Brazil travel guide

Delve into the Amazon Rainforest 

It’d be sacrilege if you went to Brazil and didn’t delve into the Amazon! A three or four-day Amazon jungle tour is the perfect way to experience real Brazil. You’ll spot river dolphins, visit native families, and stay overnight in the Ipanema River area in a floating guest house. 

Soak Up Rio de Janeiro 

No travels in Brazil are complete without a visit to Rio de Janeiro. From mountainous peaks to lush forests and gorgeous beaches, Rio has it all. 

After witnessing Christ the Redeemer and ascending Sugarloaf Mountain, head out on a Rio de Janeiro sunset sailing tour for spectacular views.  

Relax in Ilha Grande

With green seas and white sand beaches, the peaceful car-free Ilha Grande is one of Brazil’s most beautiful islands. It’s a top destination if you’re after idyllic shorelines and lush island landscapes. 

Spot sea turtles in the shallow waters of Lagoa Azul, or, if you’re up for a sweaty hike, trek to Dois Rios to see the abandoned prison reclaimed by nature. 

Explore Waterfalls at Foz do Iguaçu

The city of Foz do Iguaçu lies on the border of the majestic Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls and the real attraction here. For an unforgettable (and wet!) close-up with the cascades, consider an Iguaçu Falls tour – you’ll be in awe of this thunderous wonder. 

Experience Brasilia 

Distinguished by its sleek, modern architecture and unique aeroplane shape, the nation’s capital, Brasilia – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is home to many famous landmarks in Brazil. 

Still not convinced? Explore the Palacio das Artes followed by some local cuisine and shopping at Belo Horizonte market. 

Wander Through Salvador

With unbeatable beaches, a unique Afro-Brazilian culture, and top-notch nightlife, Salvador is a must for any Brazilian itinerary. Here, you’ll find colourful neighbourhood plazas and quaint souvenir markets just waiting for exploration. 

There’s a lot to see as you venture out on a Salvador half-day tour, from the Elevador Lacerda to the Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim. 

Immerse in São Paulo 

The stylish city of São Paulo is Brazil’s largest mega-metropolis. With its gigantic size comes a mind-blowing cultural diversity, beautifully designed skyscrapers, and a fantastic range of restaurants, galleries, shops, and events. 

Dance at Rio de Janeiro Carnival 

Quite literally the greatest (and largest) show on earth, and definitely worth its own mention, is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. With two million people on the streets per day, you can expect electrifying street parties and parades. 

Short but Sweet 

7 days 

São Paulo – Salvador – Rio de Janeiro 

This trip will leave you with a taste of Brazil’s exuberant culture through three of its urban delights. 

Beaches and Waterfalls 

14 days

Rio de Janeiro – Ilha Grande – Paraty – Iguazu Falls – São Paulo 

Experience the best of Brazil’s metropolitan cities, plus see some of the country’s most sought-after beaches and natural attractions. 

Northern Brazil 

21 days 

Salvador – Porto de Galinhas – Natal – Fernando de Noronha – Fortaleza – Barreirinhas – São Luís – Bragança

If you’re after less tourists, untouched beaches, and quaint colonial towns, follow this route along Brazil’s north and northeastern coast. 

Southern Brazil 

28 days

Salvador – Morro de São Paulo – Boipeba – Itacaré – Itaúnas – Ouro Preto – Rio de Janeiro – Paraty – Ilhabela – Ihla do Mel – Florianópolis

Fully immerse yourself in southern Brazil with the perfect combination of small beach villages, bustling cities, and some of Brazil’s top attractions. 

Fernando de Noronha 

The small archipelago of Fernando de Noronha sits about 217 miles off Brazil’s northern coast. It’s an ecological sanctuary and one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for gentle lemon sharks and angelic White terns. 

Lençóis Maranhenses

An absolute feast for the eyes, Lençóis Maranhenses is a national park in northeastern Brazil. If you’re presuming dense forests, think again. 

Once here, you’ll find a collection of rainwater lagoons – perfect for swimming to escape the heat – amongst vast, white sand dunes. 

Ouro Preto 

Ouro Preto is a picturesque little colonial town on the slopes of the Espinhaço Mountains. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s defined by its rich history (no pun intended – this town rests on a gold mine) and brilliant baroque architecture. 

Presidente Figueiredo

You can only reach most of the Amazon via extensive travel by boat – except, however, Presidente Figueiredo. Just a 40-minute drive from Rio, experience a full day at the waterfalls while immersing yourself in Amazonian beauty. 

Dishes to try

Feijoada – Black bean stew with beef or pork. 

Vatapá – Creamy shrimp stew with peanuts and coconut milk.

Brigadiero – Decadent chocolate balls made with condensed milk.

Açaí na tigela – The original Brazilian açaí bowl topped with banana and granola.

Drinks to try

Caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime.

Expect to spend between £57 and £74 / $75 and $95 per day per person in Brazil on a mid-range basis. Add a minimum of £164 / $200 if you’re travelling on a luxury basis.

Safety

Petty theft is common at major transportation hubs and big events like carnivals. Avoid wearing flashy things, and don’t draw huge sums of money from ATMs. 

Stick to travelling in the daytime, and always keep your bags and valuables where you can see them, especially in public spaces such as beaches and restaurants. 

Health

Some of the recommended vaccinations for Brazil include Hepatitis A and Meningitis. Malaria is present in certain parts of Brazil, so speak to your doctor about possibly taking some anti-malarial medication before your trip. Also, stick to drinking bottled water here just to be on the safe side. 

Tipping

You are not obligated to tip your servers or restaurateurs in Brazil. However, if something is really exceptional, your gratuity is always welcome. 

Tips for travelling

1. Become acquainted with this guide on local greetings and the Brazilian kissing culture. 
2. Brazilians rarely touch food with their hands, so always use a knife and fork or else hold your food in a napkin. 
3. Draw cash from ATMs during the day, as most close between 10 pm and 6 am due to security reasons. 
4. Brush up on your Portuguese. According to a survey by the British Council, less than 5% of Brazil’s population speaks English. 
5. Always have a photocopy of your passport or I.D. on you – it’s the law in Brazil. 

How to see the best for free

Fortunately, Brazil has copious amounts to do – absolutely free of charge! You’ll definitely need your comfortable trainers, though, as these activities require lots of walking and exploring by foot. 

Museo Afro Brasil in Sao Paulo offers free admission, as does the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia in Salvador. Visit the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods in Rio for some mind-blowing street art. 

Apart from museums and galleries, Brazil also has a ton of free national parks to explore such as Tijuca National Park in Rio and  

Packing

• Anti-insect sleepwear to protect you from mosquitoes and other Brazilian critters.
• Hydroflask so you don’t get thirsty on your hikes and explorations.
• Apple AirPods for your long flights and bus journeys. 
• Birkenstock Arizona Sandals are perfect for wearing to the beach. 
• Waterproof Hiking Trainers for all your Amazonian outdoor adventures. 

Travel insurance

Travel in Brazil can be a little risky, so in case of theft, accidents, or illnesses, it’s always important to have travel insurance. Plus, Brazil’s private hospitals won’t admit you if you don’t have proper funds or proof of insurance. 

Suggested guidebooks

• Lonely Planet Brazil
• The Rough Guide to Brazil
• Moon Brazil 
• Insight Guides Brazil  

Interesting facts

• Brazil shares a border with every single South American country, except Ecuador and Chile. 
• According to a 2023 TripAdvisor ranking, Brazil is home to the world’s best beach, Baía do Sancho 
• Brazilian prisoners can read books to reduce their sentence. 
• Brazil’s soccer team has won the Fifa World Cup a record-breaking five times. 

Handy phrases

Hello – olá

Yes – sim  

No – não

Please – por favor 

Thank You (m./f.) – obrigado/a 

Excuse Me – com licença

How Much Is – quanto é

Where Is – onde é

Two Beers – duas cervejas

Black Coffee – café puro

Coffee With Milk – café com leite

Time zone

The four standard time zones in Brazil (west to east) are: Acre Time (GMT-5), Amazon Time (UTC-4), Brasilia Time (GMT-3), and Fernando de Noronha Time (GMT-2). 

Electricity and adapters

Brazil uses plug types C and N, and the voltage is 127V but 220V at some newer hotels. Take this universal adaptor for your travels in Brazil.