Brazil travel guide
Brazil Tourism | Brazil Guide
You're Going to Love Brazil
Famous for samba music, a colorful Carnaval in Rio, and the Amazon rainforest, Brazil is a dream destination that you must include on your bucket list.
What to do in Brazil
1. Enjoy Carnaval
In February, all roads lead to Rio de Janeiro for the three-day celebrations of Carnaval. It's all about rooting for your favorite samba group parading at the Sambodromo.
2. Experience the Best of Brazilian Soccer
Feel like a local fan at a soccer game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. If you're visiting off the soccer season, tour the stadium instead.
3. Visit the Mighty Amazon Forest
Go on an eco-friendly tour of the Amazon river to uncover the secrets of the largest rainforest in the world.
4. Discover Breathtaking Nature
Visit the massive Iguaçu Falls near the border with Argentina.
5. Enjoy a City Break
Spend some time in artistic and cultural Sampa, as the city of São Paulo is known by locals.
When to visit Brazil
The high season is from December to March when it is summer in Brazil. This time of year is also when the country celebrates Carnaval. Expect tourist crowds and higher prices during this time of year. If you're planning to travel within the Amazon, the best time is between July and September.
How to Get to Brazil
Entry Requirements
Generally, Brazil matches the same visa policy that other countries implement for Brazilian citizens traveling abroad. Most travelers from other countries don't need a visa for stays up to three months and can enter the country with a valid passport.
Plane
Brazil is served by two large international airports: São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport. The airport in São Paulo is the main hub in the country, receiving the most domestic and international routes.
Car
Some of Brazil's borders are busier than others. If you can choose, aim to enter the country via Foz do Iguaçu from Argentina or Chuy from Bolivia.
Brazil's neighboring countries may have different entry requirements for outside visitors. Make sure you consider which border you'll be crossing when planning your trip.
Bus
There are direct bus connections between São Paulo in Brazil and Buenos Aires (Argentina), Asunción (Paraguay), and Montevideo (Uruguay).
Boat
The only way to reach Brazil by boat is to take a long river trip from Bolivia or Peru or take a commercial cruise by sea that stops in Brazil.
Popular airlines serving Brazil
Where to stay in Brazil
The most common accommodation options in Brazil are hotels and "pousadas" (guesthouses). With the increase in budget travel, hostels are becoming more common especially in touristic areas. Prices increase during the high season while some hotels may request a minimum stay of 3 days or charge in advance.
Where to stay in popular areas of Brazil
Most booked hotels in Brazil
How to Get Around Brazil
Public Transportation
Within cities, buses are widely used by locals. In large cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the subway is also an affordable and easy way to get around.
Trains
The rail network is quite undeveloped in Brazil and not the best option to get around. It's best for travelers who are staying for a longer period in the country and want to take some scenic rides, such as the Belo Horizonte to Vitória route.
Bus
Local buses in Brazil are reliable and connections are frequent, considering how most locals use this mode of transportation to commute. A one-way ticket costs, on average, approximately R$4.30 (about $1).
Car
To get around in Brazil by car, it's best if you have an International Driving Permit in addition to your local driver's license. To rent a car, you'll need to be at least 25 years old and have a credit card in your name. Within cities, traffic can be chaotic and it's best to rely on the local public transportation network.
Plane
Considering the size of the country and the distances between cities in Brazil, taking domestic flights is quite common. If you're planning to visit more than one city, consider purchasing a Brazil Airpass. You get four domestic flights for approximately R$2,000 (about $480).
The Cost of Living in Brazil
A meal for two people can range from approximately R$20-100 (about $4.80-24) depending on what type of restaurant you choose. Restaurants add a 10 % service tax to the bill, so no additional tipping is needed. Buying clothes and footwear is usually cheap, whether you choose to shop at a store or a street market. Major shops and chains accept payments with debit or credit cards. For smaller businesses and transactions, it's best to use cash.