Brazil Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Looking to plan a trip to Brazil? You can kick off the plan with some lively samba dancing, or cheering “goal!” at a soccer match. What can we say, after all, this is the largest country in South America and has a ton to offer!

Whether it’s the mingle-busting in exciting cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, or natural wonders like Iguaçu Falls (that make Niagara Falls look like a harmless dribble).

Travel resources for Brazil are getting a modern upgrade, with digital tools leading the way. Interactive maps now pinpoint hidden gems like secret waterfalls, while local blogs share insider tips on sustainable stays. Podcasts featuring Brazilian storytellers are also trending, offering a deeper dive into the country’s soul. These tools make planning a trip both easy and enriching.

And well, how can we forget the calming strolls along the towns that make you feel nostalgic?

Whatever you choose to do in Brazil, there’s no question that this diverse country will give you one hell of an experience! Read this Brazil travel guide to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!

Brazil Travel Guide

Discover the Beauty of Brazil

Traveling across Brazil is a unique experience because of how vast the country is. However, you will find it easy to get around, thanks to the country’s extensive transportation options. Hey – whether you’re flying between cities or taking the bus, you’ll have many transportation options!

If you are planning to visit Brazil, you should keep the timing in consideration. Brazil has hot weather, with high humidity and temperatures that make it warm year-round. With that said, it’s important to mention that the rainy season varies by region. Make sure to look at the weather conditions before you go.

In this Brazil travel guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan a smooth trip to Brazil. We’re gonna give you some valuable travel tips, transportation options, and information on the best places to visit. So, whether you’re visiting for the first time or not, you’ll find all the information you need to explore Brazil and its wonders here.

Brazil Travel Guide

What Are the Travel Costs to Brazil?

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, it’s essential to know that accommodation prices vary depending on the city and season. For instance, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador have relatively stable prices – cool, right?

Meanwhile, you will find that tropical landscapes and beach destinations like Florianópolis see significant price fluctuations depending on the time of year.

Find All the Accommodation Options With Charges in This Brazil Travel Guide

1- Hostels: While on the one hand, you will find that hostels are a popular budget option in Brazil where a four to six-person dorm costs around 75 to 85 BRL – which is a bit expensive, right? On the other hand, dorms with a capacity for eight to ten people cost approximately 60 to 70 BRL.

However, you will find that costs are higher in remote areas like Fernando de Noronha. Also, there are places that may even charge up to 150 BRL per night for a dorm. Plus, a hostel room for two people may cost about 225-300 BRL. Yet, you can find rooms that only cost about 150 BRL.

2- Two-star hotels: You can usually find two-star hotels that include air conditioning and quality breakfast for around 200-300 BRL in the main cities. Meanwhile, you may also find hotel rooms outside the city center for only 150 BRL per night.

3- Airbnb: Another affordable option you can try is Airbnb. Usually, a private room costs around 100-150 BRL for a night. In contrast, staying in an apartment will cost you around 275 BRL for a night.

4- Campgrounds: You will mostly find campgrounds near beaches and national parks. You can expect to spend 40-70 BRL for a simple package. Typically, this comes with free Wi-Fi, a hot shower, and a clean bathroom.

Food Options and Costs

Brazilian cuisine indicates its vast cultural influences. Depending on the region, food can vary significantly in Brazil. 

Street Food: A great way to experience Brazilian cuisine on a budget is to eat street food famous in different regions. Snacks like pão de queijo, acarajé, coxinha, and pastéis are really popular and you can easily get them for around 8-10 BRL. 

Also, you can even get yourself açaí from any street food stall or spot for 15-20 BRL. Not to mention, sandwiches and drinks at juice bars will only cost you 35-40 BRL. Meanwhile, a combo deal will cost you about 30 to 35 BRL.

Buffets: At Brazilian buffets, you pay for the weight of the food you take. The cost usually ranges from 65 to 80 BRL per kilo. 

Restaurants: Typically, a meal at lavish restaurants costs 20–40 BRL. These types of places usually serve traditional Brazilian dishes. At an ordinary restaurant, you can get dinner with two courses for approximately 60 BRL. 

Keep in mind that beachside restaurants may have higher prices, such as 80 BRL for a single-course meal. Particularly, seafood restaurants can be pricey, with dishes that range from 150 to 225 BRL and up. Also keep in mind that many coastal restaurants serve seafood dishes meant for two, often with an entire fish that could easily feed three people.

Drinks: Drink costs also vary in Brazil. You can easily get a domestic beer for just 10-15 BRL and a cocktail for 15–25 BRL. 

Meanwhile, wine is pricey in this country, so one glass can cost you around 15–20 BRL – for one bottle. yikes! But a regular soda will cost 5–8 BRL.

Specific Cost of Activities 

In terms of activities, you will find countless options in Brazil. However, most tourist attractions require you to pay an entry fee.

For instance, you must pay an entrance fee of 72 BRL to visit the famous Iguazú Falls. Other activities may also require payment. For example, tickets to soccer matches will cost you a minimum of 20 BRL. Furthermore, to visit popular places like Christ the Redeemer in Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain, you will have to pay 150 BRL. 

Usually, you can get a wildlife tour for approximately 1,325 BRL per day. On the other hand, if you want to attend samba classes, it will cost around 105 BRL – but it’s so so fun! 

Joining the capoeira classes will cost you 70 BRL. Most museum admission fees are roughly 10–30 BRL.

Brazil Travel Guide

The Seven Best Places to Experience in Brazil

There are a vast number of places that you can visit in Brazil. However, these seven places hold special significance in our Brazil travel guide.

1. Discover the City of Rio de Janeiro

As the entry city to the country, almost every trip to Brazil begins in Rio. So it is worth spending some days here so you can explore all this city has to offer. You are bound to be amazed by breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue that stands proudly atop Corcovado Mountain.

You can take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain to experience the stunning city views, especially at sunset. Also, you may visit Christ the Redeemer for sweeping vistas of Rio and Sugarloaf Mountains.

Experience the citylife by joining the locals in a pre-work stroll along Copacabana to Ipanema, the most famous beaches of the city. You can even explore the favelas with the help of a guide and learn all about the Carioca society. At night, head to the downtown Lapa area for some of Brazil’s best bars, samba, and bossa nova clubs.

2. Experience the Magnificence of Iguaçu Falls

If you want the experience of your lifetime, go to the Iguaçu Falls that borders Argentina, by catching a two-hour flight from Rio. There, you will witness awe-inspiring water pounding down from 275 waterfalls. These waterfalls are much higher than Niagara Falls.

If you want to enjoy an even better time, you should consider staying at the Belmond Das Cataratas hotel for a few days. It will be very easy for you to visit the waterfalls when they are empty during early hours from this hotel. You can also observe unique lunar rainbows bending in the spray of the falls when there is a full moon.

After that, you can get a boat ride to reach the base of the falls. Then, finally, you can go to the Argentinian area to reach Devil’s Throat. It is the most beautiful area of the falls and a great place to spend romantic evenings.

3. Experience Wildlife in the Pantanal

A visit to the Pantanal is a must if you truly enjoy a wildlife experience. This is a less populated wetland that is particularly rich in terms of wildlife. You will be surprised to find it better for animal sightings than the dense Amazon basin.

During your stay at a remote ecolodge, you can explore the wetlands by boat trips, horseback rides, or short hikes. You will get to see plenty of creatures like river otters, caimans, capybaras, armadillos, anteaters, and even anacondas. 

Also, the Panatanal is a bird watcher’s paradise, with species like toco toucans and jabiru storks. If you visit between July and September, you might even spot a jaguar!

4. Explore Remote Areas of the Amazon Rainforest

Seeking an authentic Amazon experience away from the crowds? You can head to the secluded tributaries of the world’s famous rainforest. You can take a four-hour flight from Rio to Manaus and travel further on a 50-mile journey by 4×4 and motorboat and arrive at Amazon Lodge.

This simple accommodation is a short travel distance away from the Amazon River, but offers a comfortable stay. You can easily access the flora and fauna of the rainforest as it has no electricity during the day.

Experience waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and exploring backwaters with a knowledgeable guide who will point out hidden treasures like squirrel monkeys, and three-toed sloths to you. You shouldn’t miss out on giant lily pads and pink Amazon dolphins in the rivers.

5. Discover Afro-Brazilian Culture in Salvador

If you’re going on a trip to Brazil, add Salvador to your itinerary. You can reach this charming city located on the Bahia coast by taking a two-hour flight from Rio to enjoy a truly unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Staying at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pelourinho for a few days will help you see artistic squares and streets filled with lively samba drumming. Moreover, you can stroll through the lanes of tiny shops selling bright beads, which are an essential part of Candomblé. 

The Candomble is the syncretic religion of many Afro-Brazilians that originated in West Africa. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to witness a folkloric ballet and experience the frenzied, energetic dance of the Orixas, the Candomblé gods.

6. Discover the Beauty of Chapada Diamantina National Park

Take a 45-minute flight from Salvador to the lesser-known but stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park. In this unique region, you will witness table-top mountains, rocky outcrops, caves, valleys, and waterfalls. 

Meanwhile, the cooler and drier climate make it an ideal place for you to go hiking, with trails for all fitness levels. You should make the most of this opportunity to explore underground caverns and swimming in the crystalline waters of Poço Azul or witnessing electric blue waters of Poço Encantado.

Accommodation is limited, but nearby Lençois offers a warm and welcoming community with a touch of faded grandeur and plenty of excitement during World Cup matches.

7. Visit the Breathtaking Beaches of Brazil

Another hidden gem you can visit on your trip is the Green Coast of Brazil that is located four hours south of Rio. Lush rainforests surround its beautiful white-sand beaches. This is the perfect place for you to visit on a day trip from the charming colonial town on Paraty. 

In this town you can admire a well-preserved central area full of low-rise white buildings, pastel features, and galleries and boutiques- showing off the historic and artistic side of Paraty.

Although the Green Coast is attractive, if you’re looking for non-commercial beaches without upmarket resorts, northeast Brazil and Copacabana Beach are better. The highlight of your trip has to be your visit to Praia do Madeiro, close to the tiny town of Pipa, which has resident dolphins that often swim close to the beach. 

But to experience the ultimate laid-back beach experience, you should head to Morro de São Paulo, just a one-hour boat ride from Salvador. With no cars allowed and markets selling delicious local tropical fruit, it’s the perfect place where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Brazil Travel Guide

Other Significant Activities and Places in Brazil

Florianópolis

Florianópolis is a coastal city and favorite vacation spot for Brazilians and backpackers because of its powdery beaches, affordable seafood, fantastic hiking, and vibrant nightlife. This is a must-visit for surfers who enjoy big waves.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is a beautiful destination with sandy beaches and turquoise waters – so pretty!

It is also Brazil’s first national marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, you should keep in consideration that visitors will have to pay higher prices for food and accommodation. It also has a visitor tax of 87 BRL for one day and a 330 BRL 10-day pass.

Watch a Live Football Match

Watching a soccer match in Rio is a must-do fun activity! People in Rio love soccer, and the energy during a game is infectious. 

The Maracanã stadium in Rio is one of the biggest in the world, and it can hold up to 100,000 fans. Yes, yes we know the most exciting matches are those between local teams like Flamengo, Vasco, Botafogo, and Fluminense, where you’ll experience lots of singing, cheering, and even playful insults – gotta love that sportsman spirit.

You can purchase match tickets for as little as 20 BRL via teams’ websites or the FutebolCard site. If you want to know more about the stadium and its activities, you can take a quick tour, but it’ll cost you 77 BRL.

Join the Rio Carnival

Chika Chika, boom boom, people! The Rio Carnival is an extraordinary event that involves music, samba, and thousands of people dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes parading on streets – we tell you folks, it’s so colorful you’ll be seeing colors in your sleep!

It’s one of the largest carnivals worldwide, with two million individuals joining the festivities daily. This event marks the last hurrah before the quiet period of Lent begins. 

Sadly, accommodation prices triple during Carnival, which happens every February. If you want to get good deals, booking accommodations far in advance is advisable. You should also secure your 2024 Carnival tickets as soon as possible, as they sell out quickly.

Visit Brasilia

The capital of Brazil, Brasilia, is often ignored. This futuristic city was built in 1960. It is known for its modernist architecture, like the bowl-shaped buildings at the National Congress.

The Santuário Dom Bosco church is another remarkable structure you should see. It has narrow, tall windows made of Murano glass in a blue color, representing a starry sky. 

On your visit to Brasilia you can explore the 60,000-acre Parque Nacional de Brasilia. Also, you can hike along trails surrounded by tall Cerrado trees and spot wildlife such as anteaters and pampas deer.

Enjoy the Beaches in Recife

Relax on the beautiful beaches of Recife in Brazil’s eastern region – feel the tan! Boa Viagem is an elite area with sun chairs and cabanas that you can rent. Piedade is equally beautiful but less touristy, with fewer restaurants and bars. 

If you want to enjoy a kore hush-hush, quieter beach experience, visit Porto de Galinhas.

Discover São Paulo

São Paulo is the largest city in South America and an excellent destination that you should add to your trip if you love nightlife, museums, street art, samba music, and fine dining. Every area of São Paulo has its own vibe, which differs from that of Rio Grande.

The best way for you to explore this massive city is through walking tours. São Paulo has a thriving art community. You can also visit its cinemas and experimental theaters; the most popular being CineSala.

Experience Capoeira

Capoeira is an art that blends dance, music, and combat technique. Enslaved people from West Africa developed it around 500 years ago – that’s some history we got right there, yes?

Its unique fighting style emphasizes flow over specific stances and looks like breakdancing. You can take an intro class in Brazil’s larger cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, where classes start at 70 BRL. 

Relax on Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande was a refuge for pirates and people with high security, but now it’s a tropical island paradise. Locals come here on weekends to relax on pristine beaches, such as Aventura Beach and Palmas Cove. 

You can also lounge, disconnect, and chill out in undeveloped jungles and beaches! So what are you really waiting for?

Visit Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto is a colonial town from the 17th century. It is among the most scenic towns in Brazil, known for its bright-colored houses and leaf-covered plazas. You will reach this area by traveling about 400 kilometers north of Rio.

Practice Samba

Samba is a musical style and a category of dance. The Afro-Brazilian population of Rio de Janeiro developed it in the 20th century. Therefore, Rio is the perfect area in Brazil to take samba classes.

Rio Samba Dancer offers all-level group classes, with fees starting from about 105 BRL. The lessons not only teach you samba but also help you stay connected in social gatherings of samba clubs.

Admire Azorean Fishing Villages

If you visit Florianópolis, you’ll have the chance to explore several historic fishing villages! Yay – so much fun!

Two popular ones are Ribeirão da Ilha and Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Here, you can try out delicious oysters and seafood dishes while enjoying secluded beaches and cobbled streets. 

Go Hiking in Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is a vast urban rainforest in Rio de Janeiro with over 350 species of animals. You will have to take a three-hour trek through Parque Lage to reach Corcovado top. Additionally, you can take a two-hour hike to Tijuca Peak. Both hikes offer amazing views of the city and the bay. Can you feel your heart racing!

Entrance to the park is free, but it’s worth joining a tour to learn about the history of rainforest, its native flora, and fauna, and to get transportation to and from your accommodation.

Explore Paraty

Paraty is a well-kept Portuguese colonial town between São Paulo and Rio. It’s a great place where you can relax for a few days. 

Explore its cobblestone streets, handicraft shops, bars with live music, and restaurants – that’s going to be so much fun!

You can also take jungle tours, visit cachaca distilleries, and go on boat tours with snorkeling and beach stops. You can see and do everything there is to do in about three days.

Brazil Travel Guide

Some Basic Tips for Your Trip in This Brazil Travel Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, you must know a few essential things before you go.

Language Barrier

Firstly, you need to keep in mind that the official language in Brazil is Portuguese, which can be a challenge for travelers who don’t speak the language. Not to mention, English and Spanish are not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Portuguese before you go or carry a phrasebook! Isn’t that great?

Currency

The Brazilians use the Brazilian Real as their country’s currency and don’t accept U.S. dollars for purchases. So, it’s important that you check the latest exchange rate and change your money at a bank or exchange bureau you can trust. 

Also, we are happy to tell you credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil, but it is better if you carry some cash for small purchases and tips!

Check Visa Requirements

It varies depending on your nationality. Canadian, Japanese, Australian, and American passport holders can enter Brazil without a visa and stay up to 90 days. However, checking the latest visa requirements is always a good idea before you go.

Carry Cash and Credit Card

You can easily find ATMs in almost all commercial regions to withdraw cash. However, you may find them closed if there are any security issues – yikes. Therefore, carrying a credit card and money with you is a good idea in case you can’t find an ATM.

Universal Adapter

Thankfully enough, in Brazil the locals use N-type plugs and the frequency range value is 60 Hz, with average voltage range between 127 to 220 V. Therefore, if you’re traveling from a country with a different voltage or plug type, you must buy a universal adapter and use a converter for appliances like hair dryers.

Local Sim Card

If you have an international cell phone, it will function well in Brazil. However, you should buy a local SIM card with a calling plan to keep yourself connected to the digital world. Fortunately, you can get them at some supermarkets and street kiosks.

Pocket Wi-Fi Device 

It is available almost everywhere in Brazil, but there will be some issues if you visit more remote regions. You can buy a Wi-Fi device for remote areas. 

Often, you will find free internet services in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls so that you can stay connected during your trip!

Brazil Travel Guide

How To Save Money on a Trip to Brazil

Brazil is the biggest country in South America, full of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food. However, it’s also known for being one of the more expensive countries in South America – which is a bit scary and not to mention heavy on the pocket.

Fear not; there are plenty of money-saving tips to help you stretch your budget and maximize your trip in this Brazil travel guide.

• Decide Taxi Prices Prior: It is smarter for you to agree on a price with a taxi driver before you set off on your journey to avoid getting ripped off. Many drivers refuse to utilize their meters, so taking a bus is often better. Furthermore, if you plan on flying around the country, consider getting an Airpass. This can save you money on domestic flights if you book in advance.
• Use Couchsurfing: Consider staying with a local through Couchsurfing. Apart from saving you money, it’ll give you the opportunity to talk to locals. They can give you insider tips and advice on the best things to see and do.
• Visit During the Off-season: Brazil’s busy season starts in December and ends in March. This is because people living in the Northern hemisphere often spend the winter there, so prices are usually higher. You should plan your visit during other times of the year to keep prices low and save some of those hard-earned coins.
• Skip Carnival Celebrations: While you may be tempted to experience the Carnivals, it can also be expensive. If you have a low budget, you can skip it and visit during a less busy time.
• Kitchen Facilities: Eating out in Brazil can also be costly, so you should consider staying somewhere in the kitchen and cooking your yummy meals. It may not be glamorous, but it can save you a fortune.
• Water Bottle with a Filter: Don’t forget to pack a water bottle with a built-in filter to avoid buying bottled water and lower your single-use plastic usage. Keep the earth green, friends!

Brazil Travel Guide

A Guide to Transportation Options in Brazil

Getting around Brazil can be an adventure in itself, with various transportation options available to suit every traveler’s needs. From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, here’s a rundown of the multiple modes of transportation available in Brazil:

Air Travel

If you’re short on time or looking to travel between big cities or remote areas like the Amazon, air travel and direct flights are great options. Brazil’s major airlines include Avianca, Azul, GOL, and LATAM.

If you book a round-trip flight from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus (the most convenient route to reach the Amazon), it can cost only 1,700 BRL if booked two months in advance. Not to mention, flights between Brasilia and São Paulo will not cost you much, around 155 BRL one-way – that is if you have some extra cash lying around.

Public Transportation

You will be amazed to find that Brazil’s cities have an efficient and modern public transportation system! That’s super cool.

Cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have extensive and affordable subway systems. The one-way fare will cost you around 5 BRL – which is convenient and very fun.

What’s so fun is that you can save money by using multi-day metro cards – yay! Buses are also prevalent throughout the country, with one-way fares costing you between 3 and 5 BRL. 

Also, multi-day bus cards are also available.

Long-Distance Bus

A simple, easy, and cost-effective commute in Brazil are the long-distance buses! Convenient right?

Brazil bus travel is an excellent resource for checking schedules and booking tickets as it has hundreds of routes available. For example, a bus journey from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo will take you 6.5 hours (phew – that’s a long travel time), and the overall price you will have to pay for it is about 180 BRL.

Train

Do you hear the whistle? Train journeys in Brazil are only available on tourist-oriented steam trains. You can travel by this train from São João del Rei to Tiradentes. Even though riding the subway in Brazil can be a unique experience, it is expensive and not good if you are traveling on a budget.

Taxi

It will be helpful for you to keep in mind that taxis are a better option for evening travel when public transportation probably may not be as safe. But obviously taxis are expensive and fares begin at 6–8 BRL and increase to about 3–6 BRL per kilometer! That might be a bit steep, right?

You can also avail of ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 (formerly 99Taxis), which are popular in Brazil and can ensure you get a licensed taxi. Solo female travelers can use Uber to ensure their protection.

Car Rental

A multi-day rental will approximately cost you 65-90 BRL for a day. However, it is the least recommended source of commute because of the aggressive driving on the Brazilian roads. All those scary, sharp turns – yikes!

Not to mention, break-ins and carjackings are also a common occurrence. Hence, it is best for you to steer clear of renting a car and opt for other transportation options.

Brazil Travel Guide

Brazil Travel Planning: Top Booking Resources

When planning to visit Brazil, having the right booking resources is vital to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. In this Brazil travel guide – here is a list of our favorite companies that consistently provide the best prices and user experience in this vast country.

• Get Your Guide: For a Brazil travel guide, we love using Get Your Guide for day trips and city guides. It features the world’s most extensive collection of things to do in over 7,500 destinations, ensuring that you find the perfect activity for your trip.
• Booking.com: Booking.com is a popular site for comparing accommodation prices. Also, it offers free cancellation, guarantees the best price, and its easy-to-use interface makes finding the perfect stay a breeze.
• VRBO: Looking for a local experience? VRBO is one of the best search engines for finding home and apartment rentals. It’s often cheaper than hotels and allows you to immerse yourself in local culture.
• World Nomads Insurance: Travel insurance is a must-have when visiting Brazil. World Nomads offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
• Hostelworld: With one of the biggest databases of hostels worldwide, Hostelworld is perfect for budget travelers. It’s the go-to site for finding affordable accommodation options.
• TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor is best for reading reviews and comparing prices from multiple accommodation providers. It’s an excellent resource for Brazil travel advice and finding the best deals on hotels and resorts – wow that’s so convenient, right?
• Skyscanner: Skyscanner consistently offers the cheapest and best options when booking flights. It compares prices from various airlines, making it easy for you to find the best deal.
• Rome2Rio: Planning transportation can be a hassle, but Rome2Rio makes it super easy! Their Google Map integration and offline capabilities show you how to get from point A to point B by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car, along with related costs.

Concluding the Brazil Travel Guide

Who doesn’t dream of Brazil? Being the largest country in South America, Brazil has it all – fabulous cities, amazing flora and fauna, charming small-town life ticking along in rural areas, and oodles of culture. From São Paulo’s glamorous high-rise buzz to the historic haunts of Minas Gerais and the sun-drenched escape of Santa Catarina, there are places in this sun-soaked beauty that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Have you ever pictured yourself sitting comfortably on a rural farmstead, sipping your way rather consistently through a pint of sugary white celebration, indulging in the national obsession of sugar cane harvest tales? Ah! There ain’t no freedom like that, my friend.

And now, with this Brazil travel guide, you know exactly where to go, how to get there, and how much it costs to enjoy Brazil to the fullest.

So what are you waiting for?