Brazil

Travel guide

Бразилия

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. From the Amazon rainforest to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offers a plethora of experiences for travelers.

Botafogo180o_M.jpg : Luis Rizo derivative work: Jjtkk · Public domain
  • Best MonthsMay to September
  • AirportsMajor airports include São Paulo/Guarulhos, Rio
  • TransitDomestic flights, buses, and taxis are common.
  • PowerType N plugs, 127/220V.
  • Tipping10% is customary.
  • LanguagePortuguese

01

When to go

The best time to visit Brazil varies by region, but generally, the dry season from May to September is ideal for most areas.

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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
dry

Dry Season

From May to September, this season offers pleasant weather and less rain, ideal for exploring.

wet

Wet Season

From October to April, expect heavy rains, especially in the Amazon and Northeast regions.

carnival

Carnival Season

Typically in February or March, this vibrant festival is celebrated with parades and parties across the country.

02

Where to stay

Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.

01
Beach life

Copacabana

Famous for its beach and nightlife, Copacabana is a vibrant neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro.

Expect crowds, especially in peak season.

02
Luxury

Ipanema

Known for its stunning beach and upscale shops, Ipanema is a must-visit in Rio.

Great for sunbathing and people-watching.

03
Cultural hub

Pelourinho

The historic center of Salvador, Pelourinho is famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture.

Be cautious of your belongings.

04
Urban

Jardim Paulista

A sophisticated neighborhood in São Paulo known for its parks and dining options.

Perfect for food lovers.

05
Nightlife

Lapa

A lively neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro known for its samba clubs and nightlife.

Best visited after dark.

06
Nature

Manaus

Gateway to the Amazon rainforest, Manaus offers unique eco-tourism experiences.

Plan excursions in advance.

07
Adventure

Bonito

Famous for its ecotourism and crystal-clear rivers, Bonito is a paradise for nature lovers.

Book activities ahead of time.

08
Sustainable

Curitiba

Known for its innovative urban planning and green spaces, Curitiba is a model city in Brazil.

Explore the parks by bike.

03

What to eat

Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.

Feijoada

A traditional black bean stew with pork, best enjoyed in Rio de Janeiro.

→ Try it on a Wednesday or Saturday.

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread that is a popular snack throughout Brazil, especially in Minas Gerais.

→ Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Acarajé

A deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea dough filled with shrimp, found in Bahia.

→ Look for street vendors for the best experience.

Brigadeiro

A sweet chocolate truffle made with condensed milk, found everywhere in Brazil.

→ A must-try dessert.

Moqueca

A fish stew made with coconut milk, found in Bahia and Espírito Santo.

→ Enjoy it with rice.

Coxinha

A popular snack made of shredded chicken wrapped in dough and fried, available nationwide.

→ Great for a quick bite.

Churrasco

Brazilian barbecue featuring various meats, especially in the southern regions.

→ Join a local churrascaria for the full experience.

04

What to see

An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.

01

Christ the Redeemer

An iconic statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro, offering panoramic views of the city.

Iconic
02

Iguazu Falls

One of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world, located on the border with Argentina.

Natural wonder
03

Amazon Rainforest

The largest rainforest in the world, home to diverse wildlife and indigenous cultures.

Biodiversity
04

Sugarloaf Mountain

A peak in Rio de Janeiro offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.

Scenic
05

Pantanal

The world's largest tropical wetland, known for its wildlife and eco-tourism.

Wildlife
06

Salvador's Historic Center

A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture and vibrant culture.

Cultural
07

Lençóis Maranhenses

A national park known for its stunning sand dunes and seasonal lagoons.

Unique landscape
08

Copacabana Beach

A world-famous beach known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Beach
09

Theatro Municipal

An opera house in Rio de Janeiro known for its stunning architecture and performances.

Cultural
10

Pão de Açúcar

Another iconic peak in Rio, offering breathtaking views of the city and coastline.

Scenic
11

São Paulo Museum of Art

A renowned art museum housing a vast collection of Western art.

Cultural
12

Ouro Preto

A historic town known for its baroque architecture and rich history.

Heritage
13

Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa

A historic fort located in Florianópolis, offering beautiful views of the coastline.

Historical
14

Praia do Sancho

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, located in Fernando de Noronha.

Beach
15

Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo

A stunning neo-Gothic cathedral located in the heart of São Paulo.

Architectural

05

Getting around

Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.

Air Travel

Brazil has several international airports, including São Paulo/Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro/Galeão. Major airlines operate domestic flights across the country.

GRUSão Paulo/Guarulhos
GIGRio de Janeiro/Galeão

Bus Travel

Long-distance buses are a popular and affordable way to travel between cities, with extensive networks connecting major destinations.

Car Rentals

Renting a car can be a great way to explore Brazil's diverse landscapes, especially in rural areas.

Local Transport

Cities have public transport options, including buses and metro systems, making it easy to navigate urban areas.

Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing apps are widely used in major cities, providing a convenient way to get around.

06

Practical notes

Plugs

Brazil uses type N plugs, with a standard voltage of 127/220V.

Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry cash for small purchases.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in restaurants, usually around 10%.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil.

Data

A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.

Trip Duration

A trip of at least 10 days is recommended to explore major attractions.

Бразилия eSIM

Maps, ferries and tickets are easier with data as soon as you land.

See eSIM plans
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