Brazil
Lose yourself in samba rhythms, endless rainforests and sun-soaked beaches.
Rio de Janeiro is a must for any first-time visitors to Brazil. It’s arguably the most visually beautiful city in the world. Despite the negative press it sometimes receives, the city is a joy to visit. Take the cog train up to Corcovado and look down on the Zona Sul – forests, favelas, beaches, and bay – making its nickname, Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvellous City), feel entirely fitting.
Most visitors also include Iguassu Falls in the south, and rightly so. They are among the most impressive waterfalls in the world, surpassing Victoria and Niagara. Staying in the south also gives access to Santa Catarina’s beaches, famous for surfing and whale-watching. Inland, European communities host events like the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest. The south is excellent for beer and wine, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, home to Brazil’s finest vineyards producing superb sparkling whites.
Many bypass São Paulo, but it’s a vibrant city with fabulous shopping, nightlife, and top-tier restaurants. It’s also Brazil’s cultural capital. Head northwest to the Pantanal, Latin America’s premier wildlife destination. A paradise for wildlife lovers, it’s the world’s best place to spot jaguars, plus a variety of mammals and extraordinary birdlife.
The Amazon is more famous and offers a deeper immersion into nature. Wildlife sightings are fewer than in the Pantanal, but the overall experience compensates. Explore by boat or yacht, and if possible, visit both the northern and southern Amazon.
Portugal’s legacy is visible throughout Brazil – in colonial towns like Salvador, Paraty, Olinda, and Ouro Preto, and in historic fazendas, once grand homesteads now open to visitors.
Brazil also boasts superb trekking in national parks like Chapada Diamantina and surreal beauty in the sand dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses.
The beach is central to Brazilian life. Options range from the windswept, world-class kite and windsurfing beaches of the north to Bahia’s cool coastal spots like Trancoso. Fernando de Noronha, home to Baía do Sancho—often voted the world’s best beach—offers spectacular diving and marine life.
If you visit only once, go during Carnival, the world’s biggest party. Whenever you go, you’ll find a warm, diverse country perfect for a luxury family holiday.
- Currency
- Time Zone
- Language
- CAPITAL CITY
- NATIONAL DISH
- PEAK TIME
Key Experiences
- Wildlife
Spot jaguars in the Pantanal, cruise the Amazon in search of monkeys and sloths and marvel at Brazil’s incredible birdlife and biodiversity.
- Natural Wonders
Feel the power of Iguassu Falls, hike the dramatic Chapada Diamantina, and explore the surreal dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses.
- Beaches
From Trancoso’s cool vibes to world-class surfing in the north and pristine diving in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil’s coast is unforgettable.
Key Locations
When to Visit Brazil
Brazil is a year-round destination for the most part, though the best regions to visit vary by season due to its vast size and diverse climates.
BEST WEATHER IN Brazil
- Best
- Good
- Average
Sample Itineraries
Our Brazil
The Humboldt team’s Brazil highlights
You just have to try…
“No trip to Brazil is complete without trying the national dish, feijoada – it’s this rich, smoky black bean stew with tender pork that I had on my last night.
We walked over to Ipanema for a beer on the beach after our meal and it was certainly an evening well spent!”
HEAD OF PRODUCT
FAQs
A week in Brazil could be a nice getaway to a particular region of Brazil, say a busy week exploring the landmarks in Rio de Janeiro or a relaxing beach stay in Bahia, though 10 days to three weeks is ideal if you want to experience the country’s diversity without feeling rushed. It’s a big country so it’s important to allow time to travel across the country’s diverse landscapes. A longer stay will allow you to combine multiple destinations, such as Rio, the Amazon, Iguacu Falls, or the Pantanal, balancing vibrant cities with nature and cultural immersion.
Brazil shares borders with nine countries, making it ideal for a multi-country South American trip. Our favourite pairing is with Argentina, via Iguacu Falls, for a taste of Argentinian food and wine and a different landscape to Brazil. Peru, Bolivia and Colombia also pair nicely with direct flights.
It’s worth checking your country’s specific requirement, as these are subject to change. For now, UK travellers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. As of 10 April 2025, US travellers need an e-visa, which would need to be purchased ahead of your holiday.
While no vaccinations are legally required for entry into Brazil for most travellers, certain vaccines are strongly recommended for certain parts of the country. The yellow fever vaccine is advised, especially if you plan to visit regions like the Amazon, Pantanal, or inland areas. Routine vaccinations such as MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A, and typhoid are also recommended. If you’re traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, proof of vaccination may be required. It’s best to consult a travel clinic at least 4 – 6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.
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