2nd tour bresil

2-Week Brazil Itinerary: Perfect for First-Time Visitors

Brazil was my 65 th country and somewhere I was incredibly excited about. At the same time, despite all my travel experience, I found planning my trip to Brazil daunting. I received countless warnings about safety and the country itself is massive which made it hard to plan when I had a limited amount of time. In the end, I joined a group trip to explore Brazil and while I was grateful for the friends I made, I now know that I easily could have done it myself safely and for (a lot) less money. So, for anyone trying to figure out a 2-week Brazil itinerary and wondering if you can do it on your own, the answer is yes. Here’s how to best spend 2 weeks in Brazil if you are a first-time visitor.

Getting to Brazil

Getting to Brazil is pretty easy by air and overland if you are coming from a neighbouring country. If you are flying directly into Brazil chances are you will route through Sao Paulo Airport. It’s the largest and the most popular among international airlines. For my suggested itinerary, however, I suggest you start in the South of Brazil to see Iguazu falls. It might seem a little bit out of the way but trust me, it’s worth it. So, book a connecting flight to Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International airport.

If you are crossing into Brazil from neighbouring Argentina you can also fly directly into Foz de Iguaçu/Cataratas airport. This is the easiest option if you are coming from Buenos Aires . However, you can also easily cross the border by land.

Getting Around Brazil

Brazil is enormous and unless you are renting a car (which I do not recommend for this 2-week Brazil itinerary) you will rely on a mix of public transportation, Ubers, boats and your feet!

Buses, shuttles, and flights are the easiest way to get from city to city. When in smaller towns you can easily walk around. When in larger cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, you can use the public transportation system or Uber. I found Uber to be very affordable, easy, and safe as a solo female traveller in Rio. You can connect the app to your credit card, no need for cash.

Two Weeks in Brazil Itinerary: My Suggestions for First-Time Visitors

As I said earlier Brazil is a huge country and there is tons to see and do. My itinerary will take you from the Southern border and end in Rio de Janeiro since this is the part of the country I explored. That being said, if you have more time, then consider heading north which is meant to have some of the most beautiful spots in the country when it comes to nature and beaches. Don’t forget that Brazil also holds nearly 60% of the Amazon rainforest, so if that’s on your bucket list, then consider adding it into your itinerary.

With that in mind, here is my suggested 2-week Brazil itinerary which is perfect for first-timers looking to explore some of the major highlights of the country.

2 Days in Iguazu Falls

Iguassu Falls is located in Southern Brazil on the border of Argentina. With 275 waterfalls, this incredible area is of the natural wonders of the world and a world UNESCO heritage site. I recommend spending your first 2 days here so you can see them from both the Brazilian side and the Argentinian side. Although I suggest staying in Brazil itself to make things a little easier.

For recommendations on where to stay near Iguazu Falls, I suggest the following:

Hostel: Concept design hostel and suites or Hostel Wanderlust 

Midrange: Viale Iguassu or Foz Plaza Hotel

Luxury: Hotel Das Cataratas which is right by the falls themselves.

Your first day, when you are probably a bit tired from travel and jetlagged, should be spent on the Brazilian side. Brazil has the best view of all the falls since you look across to the Argentinian side. You only really need a couple of hours here to walk the trail and take your photos. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife as well which includes everything from multi-coloured butterflies to jaguars if you are incredibly lucky. From the Brazilian side, you can also take a helicopter ride to see the falls from above. This tour will pick you up from your hotel and take you to explore Iguazu falls from the Brazilian side.

On day two, head over to the Argentinian side for the day. This will be a full day as there are multiple walking trails and a boat excursion that I highly recommend. Only two of the three walking trails were open during my visit. The upper one, we were told, was much more beautiful than the bottom trail so that’s what I did and wow was it stunning. It’s amazing seeing all the waterfalls from a distance when you are on the Brazil side, but the Argentinian side really allows you to get up and close and see just how big and powerful they are. 

There is then the option to take a boat ride to see the falls from the water. In my opinion, this was the most fun so I highly recommend it. Just note it’s a long downhill trail through the jungle to the boats and you will get soaking wet (so wear a bathing suit and bring a change of clothes!). This tour will pick you up and take you across to explore Iguazu falls from the Argentinian side.

Travel to Paraty

I apologize in advance but Day 3 is going to be a long travel day. I promise you, however, that it is worth it!

The next stop on my suggested 2-week Brazil itinerary is Paraty, which means you’ll need to take a domestic flight and a bus ride.

Start by flying to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos airport. It’s a 1.5 hour flight and should only cost you about $85CAD if you book in advance. From Sao Paulo Airport you will need to get a bus or shuttle to Paraty which will take 5-7 hours depending on traffic. Trust me, there will be traffic. 

You can take public transit which will be the cheapest method but also the longest. Using the local buses will require 2-3 transfers.

The other option is to take a shuttle. They have 2 pick-ups per day from the airport and will take you to Paraty direct. It is more expensive (about $90 CAD one way). However, it is comfortable, with room for your luggage in the back, and air conditioning. They also include a rest stop. The shuttle company we used was Paraty tours and it was fantastic. You can find them here.

I suggest staying in Paraty for 3 nights. The old town is beautiful but the streets are pedestrian only and will be incredibly difficult to wheel a suitcase down. If you travel with a suitcase, pick a hotel just outside the old town centre. If you are backpacking, you can stay in the old town if you like.

Suggestions for accommodation in Paraty:

Hostels: Che Lagarato Paraty  

Midrange: Pousada recanto do Jabaquara or Pousada Antigona 

Luxury: Pousada do Ouro or Sandi Hotel

2 Days in Paraty

Days 4 and 5 of my 2-week Brazilian itinerary are for Paraty. Paraty is a colonial Portuguese town located along the coast against a backdrop of jungle and mountains. It is gorgeous! Not just the picturesque old town but the location and the scenery. You’ll want to spend at least two full days here, one exploring the town and area and the second on the water.

Paraty old town is quite compact which is ideal because it’s accessible by foot only. No cars allowed! This will make sense once you see the streets; cobblestones of all shapes and sizes and nowhere is flat. So, make sure you wear good shoes; these streets are potential ankle-breakers!

Paraty is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its beautiful buildings and the local cachaça, which is the liquor used to make caipirinhas. There is a special type of caipirinha here in Paraty called the Jorge Amado which uses a cachaça infused with cloves and cinnamon and passionfruit. It was by far my favourite drink in Brazil. If you plan on buying any cachaça while in Brazil, Paraty is the place to do it. There are a number of shops in the old town where you can try different types or you can take a local distillery tour. Try this half-day jungle waterfall and cachaça distillery tour.  

For your second day in Paraty, take a boat trip around the bay. The trip I took included 4 snorkel stops. You could also order all types of food anddrinks on board. It was a really fun day that allowed us to see some of the beautiful islands and beaches in the area. The water here is also a beautiful blue/green colour and really clear. You can book your boat trip here.

In the evening, wander around the old town and have a drink somewhere with music. There are lots of great restaurant options here. 

One thing to note about Paraty is that if it rains, the streets really flood here. I walked through water well above my ankles when I got caught in a rainstorm the first night!

Travel to Ilha Grande

Day 6 is another travel day but don’t worry, it’s not a long one! You will, however, be taking a combination of a bus or shuttle and then a boat.

The first part of your journey is to travel from Paraty to Angra Dos Reis. There is the local bus or, again, you can book a shuttle which is what I took. The journey is a little under two hours. Try to grab a window seat on the right side of the bus for the best coastal views.

Once you arrive at Angra Dos Reis you’ll head to the pier where you will catch a ferry across to Ilha Grande. Now, these ferries aren’t quite what you probably have in mind. They are large speed boats and you get a plastic seat while the luggage is all lined up in the middle. It’s the local mode of transportation, nothing super fancy. Our journey wasn’t rough at all but if you do get seasick, take some meds just in case!

The ferry will take you to the main village in Ilha Grande which is Vila do Abraão. This is where you will spend the next 4 nights. For accommodation recommendations consider:

Hostel: Mahalo Hostel or Biergarten Hostel

Midrange: Pousada Recanto da Ana Alice or Pousada Porto Girassol

Luxury: Pousada Portal do Sol

Two important things to note about Ilha Grande. The first is that there are no vehicles. You walk and get around by boats. The second is that cash is king but there are no ATMs (at least not as of March 2024) on Ilha Grande. So, make sure to get cash beforehand because not everywhere takes credit cards.  

3 Days in Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande was my favourite part of Brazil. It’s a beautiful island full of incredible beaches, a national park, hiking trails, and is a great place for scuba diving. If you are a beach/water person like me, you are going to love it here.

I suggest spending 3 full days on the island. Even if you choose not to be super active it’s a good place to relax before heading to busy Rio do Janeiro.  Here’s how I suggest spending 3 days on Ilha Grande.

One day should be a beach day, specifically, Lopes Mendes beach. This beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Brazil and one of the most beautiful in the world. I absolutely agree-it is stunning. However, it’s a bit of a trek to get there. You will need to take a boat from Vila do Abraão about 20 minutes to another beach. Here, you will follow the signs through the jungle trail to Lopes Mendes beach itself. The walk takes about 30 minutes but it is a proper up-and-downhill hike over rough and uneven terrain. I didn’t trust my flipflops so actually did it barefoot. It wasn’t too bad (made even better by the baby monkeys I saw) but it is definitely a bit of an adventure. However, it’s 100% worth it when you get to the beach on the other side. Huge expanses of soft, white sand. Bright blue waves, palm trees, jungle, and rocks. Lopes Mendes beach is gorgeous. What you do need to keep in mind is that it is a natural beach. There are no shops, toilets, etc. So, bring everything you need for your time there including plenty of drinking water. Personally, I could have spent the entire day here but I’m also a big beach person. I’d suggest at least half a day since your journey also includes the boat ride and hike.

For your second day, book a boat tour. Ilha Grande has half and full-day boat options that will take you to some of the most beautiful swimming and snorkelling spots around the island. The water is clear and beautiful and the boat tour will allow you to see some more of the island. You can book your boat trip here.

For your third day, you can go scuba diving, hike, or just hang out and explore town. There is a cool national park within walking distance of the village. You’ll spot plenty of wildlife and there is a small natural waterfall that you can slide down and swim in the pool below. It’s a lot of fun!

If you are a super-keen hiker you might also want to consider hiking to the Pico do Papagaio, or the parrot head. This rock, which really does look like a parrot head, can be seen from the water towering over the island. Hikers can go at any part of the day, but many leave around 1am to get to the top for sunrise. It is a long, tough hike. I did not do it but a couple of my friends did. You get hiking sticks because you can’t grab branches/rocks in case of poisonous spiders (my literal nightmare) and there is some climbing involved. You will definitely want to hire a guide, especially if you want to go for sunrise. Just do yourself a favour and be sure to check the weather first. If it’s clear, the views look amazing. My friends went and it was all covered in fog, they couldn’t see a thing.  

Travel to Rio De Janeiro

Day 10 is another travel day! Don’t worry, today isn’t too long but you do still need to take a boat and bus/shuttle to get into Rio. Traffic again may be an issue so I don’t suggest planning too much for today aside from travel. I’d recommend enjoying your final morning in Ilha Grande and then making your way to Rio in the afternoon. The journey will take around 3-4 hours.

To get from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro you’ll need to take the boat back to Angra Dos Reis where you can either catch a local bus which is the cheapest option or book another shuttle. We took the shuttle which was easy and comfortable. You can book it here.

Rio is the last stop on this 2-week Brazil itinerary and I am suggesting you spend 4 nights so you have three full days here. There are a number of different neighbourhoods to explore in Rio but I loved and recommend staying in Copacabana. It’s right by the beach, safe to walk around and through to Ipanema, and central enough to get to other parts of the city easily enough by public transit or Uber.

Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Copacabana.

Hostel: Pura Vida Hostel

Midrange: CLH Suites Domingos Ferreira or Rio Design Hotel

Luxury: Emiliano Rio or Copacabana Palace 

3 Days in Rio De Janeiro

Rio is a vibrant city full of life and character. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it but I absolutely loved my time here. I found that my three days in Rio went by really quickly but also allowed me to see and experience some of the best parts. Here’s how I recommend you spend 3 days in Rio de Janeiro.

Make day one all about seeing the highlights. This means Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, the colourful Selarón Steps etc. You can visit them on your own and purchase your own tickets but I do recommend spending a little extra money and taking a tour. It means you don’t have to worry about public transit since everything is spread out and you get a guide who will also fill you in on some facts, history, stories, and provide tips for the rest of your time in the city. It’s a great way to learn a little about Rio while getting to see the big tourist attractions. You can book a 6-stop highlights of Rio tour here. You’ll finish the tour in the late afternoon leaving you time to rest a bit before a night out or, time to head to the beach for the evening.

For your second day, head to Parque Lago, which is a rainforest in the middle of the city. It’s here that you will find Plage Café which despite its Instagram fame, does have pretty good food and a beautiful setting. It fills up quickly though so if you want to go for brunch, get there early as you will likely have to put your name on a list. In the meantime, you can wander around the park area itself. If you like, you can visit the nearby Jardim Botânico.

In the afternoon, I suggest joining a favela tour. Favelas are the slums of Rio and while there are mixed thoughts about visiting them, after having a discussion with a couple of different guides and locals I decided to go. Favelas are a huge part of Rio. Oftentimes the people you meet working in the tourism industry like hotels, restaurants, etc. may live in a Favela. Favelas are a reality of life in Rio and I don’t think you can turn a blind eye to that. However, you do need to go with a reputable guide and a company or tour that visits the favelas responsibly. The most popular Favela that tourist groups will be taken to is Rocinha, which is where I went. I don’t want to give too much of the tour away but I thought it was really well done, I found everyone we came across and spoke to very friendly and welcoming, and honestly, while it might not have been shiny and new, there were parts of Rocinha that were truly beautiful. I definitely recommend it.

For your third day in Rio de Janeiro, take it slow and enjoy the beaches and neighbourhoods. You can easily walk between Copacabana and Ipanema by the beach. If you happen to be in Rio on a Sunday, Ipanema has the ‘Hippie Fair’ which is one of the most popular markets in the city. While in Ipanema, head to Nusa Café for an amazing acai bowl and the Havianas flagship store to pick up some of the famous flipflops. At the flagship store, you can even customize the straps with fun little jewels and beads.

For the evening, head to the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. This neighbourhood is home to old mansions, street art, and lots of samba music. I spent a few hours in a bar called Armazem Sao Joaquim which had incredible live music. The entire bar was up and dancing in the middle of the day- it was amazing. From here, if you want to experience some of Rio’s best nightlife, you can head to the Lapa district.  

Depart Brazil

Today is day 14, the final day of this 2-week Brazil itinerary so depending on the time of your flight you have a little more time to explore Rio or head to the airport. If you do have some time, consider checking out the Real Gabinete Portuguese de Leitura which is a small but stunning library. Sadly you can’t get close to the books, they are roped off. But the library itself looks like it belongs in Beauty and the Beast.

International flights will depart from Rio de Janeiro/ Galeão airport. If you are flying back to Sao Paolo to get your connecting international flight there, then you will probably leave from the domestic airport which is the Santos Dumont Airport. The easiest way to get to both is by taking an Uber. Just remember that Rio can have quite a bit of traffic so give yourself some extra time.

Insider tip: If you are flying out of Santos Dumont Airport (the domestic one) ask for a window seat on the right side of the plane. The view is incredible as you fly right by Sugar Loaf!

What to Eat and Drink in Brazil

Wondering what to eat and drink in Brazil? Here are a few of my favourites:

• Brazilian BBQ: there are places in everywhere where you can try this. Essentially you play a flat fee, load up at the salad bar and then the staff will come around with different cuts of meat that you can choose to try or pass.
• Sushi: Japan has the second largest population of Japanese people so sushi here is actually incredible. I had it twice during my trip!
• Acai: I found acai to be served two ways in Brazil. The first is like a smoothie bowl like we are used to at brunch in North America. The second is more like a dessert. It’s sweeter and you can add toppings like candies and chocolate.
• Pao de Queijo: little cheese bread puffs. Delicious.
• Coxhinas: chicken croquettes. Very typical street food and they are amazing.
• Caipirinhas: the famous Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça liquor, sugar and lime.
• Brigadeiro: a little ball of chocolate-y goodness. Love them.

The Best Time of Year to Go to Brazil

Brazil is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are opposite from the northern hemisphere. This means that if you live in the north and want a warm escape from winter, it’s a great place to go. Summer in Brazil runs from December to March meaning it will be the hottest. However, it’s also worth noting that this is vacation time for Brazilians as well, so it’s considered high season. Especially if you plan your trip during the world-famous Carnival. Brazilian summers are also very humid and can be quite rainy which is worth keeping in mind.

That being said, winter in Brazil isn’t exactly cold. Temperatures in Rio will range from around 20C-30C which may feel cool to the locals but is still beach weather for many tourists. It’s also a lot drier during the winter months which means beautiful blue skies and sunny days. July is when Brazilian schools have their winter break, so it can be busy at this time.

My 2-week Brazil itinerary doesn’t include the Amazon, however, those looking to venture to the Amazon as well, the seasons are a little bit different. Rainy season is December to June which is colder and wetter than dry season. There are pros and cons to visiting during both seasons but dry season is the best time to go if you are keen on hiking the jungle trails.

Is Brazil Safe?

Out of all the countries I have been to so far, I’ve never received more safety concerns for a destination than I did for Brazil. I was warned about drugs, violent crime, petty crime, gang violence, and more. Even the government of Canada’s travel advisory website lists Brazil as a destination where travellers should exercise a high degree of caution.

However, during my time I never felt unsafe in Brazil. I found the locals to be warm and friendly, especially in the smaller towns. And never felt threatened. I will say that I was more cautious than normal in Rio. If I was out after dark I didn’t walk anywhere, I took Ubers. I stayed in busier places during the day, again choosing to use an Uber rather than walk long distances when I was unfamiliar with the neighbourhoods. I put my phone away and left my big camera behind, making sure I had nothing too flashy. It was totally fine. As with every destination, common sense goes a long way! And if you are unsure, ask the locals at your accommodation, restaurants, a tour guide etc. for their opinions and suggestions.

One important thing that is worth noting, I had an incredibly difficult time getting my Canadian debit card to work at any of the ATMs, even at actual Brazilian banks. One day I went to 12 different ATMs before I found one that would work. Apparently, this is quite common for foreign cards. I would recommend making sure you have a couple of different credit cards on you and when you can get cash, take out a large sum at once. It also might be a good idea to have some of your home currency on you in case you need to visit a currency exchange if you can’t get your cards to work.  

Final Thoughts on This 2-Weeks Brazil Itinerary

With all the warnings I received about Brazil, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the country. However, I absolutely loved it and definitely plan on going back.

As I said above, I visited as part of a small group tour which, in my opinion, was kind of a waste of money. The 2-week Brazil itinerary I shared above is easy for independent travellers to do on their own and allows for more time and flexibility than a tour would.

I hope that this 2-week Brazil itinerary comes in handy and that you love Brazil as much as I did!

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

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The Perfect 2 Weeks in Brazil Itinerary for First Timers

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2023

Categories Brazil , South America

Heading for 2 weeks in Brazil and don’t know where to start planning your trip? Check out the perfect Brazil itinerary for first timers!

Brazil is a large country. In fact, it is the world’s fifth largest country with a population of over 211 million people. Located in South America it covers close to half of that continent. Just to understand how big it is, it’s bigger than all of Europe! The country also has 60% of the Amazon forest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

Why visit Brazil, you say? Being such a large country, the country has a lot to offer its visitors. From beautiful beaches, amazing street carnivals, wild nightlife and some world famous architecture, Brazil has it all so you should be prepared to have loads of fun when you travel to Brazil.

As a first timer to Brazil, you may be overwhelmed by what to include in your travel plans and what to leave out. So we have done that for you and created a two-week itinerary for a trip to Brazil.

The plan will take you to some of the best places in Brazil including cities like Sao Paulo (which is Brazil’s largest city), Rio de Janeiro, Paraty and Foz do Iguacu. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Day 1-4: Rio De Janeiro

Try and fly into the country through Rio de Janeiro, as it makes the most sense for this two weeks in Brazil itinerary. Rio De Janeiro was the capital of Brazil until 1960, when the capital was moved to Brasilia. As Brazil’s second largest city, there is plenty to do here, but I’m sure you already know!

Start with visiting the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer statue. The open arm statue of Jesus Christ has been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, and attracts millions of tourist each year. It is located on Mount Corcovado and can be seen from every point in Rio De Janeiro. Ride the tram that takes tourist up Mount Corcovado to get a close look of Christ the Redeemer and enjoy a beautiful view of Rio .

Once you are done with touring this statue, head over to Copacabana or Ipanema Beach to soak up some sun. While at the beach you can just work on your tan, or surf or join in a game of beach football. Football is big in Brazil, they’re mad about the sport! So, while in Rio, try also to catch a football game at one of the local stadiums.

To enjoy a night out in Rio , head over to the samba clubs in Lapa. Other popular activities in Rio include visiting the Sugar Loaf Mountain, trekking in the Tijuca rainforest, and checking out the colorful Lapa stairs.

Depending on what time of the year you visit, you might also be able to take part in the world famous Rio Carnival. It is usually in February and there will be plenty of music, parades and colorfully dressed dancers on the city streets.

For accommodation, Rio has lots of hotels which are affordable, but keep in mind that if you are traveling during carnival season, Easter or New Year’s, prices will be higher.

Day 4-8: Paraty and Ilha Grande

After visiting the sights and partying hard in Rio, it’s time to get some relax on the beach, what do you think? Paraty and Ilha Grande, which neighbor each other, offer the perfect destinations for a beach holiday.

Ilha Grande is on your way to Paraty from Rio De Janeiro. You can stop over here for two days to enjoy the beautiful and unspoiled tropical beaches.

Also known as Parati, Paraty is a coastal town where the Portuguese settled in 1667. The city maintains its old charm with cobblestone streets and old churches.

Other than lying on the beach sipping caipirinha, which is never a bad idea, you can do some kayaking at the Jabaquara mangroves, or hike the local trails to see lovely waterfalls and forests in the area. If you are into seafood. there are plenty of great seafood restaurants in Paraty for you to dine at.

You can take a four-hour bus ride to get to Paraty from Rio, and enjoy scenic views of Brazil at the same time. Otherwise, you can rent a car for your 2 weeks in Brazil- it’s Brazil road trip time, babe!

Day 8-11: São Paulo

Your Brazil travel itinerary now brings you to Sao Paulo, Brazil’s financial center. Sao Paulo is just a four-hour drive from Paraty. Just like Rio, the city is vibrant. While in Sao Paulo, you can visit the numerous cultural institutions and see the rich architecture the city has to offer.

We recommend visiting the São Paulo Museum of Art. The museum opened in 1968, and has a good collection of art done by Renoir, Van Gogh, Matisse, Manet, Debret, Picasso, Miró, along with 73 works of bronze sculpture by Degas. Other popular places to visit in Sao Paulo include:

• Teatro Municipal (City Theater) • Ibirapuera Park, which is a green space with monuments, museums, playgrounds, gardens, trails, lakes, and performance spaces. This is Sao Paulo’s equivalent to Central Park in New York. • Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Contemporary Art Museum) • Sé (Cathedral) • Avenida Paulista

Day 11-14: Iguazu Falls

Once you’re done with Sao Paulo, take a flight to Foz do Iguacu, which will get you there in two hours. The major attraction in this multicultural city which borders Argentina is obviously its giant Iguazu Falls, one of the best places to visit in Brazil .

The waterfalls on both the Brazilian and Argentina side make up the world largest waterfall system. Iguazu Falls was chosen as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World , so you can imagine how breathtaking they are.

READ ALSO: The Top 24 Ecotourism Destinations for 2019

You can get up close to see the waterfalls by walking on a footbridge, but be prepared to get wet as you walk up to this magical site. If you want, you can also cross the border and also view the falls from Argentina. Remember to carry your passport if you plan to do this!

If you love bird watching, be sure to make a stop at Parque Das Aves where you’ll see incredible birds like the toucan, macaw, cassowary and pink flamingo.

As I said at the start, Brazil is a huge country and two weeks is not enough to see all of it, it would take you months!

If you have more time you can extend your stay and visits other cities like Salvador, Fortaleza, or Manaus for a trip to the Amazon, one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world .

Brazil Travel Tips for First Timers

• If you’re a citizen of the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan, to enter Brazil you will need an e-visa. You can easily make a Brazil visa application online . The application takes less than five minutes and you should have your visa within 5 days. The visa allows travelers to spend 90 days a year in Brazil for multiple purposes, over a 2 year period.

• To move around in Brazil you can use buses, rent a vehicle, or fly to your destination. Domestic airfare in Brazil is affordable, for example a flight from Rio De Janeiro to Foz Do Iguacu is about $100 each way.

• Brazil is an all year round travel destination with warm temperatures most of the time. However, the best time to visit Brazil is probably February so you can be part of the world’s largest party the Carnival in Rio (if you don’t like crowds, though, go any other time).

One Week, 10 Days, or 3 Weeks in Brazil Itineraries

• If you only have one week in Brazil, we suggest you head to Rio de Janeiro and then skip the rest of the itinerary until the incredible Iguazu Falls. These two destinations will keep your 7 days in Brazil pretty busy!

• If instead you are looking for a 10 days in Brazil itinerary, follow this Brazil two week itinerary but skip Sao Paulo, which is a mega city with many interesting cultural attractions, but can be overwhelming from how big it is.

Looking to spend more time in Brazil? Lucky you! For a 3 weeks Brazil itinerary, these are our two favorite options:

• Fly north to Salvador de Bahia, a culturally diverse and colorful city full of colonial buildings, markets, and beautiful churches. This is also where Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art that combines dance with martial arts, was born. Spend two or three days here and then fly directly to Fernando de Noronha, this stunning island pictured above here.

You might have never heard of it, but this remote island 350 km off the coast of Brazil has the best beaches you’ll find in the country, and incredible snorkeling and diving.

• Otherwise, fly to Manaus, the door to the Amazon. This, together with Iguazu Falls, is something unique that really shouldn’t be missed. Go on a jungle tour and relax at some of the wonderful eco-lodges surrounded by nature. I can’t wait to do this next year as I loved my Borneo jungle safari so much and this looks similar.

There you go! Hopefully this itinerary is useful for planning your trip to Brazil. Boa viagem!

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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A Two-Week Brazil Itinerary for Your First Visit

It’s with great pleasure that today I’ll show you around my home country. I’ve prepared a two-week Brazil itinerary that will introduce you to all the colors, flavors, and sounds that the largest nation in South America is known for.

Let’s start off in Rio de Janeiro so Christ the Redeemer can bless our journey. We’ll then go on to discover beautiful colonial towns, pristine beaches, and restless cities before finishing our Brazilian odyssey at the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

There’s just one thing you’ll need to think about: which souvenirs you’ll be bringing home !

Table of Contents

How to get around

Brazil is larger than the contiguous United States, so most of the time you’ll need to hop on a plane to go from one region to the next.

Rio and São Paulo, however, are separated by a mere 6-hour drive. And since Paraty stands right between the two, you can rely on buses, private transfers, or a rented car for the first part of your trip.

Subway lines reach the touristy areas of all the big cities you’ll be visiting (Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, and Brasília), yet only São Paulo has a comprehensive network.

Calling an Uber usually comes cheaper than hailing a cab if you need to go someplace that isn’t serviced by the subway. A 10- to 15-minute Uber ride will hardly cost more than $6.

By the way, in case you’re wondering how much money you need for 2 weeks in Brazil, I’m pretty sure $100 a day (plus accommodation and air tickets) will let you enjoy a very comfortable trip across the country.

Also read: Is Brazil Expensive to Visit? Your Guide to a Budget-Friendly Trip

Two-week Brazil itinerary: What first-timers can’t miss

Days 1-3: rio de janeiro.

Where to stay : Copacabana Palace , where Hollywood stars have stayed for 100 years, or Guesthouse Bianca , a budget-friendly alternative in the quaint Santa Teresa district

Any Brazil 2-week itinerary just has to start in my hometown, the country’s most famous city. Rio de Janeiro boasts a one-of-a-kind landscape, warm weather year-round, impressive architecture, and delightful nightlife.

Let’s kick off our 3-day Rio trip by checking off its ultimate symbol: the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer .

When you’re done soaking up the million-dollar views of the whole city, head to the Maracanã stadium (for decades the largest in the world). If you have the chance, come back for a match and you’ll learn what supporting is actually like.

Flamengo Park is probably the best place I can think of for an afternoon stroll. You’ll be quite close to the Sugarloaf, but you’ll have to take the cable car to reach the top. A hard choice follows: watching the sunset up there or over a cold beer at the Urca promenade.

For your second day in town, don’t miss the 200-year-old Botanical Garden or the neighboring (and picturesque) Lage Park. Afterward, you can stroll along the heart-shaped Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, then hit the quintessential Copacabana Beach.

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the equally iconic Ipanema Beach. By the end of the day, locals and visitors gather at the Arpoador Rock to clap for the sunset.

Downtown Rio is where you should go for your third day in town. Highlights here include the bold Museum of Tomorrow, designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, which is consistently ranked among the most stunning libraries in the world. 

The São Bento Monastery, with its elaborate gilded interior, and the Olympic Boulevard along the city’s port are worth a stop as well.

A yellow streetcar will then take you up the hill to Santa Teresa , Rio’s artsiest and quaintest district. On your way back, check out the lovely Selarón Steps. Stick around for as many caipirinhas as you manage to drink — you’re now in Lapa, Rio’s infamous red light district. 

Consider visiting Rio during Carnival, when you can enjoy the city-wide street parties during the day and watch the awe-inspiring samba school parade at night.

Days 4-5: Paraty

Where to stay : Sandi Hotel , a lovely townhouse in the middle of the cobbled city center

The town of Paraty was a sugarcane port in the colonial era. Ironically, the decadence that followed ultimately saved it: both its cobbled streets (which were designed to flood at high tide) and its white townhouses have stayed intact over the centuries.

If you want to find out more about Paraty’s rich history, a walking tour of the city center is the perfect option. Ask the guides where the best distilleries are and go try some cachaça, Brazil’s national liquor and a local specialty.

Paraty is on a dazzling and jagged stretch of coast where mangroves and green hills cut between golden sand beaches. But unless you hop on a schooner for a boat tour of the region , you won’t see much of all that beauty.

Paraty is also a wonderful spot for adventure travel. You can kayak through the mangroves or hike Sugarloaf Peak to see Saco do Mamanguá, Brazil’s only fjord, from above.

Days 6-7: São Paulo

Where to stay : Hotel Unique , a boldly designed and luxurious option with the most iconic rooftop in town, or the Hilton Garden Inn Rebouças to discover the bohemian Pinheiros neighborhood

Home to the biggest Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Lebanese diasporas on the planet, São Paulo feels almost like a tropical New York. With 30 million people living in the metropolitan area, Brazil’s largest city is astonishing and overwhelming — which is exactly why it’s so fascinating. 

Start the day strolling along the city’s one and only main street, Paulista Avenue (above), where you’ll find world-class museums like the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and the Moreira Salles Institute.

The best time to tour the avenue is on Sunday mornings, when it’s entirely car-free. While you’re at it, notice the colorful murals that pop up all over the place.

In the afternoon, relax at Ibirapuera Park, where locals flock to jog, picnic, or simply hang out in the sun. You won’t be too far from the hipster-chic Pinheiros and Vila Madalena districts, both dotted with trendy bars and tempting fusion restaurants.

On your second day in São Paulo, head to the city’s historic core. Certain parts of it are a bit sketchy, but at least a couple of landmarks are worth a visit. Check out the Farol Santander overlook on top of the Altino Arantes building, affectionately called Banespão (seen below).

Afterward, stop by leading museums like the Museum of the Portuguese Language and the Pinacoteca do Estado (a major painting gallery run by the state of São Paulo). The city has the largest chopper fleet on Earth, so you might as well do as the locals do and see it from a helicopter .

For lunch, you’ll have at least two equally delicious options. Every weekend, Liberdade, São Paulo’s Japantown, hosts a day-long street market where you can have authentic takoyaki and other delicacies.

Then you have the vast Municipal Market, where countless kinds of multicolored fruit are a few stalls away from huge bologna sandwiches and pastéis (deep-fried dumplings).

If you’re after some nighttime fun, hit Augusta Street in the Paulista Avenue region. This is the go-to place for a younger crowd looking for either loud music or more laid-back vibes — there’s something for everyone.

Day 8: Iguazu Falls

Where to stay : Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort ; apart from being great value for money, it’s close to both the airport and the Falls

Located between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls (or Iguaçu in Portuguese) are the largest waterfalls on the planet. In 2011, they were rightfully voted one of the world’s seven natural wonders. 

Some Brazilians will wittingly tell you to visit the Argentinian falls so you can check the best views of the park — the ones overlooking the Brazilian section. Jokes aside, you should definitely cross the border to enjoy a thrilling boat adventure .

If that sounds like too much adventure, stick to the Brazilian side, where you’ll just have to hike an easy trail to reach the observation deck and take in the fantastic views.

Days 9-10: Salvador da Bahia

Where to stay : Fera Palace Hotel for a delightful experience right by the historic core or Zank by Toque Hotel in Rio Vermelho to enjoy the Bahian nightlife

Salvador, in the northeastern state of Bahia, served as Brazil’s first capital for two centuries up to 1763 (when Rio took its place). The city was dubbed the Black Rome for its unique mix of lavish Baroque architecture and Afro-Brazilian culture, and as such its historic core became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Explore the cobbled streets around the Pelourinho, Salvador’s best-known square, then take the Art Deco Lacerda Elevator to reach the Lower City. Hunt for souvenirs at the Mercado Modelo and don’t forget to try acarajé , a black-eyed pea fritter that is stuffed with dried shrimp.

In the afternoon, head to the area around the Barra Lighthouse for some wholesome beach time. Though Farol da Barra Beach is a bit more spacious, the sunsets on Porto da Barra Beach are unforgettable.

For your second day, beach hopping is probably the best thing to do. You’ll find quieter beaches like Itapuã and Flamengo on the eastern side of town, but the islands within the Bay of All Saints are even more peaceful. You can take a ferry to Itaparica or book a day trip to Ilha dos Frades .

Come nightfall, don’t miss the Rio Vermelho district for the tastiest Bahian cuisine and the liveliest bars and clubs.

Day 11: Brasília

Where to stay : Brasília Palace Hotel , a classic of modern architecture, or B Hotel for its minimalist-chic vibes and the best views in town

Dedicated in 1960, Brasília was built in about 1,000 days in the geographical center of Brazil to replace Rio as the nation’s capital. 

Famously shaped like an airplane to symbolize a country that dreamed of taking off , Brasília was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 thanks to its lofty modern architecture.

Ironically, a few of its most prestigious buildings are temples, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Dom Bosco Sanctuary. 

You’ll see these and other landmarks on a bike tour of Brasília , which should be even more pleasant given the city is virtually flat and its roads are well-maintained.

Brasília is also noted for beautiful parks like Parque da Cidade Dona Sarah Kubitschek and Pontão do Lago Sul, where you can watch a breathtaking sunset over the capital’s vast blue skies.

Days 12-14: Amazon Rainforest

From Brasília, you can catch a direct flight to Manaus and land right at the heart of the jungle. This is where the dark waters of Negro River and the muddy waters of Solimões River meet to form the colossal Amazon River.

Distances are huge around here, especially since ferries and canoes are the default modes of transportation. This will of course allow you to discover the region more thoroughly.

Agencies offer amazing multiday trips through the rainforest. Some include swimming with pink dolphins and visiting indigenous communities along the river , while others will take you canoeing and fishing for deadly piranhas .

Bear in mind this two-week Brazil itinerary is supposed to cover just the basics. There’s a lot more you could (and should) discover if you visit again! If you have three weeks to spare, this 21-day Brazil itinerary is worth checking out.

Sights you shouldn’t miss on a second tour of the country include the town of Ouro Preto, a colonial gem in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, and the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (pictured above), home to a few of the most gorgeous beaches on Earth.

Now don’t forget to tell me in the comments which landmarks and places to visit in Brazil you can’t wait to explore! Why haven’t you booked your tickets yet, though?

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Best 2-Week (14-Day) Tours in Brazil

Ready for a 14-day journey to Brazil that combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery? We've combed through a wide range of multi-day guided tours, meticulously analyzing them based on service, price, guest ratings, and activities. These 2-week tours to Brazil are the absolute best based on these criteria, so that your trip planning can be easy and fun. They offer the perfect balance between a leisurely holiday and thrilling escapades, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of each destination for a full two weeks! From exploring iconic landmarks to savoring the local cuisine, every moment of these tours is designed to provide an enriching and unforgettable experience. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and make the most of your epic escape with one of these amazing tours below.

• Buenos Aires - Iguazú - Salta - Bariloche - Calafate & Ushuaia 14 Days, $1799.00
• Pure Brazil 14 Days, $6930.00
• Buenos Aires to Rio 13 Days, $4290.00

Which 14-day tour options are available in Brazil?

Here are the important factors:

• 8 trip options analyzed
• $281 average price per day (USD)
• 13 to 14 days in length
• 4.39 of 5 average rating
• 23 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of tours lasting 2 weeks in Brazil, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 23 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 14 days, with tours ranging from 13 to 14 days long. With our thorough analysis of 8 tours lasting 2 weeks, we've found the best. So rest assured that Brazil has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 8 Best 2-Week Tours in Brazil

Buenos aires - iguazú - salta - bariloche - calafate & ushuaia.

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 2 weeks.

This 14-day trip, visiting Argentina and Brazil, is ideal for guests from 3 and up. And priced at only $129 per day, it's a great value, too. Experience a trip that takes you to 10 remarkable destinations, including Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia, Puerto Iguazu, and Iguazu Falls. Begin your trip in Buenos Aires and complete it with a memorable finale in Ushuaia. It's offered by Receptivo Aborigen Tours , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Sightseeing

Pure Brazil

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Priced at just $476 per day, this terrific 14-day voyage is ideal for guests from 16 to 85 years old. Explore 6 incredible locations on this trip, including Foz Do Iguacu, Manaus, Cuiaba, and Pantanal. Your journey starts off in Salvador and finishes in Rio de Janeiro. Organized by the reputable Explore! , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Buenos Aires to Rio

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Argentina and Brazil. With a duration of 13 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 18 people, and is good for guests from 16 to 85 years old. Discover a journey that spans 7 destinations, with notable stops in Foz Do Iguacu, Sao Paulo, Paraty, and Ilha Grande. Your journey will begin in Buenos Aires and end in Rio de Janeiro. This fantastic option, organized by Explore! , presents an unbeatable value at just $309 per day.

• Coach / Bus

The Best of Brazil & Argentina with Brazil's Amazon

Spanning over 13 days, this trip, visiting Brazil and Argentina, has a maximum size of 50 individuals. Welcoming guests from 5 and up, it is organized by Cosmos , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip takes you on an adventure to 5 destinations, including Rio de Janeiro, Foz Do Iguacu, and Iguazu Falls. Begin your trip in Manaus and complete it with a memorable finale in Buenos Aires. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife, local culture, and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Available at an unbeatable price of only $351 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

• In-depth Cultural
• Local Living

14-Day Chile & Argentina Tour

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey, visiting Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, that has garnered a 4 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 14 days, this jouney will have 50 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 18 to 80 years old. Expertly organized by Tangol Tours , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $208 per day.

Exploring South America - 13 days

This memorable voyage, visiting Peru, Argentina, and Brazil, is offered by Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $322 per day. Along the way, this journey encompasses 7 destinations, including Iguazu Falls, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Your journey will begin in Lima and end in Rio de Janeiro. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 15 people, welcoming travelers of all ages.

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4.1 out of 5 stars by previous guests. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on wildlife and local culture. With a duration of 14 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 18 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests from 16 to 85 years old. This itinerary covers 7 captivating destinations, with stops in Marajó, Monte Alegre, Alter Do Chao, and Manaus, among others. Begin your trip in Belem and complete it with a memorable finale in Rio de Janeiro. Brought to you by Explore! , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $316 per day.

13-Day Journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic : Explore Chile, Argentina, and Brazil!

With this option you can experience an unparalleled trip for 13 unforgettable days, visiting Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. It ensures an intimate group setting with 10 participants at most. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 4 destinations, featuring Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazu. Your journey starts off in Santiago and finishes in Rio de Janeiro. Trips SouthAmerica , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests guests from 25 to 80 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $135 per day.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil , The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil , The Best Historical Tours in Brazil , The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil , The Best 3-Day Tours in Brazil , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Brazil , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Brazil , The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil , The Best Eco Tours in Brazil , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Brazil , The Best Cultural Tours in Brazil , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Brazil , The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil , The Best Budget Tours to Brazil , The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil , The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro , The Best 2-Week Tours from Rio de Janeiro , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Manaus for more package tour options.

How much do 14-day tours to Brazil cost?

Travelers to Brazil will have a large number of terrific options for tours lasting 2 weeks at a variety of great prices. The price of tours lasting 2 weeks here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 8 tours lasting 2 weeks, their average daily price is a very reasonable $281 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Brazil .

And for more information on Brazil, see Brazil Travel Costs and Brazil Hotel Costs .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

2 Weeks in Brazil: a Unique Itinerary and Unforgettable Trip

It’s the 5th largest country in the world, and 2 weeks in Brazil is barely enough to scratch the surface. Expecting to see it all in a short time is unrealistic. You have to decide beforehand which are Brazil’s famous landmarks you don’t want to miss. And from there, build your trip. Read about my Brazil itinerary to some of the most beautiful places.

I usually like to leave a considerable amount of improvisation in my travels, but when I eventually decided to have a vacation in Brazil , I soon found out that accurate planning was more than an option. It was a necessity.

Brazil is a vast and diversified country, and since I had only a limited time, I did a lot of background research. First, I read the Lonely Planet Brazil Guide and the Rough Guide to Brazil . Then I studied the itineraries of good tour operators. At that point, I wrote down a list of the places that were on the top of my wishlist. From there, I looked into how to hop from one spot to the other, how much it would take, and the costs.

Once gathered all the preliminary information, I started to draw my Brazil itinerary, trying to find the right balance to see as much as possible of Brazil in 2 weeks without rushing too much.

Jump to the relevant section [Show]

Planning a trip to Brazil

Getting to brazil.

Whatever country you’re traveling from, you’re likely to take a flight to Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro. Among Brazil’s busiest airports for international travelers, you’ll also find Recife and Fortaleza in the northeast. The flight cost can vary significantly depending on the season, and I generally check the schedules and prices on Kiwi.com to find the best bargains.

Travelers from the EU and many countries in South America don’t need a Visa. Brazil has recently granted access also to citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan without a Visa.

That means that it’s now easier to travel to Brazil, and as a result, many airlines increased direct flights. Having said that, since things can change over time, it’s always better to check what are the latest requirements on an official source.

Getting around in Brazil

Brazil is incredibly vast, and rainforests cover a good portion of the country. Like in most countries in Latin America, there are virtually no railways, and getting around in Brazil by bus is an option only if you have a lot of time. Therefore, if you can only spend 2 weeks in Brazil, flying is the most effective way to visit the country, if not the only one.

Having to rely on many domestic flights in Brazil to get around is one of the main reasons why you need to plan your itinerary carefully. With only two weeks in Brazil, you don’t want to get stuck because there are no seats left.

Best time to visit Brazil

Spanning from the equator to under the tropic of Capricorn, and occupying a wide surface inland, Brazil’s climate varies widely depending on the geographic area. In general terms, a good portion of the country has a tropical climate. Meaning that the most significant differences are in terms of humidity and average rainfalls.

Furthermore, unlike Argentina or Peru, there are no high mountains in Brazil. That means that with a few exceptions temperatures never get very low. There are only a handful of areas where the temperature gets to freezing levels, and not often. Hence, you likely won’t need ultra-warm clothes in Brazil, even if you visit during the local winter months!

➣ Rio de Janeiro : the months from December to February, which is Summer in the Southern hemisphere, are the hottest months. Temperature can reach 40°C (104°F), and January is quite wet, with frequent and possibly abundant rainfalls. Summer is also high season and Carnival time. Subsequently, it’s more crowded and expensive. Winter in Brazil is mild, and while you might not be able to sunbathe and swim, it’s enjoyable. June, July, and August is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro if you want to avoid the crowds and don’t want to endure scorching heat.

➣ Salvador de Bahia : generally hot and humid, the temperature in Salvador de Bahia is warm almost all year. However, if possible try to avoid April to June, the months with the most abundant rainfalls and a high level of humidity.

➣ Iguazu Falls : you can travel there all year round. However, you should keep in mind a few factors. Summer, from December to February, is when the water levels are at their peak. While this certainly promises gorgeous views, it’s also peak season (meaning more crowded and pricey). Furthermore, these are the rainiest months. Seeing the falls at full capacity comes at a price!

Thus, the best time to visit Iguazu Falls is generally from March to the end of September. Temperatures are more comfortable, there are fewer rainfalls (although I had a few short showers in August), and it’s less crowded.

➣ Cearà, Maranhao, and Lençois de Marnhenses : although the northeast of Brazil is hot all year, it has a typical tropical climate. That’s why the best time to visit Cearà, Maranhao, and discover the fantastic Lençois de Marnhenses is from May to August. After that, the beautiful lagoons will dry, and you’ll miss all that makes them such a special place.

➣ Brazil Amazon rainforest : due to the equatorial climate, with constant rainfalls throughout the year, you can visit the Brazil rainforest all year round. However, keep in mind that the most torrential rains usually occur from December to May. Therefore, in relative terms, the best time to visit the Amazon is from June to November. 

Independent travel or organized tour?

Whenever possible, I favor independent travel, and I planned my Brazil itinerary on my own. Actually, if you think of independent travel vs. organized tours , there are pros and cons to both. In the end, you have to choose what you feel more comfortable with.

For sure, Brazil is one of those destinations where traveling on your own requires a lot of planning beforehand. Thus, if you don’t have much time or don’t enjoy preparing for a trip, a Brazil tour package is the perfect option. It will indeed make your trip to Brazil easier and smoother, and it’ll take long research off your shoulder. Someone else, more experienced, will take care of that, and you’ll focus on having the most memorable vacations in Brazil.

Brazil is a popular destination, and there are plenty of tour operators organizing beautiful trips. If I were to go back to Brazil on an organized tour, I would travel with either GAdventures or Intrepid Travel . They’re the tour operators that better reflect my travel style: small groups, responsible travel, nature, adventure, and cultural immersion. In case you want to get a comprehensive overview of Brazil travel packages from a wide number of tour operators, check out Tourradar .

Cost of travel in Brazil

Without a doubt, traveling to Brazil is expensive . There are many reasons for that. First, unless you visit a specific region, you’ll have to fly to get around. For example, my Brazil itinerary covered such a wide area that I  had to buy multiple domestic flights to get around. Then, the prices fluctuate quite often, depending on the political and economic situation at the time of your travel. Furthermore, Brazil is beautiful but indeed not the safest country. That means that in the main cities, you need to choose the areas where to stay carefully. In short, you’ll have to arrange accommodations in touristy areas, which are safer but also more expensive.

Even if you travel independently, you’ll undoubtedly book a few guided tours to visit the cities, as well as to explore areas which you can’t reach on your own. Whether you go on a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro’s main attractions or want to visit Iguazu falls, including a boat ride , it all adds up.

Brazil is a stunning and fascinating country, and I loved every moment of my journey, but it’s also one of the most expensive trips I ever made.

Safety in Brazil

There’s a high rate of poverty in Brazil, and as a consequence, petty crime is common, especially in the big cities. For that reason, you need to be extra cautious and aware of your surroundings. Here are a few tips that can help you stay safe in Brazil:

• Keep a low profile appearance and avoid wearing jewelry, expensive watches, and other costly items .
• Don’t show off your camera
• Never leave your stuff unattended , especially when on the beach
• Beware of locals approaching you. They might have the best intentions, but that’s not always the case.
• Do some research, and stay in areas that are safe for tourists , even if they’re more expensive.
• Bring with you only the cash you need . Leave your passport at your hotel and carry a photocopy.
• Don’t walk around after dusk . If you plan a night out, catch a taxi.
• Stick to official taxis.
• Consider booking a private transfer from Sao Paulo Airport or Rio de Janeiro Airport to your hotel upon arrival.

Travel Insurance

Purchasing proper travel insurance and protecting yourself against possible adverse events (illness, theft, injury, cancellations, and more) is a must. If you don’t have one already, I suggest you look at Travelex insurance programs .

What to pack for a trip to Brazil

How to pack for a trip to Brazil depends on your itinerary and the time of the year. Keep in mind that it never gets frigid, so you won’t need anything too warm. Generally speaking, the best thing is to travel light and pack comfortable clothes and shoes, plus something more nice-looking if you fancy a night out.

Since it rains regularly, I strongly recommend comfortable, quick-dry pants and shirts , as well as a lightweight rain jacket with a hood. And don’t forget to pack an all-in-one universal travel adapter with USB ports to recharge your devices.

To avoid buying countless water bottles, I strongly recommend buying a filtered water bottle and a water purifier . It’s an excellent way to reduce plastic usage, and it won’t take long to write off the expense. I used them when I traveled to Pakistan, and they work like a charm.

2 weeks in Brazil: my itinerary

Brazil is such a vast country that it’s just impossible to visit it all in only 2 weeks. Hence, I built my Brazil itinerary focusing on the areas which most attracted me, knowing that I needed to make choices. First, I was curious to visit the lively Rio de Janeiro and experience the charm of  Salvador de Bahia.  I also wished to explore some wilder, off-the-beaten-track places like the Parque do Lençois and Fernando de Noronha . After having studied the distances and the flights, I was able to draw my ‘perfect’ itinerary , resulting in one of the most beautiful trips I made in recent years. Here’s what my Brazil two weeks itinerary looked like.

1 – Rio de Janeiro

I didn’t have much luck in Rio de Janeiro, and it’s a city where I would undoubtly like to go back. Due to a delay, I missed my connection in Madrid and ended up arriving one day later than planned. Furthermore, the weather was not very good, preventing me from fully enjoying the Rio iconic view of the bay from the Corcovado. Notwithstanding, I liked the city a lot and managed to visit, if not all, at least many of Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions .

Unmissable Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions

If you’re spending 2 or 3 days in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll be able to visit the main attractions.

It’s no secret that the best things to do in Rio include the Sugarloaf mountain , from where if you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll admire one of the most iconic and breathtaking views in the world. You won’t want to miss the statue of Christ the Redeemer , dominating from atop the Corcovado , which is one of Rio de Janeiro landmarks that are a must-see. From atop the Corcovado, another spellbinding panoramic view awaits you.

The famous Copacabana beach is on everyone’s Rio de Janeiro wish list. If you have the time, though, also stroll along Ipanema beach. Remember the song “ the girl from Ipanema “?

Don’t miss visiting the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, which retained its colonial charm. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants, and end the night by listening to live music at one of the lively bars.

How about one or two Rio de Janeiro tours?

Although I’m a solo and independent traveler, there are times when I take a guided tour, especially in selected destinations. For sure, if you’re short of time, there’s no better way to discover Rio de Janeiro than an escorted tour. All the most since the city is enormous, and getting around is not always easy.

Here’s a selection of great Rio de Janeiro guided tours :

• Full-Day in Rio with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron
• Full-Day Tour with Christ, Sugarloaf, Selaron, and BBQ Lunch
• Christ the Redeemer Early Access with Sugarloaf Mountain
• Rio de Janeiro: Sugar Loaf & Corcovado Private Day Tour
• Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Selarón Steps 6-Hour Tour
• Santa Teresa & Lapa With Tram Ride And Selarón Steps
• 4-Hour Street Art Walking Tour
• Rio de Janeiro 30-Minute Highlights Tour by Helicopter
• Rio: Historical Walking Tour
• Favela Santa Marta Tour with a Local Guide

Unusual things to do in Rio de Janeiro

There is so much to do in Rio that you could easily spend a week or even more. However, you’ll have to make difficult choices if you can only spend 2 weeks in Brazil. Considering the mammoth distances, you’ll hardly stay more than 3 days in Rio de Janeiro. Having said that, if you’d like to combine sightseeing with exciting activities , active travel, or unusual things to do in Rio, here are some suggestions for you:

• Panoramic helicopter flight to admire Rio de Janeiro’s main attractions from the sky
• Rio de Janeiro: Small Groups Bike Tour
• Tijuca National Park 5-Hour Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita
• Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour
• 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay
• Vidigal Favela and Two Brothers Hike
• Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure
• Paragliding Tandem Flight
• Speed Boat Tour in Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

➣ Rio Panoramic is a lovely B&B in the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood. The rooms are tastefully decorated, but the real treat is the amazing view of Guanabara Bay.

➣ Miramar Hotel by Windsor is a beautiful hotel overlooking Copacabana. The hotel features elegant contemporary rooms, a pool, and a gym.

➣ Modern and stylish, the JANEIRO Hotel is located in Leblon. The hotel faces the beach, offers breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace, and is only a 5-minute walk from the subway station.

Check more accommodations in Rio de Janeiro

2 – Iguazu waterfalls

Although quite a detour from the rest of the itinerary, which was heading me to explore the North-West of Brazil , I wanted to see the iconic Iguazu waterfalls . I couldn’t even imagine visiting Brazil and not getting to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world.

A UNESCO World Heritage site , the Iguazu falls stretch between Argentina and Brazil , providing two different experiences and places. For that reason, I decided to visit both the Brazil and Argentina sides of Iguazu National Park, and I heartily recommend you do the same if you get the chance.

How to visit Iguazu Falls

Regular flights connect Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Iguazu is a consolidated, well-organized tourist spot that you can easily visit independently. However, a guided tour might be the right choice if you only spend one day and still want to visit both sides. Nevertheless, I suggest you stay at least one night, and even better two, to dedicate a full day to each side and enjoy the many activities.

Even if you decide to focus on one of the two sides (and in that case, I recommend Argentina), a tour will save you the hassle of reaching the Iguazu National Park by public transportation . As a matter of fact, there’s only one luxury hotel inside Iguazu National Park. Therefore, you’re most likely to overnight in Foz de Iguazu, some 13 km (8 mi) from the entrance of the Park. If you book a guided excursion, they’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Tip: When looking for information beware that the towns on the Argentinian and Brazilian sides have similar names and it’s easy to get confused. Foz de Iguazu = Brazil / Puerto Iguazu = Argentina.

Aside from walking around, don’t miss taking a boat tour to admire the waterfalls from a different angle. I also explored Iguazu by bike , which I loved and really recommend if cycling is your thing.

Here are a few selected Iguazu falls tours to you may want to check:

Brazilian Side

• From Foz do Iguaçu: Brazilian Iguazu Falls with Boat Ride
• Guided visit, with optional Helicopter Ride Over the Iguazu Falls
• If you have a passion for birds, check out the Bird Park Tour with Tickets

Argentina Side

• Guided Small-Group Tour to the Argentine Side of Iguassu Falls

Argentina+Brazil Sides

• 3-Day Iguazu Falls Exploring Tour
• Iguazu Falls: Visit the Argentinian and Brazilian Side in two days

TIP: Don’t forget to bring with you a waterproof poncho since, sooner or later, you’ll get more or less wet. Also, I strongly advise using a dry bag to protect your camera from water.

Where to stay in iguazu.

➣ As I mentioned before, there’s only one hotel inside the Brazilian side of Iguaçu National Park, the luxury Belmond Hotel das Cataratas . It’s obviously pricey, but you’ll also enjoy the unique experience of Iguazu Falls without the crowds early in the morning and at night.

➣ JL Hotel by Bourbon in Foz de Iguazu features modern and elegant rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym, and is good value for money.

More hotels in Foz de Iguazu

3 – Salvador de Bahia

In Salvador de Bahia , I found everything I had imagined about Brazil after reading Jorge Amado’s ‘ Dona Flor and her two husbands .’

My time in Rio de Janeiro was way too short, and while I liked the city a lot, I felt I missed the chance to fully appreciate it. Conversely, Salvador de Bahia stole my heart . In a matter of minutes, I fell in love with the pastel-colored houses of the Pelourinho – the historic center of Salvador de Bahia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The ubiquitous music wrapping Salvador made the city one of the most joyful I have ever visited and reminded me of Cuba. Everywhere, an explosion of colors, and wide smiles. And I could never have enough of the incredible Bahia cuisine . Every dish was indeed delicious, but none as mouth-watering as the traditional Moqueca , a delicious fish stew mixed with African influences.

Things to do in Bahia

There’s no better way to discover Salvador de Bahia than getting lost in the alleys and enjoying the unique vibe of this fascinating city. Once you have explored the Pelourinho, I suggest you visit Mafro, the Museum of the Afro-Brazilian culture , to learn about the different influences that shaped the area of Salvador de Bahia.

One of Salvador de Bahia attractions not to miss is the church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim . Even if you’re not a fan of religious buildings, Bonfim is quite a unique experience. The veneration surrounding this church is incredible and palpable already outside, where you’ll see towering stacks of colorful bracelets sold as amulets. But it’s indeed inside the church, in the Chamber of Miracles, that you’ll fully get a sense of Bonfim. Hanging legs, arms, and other organs, made of plastic and walls entirely covered by passport photos tell stories of hope for a miracle. I never experienced a place like this, and it will long stay impressed in my memories.

Sightseeing in Salvador de Bahia on your own is not an issue. However, the city is so rich in history and local traditions that it’s worth taking a guided tour of Bahia. I truly regret not having taken a cooking class to learn more about Salvador de Bahia delicious food.

If you’re keen on a special experience of Salvador de Bahia at night, how about a private evening tour to a cultural show , having dinner immersed in the local dance and music?

Where to stay in Salvador de Bahia

➣ Pousada Bahia Pelô is a budget but lovely guesthouse within walking distance to the Pelourinho

➣ A beautiful boutique hotel, Pousada Solar dos Deuses is right in the heart of Salvador old town

➣ The stylish Aram Yamí Boutique Hotel is only 15 minutes from the Pelourinho and boasts beautiful bay views.

Check more accommodations in Salvador de Bahia.

4 – Jericoacoara National Park

My endless quest for wild landscapes and off-the-beaten-track destinations led me to Jericoacoara , Cearà . Once a fishing village, it became Jericoacoara National Park back in 2002. “Jeri”, as the town is affectionally nicknamed, is one of those happy places where you could stay for weeks.

The town has no roads, only sandy pathways, and no street electricity. On the other hand, there are plenty of lovely pousadas, cute cafes, and music everywhere. Jeri has a unique vibe which I loved.

How to get to Jericoacoara, things to do

Despite the inauguration of the brand new Jericoacoara airport in 2017, the number of flights is still very limited. At the moment, it’s possible to reach Jeri airport only from Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Campinas. Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte have 4 flights per week, and Campinas only 2.

That means that you’re more likely to arrive in Fortaleza, until not long ago the nearest airport, more than 300 km away. It takes at least 4 hours with a shared transfer to reach Jericoacoara from Fortaleza (but it can take more, as unforeseen events are most likely). Don’t even think about hiring a car because a large part is off-road, and the journey itself is, indeed, an adventure.

For such a small town, you’ll be surprised by the number of things to do. You can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, horse riding. And, of course, you can have long walks along the beach and up the dunes. It’s also possible to explore more of Jericoacoara and Cearà on day trips. I took a buggy tour of the lagoon , which was a lot of fun and led me to stunning deserted beaches. And there are more excursions you can arrange directly on site.

Where to stay in Jericoacoara

➣ Cozy rooms and hammocks overlooking the patio. That’s what you’ll find at Pousada Jeri Dunas

➣ The Pousada O Refúgio features rooms decorated in a lovely rustic style and is only steps from the beach.

➣ Modern and stylish, Villa Jomael is a small guesthouse beautifully decorated, close to the beach. It’s quite pricey, though.

More accommodations in Jericoacoara.

5 – Parque Dos Lençois de Maranhenses

The surreal Lencois de Maranhenses National Park was the real highlight of my 2 weeks in Brazil. It was the place I had dreamed of and was looking forward to seeing. Thus, it was impossible not to add Lencois de Maranhenses to my Brazil itinerary.

It all started when I saw a photograph of mesmerizing dunes filled with water. That landscape looked so insanely beautiful that I knew I wanted to get there. It’s certainly not the most accessible place, and you need a guide to explore the Parque do Lençois. But I didn’t regret the effort – and the cost – for a single minute.

I fell in love with the small pousadas on the wild beach and the endless white dunes with their deep blue or green pools. As I walked on the undulating dunes, bathed in the emerald green water of the lagoons, I sometimes had to pinch myself. Was this happening for real? Or was it only a dream?

Finally, I headed for the ultimate experience: flying over the dunes. There couldn’t have been a better way to end a perfect day than admiring the Parque Do Lençois from above. As the sun was now low on the horizon, the white dunes became shaded in gold, and the shadows made their shapes crispier.

How to visit Lencois de Maranhenses National Park

To visit Lencois de Maranhenses, you must book a guided tour, most likely from Barreirinhas. There are several local tour operators you can get in touch with while you’re in the area. Alternatively, you can book your tour of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in advance. You can also visit Lencois de Maranhenses and the surrounding area on a 10-day tour traveling by 4×4, boat, and plane.

6 – São Luís

From the Lençois Maranhenses National Park, we continued our journey in northeast Brazil to reach São Luís , from where we would catch our next flight.

There was only a short time to explore the city, but the only evening I spent in São Luís was a blast. Walking around in the evening, I stumbled into street musicians at every corner. People were chatting and dancing. And the music was so enthralling that I joined the crowd and started dancing too.

In the morning, there was just enough time for a stroll in the old town. While I didn’t have high expectations, I liked the old colonial houses, many of which were decorated with colorful tiles, as a sign of the past Portuguese influence.

Where to stay in Sao Luis

Casa Frankie is a simple but cozy pousada in the historical center.

Casa Lavinia is a tastefully decorated guesthouse within walking distance from Sao Luis old town.

Check more hotels in Sao Luis.

2 weeks in Brazil: wrapping things up

Undoubtedly, spending 2 weeks in Brazil is a very short time for such a vast country. There’s much more to discover in Brazil besides this wild journey, primarily focused on northeastern Brazil. As I planned my Brazil itinerary, I knew that these were the places I longed to discover.

To me, these are some of the best places to visit in Brazil. But of course, I know that there’s much more to this incredible country, and I only got a taste of how much there still is to explore.

This post contains affiliate links to carefully selected products and services. That means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make any purchase.

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Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Content Creation. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

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2 Weeks in Brazil: 2 Itineraries

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If you plan to stay for 2 weeks in Brazil, this article offers you two different itineraries to choose from. I’m sure Brazil is famous for football enthusiasts as they won the world cup several times. Football is also their national sport, and they have so many world-renowned players.

I mean, there must only be a handful of people who don’t know Ronaldinho, Pele, Ronaldo (the Brazilian), and Neymar.

However, that’s not only the reason why Brazil is worth visiting. They have more than 1,500 beaches that are simply otherworldly, and street parties that have the most outlandish and creative costumes.

Not to mention tropical weather that is perfect for people who love to soak in the sun’s warmth and most of the people there are very cheerful and would greet the tourists as if they are their long-lost friends.

Their music is also amazing as they have a gazillion lively music genres that would draw people to dance their hearts out. Yep, Brazilians love to dance. Aside from being culturally diverse, there is also great ecological biodiversity here. It is home to the ethereal Amazon forest with more than a hundred thousand tons of plants.

And since we’re already talking about nature, you’ll surely be awestruck by their nature parks. Some have sand dunes, and others have waterfalls, caves, and even plateau mountains.

Responsible for more than one-third of the coffee being produced worldwide, their coffee beans have a distinct taste and a rich quality that people can’t get enough of. And, of course, don’t get me started on their food. There are so many desserts and street foods that originated in this country.

I’m sure I still couldn’t list all of the reasons why one should visit Brazil at least once in their lifetime, but I think these reasons alone are convincing enough.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING BRAZIL

Before we delve into discussing the itineraries, there are some things that a tourist needs to know first when going to another country. Knowing these things will also help in planning and writing our own preferred travel itinerary .

When is the best time to go to Brazil

The best time to go to Brazil is from November to March because these are the warmest months of the year. This festival usually happens in February for people who want to experience their Carnival. You might want to check out our 2 weeks in South America itinerary if you’re not sure if Brazil is the place for you.

Getting around

Taking a domestic flight is the most convenient and fastest way to get around Brazil. Remember, this country is massive. You could also ride intercity buses, but it would definitely take a lot longer to reach your destination, and you’ll probably ride a couple of intercity buses.

You might even ride water taxis. Taxis are commonly used by tourists, but they rarely go outside of the major cities, so this is only suitable if your destination is a major city. You can also use ride-hailing apps.

Car rental is also an option, but it is advisable to utilize this only if it is peak season.

Language and currency

The people in Brazil speak Portuguese. Here are some of the most common phrases for those who are planning to go to this country.

• Oi means hi so this is what one should say when greeting someone
• Obrigado means thank you
• Quero a conta, por favor means I want the bill, please and 
• com licensa could mean excuse me, this is handy if you want to get off public transport or if you’re in a crowded place and want to pass through. 

The currency used in Brazil is the Brazilian Real. In big cities, paying with your bank is easy. However, cash is still the king. ATMs should allow you to take out about $200 per transaction.

Brazil offers free visas to nationalities of most EU members, US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Namibia, Botswana, and many places in Latin America. Those travellers can travel around Brazil for up to 90 days.

Other visitors can apply for an evisa online . It’s valid for a year, allowing you to stay for 90 days, and it’s multiple entry.

Other travel tips

Pinned map of must-see places in brazil.

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN BRAZIL ITINERARY

Brazil is definitely one of the best holiday destinations to spend your 2-week vacation . Since 2 weeks is not that long, you will have more reason to come in the future.

We prepared two jamp-packed itinerary options for those planning to vacation for 14 days in Brazil. Each itinerary consists of the tourist spots as well as tips on how to get to the next destination from where you came from.

Itinerary #1: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Amazon Rainforest

The first itinerary consists of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Amazon Rainforest. Rio de Janeiro is a humongous seaside city, well-known all over the world for its Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.

Aside from that, it also has the Christ the Redeemer statue, sugarloaf mountain, as well as favelas, and Carnival Festival. Sao Paulo, on the other hand, is a cosmopolitan city. It is Brazil’s financial centre, with tons of cultural institutions and amazing architectural structures.

Brasilia is the capital of Brazil. It is an aeroplane-shaped planned city located at the top of the Brazilian highlands.

Last but absolutely not least is the Amazon Rainforest. I mean, there must only be a handful of people who don’t know about this rainforest. This is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, covering not only almost all of northwestern Brazil but expanding up to Peru , Colombia , and other South American countries.

Rio de Janeiro for 4 days

2 weeks in Brazil is incomplete without visiting its most popular city. Rio De Janeiro is a wonderful city, so much so that it was named a world heritage site by UNESCO. If you plan to stay in Brazil for two weeks, 4 days in Rio is plenty. Some of the top tourist attractions that can be found here include

Sao Paulo for 3 days

You can reach Sao Paolo if you’re coming from Rio de Janeiro by bus or plane ride; it’s about 6 hours driving or half an hour flight.

Brasilia for 4 days

Many people assume that Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Brazil. Although it was until 1960 that the capital city was then changed to Brasilia. The reason for this is due to the fact that Rio was the capital of Brazil during colonial times.

It was changed to Brasilia (built on vacant and uninhabited land) to declare that Brazil was an independent country.

There are three options to reach Brasilia if you’re coming from Sao Paolo: riding a plane, bus, or driving. The fastest option for this is via plane, but it’s also the most expensive.

Riding a bus is the cheapest, but make sure that you have enough time because it would take more or less 17 hours for you to reach your destination.

Amazon Rainforest for 4 days

If you’re coming to Amazon Rainforest from Brasilia, you could ride a plane, bus, ferry, and drive. The most advisable, albeit expensive, option is to ride a plane because it would take days for you to reach your destination if you choose the other modes of transportation.

However, the travel time would be worth it as you would see a lot of unforgettable sights in this place.

Itinerary #2: Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Fortaleza, Amazon Rainforest

The second itinerary for the 2 weeks in Brazil includes the Amazon Rainforest, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Fortaleza. Those who are fond of music and dancing might be thrilled to know that Bossa nova was created and popularized in Rio de Janeiro.

It is also where the world’s largest urban forest could be found, the Tijuca forest, and they also have the biggest carnival party in the world.

Fortaleza is an urban hub that also has beaches with panoramic views aside from the vibrant nightlife and contemporary restaurants. Its beaches are highlighted by palm trees, dunes, red cliffs, and lagoons.

Aside from the facts stated above, there’s still more to the Amazon Rainforest than what meets the eye. It has about 40,000 plant species, 2.5 million insect types, 430 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, and 3,000 types of fish. Now I bet that’s something anyone would want to explore!

Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for 7 days

In this specific itinerary, you’re going to stay in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for 7 days. To reach Sao Paulo from Rio de Janeiro, you could ride a plane, ride a bus, ride a subway, then fly, take a bus, then ride a plane, use rideshare, or drive.

The most recommended option would be to fly because it is the fastest. However, if you’re on a budget, the cheapest option would be to ride a bus.

Fortaleza for 4 days

You could reach Fortaleza from Rio de Janeiro by riding a plane. Fortaleza is up to the northern part of the country. The most recommended option would be to fly because other options would take days for you to reach your destination. Once you reach Fortaleza, the recommended stay there would be four days.

There is a little beach town (Jericoacoara) west of Fortaleza, about a 5-hour drive famous for its sand dunes next to the Atlantic Ocean. Getting there is quite a ride since you have to take a 4×4 jeep through the massive sand dune of the Jericoacoara National Park.

I spent about 4 days here, and I could stay for more! Not going to lie. There are not many things to do apart from sand dunes driving, the beach, dancing, party, and reading a book. But the place is so authentic, and the people are very nice.

Amazon Rainforest for 3 days

The Amazon Rainforest is the biggest and most diverse in the world. No wonder it has to be visiting during your 2 weeks in Brazil.

To reach the rainforest from Fortaleza, you could ride a plane, ride a bus, then ferry or drive. However, just like the mode of transportation above, it would take you days to reach your destination, so if you don’t plan on staying for a long time, riding the plane would be the best option.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BRAZIL

Now that you have some ideas and can visualise how to spend 2 weeks in Brazil, below are lists of things to do and places to see in each city on the itineraries above.

Rio De Janeiro

• Christ the Redeemer – get your ticket and cog train ticket
• Copacabana Beach
• Rocinha Favela – you can join a walking tour
• Tijuca National Park
• Angra dos Resi boat trip
• Sugarloaf Mountain – buy a ticket
• Stroll around Ipanema
• Don’t miss the annual Carnival – get a ticket
• Jardim Botanico
• Fly with hang gliding experience over the city
• Santa Tereza and Escadaria Selaron
• Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter tour over the city
• Combo tour – Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Selaron Stairs with BBQ lunch or without BBQ but with sunset
• Day trip to Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis – check the tour price
• Museu de Arte
• Museo de Futbol
• Se Cathedral / Sao Paulo Cathedral
• Sao Paulo city tour
• Avenida Paulista – high street
• Parque do Ibirapuera
• Join historical bike tour
• Beco do Batman – graffiti street
• Explore Santos, Sao Vicenta, and Guaruja
• Mosterio de Sao Bento
• Exciting 20-minute helicopter over the city tour
• Praça dos Tràs Poderes
• Palacio dos Arcos
• Catedral Metropoletana Nossa Senhora Aparecida
• Memorial JK
• Santuario dom Bosco
• Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge
• Congresso Nacional
• Parque Nacional de Brasilia
• Pontão do Lago Sul

Amazon Rainforest

• Anaconda Lodge Tour and Accommodation (2, 3, 4 days)
• Juma Floating Lodge Tour and Accommodation (2, 3, 4, 5 days)
• Juma River Guest House Tour and Accommodation – (3 or 4 days)
• Waterfalls and caves day tour
• Manaus city tour
• Piranha fishing and Alligator watch evening tour

ACCOMMODATIONS IN BRAZIL

To help you with making your 2 week stay in Brazil more convenient, book hotels and resorts in advance. This will not only give you more choices (before peak season), but it will also help you save some money.

Rio de Janeiro

• Affordable: Rio Way Beach or Maracana Hostel Vila Isabel or Hostel Estacao Maracana
• Mid-range: Venit Barra Hotel or REF House or Vila Gale
• Luxury: Radisson Hotel and Resort or Venit Mio Hotel or Ritz Copacabana Hotel
• Affordable: Lamparina Hostel or O de Casa Hostel or Hostel Ipe
• Mid-range: Nikkey Palace Hotel or Paulista Suites or Hotel Itamarati
• Luxury: INNSide by Melia or Hotel Transamerica Berrini or Cozzy Suites Paraiso Hotel or Radisson Pinheiros
• Affordable: KzaZendf Cama e Cafe Asa Sul or Hotel Diplomat or Joy Hostel & Suites
• Mid-range: Grand Mercure or Manhattan Plaza or St Paul Plaza Hotel
• Luxury: Melia Brasil 21 or Windsor Brasilia Hotel or B Hotel Brasilia or Brasilia 21 Convention
• Affordable:

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN BRAZIL

Brazil is undoubtedly a vibrant country in scenery and culture-wise. However, there are some final reminders that we need to impart before you plan your 2 weeks in Brazil. For instance, when visiting Amazon, taking a yellow fever vaccine is mandatory.

Also, don’t forget to put on mosquito repellant lotion, as there can be tons of mosquitos in this place. Take note that you wouldn’t be able to withdraw after 10 pm so make sure that you do so beforehand. Avoid going to favelas unless you’re on a guided tour, as it could be dangerous, especially for tourists. And there you have it.

I hope that you found these itineraries for 2 weeks in Brazil helpful.

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2 weeks in Brazil itinerary

Welcome to our 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.

One of the most diverse countries you can visit in Latin America, Brazil really is the gift that keeps on giving!

From its world-class beaches and pumping cities of Rio and Salvador, to the vast Amazon Jungle , it’s no wonder that most travelers keep on coming back for more.

What's in this guide?

2 weeks in Brazil Itinerary

In this guide, we’ll explore Brazil, which includes the very best things to see. We’ll also include our very own customized 2 week Itinerary for those who are keen to get the most out of their trip here .

From visiting the wonders of Rio de Janeiro to hiking deep into the rainforest, let’s now see what’s in store for us on this two week itinerary.

Getting to Brazil

The cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro serve as the best points of entry into Brazil . São Paulo is more connected, however Rio also has many direct flights arriving from across the globe.

And given we’ve started our itinerary in Rio, you’ll first need to make your way here (you can always take a domestic flight from São Paulo to Rio also).

The other main way of getting into Brazil is by bus from the many neighboring countries . These include Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to the south, Bolivia to the west, as well as Venezuela and Guyana to the north.

You can also make your way in from Peru and Colombia, however, you’ll need to travel by boat to Manaus (which in itself is a pretty memorable experience).

Other Things to know: Travel Tips

When traveling on our itinerary through Brazil, we recommend a minimum daily budget of $30 per day . With this budget, you’ll stay in a comfortable and air-conditioned dorm room, where you’ll also eat in local restaurants too.

It’s important to remember that Brazil is more expensive than other Latin American nations, so try not to be too shocked once you arrive.

Other costs such as international flights, travel insurance or long-distance buses are not included in this budget.

Many people heading to Brazil are quite fearful of the safety situation, so here’s our two cents having spent a while here.

Cities like São Paulo and Rio are safe as long as you stick to the more touristy areas (Vila Madalena and Ipanema respectively, we’ll cover these in more detail later) and also leave valuables locked away in your accommodation.

Other parts can be dodgy and we’ll list tips for each city later on in this guide. Wearing a secure Money Belt is a very good idea when exploring the big cities.

Brazil is a massive country, and as such travel distances are going to be very big . You’ll need to use flights to get around, which is definitely the case for getting to Manaus.

Those who have more time can take buses between Salvador and Rio, given there are lots of nice places like Itacaré to see in between.

It’s better to use a bus between São Paulo and Rio to save, but those with shorter on time can easily hop on one of the main flights between these two major cities.

Brazil Itinerary (2 Week)

Now let’s explore our personalized 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.

Here we’ll give you a full breakdown of how to arrange your days so you can get the very most out of a trip here.

Days 1-4: Rio

Kicking off our itinerary, we head to arguably one of the most vibrant cities in all of Latin America .

Rio de Janeiro is known for its bustling atmosphere and party vibes, and those looking to throw down will love the district of Lapa where there’s some kind of party on every night of the week.

Ipanema and Copacabana are also known for their beaches and amenities, although you’ll want to be careful when walking alone at night in these areas (especially the beach where muggings are common).

One of the best things to do in Rio is to head up to Christ the Redeemer , which has solidified its place as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll also want to head on a day trip to Rocinha (one of Rio’s most famous favelas) and also take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain.

We recommend joining this all-action day tour , where you’ll visit the 6 best sites of Rio (including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracanã.

Days 5-6: São Paulo

From Rio we’ll now take the 6 hour bus over to the sprawling city of São Paulo.

The largest city in all of Latin America , this beast can be quite intimidating for a first-timer. That’s why we recommend staying within the lively and safe district of Vila Madalena. Here it feels much more chic, with lots of great restaurants and nightlife along its main street.

Whilst in this barrio you’ll want to explore Beco do Batman, which is famous for its artsy streets and impressive murals. Ibirapuera Park is another must-visit, where you’ll have many forested paths and a massive lake to explore.

Other worthwhile things to see in São Paulo include the Sé Cathedral, the Museu do Futebol as well as the Japanese neighborhood of Liberdade .

There are also many hidden secrets to explore in São Paulo (which is natural given its massive size), which are best explored with this walking tour .

Days 7-10: Manaus

Having spent a week exploring the colourful big cities of Brazil, it’s now time to head into the uncharted region of the Amazon. The world’s largest rainforest, over 60% of it lies within Brazil , and Manaus is the perfect base camp for those looking to trek deeper into the region.

Once you’ve arrived with your flight here (it’s the only feasible way given our timeframe), you’ll want to head on a jungle tour asap.

The city of Manaus itself really isn’t anything special, so it’s best to use your days within the jungle (George, unfortunately, got stuck in Manaus for days on end, and also thinks the city just isn’t worth it).

The best way to explore the Amazon Jungle is with this highly-rated, multi-day tour . Here you’ll spend as many as 4 days within a jungle lodge (you can customise the amount of days), where you’ll spend your time fishing for pirañas, swimming with pink river Dolphins as well as heading on wildlife tours through the dense rainforest.

Days 11-14: Salvador

Last but not least, we now take a short flight over from Manaus to Salvador. Located on the Atlantic coast, this city is known for its Bahian culture, beaches and colorful architecture .

There’s two main areas to stay in. Barra is best for those who want to be near the beach and is overall one of the safest districts (along with many restaurants and amenities along the coast). The other is Pelourinho , which is where the majority of the must-see sites are located.

One of the best things to do in Salvador is to enjoy the unique culture that’s found in this region of Brazil. With strong Afro roots, you can learn more through the food, dance (there are many awesome places to head out to within Barra and Rio Vermelho) as well as from the landmarks.

Some of these include the Barra lighthouse, Lacerda Elevator , Convent of São Francisco as well as the stunning Portuguese architecture found in Pelourinho.

As you can imagine, with such a diverse city the cuisine is going to be top-notch too, such as dishes like Moqueca and Vatapá.

We recommend joining this authentic cooking class , where you’ll learn to make several Bahian dishes, as well as getting to mix with locals too.

From Salvador, you can easily catch a flight back to either Rio or São Paulo for your international flight out of Brazil.

Best time to visit Brazil

Given how massive and diverse Brazil is, it’s not surprising to hear that the climates can vary drastically between regions.

What is usually straightforward is the fact that it’s going to be hot in most places . So you’ll want to pack mostly lighter clothes and garments.

Within the Amazon rainforest you can expect rain regardless of when you visit, so be sure to bring a quality rain jacket or poncho with you.

Overall, we’ve found (through our experience) that the months of November until February are the best time to visit Brazil . This is the summer season, which is nice and hot most days. It will be wetter during this time in the Amazon Jungle, however to be honest you’re going to get wet here regardless of when you visit!

Brazil Backpacking Tips

Below you can find a list of our top recommendations for Brazil:

• 🛏 Solar Hostal (Rio de Janeiro), MADÁ Hostel (São Paulo), Local Hostel (Manaus), Salvador Surf Hostel (Salvador)
• 🌮 Brazilian food is very diverse, and here you’re bound to find something that you’ll want to keep on ordering. Pão de Queijo is one of the favourites, and you’ll also want to try popular local dishes such as Feijoada, Empadão as well as Vatapá (the latter is best to try when in Salvador).
• 🌴 Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Liberdade, The Amazon Jungle, Pelourinho.
• 🍺 Nightlife in Brazil is memorable to say the least. In Rio you’ll find the best party spots in Lapa, as well as many options in Ipanema and along Copacabana beach. In São Paulo you’ll want to head to Vila Madalena, whilst the neighborhood of Rio Vermelho is the best place to throw down in Salvador. Whilst Manaus also has some good spots, it’s more low-key and local.
• 💡 The cities in Brazil are truly massive, which becomes apparent when you visit the “smaller ones” too! Using the bus is the best way to get around as it’s really cheap, however, you’ll also want to make the most of Uber since some areas can be really sketchy (especially near the bus stations).

2 Weeks in Brazil Itinerary

Brazil is one of the best countries you can explore in Latin America. Not only is it full of incredible destinations that range from the Amazon Jungle to remote Atlantic beaches, it’s also home to some of the most fun and welcoming people on earth!

In this itinerary, we’ve covered all you need to know about Brazil. This includes the very best destinations to visit, our top recommendations as well as our customized 2 week Brazil itinerary for you to use when heading here .

Be sure to come back to this article whenever you need help planning, or even to suggest your own tips once you’ve completed the adventure yourself.

See our full backpacking Brazil guide for more tips.

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.

“ Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

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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

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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Brazil Tours & Vacations

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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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.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

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?

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From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

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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.

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How to Spend 2 Weeks in Brazil: DIY Itinerary

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on April 3, 2024

Brazil is an expansive South American nation with diverse cultural influences and spectacular natural beauty. This sample itinerary for spending 2 weeks in Brazil includes some of the world’s most photographed natural wonders, white-sand beaches and historic monuments. Boasting one-third of the world’s rainforests and an enormous coastline to boot, Brazil is the perfect destination for people who love to explore the great outdoors.

In addition to its natural beauty, Brazil has a rich history that can be experienced through its stunning architecture and world-class museums. Brazil’s famous music, food and art fill the streets in the many outdoor markets and festivals that take place throughout the year.

2 Weeks in Brazil Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Foz do Iguaçu, sleep in Foz do Iguaçu
• Day 2: Visit Iguazu Falls, sleep in Foz do Iguaçu
• Day 3: Day trip to the Argentinian side of the falls, sleep in Foz do Iguaçu
• Day 4: Fly to Curitiba, sleep in Curitiba
• Day 5: Day trip to Morretes, sleep in Curitiba
• Day 6: To Sao Paulo, sleep in Sao Paulo
• Day 7: To Paraty, sleep in Paraty
• Day 8: Explore Paraty, sleep in Paraty
• Day 9: To Ilha Grande, sleep in Ilha Grande
• Day 10: Explore Ilha Grande, sleep in Ilha Grande
• Day 11: To Rio de Janeiro, sleep in Rio de Janeiro
• Day 12: Explore Rio, sleep in Rio
• Day 13: Explore Rio, sleep in Rio
• Day 14: Fly home

Foz do Iguaçu (3 nights)

Begin your Brazilian vacation with a stay in the vibrant, multicultural city of Foz do Iguaçu. Bordering Argentina in the Brazilian state of Paraná, Foz do Iguaçu is most well known for the network

We recommend a three-night stay in Foz do Iguaçu so that you can take in Iguazu Falls National Park by footbridge and boat and also see the falls from the Argentinean side. Don’t miss Parque Das Aves where you can get up close with incredible birds like the toucan, macaw, cassowary and pink flamingo.

Curitiba (2 nights)

From Foz do Iguaçu, your Brazil itinerary takes you east to the larger city of Curitiba. Long an important economic center of Brazil, Curitiba boasts restored historic architecture like the Old City Hall and the colonial buildings of Largo da Ordem. On Sundays, a lively artisan market with more than 1,000 vendors can be found on the old cobblestone streets of Largo da Ordem and Praca Garibaldi.

You can also view art exhibits at the Museu Oscar Niemeyer, an incredibly modern and unique building that is shaped like an eye. To take in some natural beauty, visit the Botanical Garden of Curitiba where you can stroll through the palace-like greenhouses, the labyrinthine French gardens and the Botanical Museum.

Morretes (day trip from Curritiba)

At some point during your two-night stay in Curitiba, you can take a short trip to Morretes, a quaint historic city that is just an hour away. Whether you take the train or bus to Morretes, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the rainforest as you travel down in elevation.

In the city of Morretes, you can view restored churches that were built as far back as the 1700s, walk the cobblestone path along the Nhundiaquara river and dine on barreado, the traditional beef stew of Paraná that Morretes is particularly famous for.

Sao Paulo ( 1 night)

The next stop on our itinerary is a short visit to the country’s largest metropolis, Sao Paulo . One of the world’s most populated cities and Brazil’s economic center, Sao Paolo boasts towering skyscrapers, grand museums and bustling urban markets. Zona Central is where many of the city’s historical and prominent buildings are located, including an imposing Neo-Gothic style cathedral.

Make your way to Avenida Paulista to view the exhibits at Museu Arte Sao Paulo, enjoy a relaxing walk through Trianon Park and go shopping at Shopping Pátio Paulista.

Paraty (2 nights)

Paraty is located along the Bay of Ilha Grande and bordered by a backdrop of lush rainforests and mountains. The Trindade district has spectacular white-sand beaches for swimming, surfing and snorkeling. To enjoy a secluded beach, rent a kayak and paddle to one of the tropical islands that lie within the bay. With a rich historic center and art scene, the mainland of Paraty has much to offer visitors as well.

In Centro Historico, you can go inside many of the city’s old colonial mansions that have been converted to restaurants, hotels, art galleries and shops. Make sure to schedule a walking tour of the “Gold Path,” a historic cobblestone road that meanders through dense vegetation in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina.

Ilha Grande (2 nights)

From Paraty, this Brazil itinerary brings you to the pristine island of Ilha Grande for a two-night stay in what can only be described as a tropical paradise. Despite its peerless natural beauty, the colorful history of this island has fortuitously forestalled over-development. Once home to pirates, lepers and prisoners, Ilha Grande has nothing left from its harsh past but some stone foundations.

The untouched beaches and rainforest have since become protected parkland, which has helped to further preserve the island’s beauty. Stay in one of the luxurious beachside resorts and soak up the local culture in Vila do Abraão.

Rio de Janeiro (3 nights)

Cap off your 2 weeks in Brazil with a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro . Home to the world famous Carnival festival, the city of Rio dances to a Samba beat all year long. You’ll find the year-round party at the outdoor music jams and samba clubs in Lapa, which is considered the center of Rio’s nightlife. By day, head to Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach for the sun and surf or view Brazil’s historic relics and fine art at Museu Histórico Nacional.

Look up from almost any street in Rio and you’ll see Cristo Redentor, the open-armed statue of Jesus Christ that sits atop Corcovado Mountain. You can reach this peak and enjoy an unforgettable view of the entire city by taking a narrow-gauge train.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

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Reader interactions.

February 10, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Hi what’s the visa procedure to go from Brazil side to the Argentina side of Iguazu falls on a day trip? Can this be done during the tour while crossing the border or does one need to have an argentina visa stamped before reaching South America?

November 29, 2017 at 4:45 am

Wow, that’s a complete itinerary to visit Brazil. Most of them don’t include cities like Curitiba and Morretes, but they also seem like great options!

April 16, 2017 at 7:40 pm

Hi. Thanks for show me one idea for my trip to Brazil. I would like to know how to go from Curitiba to Sao Paulo, by bus?. becouse I just see one from Iguacu to Curitiba. Is good to travel by bus in Brazil an visit this places. Thanks.

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• South America Tours
• Brazil Tours

Brazil Tours and Vacation Packages 2024/2025

After trying too hard to attract tourists for decades, Brazil has finally come up in a big way. The country is now attracting all kinds of travelers with its Patanal adventures, the biodiversity of the Amazon, enchanting coastal drives of the northeast, exotic beaches of Costa Verde and the luxe resorts of Santa Catarina. City dwellers enjoy ...

• Brazil Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Brazil

141 Trips in Brazil with 172 Reviews

• Starts Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Ends Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Best of Brazil

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Bus, Private Vehicle, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 990
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 198
• Total Price from: US$ 792
• May 26 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Salvador, Brazil

Pure Brazil

• Activities Wildlife & Active and outdoor Wildlife , Active and outdoor , Cruise , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Safari 'data-more-tripid='17109'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Eco Lodge
• Transport Boat, Bus, Flight, Private Vehicle & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,930
• Special Deal (4%): - US$ 270
• Total Price from: US$ 6,660
• Jun 15 Only 8 seats left
• Sep 07 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Cuiaba, Brazil
• Ends Cuiaba, Brazil

Land of the Jaguar

• Activities Wildlife & Bird watching Wildlife , Bird watching , Wildlife safaris and game drives & Safari 'data-more-tripid='7959'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Transport Boat & Jeep
• Brochure Price: US$ 8,098
• Special Deal (14%): - US$ 1,153
• Total Price from: US$ 6,945
• Jul 01 Only 7 seats left
• Jul 18 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Campo Grande, Brazil

Discover Pantanal, Rio & Costa Verde

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Trekking and Hiking City sightseeing , Trekking and Hiking , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='23613'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 1-80 yrs

Natural Wonders of Brazil - 12 days

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Transport Flight, Boat, Private Vehicle & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Sep 21 Only 8 seats left
• Nov 16 Only 8 seats left

Rio, Foz do Iguazu and Pantanal Experience

• Free cancellation
• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Waterfalls 'data-more-tripid='27203'>+1 more
• Transport Flight, Boat & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish

• Starts Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil
• Ends Campo Grande, Brazil

Pantanal, Bonito & Iguazu Adventure 9D/8N (from Foz do Iguacu)

• Activities Adventure & Wildlife Adventure , Wildlife & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='34452'>+1 more
• Accommodation Lodge, Hostel & Hotel
• Transport 4WD Jeep, Boat, Bus & Flight
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• May 13 10+ seats left
• May 14 10+ seats left

• Starts Manaus, Brazil
• Ends Manaus, Brazil

Manaus Amazon Jungle Adventure 5D/4N

• Activities Rainforest and jungle visits & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Camping & Lodge
• Transport Boat & Bus

• Starts Belém, Brazil

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

• Activities Wildlife & Active and outdoor Wildlife , Active and outdoor , Cruise , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='17101'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Camping
• Transport Boat, Bus, Flight & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,700
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 270
• Total Price from: US$ 4,430
• May 18 Only 5 seats left
• Sep 21 10+ seats left

• Starts Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Ends Sao Paulo, Brazil

From The Atlantic To The Pacific (multi Country)

• Activities Art and architecture & Active and outdoor
• Transport Bus, Flight, Jeep, Train & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Operated in Spanish, English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,018
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 303
• Total Price from: US$ 1,715
• Jun 10 Only 10 seats left
• Jun 12 Only 10 seats left

Costa Verde Explorer 5D/4N

• Activities Adventure & Explorer
• Accommodation Hostel & Hotel
• Transport Boat

Pantanal Adventure 4D/3N

• Activities Rainforest and jungle visits & Wildlife
• Accommodation Lodge
• Transport Boat, Jeep & Bus

• Ends Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil

Iguassu Falls Independent Adventure

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Explorer
• Transport Bus, Boat, Helicopter & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• May 15 10+ seats left

• Starts Cusco, Peru

Exploring South America -13 days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='9983'>+1 more
• Transport Train, Bus, Flight, Jeep & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 5-79 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

Traveling to Brazil? Chat with a local travel specialist in Brazil who can help organize your trip.

Brazil Tour Reviews

• Danny & Rina Colbeci
• Shannon Patty

Brazil - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

After trying too hard to attract tourists for decades, Brazil has finally come up in a big way. The country is now attracting all kinds of travelers with its Patanal adventures, the biodiversity of the Amazon, enchanting coastal drives of the northeast, exotic beaches of Costa Verde and the luxe resorts of Santa Catarina. City dwellers enjoy the culture and lively attractions of Salvador da Bahia and food lovers cannot miss out on a trip to Sao Paulo. 

There are a few adventures that simply have to become a part of your holidays in Brazil. The Iguacu Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet, is a must-see, as is the Amazon rainforest, home to some of the most unique species. Other things to see include Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and Teatro Municipal. 

Tour Highlights

• Look over Rio de Janeiro from the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Dance the streets during Carnaval (held just before Lent each year, typically during February or early March)
• Search for toucans in the Amazon rainforest
• Relax on the Copacabana beaches
• Explore the depths of Buraco das Araras, a massive sandstone crater
• Climb Sugarloaf Mountain
• Snorkel in the Rio de Prata

Travel Tips

• A Brazil tour is not for relaxing indoors. Brazilians love to be outside, and the country has plenty of natural phenomena to explore: from the Amazon rainforest to the Pantanal wetlands and sandy tropical beaches. Pack your sunscreen.
• Brazilians are some of the most outgoing people in the world. Get ready for plenty of energetic (and loud) conversation with locals.
• Get ready to party. Beyond Carnaval and the New Year's Reveillon, Rio de Janeiro is known for hosting many free music festivals throughout the year.
• English isn't as widely spoken as you would expect. Waiters, taxi drivers and others in the tourism industry will try their best, but have patience and prepare a few words in Portuguese just in case.
• Unlike in some countries, pedestrians do not have the right of way in Brazil. Do not try to jaywalk, and take extra caution when crossing the road.

Brazil has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Brazil before planning your tour.

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One of the world's most captivating places, Brazil is a country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests and wild, rhythm-filled metropolises.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca

Rio de Janeiro

The Tijuca is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green…

Pão de Açúcar

Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on…

Copacabana Beach

A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length: over…

Parque Nacional do Iguaçu

Brazil's second-oldest national park, created in 1939, protects one of South America's most magical and majestic sights, Iguaçu Falls, part of the largest…

Ipanema Beach

Ipanema & Leblon

One long stretch of sun-drenched sand, Ipanema Beach is demarcated by postos (posts), which mark off subcultures as diverse as the city itself. Posto 9,…

Reserva Extrativista Baixo Rio Branco-Jauaperi

This newly minted extractive reserve is an outstanding place to immerse yourself in the best the Amazon has to offer, with excellent wildlife-watching –…

Cristo Redentor

Flamengo & Around

Standing atop Corcovado (which means ‘hunchback’), Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio, a placid expression on his well-crafted face. The mountain rises…

Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina

Spanning over 1520 sq km and containing within it innumerable species of plants and animals, deafening waterfalls and vast, rugged plains, Parque Nacional…

Top picks from our travel experts

15 things to do in brazil that will amaze you.

Parque das Aves

Foz do Iguaçu

This 5-hectare bird park, located 300m from the entrance to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, is home to 800-plus species of birds, including red ibis, bare…

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Sampa’s pride, this museum possesses Latin America’s most comprehensive collection of Western art. Hovering above a concrete plaza that turns into an…

Farol das Conchas

Built in 1872 on orders from Dom Pedro II, this lighthouse stands picturesquely atop a hill at the island’s most easterly point. From here you have…

Museu do Futebol

Tucked under the bleachers of colorfully art deco Pacaembu Stadium, this fantastic museum is devoted to Brazil’s greatest passion – football (soccer). Its…

Maracanã Football Stadium

Rio’s Maracanã stadium is hallowed ground among football lovers. The massive arena has been the site of legendary victories and crushing defeats. Maracanã…

The epicenter of Rio’s Carnaval, the Sambódromo was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1984. During big parades, come here for fantastic views…

Beco do Batman

One of São Paulo's premiere street-art locations, 'Batman's Alley' has slowly risen from secret location for band promotional shots and Brazilian films to…

Cumbuco, 35km from Fortaleza, has a long wide beach with soft sand, an expanse of dunes and a few lagoons that make it very popular for buggy rides and…

Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara

One of Brazil's most important national parks, this 1300-sq-km reserve contains more than 40,000 rock paintings among spectacular panoramas of immense…

Parque Nacional do Itatiaia

Rio de Janeiro State

Brazil’s oldest national park, Itatiaia shelters a stunning variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests to spare and rugged upland peaks. Most visitors…

Itaipu Binacional

With a capacity of 14 million kilowatts, this binational dam is the world's second-largest hydroelectric power station, and the one that produces the most…

Planning Tools

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Best Things to Do

Whether you prefer magnificent nature or exciting cities, Brazil has an experience lined up for you. Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Brazil.

Things to Know

Visiting a community to better understand the lives of the people who live there – that's the sort of positive impact tourism is supposed to have. 

Transportation

Find your way around in Brazil with this guide to the country's transportation.

Visa Requirements

Brazil offers different visas depending on the purpose of travel and country of origin. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a visa for Brazil.

Money and Costs

Everything you need to know to make your money go further in Brazil.

Traveling with Kids

With top tips on safety and places to go, find the perfect activities for all age groups on your family trip to Brazil.

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From coastal drives to winding mountain roads, getting behind the wheel in Brazil opens up a world of natural wonders. Here are Brazil's best road trips.

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Home » South America » Brazil » Backpacking Guide

The Ultimate Backpacking Brazil Travel Guide | 2024

Brazil is a country of extremes. The beaches are notorious, the cities are enormous, the nature is glorious – and that’s only scratching the surface. 

While travelling in Brazil, I fell in love so quickly and deeply that I ended up staying for 3 years. I worked any job that I could get, hitched rides around the country, and couchsurfed like no tomorrow. And you’ll bet I pay a visit every time I’m back in my native South America. 

The thing about this intense country is it’s a whole continent in itself. No seriously, this massive and incredibly diverse land does some magic and makes your experience so special. The biggest parties are always the most intimate, after all.

It has every potential to be full of surprises – the good and… not so good. So it pays dividends to get an idea of what you’re getting yourself in for, so you can flow with all the magical marvels . 

In this backpacking Brazil travel guide, you’ll find all the information to prepare yourself for this impeccable country : the best places to visit, unique experiences, Brazilian culture, and how to do it all safely. 

So pack your bags! Backpacking through Brazil is already shaping up to be a wild ride.

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Why Go Backpacking in Brazil?

It’s no secret, Brazil is a huge country – the 5th largest in the world, in fact. The landmass covers almost half of South America. So backpacking South America isn’t really ticked off until you step foot onto the Brazilian side. 

It’s hard to describe Brazil without sounding like I’m exaggerating. There is a huge diversity of life that only exists in this country. The landscapes are vast and distinct–there’s something simply magical about the terrain. Backpacking Brazil is one for the books. For starters, of course, you have the Amazon – no doubt you’ve heard of it. 

Mountains pierce through the land. Nature greets you every day with extreme life and climate. World-famous metropolises like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are only a speck within the cornucopia of possibilities that await you while travelling Brazil.

Nature is king here. Life literally grows on top of life.

The Brazilians have a particular kind of rhythm to their existence. They have an incredible blend of cultures that creates an intense, beautiful, and soulfully electric nation. 

Even with a lifetime in this country, you couldn’t get around the whole thing. But with so much on offer, your trip to Brazil will be yours. From mad adrenaline heads to lazy beach bums, you can mold your travel route for Brazil into something unique.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Brazil

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These backpacking Brazil itineraries are here only as a guide . They’re going to outline some of Brazil’s main bases and top attractions. I’ve also included some not-so-well-known places.  

But this is a massive country where I will actively encourage you to get off the beaten path. That’s where you’re going to find the secluded paradise beaches and the local hideouts – those magical spots that grab your heart and say “please don’t leave me, baby”. 

Feel free to take these itineraries, do them frontwards, backwards, inside out, chew them up, and shove them up your arse. They’re just a guide.

Backpacking Brazil 2 Week Itinerary #1: The North

Ah, Northeast Brazil. Nature, humidity, and a whole lot of sand. If you’re a beach person, then you have to check out this area.

Start off this Brazilian backpacking route in  Salvador de Bahia , and dive into the colonial history of the city. A quick trip out to Morro de São Paulo will get you started.

After Bahia, if you’re a hiker, head towards Chapada Diamantina and chase some waterfalls. Then circle back to Bahia and head north!

In the state of Pernambuco , check out Recife . Then get out of the city and swing by Pipa or Porto Galinha . Making your way north towards Fortaleza , where you’ll have a chance to stop in Genipabu and Canoa Quebrada along the way as well.

Be careful when you stop in Jericoacoara and Lençóis Maranhenses : you might never want to leave. These are some of the Northeast’s greatest destinations.

Your final stop will be the Amazon Rainforest . Charter a boat in either Manaus or Belém  and cruise up the Amazon River in style.

Not enough beaches? Try combining this itinerary with Brazil travel itinerary #2 for the best beaches that Brazil has to offer.

Backpacking Brazil 1 Month Itinerary #2: The Southeast

The southeast is home to some of Brazil’s most famous attractions! This 3-4 week itinerary will give you a taste of the big ones to backpack in Brazil. There’s a lot to see, so some backpackers may want to extend their trip.

This backpacking route through Brazil begins in glorious Rio de Janeiro . Chill in the city beach vibes, and don’t miss a night out in Lapa. If you have time (and a car) check out Bruzio, just up the coast. Home to beautiful beaches and epic Bruzio hostels .

Leaving Rio de Janeiro, you’ll travel along the coast and experience the Mata Atlântica . Experience the magical hidden getaways like Paraty and Ilha Grande .

The next stop is sprawling São Paulo . You have to experience the concrete jungle even just for a little while. The Pinheiros district makes a great party.

Exhausted after São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro? Of course, you are.

Head to Florianopolis in Santa Catarina to find paradise. Stop by Curitiba on the way there to decompress.

If you can drag yourself away from Florianopolis, head back to Curitiba and head to Iguaçu Falls . It’s a long bus ride, but it’s worth it to see this mighty waterfall. You’ll sleep in Foz de Iguacu , and visit the park from there.

Final destination is Mato Grosso do Sul and the Pantanal. Stay in Bonito and take day trips out to the wetlands to get your David Attenborough on.

Backpacking Brazil 6 Week Itinerary #3: History and Culture

So we’ve seen beaches. We’ve seen cities. Now, on this 6-week Brazil travel itinerary, let’s deep dive into some culture and history.

Starting in Rio Grande do Sul , journey from Porto Alegre to the ruins of São Miguel das Missões . This UNESCO Heritage Site was a Jesuit mission founded for the salvation of the Amerindian locals.

From Rio Grande do Sul to Santa Catarina : the south of Brazil hosts one of the largest concentrations of European immigrants in Brazil. See the German settlement of Blumenau and the Italian Joinville .

After Santa Catarina, continue north to the once capital of imperial, Rio de Janeiro .

Over the passing years, Rio has kept up with whatever was contemporary. For this reason, Rio de Janeiro is a blend of different architectural styles. The city as a whole has been deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site for its harmonious relationship with nature, too.

Next stop is Minas Gerais . Check out the capital, Belo Horizonte , for some of the best food in Brazil. The mining towns of Ouro Preto and Diamantina are super interesting too!

Moving on from Minas Gerais and the past, we enter Brasília and the future. Brasília is Brazil’s new capital and is full of utopian ideals. Take a walk up the “fuselage” and imagine what the founders were thinking when they envisioned Brasília.

Finally, we head northeast and back to the origins of Brazil. Salvador and Olinda are both ground zero for Brazil as we know it today. You can’t miss the colonial architecture and plenty of history.

Backpacking Brazil 3 month Itinerary #4: The Brazil National Parks

I couldn’t justify a backpacking Brazil itinerary without suggesting the national parks. This is definitely a side that few get to experience. But prepare yourself: this backpacking route is a long one!

Visit Rio de Janeiro and visit the parks of Serra dos Órgãos and Itatiaia . Órgãos offers lots of climbing. Itatiaia is meant for more conventional hiking, through the Mata Atlântica and Rio de Janeiro’s highlands.

Next, catch the long bus to Iguaçu Falls . It’s one of the most majestic sights in the world!

After Iguaçu, head north to the Pantanal for some wildlife and a chance to swim in the crystalline waters of the wetlands. Depart from Mato Grosso do Sul to Campo Grande and the northern Pantanal.

In Campo Grande, you will be able to visit the rugged highlands of Chapada dos Guimarães. Check out the awesome falls, and hike up to the top of São Jerônimo Hill for breathtaking views.

From Mato Grosso, head east towards the state of Goiás and Chapada dos Veadeiros . Swim in the rock pools and marvel at surreal geology.

Keep heading east from Goiás and arrive at Chapada Diamantina in Bahia. Trek around the canyons and discover secret grottos.

Leave Chapada Diamantina, and catch a flight in Salvador to the remote Fernando de Noronha . This is heaven! Trek around the islands and find beautiful beaches all to yourself.

Back to the mainland, bus it to the surreal Lençóis Maranhenses . Wander among the bleached dunes and take a dip in the cerulean pools during the rainy season.

Finally, the Amazon Rainforest , of course! Along the way, you’ll visit the Parque Nacional do Jaú , which offers classic amazonian experiences.

Your Brazil backpacking route is going to be an unforgettable ride – no matter which direction you head in! If I listed all the places I think you should see, we’re going to be here for a very… very long time. 

So here’s the down-low on some of the top places to visit in Brazil. It wouldn’t be a legit backpacking Brazil travel guide without them. 

Backpacking Rio de Janeiro

A cidade maravilhosa (the wonderful city) is a blessed place. Its actual name literally means “River of January”: Rio de Janeiro.

Upon first sight, you’ll feel as if that giant Christ statue on the hill was put there by God himself. There are so many things to do in Rio!

Rio is the capital of the state of the same name and is the most likely part of your travels. There are many interesting places to stay in Rio , and each neighbourhood has a different vibe.

The CBD ( Centro ) itself is fairly uninteresting, except for a few museums. The nearby districts of Santa Teresa and Lapa are more noteworthy. Santa Teresa is a lovely artist’s neighbourhood, and Lapa is where the party is.

The real action is in the south of Rio, where the beaches are located. The best hostels in Rio de Janeiro are here too.  Flamengo, Botafogo, Leme, Copacabana beach, Ipanema, and Leblon run back to back to one another and form a substantial strip of sand.

My personal favourite is Ipanema, which is the best beach by far. Be sure to hang around Posto Nove when you’re there.

Rio is infamous for its favelas or “shanty towns”. Some are pacified, and some are actively dangerous.

You can visit a favela, like Rocinha or Vidigal, but don’t go wandering into neighbourhoods you don’t know. Power among gangs is constantly shifting. A favela may be safe one month and a warzone the next.

Ilha Grande, Paraty, and the national parks are iconic. Paraty is an old colonial town that specializes in the distilling of cachaça  (Brazilian rum). Ilha Grande is just beautiful beaches galore.

Backpacking São Paulo

If there’s one word to describe São Paulo it’s really f*ucking massive . Wait… that’s 3 words. 

Nearly 20 million people live in this metropolitan giant. You’re in an ocean of skyscrapers, business centres, electric nightlife, and people just trying to make a life for themselves. 

The best places to stay in São Paulo are the central and western districts. This is where you’re going to find the most exciting action as a visitor. 

There is a big class divide between the very rich and the very poor, which can lead to Sao Paulo feeling unsafe . It can be a very intimidating place to visit, especially if you’re not a city person. But if you find your niche, there is a raucous social scene that awaits you.

People are very keen to express themselves in São Paulo. That means incredible art, soulful music, and lively nightlife. 

Downtown Sampa is where you’ll find the baroque and neoclassical architecture. Check out Catedral da Sé, Theatro Municipal, and the Praça da República for examples of Sampa’s stylistic diversity.

Western District is a much newer, and more dynamic area of the city. You’ll find lots of São Paulo’s best hostels here. 

Jardim Paulista is the fancy pants neighbourhood. Walk up Avenida Paulista, one of São Paulo’s most important throughways. Pay a visit to Sampa’s own Manhattan as well, which is conversely named Brooklin Novo .

A night in Vila Madalena and/or Vila Olímpia is an adventure, for sure: these neighbourhoods are magnets for the young, the successful, and the passionate. Hell, anyone with a beating heart goes out for a good time. Expect more pubs in the former, and clubs in the latter.

If it’s a choice between São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro , we would pick Sao Paulo, hands down!

Backpacking Paraná

So if Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo sound a bit bloody intense – I don’t blame you. Enter: Curitiba, the capital of Paraná. 

This laid-back, modern major Brazilian city is a fine example of places we could be seeing more of in the future. It’s recognised as one of the most innovative cities in the world and has one of the highest standards of living in Brazil. 

The city of Curitiba is a stark contrast to the rest of Brazil: composed, generally safe, and it can even get chilly – hey, maybe even snowy! 

Curitiba is abundant with lush public spaces. The blossoming Jardim Botânico is Curitiba’s pride and joy and resembles most gardens of French royalty. Barigüi Park , Barreirinha Park , and the German Wood are the places to wind down and watch the world go by.

Although lovely, you only need a few days in Curitiba. The rest of Paraná has a similar vibe and won’t let you down if you decide to explore the beaches or more inland here.

Once you travel this far south, you will notice that things begin to look increasingly European. Southern Brazil is where the vast majority of Europeans settled – German and Italian being dominant heritages. As well as the aesthetics of the big cities, notice how the culture and features of the people change.

Backpacking Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is one of those places that’s definitive of Brazil. You could stop anywhere on the coast of Santa Catarina and find incredible beach hideouts. The state is the definition of ‘natural beauty’. 

People talk about Florianópolis like it’s some made-up universe. When, in reality, it’s even better. As soon as you drive over the bridge onto the island you’re already changing your plans to figure out how you can stay as long as possible.

Life in Floripa is very easy: pristine beaches, a relaxed pace of life, and that holiday feel 24/7. The best places to stay in Floripa are… everywhere. Though, there are certain areas that cater to different interests. 

Central Florianopolis is nothing more than a little central hub. Take a bus here and get yourself out.

Northern Floripa is more resort-y and houses the island’s most popular nightclubs. South, towards Barra da Lagoa , things become less upscale.

Barra is more laid back and where you’ll find the most backpacker hostels in Floripa . Nearby Praia Mole is a popular surfer’s beach.

The far south of Floripa is totally undeveloped. If you enjoy a hike, you can find beaches that are literally abandoned because they require a trek to get to. Lagoinha do Leste is a stunning example of this phenomenon of untouched, hidden shores.

Outside of Florianópolis, check out the party city of Balneário Camboriú . World-famous Warung Beach Club and Green Valley are located just outside.

Joinville is the largest city in the region, and is predominantly Italian. Blumenau is a city of German heritage that hosts the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest.

Backpacking Bahia

Ask Brazilians where the “real” Brazil is, and they’ll most likely say “Salvador de Bahia.” Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia and the former capital of the original Portuguese colony. The city is a treasure, filled with remnants from the days of colonialism and stories of Brazilian independence.

First: the touristy stuff. The historical district, called the Pelourinho is a bit of a tourist trap but still worth visiting. Be sure to see the important religious sites as well – the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, and Nosso Senhor do Bonfim.

Don’t miss the sunset at the Baía de Todos Santos . Take to the promenade or ride the Elevador Lacerda for the best view.

Salvador hosts the world’s largest Carnaval celebration! Every Carnaval is different, but Salvador’s Carnaval tops even Rio’s and Recife’s. (Am I biased? Maybe.)

If you’re planning on going to this event (and you definitely should) the best hostels in Salvador book up fast. So plan ahead!

Bahian Carnaval is arranged in a giant parade. Floats and trucks troll the streets all night long surrounded a sea of dancing.

Each truck forms a bloco , which is separated from the others by a rope that encircles the crowd. The effect is a giant, moving dance floor, forming the world’s largest street party!

Outside of Salvador, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty. Morro de São Paulo and Itacaré are both wonderful beaches. Locals and tourists alike flock to these to relax and escape madness.

Also worth seeing is Chapada Diamantina to the east of Salvador. This national park is one of Brazil’s outdoor jewels and is worth visiting for a couple of days. Check out the trekking section for more on that!

Backpacking North East Brazil

You’re in Northeastern Brazil now. Here, the climate and culture are distinctly different from the south of Brazil. Like Bahia, the ethnicity is predominantly African, the sun is almost always shining, and the beaches are abundant.

I’d love to speak about each of the northeastern states individually, but for the sake of time, they’re combined into one section. Most of these states will offer similar experiences. I’ll point out certain exceptions along the way.

Pernambuco and its capital Recife are the first stops. It’s one of the most historically significant cities in Brazil. Plus there are some incredible hostels in Recife !

The Old City and nearby Olinda are wonderful examples of Dutch and Portuguese Colonialism. Streetwalkers will notice the many canals that weave throughout the city as well.

The locals have dubbed their city Veneza Brasileira (Brazilian Venice) because of these waterways. The city beaches of Recife are also fantastic.

Outside of Recife, there are lots of beach towns to check out. Porto Galinhas, Itamaracá, and Cabo de Santo Agostinho are wonderful examples.

Next up is Natal and the state of Rio Grande do Norte . Natal is a more laid-back city than Recife.

The economy of Natal developed more slowly than the rest of the north east. What it lacks in vibrancy and historical significance, it makes up for with a higher quality of life and public safety.

The beaches surrounding Natal are some of the best in the north east. Pipa and Genipabu are loved dearly by Brazilians, for (what else?) the perfect sand and water.

When you’re ready, create your own adventure in the other states: Sergipe, Alagoas, and Paraíba.

Backpacking Jericoacoara

The beach. The myth. The legend. Jericoacoara.

For many unknown reasons, Jericoacoara is the promised land for backpackers and hippies. I’ve known many people backpacking Brazil who have travelled north based only on a rumour. Upon arriving and discovering that this El Dorado does indeed exist, they quickly disappear into the depths of its pleasures.

The fame of Jericoacoara isn’t undeserved though. Time is non-existent. The streets are too – just white sand and stones.

People lounge in hammocks that rise picturesquely out of the shallows. Ah, Paradise.

Kitesurfing is famous in Jericoacoara. If you’re not fancying that, there’s a whole lot of bumming around to do. You can walk the nearby National Park and the Pedra Furada – a half-day is sufficient for both.

Those wanting to visit Jericoacoara will most likely pass through Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará , the last big city in Northeastern Brazil. Fortaleza is not quite as clean as Natal, and not quite as rich as Recife. It’s a bit behind in many ways, but it still has its charm.

The performing arts – specifically comedy, and a local dance style called forro – are strong in Fortaleza. Nightlife is also booming, but do it safely.

Backpacking Iguaçu Falls

Iguaçu Falls is not to be missed! It is truly one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world.

Iguaçu Falls is composed of nearly 275 falls that range between 200 and 270 ft in height. It is the world’s widest waterfall, and probably the most engrossing.

There are walkways that put you literally in the middle of the canyons where you’ll be surrounded on three sides by waterfalls. You will get wet, and you will love it.

Iguaçu is actually split between Brazil and Argentina: it’s one of the best places to cross the border to go and backpack Argentina too. So go ahead and see if from both sides!

The Brazilian side skims the edge of the falls and gives a better panoramic view. The Argentinian side traverses the top of the falls and gives a more up-close and personal experience. From the Argentine side, you get to stare down into A Garganta do Diabo (The Devil’s Throat), which is pretty fucking cool.

There’s a hot debate about which side is better. But we’re backpacking Brazil here… So it’s definitely Brazil, obviously.

Accommodation wise, you’ll be staying in the sleepy town of Foz do Iguacu . The town pretty much serves only as a gateway for the falls. Find the right hostel though, and your stay could be a lot of fun.

Backpacking Pantanal

The Amazon isn’t the only place where you can spot wildlife in Brazil: in the south of Brazil, there is the Pantanal wetlands. The Pantanal is actually considered the biggest  freshwater ecosystem in the world.

The chances of seeing animals are huge here; reportedly even better than in the Amazon actually. Local wildlife include capybaras, giant anteaters, rheas, jaguars, and lots more!

Given its size, there are several ways to access the Pantanal. The two most popular entryways are via Cuiabá of Mato Grosso , and Campo Grande/Bonito in the southern state Mato Grosso do Sul . Those coming from Iguaçu Falls will probably find Campo Grande more convenient.

Campo Grande is a large, modern city that is well-known for its cattle industry. Visit a local churrascaria for some intensely delicious barbecued meats. 

Though Campo Grande gives access to the Pantanal, the real jewel is Bonito . Bonito is an eco-tourist destination that offers way more activities. Snorkel in the crystal clear Rio da Prata or visit one of the local caves to have your mind blown by the blue views.

Cuiabá is a small but vibrant city and very close to northern Pantanal. There’s actually a road, the Transpantaneira Highway, that runs directly into the Pantanal from the city. Motorists will have lots of opportunities to see breeding and feeding grounds on the side of the road.

Cuiabá is also a very convenient base to explore the nearby national park, Chapada dos Veadeiros . Veadeiros is a stunning area known for its ecological diversity, unique geology and stunning landscape. Rent a car in Cuiabá and visit both the park and the Transpantaneira in a few days.

Backpacking The Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest is tied with beaches as the most recognizable feature of Brazil. The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world.

There are reportedly over 400 billion individual trees there. That is more than fifty times the world’s human population.

Navigating such a large area can be daunting but your main gateway is going to be Manaus. Belém  is sometimes considered a jumping-off point but it’s far east and closer to the coast. A boat trip from Belém to Manaus may be worthwhile to some, as trips are quite lazy and chill.

From Manaus, you can charter a boat to take you up the Amazon River. While cruising the river, keep an eye out for all of those critters you grew up reading about – the pink river dolphin, three-toed sloth, and piranhas! The nearest national park is called Jaú , and it’s located very close to Manaus.

You might want to try Ayahuasca while visiting the Amazon. This traditional and powerful hallucinogenic medicine has long been used to treat post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, and addictions. I strongly recommend you find a reputable Shaman or join a healing lodge to appreciate this sacred ceremony.

Adventurous folk can ride the rivers all the way to the borders of Colombia or Peru. Heading towards the former on the Rio Negro , backpackers will have the chance to stop and see Pico da Neblina . Neblina is the highest mountain in Brazil and has a very distinct profile.

Backpacking Minas Gerais

Some people swear by Minas Gerais and its capital, Belo Horizonte , as the best city in Brazil though. It has a stunning example of nightlife in Brazil.

Belo Horizonte is the “bar capital of Brazil”. Thousands – twelve thousand, if you believe the local reports – of bars line the city streets, and every night they fill up. Locals come to shoot the shit and touch glasses.

The scene is a striking contrast to the hedonistic revelry found in Rio and Sampa. Drinking aside, Belo Horizonte is also where you’ll find the most farms and, therefore, the best food in Brazil.

Minas Gerais is also famous for its colonial towns. Most are remnants from the days when the state was a center for the mining industry. Painstakingly preserved, these villages are a lovely journey back in time.

Ouro Preto is probably the most famous of these villages. Tiradentes and Diamantina are also worthy destinations.

Off the Beaten Path Travel in Brazil

In a country that’s bigger than Europe, you can imagine there are a plethora of places off the tourist trail . This is one of my favourite things about Brazil: you have every opportunity to make a route that no one else has made before. With a little patience, you can get pretty much everywhere.

And you should! Because off the beaten path, nature comes incredibly intimidating, culture is shocking, and food tastes delicious. 

The federal capital of Brazil is Brasília . It’s a bit out of the way but if you’re interested in architecture and/or Brazilian politics then it’s a must-see. If you’re not into those things though, you can happily skip over Brasília. 

Most backpackers don’t even consider the most Southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul . It’s a shame: Porto Alegre is one of my favourite cities in Brazil.

It’s a quiet place with a high standard of living but there aren’t many attractions. So why visit Rio Grande do Sul? Because the people are downright beautiful – that’s why. 

Aparados da Serra is a cool canyonland to the north of Porto Alegre with lots of hiking. To the west, São Miguel das Missões is one of Brazil’s most important heritage sites.

The state of Maranhão gets little attention compared to it’s southeastern neighbors. But this state has one BIG thing going for it: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This surreal park mostly consists of bleach-white sand dunes. 

During the short rainy season (May-September) the dunes fill with rainwater and small, landlocked lagoons form. It’s a surreal experience; elegant sheets of sand ( lencois means “bed sheets” in Portuguese) are painted with the cerulean colors of the lagoons. The scene definitely resembles a painter’s easel.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

1. Party at Carnaval, of course!

Be a part of the biggest party on Earth and one of the most famous festivals in the world ! Nearly the entire country shuts down for a week while everyone gets their last kicks in before Lent at Brazil’s biggest festival .

2. Learn Portuguese

Portuguese is a gorgeous language. Stick around the country for a while and learn a bit of it. You’ll be one of the locals in no time.

3. Check out the National Parks

Brazil’s beaches get all of the attention, but its landscape is just as spectacular! Visit one of the national parks and see a more rugged side of the country.

4. Fall in Love

Brazilian people are some of the most beautiful in the world! So if you’re ready for your story of love and sex on the road to unravel, this is definitely a place you won’t ever forget. You’d have to be an amoeba to not feel a little flushed around these intoxicating people.

5. Play on the Beach

Brazil has more than 4,600 miles of coastline! Go surfing, swimming, play volleyball, and smoke a nice joint while soaking in that vitamin D.

6. Get stuck somewhere

You know when you travel somewhere and all of a sudden you get that intense sense of belonging? Like you just never want to leave? Yeah… that’s pretty much Brazil in a nutshell.

So plan accordingly. Leave some time for those places that just steal your heart.

7. Watch a football match

In case you weren’t already aware, Brazil is football crazy! Sometimes a little too crazy, but that is what we want, isn’t it?

You don’t even have to necessarily go to a football game either. You’re probably going to see amateurs around and about; they’ll play basically anywhere. They’re very used to passersby stopping to catch some of the game too. So when you’re not in a hurry (who’s in a hurry?) stop to see how Brazilians become the word champions time and again.

8. Visit the Amazon or Pantanal

No doubt, you know that Brazil is home to the world’s largest rainforest. You’ve been hearing stories about this mystical place since you were a kid. Finally , you can experience it for yourself.

As well as the Amazon, Brazil also houses the largest wetland in the world, Pantanal! Between these, you can imagine all the incredible and unique wildlife that thrives.

9. Be humbled by Iguacu Falls

There are few sites in the world that are as mighty as Iguaçu Falls! Feel the power as tons of water spill over the edge and into the void.

10. Get out of the city!

Look, I know Brazil is famous for these insane big cities. But if you think that the culture is famous in major Brazilian cities, like Rio de Janeiro, imagine the extent of the culture outside of it. That’s where you’re going to find all the real food, music, parties, and general life.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Brazil hostels are lively places and very common. Only in the most remote places will you need to resort to some other form of accommodation.

A good hostel should run you about $10-$15 in all of the major cities. You could find a bed for less than $10, but I would never pay more than $15 unless forced.

Many of the lesser-visited destinations – the beach towns, and especially the northeastern cities – are usually cheaper. It’s also where you’ll find some of the world’s most stunning hostels .

Pousadas are common. Essentially, a pousada is a local guesthouse; local vibes, cool people, and lots of options for all budgets.

Note that accommodation is subject to seasonal rates . This trend is very noticeable when backpacking Brazil. Rates could double or triple based on the time of year.

When you’re in the wild, you’ll have to find some other way to rest your head. Fazendas are local ranches that essentially serve as a guesthouse and a farm at the same time. These can be a lot of fun!

Camping and lodges are very common in the jungle as well. Expect lots of these in places like the Amazon, Pantanal, and national parks.

Finally: be aware of the “motels” or moteis while backpacking Brazil. These are almost always exclusively used for sex, and most people only stay an hour or two, for obvious reasons.

The Best Places to Stay in Brazil

There’s nothing like the feeling when you find yourself in that killer accommodation. So here’s a quick rundown of the best of the best!

By South American standards, the cost of living in Brazil is quite expensive. Without caution, travel expenses can add up quickly.

Those who want to go backpacking through Brazil with relative comfort should budget $40-$50 per day. That will get you a nice dorm bed, food and snacks, a meal in a restaurant, and some fun on the side. But hey, it’s easy to save money on these things too.

If you’re flying around Brazil, backpacking and heading on a load of excursions, be prepared to pay for it. Though if you’re prepared to slow it down, travelling on a budget is easily doable.

Prices in Brazil fluctuate heavily depending on the time of year too: the peak season is between December and April when locals are gearing up for Carnaval. This is where your Brazil trip costs would be at the highest point.

The price of a bed during the big holidays like New Year and Carnaval could triple or even quadruple. This effect is nationwide.

Prices will fall dramatically around the end of April. July rises slightly again for the Brazilian school holiday but this is brief.

Now you know all that, maybe using Couchsurfing is an answer. Brazilians are very hospitable and you’re usually getting a way better experience than just a bed. One of my hosts in São Paulo actually gave us the full apartment while we had to COVID quarantine for 10 days.

Partying in Brazil can suck your cash the most if you’re not careful. A beer here, a cocktail there, a bit of coke?

A Daily Budget for Brazil

So now we’ve covered the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick summary of what you can expect with the cost per day while backpacking Brazil.

Money in Brazil

The real is the national currency of Brazil, and this little guy likes to fluctuate…

As of October 2023, the current exchange rate is $1 USD = 5 Reales

ATMs are widely available throughout the country and chip and pin is pretty big here. So if you have an international card here you should be good. Most ATMs charge a transaction fee for foreign cards.

Just a heads up: there are reports of people having their credit card information stolen at ATMs. This is uncommon but can be avoided by exclusively using machines at official banks.

There are some remote parts of Brazil that have fewer cash withdrawal services or don’t accept cards. These locations are very remote though. Carry some cash, but not an excessive amount, unless you feel like losing it.

Robberies aren’t uncommon in Brazil. They are more common if you’re a doofus though.

If you’ve enough money to travel to Brazil, you’re going to see a lot of people poorer than you. Some of those people need money desperately.

Just be smart and hide your valuables well to avoid trouble. I’ve known people to actually carry a “dummy” wallet on them just in case a robbery should occur.

Travel Banking for Brazil

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends  Wise  – The artist is formerly known as transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods,

Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. Really, it even beats out Western Union .

Travel Tips – Brazil on a Budget

Hey, I was backpacking Brazil on a very similar budget to some of the cheapest places in the world. To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst backpacking Brazil I recommend sticking to the basic rules of budget adventuring….

• Hitchhike; In Brazil, it is relatively easy to thumb a ride. Hitchhiking is an ace way to keep your transport costs down.
• Camp; With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, Brazil is a dream. If you have a good quality tent , it’s usually much cheaper to pitch than staying in guesthouses. Sometimes you can even pitch for free.
• Couchsurfing; Hey, Brazilians are great hosts. When you find a host, you’re definitely made to feel at home while saving some dolla’.
• Eat local food; Street food is usually cheap. Look for the “prato feito” (prepared plate) or Marmitex too. They’re cheap and big enough to feed you all day. If you’re on a real tight budget – it’s worth taking a good portable stove .
• Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!

Why You Should Travel to Brazil with a Water Bottle

Brazil is a place where nature is thriving more than most places on the whole planet. It makes it that much more heartbreaking when you see it littered with plastic. So please try to make a positive impact on the problem.

You can’t save the world overnight but you can make a difference! So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead, keep nature happy, and never waste a cent again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Due to its huge size and drastic diversity, the climate in Brazil changes dramatically. But we can break Brazil down into 3 general areas: South/Central , Northeas t, and North .

Generally speaking, between November and March , the southern half of Brazil is rainy season . This coincides with the southern hemisphere’s summer. You can pretty much count on getting wet during this time.

Though nearly every state in this region has a hot humid summer, not everyone experiences the same winter. The southern states can be markedly cold in the winter.

This is a relative chill though. People from Northern Europe or America will still feel very warm.

The Northeastern section of Brazil receives tropical rains between April and August . This means that it pisses it down, but you can probably guarantee sun in a few hours. The temperature is very steady throughout the year in the Northeast.

If you leave the northeastern coast and travel inland, you’ll end up in the sertão , or “Brazilian Outback.” This is a desert and receives very little of the Northeast’s tropical rain. Draught is a frequent occurrence in the sertão.

The North consists mostly of the Amazon Rainforest. It pretty much rains all year in the Amazon. Some parts of the Amazon do see a more observable “dry season” between the months of July and December, but it still rains a lot. It’s hotter during dryer months too.

Depending on your preference, the north of Brazil can be visited year-round. But both seasons offer pros and cons.

The Amazonian dry season has better access to trails and fewer mosquitoes. The wet season has easier river navigation and cooler temperatures.

What to Pack for Brazil

Your South America packing list is likely to look very different than when you’re travelling to other continents. For starters, a mosquito net is invaluable. Actually, just bring everything to prepare for those little bastards.

As well as this, there are 6 things I wouldn’t travel to Brazil without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

You’ve probably heard some horror stories about how dangerous Brazil is. But let me get it straight: Brazil is safe to travel to.

That’s not to say it’s without its problems. For sure, I never saw someone being chased by some loco wielding a knife until I went to São Paulo. Yet, I left São Paulo completely unscathed.

If you’re following standard safety practices , like you should everywhere in the world , crime is very unlikely to affect you. If you do find yourself in an unfortunate situation though, don’t resist; it’s really not worth the risk.

For me, the most dangerous part of Brazil was some stairs. Yes… the stairs.

I slipped in the rain and broke my back. So if you’re a clumsy arse, like me, be aware that health and safety regulations don’t have your back here. (See what I did there?)

Criminals target drunks because they are easy prey. Tourists have that invisible dollar sign floating above your head. So just be cautious, don’t wander into parts of town you know nothing about, and you needn’t be worried.

Be aware that drinking is not as ingrained in Brazilian culture as in the rest of the Western World. Most of those backpacking Brazil can go a little harder than usual. In this kinda state, again, you’re an easy target.

Keep an eye out for the Brazilian police as well. These guys are underpaid, stressed out, potentially corrupt, and a lot of times just don’t give a shit.

Now, I’m not saying that all policia are bad; there are always exceptions. I’m saying don’t risk breaking the law and dealing with the guy who’s had a bad day.

Lastly, many mosquito-borne illnesses like yellow fever and Zika are extremely uncommon nowadays. Though there’s no shortage of those little bastards so prepare yourself for mosquitos .

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll

If you’ve been paying attention to this guide, then it’s pretty clear that Brazil loves to party. Carnaval is the world’s most renowned party . For Carnaval, all usual rules go out the window: dress code, dignity, and even monogamy – in some cases.

So how to party SAFELY while backpacking in Brazil? Instead of talking about the irresponsible amount of coke and sex that you can have, I’m going to share some words of caution.

Of course, we are in South America now. So drugs on the road are almost unavoidable. Drug dealers are notorious for trying to scam naive tourists.

Generally, tourists are just easy to mug off. You arrive at a beautiful beach and all you want is a fat joint. Many of those mugs are ready to pay whatever extortionate price they are quoted.

They’re probably going to cut coke with a lot of shit – that’s just the truth. Unsuspecting tourists who don’t know any better can end up getting really fucked up.

Just be aware of who you are buying from. Don’t ever go searching for a score on your own! Tourists in the wrong part of town with large wads of cash, ready to score drugs make easy targets.

Try and enlist the help of a local. Hostel staff, though apprehensive, will usually have your best interest in mind.

Prostitution in Brazil

Look, I’m not going to beat around the bush when it comes to sex tourism in Brazil . (No pun intended.) Sex is one of Brazil’s biggest exports.

Prostitution is – and always has been – a legitimate profession. And there will always be a market for this service too. So it’s important that it’s addressed with respect and safety in mind.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has stymied in the last few years, but the disease isn’t completely eradicated. If you do lay with a hooker, please wrap your tool.

A common scam is prostitutes robbing you blind while you’re knocked out from that wild ride too. It doesn’t happen all the time, but be aware of it. Secure your belongings in a safe place, which you should be doing while backpacking around Brazil anyways.

And most importantly, just be considerate. They are humans, regardless of their profession, and they deserve respect, like everyone else.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Brazil

Look, I know that having to pay for something you hopefully won’t use sounds very unexciting. But believe me, if (and when) things don’t go to plan, being prepared is a huge weight lifted. That’s why good travel insurance is essential BEFORE you start your adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are many entries to Brazil by land and air. Almost every major Brazilian city has an international airport. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the largest airports in the country. Chances are you’ll probably fly into one of these.

You can fly directly to Brazil from pretty much every continent with the exception of Australia. You can generally find cheap flights to Brazil after April – once the holidays are over.

In case you’re not geographically aware: Brazil shares a border with every South American country besides Ecuador and Chile. With the exception of Suriname and French Guiana – where there are no roads – you can cross the land border from any of these.

Note that travelling by road, especially by bus, can take a long time in South America. Journeying between capitals can take days.

Most of Brazil’s border crossings are safe. The ones in the south are especially secure. Border crossings do become limited and tedious when you’re in the Amazonas region, but the outposts shouldn’t hassle you any more than usual.

The Venezuelan border has become strict in the last few years following the nation’s economic collapse. Tourists travelling in Venezuela are not targeted too heavily: the increased security is mostly to control the influx of fleeing Venezuelans. But it is surely not the most friendly experience in the world.

Entry Requirements for Brazil

Depending on your nationality, visitors applying for a Brazilian tourist visa fall into one of three categories:

• visa-free nations that require an ID card
• visa-free nations that require a passport
• nations that require a visa

Nearly every South American nation can enter Brazil visa-free with only an ID card. The exceptions are Suriname , French Guiana , and Guyana . These nations require a passport, but not a visa.

Aside from Venezuela, all South American nationals can stay in Brazil for up to 90 days. Venezuelans can only stay 60 days.

Many countries can enter Brazil visa-free with only a passport. Most Western nationalities, including the US, UK, and EU, are included in this category.

Some Asian and African nationalities are also included. Be sure to check your country’s status.

Some nationalities unfortunately need to pay for a visa to enter Brazil. These fees are based upon reciprocity i.e. whatever your nation charges for Brazilians to enter, Brazil charges you. Depending on your nationality, the fees can also be quite high.

Thankfully, Brazil has implemented an e-visa program in the last few years that has greatly streamlined the process. These e-Visas are convenient and sometimes cheaper.

E-Visas are not available to every country though. Be sure to check the Brazilian immigration website for specific details.

Buses are South America’s bread and butter. Understanding the system is easy and, once you’re familiar, it’s one of the most useful travel tips for the continent . You can get just about anywhere with them.

It’s just a case of preparing yourself: Brazil is massive and journeys can be long. Luckily, long-distance buses are very comfortable and the roads are smooth.

The sleeper buses in particular are very nice. I slept through many a multi-day journey on these sleepers like a baby. Long-distance buses will, of course, have a bathroom and stop for food every 4 hours or so.

Buying bus tickets in advance is recommended. It’s pretty disappointing to plan your journey to find out the bus you wanted to be on is sold out. Plus, companies will sometimes charge you less if you book in advance at the bus station.

Depending on your personal requirements, you can use domestic flights to get around Brazil. These days, air travel is becoming more affordable so planes are becoming more realistic for broke backpackers.

Brazil’s airports are generally well connected. There are “corridor” lines from big destinations such as São Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, etc. that offer cheaper flights to and from smaller destinations.

It is cheaper to purchase domestic tickets from inside Brazil too. This way, you avoid extra taxes.

Hitchhiking in Brazil

Travelling by hitchhiking in Brazil is comparable to many other large, industrialized countries, risks and rewards included. In touristy areas, you should find a ride easy enough. Locals are super friendly.

In less touristy areas, there’s every chance you may not find a ride at all and it can be pretty dodgy. I have personal reports to avoid the Northeast and the state of Espírito Santo.

Take the usual precautions, and use the same strategies. Note that Brazilian drivers do have a reputation for being reckless. You could also be mingling with dangerous types while waiting for a ride in the cities.

Onwards Travel From Brazil

Brazil shares a border with nearly every other South American country, apart from Chile  and Ecuador . Travel by bus is pretty straightforward.

They are very accustomed to moving people across borders in South America. It can be a bit cheaper but make sure you have all your documents prepared to avoid being stopped.

All borders can vary slightly, I’m not writing gospel here: it will pay to do your own research. But you may need to show the following documents:

• Passport or ID card
• Visa (if required)
• Your entry/exit card (given to you when you arrive in Brazil)
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of vaccinations (Covid, Yellow Fever etc. if required)

Flying across borders is a little less strict. But still, do I have to remind you – a traveller – to prepare your documents well, again?

Visas are either issued at the border or are available as an e-Visa. Every passport has its own restrictions, so be sure to check with your government’s website.

Some South American countries want proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. If you’ve received one, make sure to have the document with you for proof.

Providing proof of onward travel is sometimes enforced, and sometimes not. If you find yourself without an onwards ticket, maybe you could talk your way out of it. Just be polite and you should be fine.

• Backpacking Peru 
• Backpacking Colombia
• Backpacking Ecuador
• Backpacking Bolivia

Getting a traditional job in Brazil isn’t straightforward. Although unemployment isn’t as high as it is in other South American countries, work visas are pretty hard to come by – unless you’re from another South American country and part of the Mercosur .

But wait! Brazil is becoming an increasingly popular place for home working: beautiful nature, reasonable costs of living, and epic activities make one hell of a country for digital nomads .

Digital nomads might be drawn to typical Brazilian hotspots like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. They’re hectic to live in, expensive, fiercely competitive, and not overly safe. If that’s your jam, cool – you’re gonna love it.

But did you really come to Brazil to work in a massive metropolis when you’re surrounded by paradise? Co-working spaces are popping up everywhere. Internet is mostly trustworthy and life is certainly sweet.

I am slightly biased toward Florianopolis : it is probably the most ideal place to live in Brazil – nomads and locals alike. The beaches are incredible, there are tons of things to do, and the quality of life is fantastic.

I really had to drag myself away from my tropical, beachside garden paradise. I can easily see myself back there one day.

But go and find your own haven. Belo Horizonte, Bahia, and backpacker hideout Jericoacoara all have growing communities too.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in Brazil

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping out a host. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Brazil including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything.

High levels of poverty mean Brazil is in desperate need of volunteers to offer a helping hand. English teaching, animal care, and social work are all areas where backpackers can make a big difference. Digital skills are also increasingly sought after including, web development, content writing, and photography.

You may need a temporary work visa to volunteer in Brazil. If so, apply before you go.

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers or Workaway , are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. Just remember to be responsible, especially if you’re working with animals or children.

Signing up for Worldpackers is a great way to connect to local hosts with volunteer opportunities. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Brazil is one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world. Brazil’s breadth of colour comes from its colonial roots and forms its unique culture. Diversity is sung in Brazil and they are generally open about their race.

Fairer Europeans travelled across the ocean to the New World and settled in Brazil. They brought with them ebony slaves from Africa and subjugated the native Amerindian people. Eventually, all of these cultures commingled and gave birth to this dramatic, rhythmic, passionate nation.

There is something about the warmth of Brazil that goes beyond the weather. Brazilians are a famously lovely and smiley people. Expect them to be very up-front and touchy.

Also, expect very candid conversations. Brazilians love to share their deepest secrets with others and have no shame in telling you how they feel.

Having European influences, the Brazilian culture is actually quite western. There are some who argue its place in Western society. In my opinion, though, it’s Western enough to warrant some worthy comparisons.

In other areas, Afro-Brazilian culture is dominant and the strong African influence is unmissable. This beautifully brilliant blend leads to some of the best music, art, and language in the world. These cultures combined with the native culture and respect create something you won’t find anywhere else.

Brazil relies heavily upon an industrialized economy and workforce. In fact, more Brazilians live in an urban setting than North Americans – 87% vs 79%.

It’s safe to say that Brazilian society is relatively modern. Much of the Brazilian mindset is in line with most of the developed world.

Useful Travel Phrases for Brazil

People often make the mistake of thinking that Brazil speaks Spanish, much to the ire of the locals. Brazil was a part of the Portuguese Empire. Brazil speaks Portuguese .

Though if you are a Spanish speaker, particularly familiar with South American Spanish, this will stand you in very good stead. It’s Latin based and the written form does look a lot like Spanish. Once you understand some minor differences, you’ll find many similarities.

Brazilian Portuguese is a gorgeous language and very different sounding from European Portuguese. The pronunciations could be mistaken for different languages. Brazilian Portuguese can sound like they are almost singing.

Even if their dialect and slang throw you off, locals will really appreciate you speaking some Portuguese. Though in many places it will actually be crucial to backpacking Brazil because English is not commonly spoken. This means it’s a great place to learn another language .

Arming yourself with some key phrases gets you off to a good start. Here’s a list of some of the most useful.

• Bom dia/boa tarde/boa noite  – Good morning/afternoon/night
• Tudo bem?  – All good?
• Meu nome é…  – My name is…
• Onde fica a banheiro?  – Where is the toilet?
• (O)brigado/(O)brigada**  – Thank you
• Que saudades! – It’s been so long (since I’ve seen you)!
• Até logo – see you later
• Nenhum saco de plástico  – No plastic bag
• Posso comprar um bilhete – Can I buy a ticket?
• Que horas são? – What time is it?
• Você fala inglês?  – Do you speak English?
• Quanto custo?  – How much?
• Valeu  – Cool/thanks/cya

** Obrigado changes depending on the gender of the speaker. Men say obrigado . Women say obrigada. Though their language towards gender is still developing and there isn’t actually a neutral option – so I say use whatever you feel like really.

What to Eat in Brazil

Brazil has a reputation for a lot of street food involving meat and a lot of frying. Let me just tell you now, it’s true and it’s delicious. You will not struggle to find this kind of food.

But I would be doing Brazil a dishonour if I stopped there: Brazilian cuisine is fantastic! With all this crazy climate, things just grow in Brazil. One of the best things to do in Brazil is eating your body weight in exotic edibles.

Fruit drops off trees faster than you can eat it. I had 2 months of mangos and avocados coming out of my ears.

Traditionally, Brazilian food is a mix of European, Amerindian, and African styles. That being said, Brazilian cuisine is extremely variable. The food on your plate could be completely different depending on what region you’re in.

Broadly speaking, each region will use more or less a specific culinary style. The Northeast will be lots of African food. The Amazon will have more Amerindian food. The Southeast will have more European food.

Must-Try Dishes in Brazil

There are plenty of dishes that are essential to try when you’re visiting Brazil. Here is a list of some top ones.

• feijão  – bean stew with meat and vegetables
• acai  – dark berry often served sorbet style
• pão de queijo – cheesey bread bites
• Romeu e Julieta – guava paste – in cheese, obviously
• coxinhas  – magic fried stuffed mashed potato
• vatapa  – creamy dish w/ shrimp, nuts, coconut
• acarajé – hard to describe but damn delicious
• pastéis  – fried pastries
• beijinho de coco  – coconut truffles
• churrasco – barbecued meats
• cachaça  – distilled spirit made from sugarcane
• caipirinha  – mixed drink using cachaça, fruit, and sugar

A Brief History of Brazil

The history of Brazil dates long before the arrival of the Portuguese. For thousands of years, indigenous people – specifically, the tupi and guarani – inhabited this land.

Unlike the Peruvian Maya, they were a nomadic people who moved frequently in pursuit of food and treasures, like the brazilwood, cherished for the red dye it yields. Most of these people died from diseases brought by visiting Europeans. Many indigenous people never even met a European, though they still perished from their diseases.

Following the arrival of Europeans in the 17th Century, Brazil became a colony of ‘the new world’. The region was mostly controlled by the Portuguese Empire, though the Dutch held a few settlements in the north around Recife.

For centuries to come, the Portuguese would fight with the Dutch, Amerindians, and revolting slaves. The discovery of sugar, gold, rubber, and other precious resources made Brazil a valuable place.

In 1822, Brazil became independent from Portugal. This iteration was labelled the Brazilian Empire and included modern-day Brazil and Uruguay.

Slavery was widely practiced , even more so than in the United States. Over the next 150 years, Brazil would morph several times, from kingdom to republic to military dictatorship to what it is today.

Modern-day Brazil is a democratic country. Years of imperialism followed by despotism have left Brazil a nation with much to consider.

Though the nation is immensely rich, inequality is grossly apparent. Many have tried to reform Brazil for the betterment of the people, only to be setback by corruption and greed.

Like many new world countries, Brazil is a question waiting to be answered. Can wealth and social equality coexist? Only time will tell.

Your backpacking Brazil trip is not going to look like anyone else’s. You have the opportunity to make your experience in Brazil totally unique. However you think your trip to Brazil will go, you can very well find yourself falling in love with something (or someone?) and end up with a great story to tell.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Trekking in Brazil

Trekking probably isn’t the first thing that pops into one’s mind when they plan on backpacking through Brazil. It’s a shame because Brazil has some of the best trails in the world .

The best hiking opportunities are usually to be found in the parques nacionais (national parks). Brazil has over 70 national parks, so you have plenty of options.

If you organize treks through tour companies, they will provide you with equipment. Maybe you’ll just need a solid pair of hiking boots . Bringing your own gear is always the best way to save cash though.

Consider buying a tent and a sleeping mat, or ditch both and get a hammock. A wilderness stove is also a good idea for making a kitchen wherever you go.

The Best Hikes in Brazil

• Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro – Large geological area located just north of Rio. Famous for picturesque, organ pipe spires. Passionate climbers may attempt these challenging mountains, including the iconic Dedo de Deus (Finger of God).
• Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro – Oldest national park in Brazil. Good mix of rainforest (Mata Atlântica) and mountainous terrain. Hike up to the Prateleiras massif, or Pico das Agulhas Negras. Stumble across insane waterfalls.
• Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral – Twin parks created to protect the sensitive ecology of Brazil’s southern canyonlands. Located between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande da Sul. Most impressive is Itaimbezinho . Hike either above the rim, or into the reaches via multi-day wilderness backpacking trips.
• Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás – Huge waterfalls, and some of the oldest geology in the world. Latter is thought to have special properties. See the surreal Vale da Lua (Valley of the Moon) and picturesque Santa Barbara Falls. Hike via the park’s two longest trails: Canyons and Saltos.
• Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso – Dramatic highlands complete with waterfalls. Take a short trek to Guimarães’s most recognizable falls – Veú de Noiva. Or see several via the Circuito das Cachoeiras. Hike on the São Jerónimo trail for the panoramic view.
• Chapada Diamantina – One of Brazil’s premier outdoor areas. Consists of escarpments, waterfalls, and underground pools. Must see is one of Brazil’s highest waterfalls, Cachoeira da Fumaça, and the perfectly blue water of Poço Encantado cave. Spend a few hours hiking up to Morro do Pai Inácio for a great view, or several days trekking into the Vale do Patí.

Diving in Brazil

Fernando de Noronha is the best place to go diving in Brazil. Noronha is an archipelago located about 200 miles northeast of Recife in the middle of the Atlantic. Most arrive by plane, but there are ferries running during the high season.

There are lots of coral and sea caves to explore here. The coral isn’t too bright, but the colourful tropical fish more than make up for this. Discover dolphins, turtles, and the occasional whale shark.

Diving aside, Fernando de Noronha is one of the most beautiful places in Brazil. Many locals call it “the Hawaii of Brazil”.

Because of its natural significance, Fernando de Noronha is a designated national park. For that reason, the islands are very regulated in order to preserve the ecosystem. There are very few roads and very few human settlements.

Visiting some islands in the archipelago require permits. No matter where you go, expect high prices; potentially the highest prices that you’ll find while backpacking Brazil.

Joining an Organized Tour in Brazil

For most countries, Brazil included, solo travel is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time and energy while backpacking Brazil, or you just want to be part of an awesome group of travellers, you can opt to join an organized tour .

G Adventures  is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in Brazil for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

Now, armed with your new backpacking Brazil travel guide, you are ready to take on the epic journey. This is one truly mighty country. Brazil will open your eyes and brand your soul.

While this is invigorating, keep your head screwed on. Brazil is one of those countries that doesn’t stop for anyone. No matter what’s going on over there, the hamster wheel is still running. 

You’ll need to bring your best sense of adventure. Using that Portuguese will help you out too.

Brazil tests you, changes you, and you leave feeling like you’ve achieved something massive. Those stories of travelling here are good to tell for the rest of your life. Get ready to be humbled by a nation with a very large heart.

Party hard and party smart. It’s going to be something you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

There’s no doubt: Brazil is a special place. But you’re going to find that out for yourself. Come back and tell me your stories when you do.

• 11 Must-See National Parks in Brazil
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Sebastian Garcia Vivas

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Thank you so much for this easy and detailed guide. A complete resume!

Hey, Great post really informative! If I am planning a 6 month trip what would you say the best time of year to come is? I was thinking of arriving in November? Thanks Lia

November would be a great time to start your trip, its coming into the warmer months of the year then.

Have a great time.

I was enjoying reading the article, buuuut. When you say “Good lord, the people of Porto Alegre make the visit worth it. They are absolutely gorgeous.” it got me.

You just minimize the bautiful people of Brazil. People from Porto Alegre are white european blond, so yeah. It’s just a bad point, make me feel bad.

Hey there Sad Brazilian (if that is what you’d like to be called),

Wasn’t my intention at all to minimize the beauty of the Brazilian people! Sorry if you got that impression. If you had read a bit further down the article you might have noticed that I mention several times that Brazilians people as a whole are probably the most beautiful people in the world.

In regards to Porto Alegre, I just found that people were there were exceptionally beautiful. Also, whilst Porto Alegre does have more European immigrants, I think it is inappropriate to say that there are just blond people there- I met lots of gente morena while I was there and they were equally as beautiful.

Incredibly beautiful pictures! It’s really an absolute delight to watch clicks. I appreciated clearly written and thought-provoking article.

Seriously your post is perfect and complete! I thank you a lot for the effort made and all the details 🙂

Your post couldn’t be more complete! I loved the different itineraries that you made, including routes and places that are off the beaten track. I also agree with your tip to get around Brazil… buses are so easier to get and cheaper too, specially if you leave for the last moment to buy the ticket. Another thing is that with buses you can get to places that the planes don’t… I’d like to include another tip for website to buy bus tickets online: https://brazilbustravel.com/ I usually use this one and I find it very simple and useful 🙂

Brazil is so amazing destination to enjoy natural things and you shared a great guide to that beautiful destination. The packing list is good to enjoy the things of brazil.

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If we only had 2 weeks: North Brazil itinerary

Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely no extra cost to you . This helps with the cost of keeping this site alive so I can continue to guide you on your travels. Please remember that I would never ever ever recommend anything I don’t or wouldn’t use myself. Big thanks to each and every one of you who have trusted my recommendations so far! Lozzy x

We’re lucky enough that our location independent business means that we can travel extra slow. If this is an option to you, we strongly recommend that you take your time, really getting to know and appreciate each country you’re in rather than try to cram as many passport stamps as you can into a few months. We would advise at least one month in each country in Latin America , perhaps with the exception of Panama and Belize, which have less going on.

However, that’s not always possible, as we are often asked by people who only have a 2 week holiday from their jobs where we would prioritise in the given time.

After this ideal 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, I recommend also reading:

• 32 tips for safe travel in South America
• The 15 best Brazilian films and TV series
• Bank ATMs for free cash withdrawals in Latin America

So behold! Here is our 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary for anyone who is tight on time but still wants to soak up the best that this incredible country has to offer. Most visitors flock to the coastlines and landmarks of the South of the country, so by choosing to spend your in the North you’ll definitely being seeing some different spots to the usual Brazil itinerary.

This 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary will have you alternating from colonial cities to beaches in a whirlwind tour of the coastline, ending in an awe-inspiring trip to see the out-of-this-world sand dune lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão. Even though I’ve been there, I’m still jealous that you’ll go!

Things to consider when planning a trip to North Brazil

Remember, Brazil is GINORMOUS, like almost the size of Europe, and plane or bus transport internally tends to be both long and relatively expensive compared to the Latin American average. It’s not unusual to see 20, 30 and 40-hour buses running up and down the country, but luckily we have guides for you on what to look for in a night bus in South America and how to stay safe and comfortable on night buses .

When planning your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, you need to factor in these increased travel times, as well as the fact that routes between cities can’t always be assumed to exist, even if they are both major or they look close on the map. Brazil needs a bit more travel prep than other countries in Latin America, in our experience!

As you only have a fortnight in North Brazil, we highly recommend you fly as much as you can afford so as to save time – for the below 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, this would mean flying from Porto Seguro to Salvador, then Recife to São Luis , and onto Rio de Janeiro to fly back home.

However, if you’re on a budget you can save money on accommodation but taking some of the journeys via night bus – you just may feel a bit groggy the next day!

Even though this is a 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary, we’ll start you off from the most southerly point of the trip, but it’ll probably be in your best interest to connect through Rio de Janeiro as this tends to offer the cheapest flights from Europe or North America. If you’d rather stay around the Rio area, don’t miss out on our 2 weeks South Brazil itinerary , too.

2 weeks North Brazil itinerary:

Here’s a quick run-down of my suggested 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary with recommended places to stay; below I’ll tell you more about what to do in each of these destinations.

What not to miss in your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary

Days 1 to 4: porto seguro.

Kick off your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary with a stroll along the port edge to see all the beautiful houses. Take a bus or rent a car to visit the hilltop church of Santa Cruz Cabrália and then join the beach parties at Axé Moi and Tôa Tôa. on your way back.

The next day, hop on the ferry to Arraial d’Ajuda and add a ribbon of Bonfim (Bahia wish bracelet) to the wall of the Matriz Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda church for good luck before spending an afternoon on the beach. Grab cocktails from one of the stalls on the Passarela do Álcool (alcohol catwalk).

Click here to read my full Porto Seguro guide.

Days 5 to 7: Salvador

Eat grilled cheese as you catch a sunset sitting under the lighthouse in the Barra district, browse Pelourinho in the daytime, have lunch on the balcony of Cafélier (you need to reserve a table in advance!), chill on the beaches of the Rio Vermelho district.

This is the best point in your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary to soak up some spicy city nightlife; the area around Rio Vermelho is a good place to be for it!

Days 8 to 9: Maragogi

Get a tour to Praia dos Carneiros to see some gorgeous beaches and check out the famous green chapel at the water’s edge.

Back in Maragogi, swim in the Gales natural pools and walk the La Barra sand bar out into the sea.

Click here to read my full Maragogi guide.

Days 10 to 13: Barreirinhas (for Lençóis Maranheses)

With absolutely zero doubts in my mind, this will be the highlight of any 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary.

You have a few days here not only to get through the cumbersome transport necessities (like a flight to São Luis via Recife) but also to have a chance to really appreciate the natural wonder of Lençóis Maranhenses. You can also grab some downtime on the sandbacks of Atins.

Click here to read my full Lençóis Maranhenses guide.

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro

Ok, so depending on your flight times this will likely be a fleeting visit, but it’s a perfect way to sign off your 2 weeks North Brazil itinerary. Rio is an absolute hub of vibrance, and there’s a lot you can cram in during a one day stop-over before heading home.

My parents actually hired a taxi driver during their 12-hour connection in the city and ticked off 4 or 5 activities from the list of fantastic things to do in Rio de Janeiro .

Got 3 weeks in North Brazil?

Even better! Definitely add in a trip to Natal (below) and Pipa in between Maragogi and São Luis, though note that the transport between those places isn’t great so your cheapest option afterwards may be to get to Recife to catch a flight or 27-hour (gulp) bus to São Luis. Recife itself is a cool place to spend a couple of days, too.

An easier beachy alternative is to extend your time in the vibrant city of Salvador, getting the ferry over to Morro de São Paolo for a couple of days. If you’re done with the beach life, catch a flight up to Manaus and take some tours down the Amazon river to explore the rainforest.

If you haven’t yet decided where in Latin America to spend your 2 weeks holiday, you might also want to check these out before booking those flights!

• 2 weeks South Brazil itinerary
• 2 weeks Uruguay itinerary
• 2 weeks Peru itinerary
• 2 weeks Colombia itinerary
• 2 weeks Ecuador itinerary
• 2 weeks Belize itinerary
• 2 weeks Nicaragua itinerary
• 2 weeks Guatemala itinerary
• Which country to visit in Latin America?

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Last Updated on 17 October 2022 by Cuppa to Copa Travels

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Brazil Tours & Trips

At the top of your to-do list whilst in Brazil might be to dance the samba during the rainbow spectacle of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro adventure. And don’t forget the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. A visit to Sao Paulo should not be missed, nor should a tour to Iguazu falls .

174 Brazil tour packages with 254 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Best of Brazil

Interesting trip. The beach in Trinadade was beautiful. The beaches on Ihla Grande were underwhelming.

From main Brazilian historic cities to Argentine-Brazilian waterfalls

Rio de Janeiro and Amazon Rainforest Sustainable Experience

Best trip I could have ever imagined. Accommodations, tour guides, activities were top notch. Everyone made sure we were taken care of, that we were enjoying ourselves, etc. Luciana was above and beyond before our trip, during, and even after. I can't thank her enough along with everyone else on the trip that made everything so special for you. I recommend this to every person out there.

• 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.

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Rio de Janeiro with the grandiose waterfalls of Foz & Amazon Jungle

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Fantastic tour and beautiful country!

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Pantanal, Bonito & Iguazu Adventure 9D/8N (from Campo Grande)

Do not book hostel, hostel is terrible

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Costa Verde Explorer 5D/4N

Sooo nice to not have to worry about booking transfers and hostels myself and just check the app for pickup times! (Just be patient with that, as they're rarely on time, in normal true Brazilian style.) Breakfast wasn't booked on my second hostel, but I let Bamba know through the Trip Plans app and they fixed it. Also, my boat tour was cancelled on Ilha Grande due to the weather but replaced with another one, which I enjoyed anyway, so all good. In Paraty, you must pick up your boat tour ticket at the tour office in town, do that the day you arrive! I didn't think the shuttle transport times were too bad (like the other review says), it's nice to just sit back and relax sometimes. Enjoy!

Rio +Angra and Ilha Grande day tour (5 Days)

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

Multicultural Brazil

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What people love about brazil tours.

Luma was amazing. The trip was basic, but she made the trip

We had a blast and all of our tours, drivers, and tour guides were great! A truly unforgettable trip for a family of four (including 9 and 11yo). It all went off without a hitch and we have made some lasting memories. It was a great itinerary giving us ample time to see what we wanted to in Rio, and explore the Amazon without feeling overly rushed and still able to check all the boxes for the highlights! Highly recommend for any traveler looking for some education and adventure.

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Roseate Sponnbill - Birdwatching in Pantanal

PANTANAL JAGUAR SAFARIS is a Brazilian based company, specialized in Jaguar Safaris, Wildlife Tours, Birdwatching, Photography and Natural History Tours to the finest wildlife destinations of Brazil. Owned and operated by professional wildlife biologists, Leen Gillis & André Moratelli, Pantanal Jaguar Safaris takes you in comfort to the wilderness.​​​​​​

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON TOURISM E-VISA TO VISIT BRAZIL : [Official] Brazil Evisa | Tourist eVisa (vfsevisa.com)

THE PANTANAL ​​​​​​ is an ever changing celebrating of life! We bring you in COMFORT to this PRISTINE WILDERNESS and offer front row seats the the finest wildlife show on earth! Join us on one of our Private or small group Tours.

Jaguar  tours.

The best place to photograph jaguars in South America

 cuiabá river | state park.

05 TO 07 NIGHTS

Highlights: Jaguar, Giant Otter, Tapir, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Anaconda

June to November

Porto jofre jaguar safari.

The seldom visited Taiamã Reserve

Paraguay river | taiamã​.

Highlights: Jaguar, Giant Otter, Tapir, Armadillo, Toco Toucan, Osprey, Anaconda

TAIAMÃ JAGUAR SAFARI

Pantanal wilderness, the two best locations to photograph jaguars in one tour, transpantaneira | p. jofre | taiamã.

Highlights: Jaguar, Giant Otter, Tapir, Giant Anteater, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Anaconda

PANTANAL WILDERNESS 

Group  tours, small group tours & fixed departures.

Check out the scheduled Tour dates & Book now your wildlife holiday of 2023

 porto jofre | taiamã | wetlands & savanna s, june to october, puma´s of patagonia.

Check out the scheduled Tour dates for 6N Puma Tour in Patagonia, Chile PUNTA ARENAS | PUERTO NATALES | TORRES DEL PAIN June to Oc tober

Wildlife tours, jaguar safari included, birdwatching and photography in central brazil, pantanal &  savanna, all year round.

BIRDING TOUR

Photographing Jaguars, wildlife and a  fine selection of  neotropical birds

Transpantaneira & porto jofre, pantanal classic tour, overland safaris, boat trips, forest walks, scenery, wildlife photography, pantanal, chapada & nobres.

PANTANAL & SAVANNA

Videos of pantanal jaguar safaris, pantanal & family tours.

Pantanal is the aquatic heart of South America, it is an ever changing celebrating of life! Join us on one of our Private or small group Tours. Our Tours take you in comfort to one of the last trully wilderness in the world.

PJS offers you offer you front row seats to the finest wildlife show on earth.

PANTANAL, the aquatic heart of South America

We hope you love it as much as we do!  💚

Two males fight for supremacy

In July 2018, our guide André alongside his guests managed to capture this dispute between Juru and Scarface at close range from our speedboat. Scarface shows submission to the newcomer as he puts his tail between his legs. The newcomer Juru is quickly climbing his way to supremacy. The Meeting of the Waters State Park (Porto Jofre), located at the Northern Pantanal, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, is one of the hot spots of jaguar safaris in South America.

Jaguar takes down large caiman

This video was shot by our guest John Medlock & wildlife guide Leen Gillis in Porto Jofre in October 2016. We found ourselves marveled at this male jaguar power.

No other big cat is as active as Jaguars at day time. Our Safaris often produce amazing encounters with jaguars in action, which provides photographers great photo opportunities. Since 2013, all of our guests watched and photographed Jaguars on our Safaris (minimum of 03 nights at Porto Jofre or Taiamã Reserve).

Jaguar killing caiman in Pantanal

In the recent years, the Pantanal has emerged as one of the best places in the world, if not the best place in the world, to watch and photograph Jaguars in the wild. Pantanal Jaguar Safaris takes his travelers to the realm of the Jaguars, into the depths of Pantanal, in search of this elusive cat along the rivers.

This video was taken in September 2013 during one of our Jaguar Safaris in the Meeting of the Waters State Park, Northern Pantanal.

Jaguars mating in the wild

Since 2013 all of our guests watched and photographed Jaguars at close range for extended periods (Minimum three nights at Porto Jofre or Taiamã Reserve). We can observe their daily activities from comfortable motorboats making the most of the Pantanal's photographic potential. 

This video footage was taken by André Moratelli in 2013. Our guests watched and photographed these Jaguars mating on the riverbanks of the Piquiri river for two and half hours.

TESTIMONIALS

Steve Brandon, Chattanooga, USA - Pantanal North & South July 2019

"Unbelievable experience!" written on TripAdvisor

We booked our trip through Pantanal Jaguar Safaris. Leen was extremely helpful in designing our tirp and booking all of the details (including sending shampoo and conditioner with the bush plane pilot!) Andre was our guide. He has his own boat at Hotel Pantanal Norte - the only boat with a canopy -- up when needed against the sun and down when you need to be photographing jaguars and birds. Andre is very patient with nature staying with the jaguar to get some amazing shots. If you've been to Africa you know about "sundowners", we were not disappointed sitting on the boat in the middle of the river, sipping cocktails, watching the sun go down. Definitely recommend booking with Pantanal Jaguar Safaris.

Family Ley , Germany –  Pantanal Photography tour, September 2019

"incredible trip of returning guests" written on tripadvisor.

We have been returning guests to the Pantanal with Pantanal Jaguar Safaris for the second year in a row. It was again an overall fantastic trip to say the least. There are many reasons for why; however I would like to highlight a few: 1. Andre, who is one of the managers was our guide and boatman in the Pantanal. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and was able to position us in the perfect spot always. He is a keen photographer himself, which is a huge plus, as he understands light, composition and scenery. This allows for outstanding photographic opportunities. We are into birding as well and were amazed by Andre’s expertise.  

John & Janet Rochester, Great Britain - Wetlands and Savannas 2019. 

"Brilliant Personalised Safari" written on TripAdvisor.

This was an amazing trip. Second time visiting the pantanal, previous holiday with a different company's group tour of 12 which was OK but had significant frustrations. For this trip with Pantanal Jaguar Safaris we wanted to be able to see and do what we wanted but with the benefit of someone who knew how to do this. Our first 10 days in the Pantanal Andre took the time to find out exactly what we wanted, he was friendly, knowledgeable and clearly as passionate about the wildlife and ecosystem as we were. We saw a huge amount of wild life - animals and birds, with the opportunity to stop for photography at any time requested. The second part of our trip was in Chapada with, at our request, more emphasis on birds. Leen was equally as friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

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