin’ nightlife, world-class shopping and museums, and live music throughout its streets. See art and learn the history of Brazil, soccer, and the Portuguese language in the city's museums, or cozy up with a good read in one of its many bookstores. Behold the structures of Modernist architects like the massive Edifício Copan and drum-factory-turned-cultural center SESC Pompéia, or walk down Paulista Avenue on a Sunday afternoon when it becomes a giant pedestrian thoroughfare. Sao Paulo has the largest city helicopter fleet in the world, so hire a chopper for an aerial view.

  • Wander Mercado Municipal sampling mangosteen, persimmon, dragon fruit, and other exotic produce from its 300 stalls. (Samples are free with no obligation to buy.) Afterwards, climb the stairs to the restaurant portion of the market and order a mortadella sandwich.
  • Spend the day at Ibirapuera Park museum hopping between the Afro Brasil Museum , Museum of Modern Art , and Museum of Contemporary Art . Walk along the park paths, rent a bike, or sunbathe with Paulistinos in its extensive green fields. See buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, like the Oca, and visit the spaceship-shaped planetarium. 
  • Visit the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP) to see the genius of architect Lina Bo Bardi and art work spanning continents and centuries. Works by Picasso and Candido Portinari hang in glass frames in an open floor plan, removing any barriers from the viewers and the art. Check out what’s happening in the pavilion beneath the museum, which acts as a meeting point for impromptu concerts, fairs, and protests.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the top things to do in Sao Paulo , important places to visit in Sao Paulo , and Sao Paulo's best museums .

Where to Eat and Drink

Sao Paulo has one of the most famous (and delicious) gastronomy scenes in the world, known for both its fine dining and street food. Regional dishes from all over Brazil, from the moqueca (seafood stew) of the north to the meaty farofa-topped barreado of the south, can be found here. Bite into a warm, crunchy coxinha full of shredded chicken; pop a cheesy, chewy pão de queijo; or try a flakey pastel. Order a mini-feast of feijoada from any neighborhood restaurant on a weekend, and after you’ve slept it off, refresh your pallet with an ice-cold açai bowl. In addition to offering food from all over the world due to its strong immigrant population, the city is also home to A Casa do Porco , an experimental pork restaurant with onsite butcher shop, and D.O.M ., which highlights regional ingredients from throughout Brazil using French, Italian, and Indigenous cooking methods.

Paulistinos love a cold, creamy chopp (draft beer), especially on weekend afternoons at botecas (neighborhood bars), which are plentiful in the Vila Madelena neighborhood. For something harder, the national liquor is cachaça, a sweet spirit made from sugarcane juice and the base ingredient in another famous Brazilian beverage: the caipirinha. Most bars will have these drinks, but to check out the microbrewery scene, head to a craft beer bar like Emporio Alto dos Pinheiros , one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in Brazil.

According to Sao Paulo Turismo S/A, the official tourism and events company of the city of Sao Paulo, the tap water is drinkable  . However, it’s recommended to have filtered water instead. You can easily find mineral water at supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Explore our articles on the best restaurants in Sao Paulo , the top foods to try in Sao Paulo , and nightlife in Sao Paulo .

Where to Stay

The art-filled Vila Madelena neighborhood offers well-priced Airbnbs and hostels, colorful streets of graffiti murals, third wave coffee shops, local bars, and friendly bohemian artists. Staying along Avenida Paulista in neighborhoods like Bela Vista will give you easy access to the MASP and the city’s best nightlife strip on Baixo Augusta. Centro might be a little rough, but bursts with personality and contains historic sites like Edifício Copan, Mercado Municipal, and Cathedral Sé. Stylish and LGBTQ-friendly Higienópolis is food heaven with swanky hotels and one of the city’s best malls, all only a mile or two from Avenida Paulista. Further out, Brooklin Novo offers luxury hotels and shopping, good for business travelers wanting to relax. Pinheiros has cultural centers with fascinating free activities, art galleries, funky boutiques, and a park great for midday lounging.

Check out our recommendations of the best hotels in Sao Paulo .

Getting There

Sao Paulo’s main airport is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) , where most international flights will land. Two other airports service the city: Viracopos Airport (VCP) in Campinas for flights in Latin America and Congonhas Airport (CGH) for domestic flights. The Tietê Bus Terminal links Sao Paulo with all major cities in Brazil via clean, comfortable, and cheap long-distance buses.

Culture and Customs

Pickpocketing is a problem in Sao Paulo, especially in crowded, touristy areas. Be aware of your belongings, especially if going to large markets or festivals. While some areas are fine to walk at night, others are not. Check with your accommodation about the safety of where you are staying, and when in doubt, this issue is easily remedied by calling an Uber. Walking during the day throughout most of the city is safe.

This is not the laid-back beach side Brazil you would find in Rio or Florianopolis. Sao Paulo is the financial center of Brazil and one of the largest cities in the world. Expect a much faster pace of life, and people letting loose at night and on the weekends after long work days. When dining out, service will generally be fast, and the tip is already included.

Money Saving Tips

  • If you want quick, cheap food with lots of variety, go to a comida por quilo restaurant. Fill your plate from the buffet, then take it to the cashier to weigh it before you eat. You pay by weight rather than a set price, and it usually ends up costing the equivalent of a few dollars.
  • Go to the top of Edifício Copan for free by lining up outside gate F any day at 1:30 p.m. You’ll be let in at 2 p.m. to head to the roof where you can see panoramic views of Sao Paulo.
  • Take the Metro or a bus to the airport instead of an Uber or taxi. Give yourself a time cushion in case the transfers take a while.
  • The 99 Taxi app is usually a little cheaper than Uber and just as reliable.
  • Many of the museums like MASP and Pinoteca have free admission days. Others, like MIS and the Museu Afro Brasil, are fee all the time.
  • For free, quality entertainment, go to a centro culturai (cultural center). Sao Paulo contains about 40 cultural centers showcasing exhibitions, theater, art, concerts, debates, and more.
  • Check out Mamba Negra free music parties in abandoned buildings throughout the city.
  • Visit outside of high season (December to March) for cheaper accommodation.

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "FAQ: What is the language that the people of São Paulo (Paulistanos) speak?"

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "Practical Guide: Currency and Exchange."

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "FAQ: Is Tap Water Drinkable?"

A Complete Guide to the Architecture in Sao Paulo

Nightlife in Sao Paulo: The Best Bars, Clubs, & More

The Top 10 Museums in Sao Paulo

15 Top Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil

Important Places to Visit in São Paulo, Brazil

The Best Time to Visit Sao Paulo

5 Best Art Museums in Brazil

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