Planning a Trip to Brazil: Ultimate Guide

What to Know Before Visiting Brazil

Planning a trip to Brazil can feel intimidating. You may be sure where to start or what information is important to know before you visit. However, planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be exciting and fulfilling. We’re here to help. Below are some of the most important logistics to know about Brazil before you travel.

Brazil Travel Safety

Reopening status: Brazil has reopened its borders to international visitors including those coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine upon arrival: There are no mandatory quarantines or coronavirus testing but travelers, no matter their country of origin, will have their temperature taken at the airport. They will also need to present proof of health insurance that covers Covid-19 and is valid in Brazil.

Current State Department Advisory: Level 4 (Do Not Travel)

This rating is due to Covid-19. It is also recommended to exercise increased caution when visiting Brazil due to crime. Common crimes include armed robbery, and carjacking which often occur in urban areas. Don't travel to land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay or Informal housing developments and administrative regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa at night due to crime.

Current CDC Alert Level: 3 (Avoid non essential travel due to Covid-19)

Choosing an expert Brazil travel planner is a great option when choosing a trip to Brazil. They will help you find destinations, accommodations and attractions that have reopened after the outbreak of Covid-19.

Read more about where it's safe to travel now »

What Language is Spoken in Brazil?

While often confused for a Spanish speaking country, the main language in Brazil is actually Portuguese. Before visiting, it would be beneficial to learn a few key Portuguses phrases. This will help you navigate if you need directions or get lost and will help you at restaurants or when interacting with locals.

Here are the top five phrases you should definitely know before visiting Brazil.

1. Alô (Hello)

2. Você fala inglês? (Do you speak English?)

3. Obrigado (Thank you)

4. Onde? (Where)

5. Quanto? (How much?)

Brazil Transportation

If you want to visit many different destinations in Brazil it’s best to note that the country is very large. This means you won’t always have the time or luxury to travel from one destination of your tour to the next by bus or car. Domestic flights are a great form of transportation to save time that you can spend exploring this beautiful country.

If you are traveling more locally, hiring a car is the safest and most cost efficient way to get around. Renting a car is another great option to get from one place to the next, all on your own time. Large metropolitan areas like Rio or Sao Paulo have metro trains that can help get you from one place to the next. However, in most other cities in Brazil, bus systems are a better bet when commuting. 

When you work with a Brazil trip designer, they will take care of these logistics for you. With their local knowledge of Brazil, they can give you local insights such as how and where to rent the car for the best price, the fastest way from point A to B and many more transportation assistance. Many trip designers even run on a 24/7 basis so if you hit a problem with transportation you can call them and they will help you sort it out. You don’t have to be the expert when you work with one. 

Brazil Visas

Acquiring a visa is a major part of planning to visit Brazil. Travelers will need to apply for a tourist visa prior to visiting. They cost around $80 and are valid for 90 days. The processing takes about a week so make sure you give yourself enough time prior to your take off date.

The Best Time to Visit Brazil

Whatever your travel style, interests and budget are, there will be a specific time that is best for you to visit Brazil. Summer months in Brazil are from December to March and the winter months are June to September. With this in mind, there are many different “best” times to visit Brazil depending on the experience you’re looking for.

If you’re looking to avoid overcrowded tourist attractions and destinations, the spring months of September to October are the perfect times to visit. You’ll get to enjoy a more peaceful trip while also avoiding the chilly winter weather. If you’re looking for a warm stay with a lot of sun and opportunity to meet new people, the summer months are the best time to visit.

One very popular event is Carnival which is in February. If this is an event that you want to participate in then visiting during the summer months would be best. However, if you want to avoid the massive amounts of people that visit Brazil just for this event, it may be best not to visit in February as many hotels and accommodations will be booked. 

If you’ve decided Carnival is an event you want to experience, working with a travel designer is the best way to find accommodations. This time of year and in this one area, the competition for a good hotel room will be high. Be sure to work with your trip designer far in advance and put their local knowledge to good use. They will know good hotels nearby or even a hotel overlooked by the crowds that will keep you close to all the action.

Best Time to Visit Brazil For an Amazon River Cruise

A major destination to consider when visiting Brazil is the Amazon which brings its own best times to visit. This location is always very hot but different months bring different river levels. From July to December there are low water levels which means better trail access, fishing and wildlife viewing of crocodiles.

Between January and June are the high water months. During this time there will be higher river water which results in better river accessibility. This is a great time for swimming. However, this time is also marked by cooler temperatures and daily rain showers.If you visit the Amazon during these months then you will be traveling by canoe rather than on foot.

Best Places to Visit in Brazil

With Brazil being such a large country and having so many great destinations, it can be hard to choose which ones to include in your trip. When planning your Brazil vacation, deciding where you want to go is a big part of it. What destinations fit your travel style, interests and budget? Below are some of the top destinations in Brazil to consider when planning your trip.

Rio de Janeiro: A popular destination that’s known all over the world, Rio is home to many experiences. Here you can find mountains, beaches, nightlife and entertainment such as sports. The beaches are the most popular of the area and can include activities such as biking, hiking, rock climbing and sailing.

São Paulo: Rich with culture, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. Here you can visit parks, museums, theaters, cathedrals, markets and art galleries. This destination may feel a little chaotic with all the people moving about but it’s an immersive experience you shouldn’t miss.

Fortaleza: If you’re looking for a lively but relaxing visit, be sure to include this in your itinerary. Fortaleza has amazing beaches, shopping areas, restaurants and movie theaters. This is a popular destination for tourists and attracts many of them because of the beaches. You can go swimming, fishing and surfing.

Ouro Preto: This destination is picturesque and well preserved of its colonial architecture. This is a great destination for history buffs who get excited by the idea of walking among the old buildings and 18th century churches. Many travelers are also drawn to this destination because of its colorful carnival it holds in its streets.

Pantanal: A great destination for wildlife lovers, Pantanal is a diverse tropical wetland. It’s a popular destination for its beautiful natural landscapes that include swamps, savannas and forests. Travelers can expect to get an opportunity to see the South American jaguar among other wildlife. 

Things to Do in Brazil

Brazil is rich with a multitude of different experiences to be had. There’s something for the history buff, cultural enthusiast, nature lover and adventure seeker alike. When going through this list, keep your travel style and interest in mind to see if these things to do in Brazil are right for you.

Hiking: Brazil is home to many national parks, mountains and forests alike. This makes for great terrain for the traveler interested in exploring it all on foot. Some of the best treks in Brazil include Pedra Do Telégrafo Trek, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Trek and Chapada Dos Veadeiros National Park Trek.

Visit museums: When visiting Brazil, you will find many museums from historical to cultural to art galleries. This is a great way to get to the heart of the country and perfect for those that want to learn more. Some of the top museums to visit in Brazil are Museum of Tomorrow, Museum of Art of Sao Paulo and Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo.

Explore markets: There’s no better way to immerse yourself in culture than exploring some of the local markets. From food to clothes and jewelry to souvenirs, there’s something fun to find for everyone. Some of the best markets to visit are Municipal Market of São Paulo, Modelo Market of Salvador and The Ver-o-Peso Market of Belem.

Beach lounging: Brazil is iconic for its wonderful beaches. Soaking up the sun and getting out in the water is a great experience while visiting. Some of the best beaches include Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Santos Beach in Sao Paulo and Praia do Espelho in Bahia.

Brazil Tours

There are many ways to see Brazil from private guided to independent tours. It all depends on your preferred travel style. However, no matter which one you choose, you won’t go wrong. No matter how you explore Brazil, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories.

Private Guided Tours: One way to see Brazil is with a private tour. This experience provides a tour guide dedicated entirely to you. With such a personalized experience, it is easier to have intimate and immersive experiences in Brazil.

See all Brazil private guided tours »

Self-Guided Tours: This type of travel style is completely independent from a guide or group. You will have an itinerary and destinations to tour and visit but you do it on your own, discovering Brazil independently.

See all Brazil Self-Guided Tours »

Custom Tours: Instead of following a pre-planned itinerary, custom tours allow you to create the trip of your dreams. Include the perfect accommodations, destinations and activities for your travel style and budget.

Guided Group Tours: Similar to the private guided tour, a tour guide will show you around Brazil at tourist attractions and other destinations. However, you will be part of a group of people that will be led by the same tour guide. While not as intimate of an experience with the tour guide, this is a great option for travelers looking to meet like minded people. While many group tour operators have increased their safety precautions, this type of travel may not be right for everyone during the pandemic. You may want to consider other options if you are worried about the risks of Covid-19.

See all Brazil guided tours »

Working With a Brazil Travel Planner

If custom tours and crafting your perfect trip sounded right for you then working with a travel planner is a must. A travel planner isn’t someone who is going to do everything for you and take away the fun of creating your dream trip. They are there to help you and guide you with their expertise in the destination. It’s a dual effort and a combination of everything you each bring to the table.

They’ll help you find the best accommodations for your budget and arrange the best activities for your interests. Then they will take care of the hassle so you don’t have to. A travel planner will book all the hotels and flights as well as schedule the tours and attraction visits. This allows you to have all the fun of creating without the stress of coordinating.

For Brazil specifically, a travel planner will help you find the best beaches to visit, the top resorts, the best nature destinations and the top classical tourist attractions. With their insider knowledge, they’ll be able to provide insight into what experiences are worth your time and fit your interests. Then they will book it all for you and all you need to do is go and experience.

Find a Brazil travel planner >>

Step-By-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Brazil

Below is a simple 8 step guide to planning your trip to Brazil.

1. Start the process of getting a visa - it takes longer than you think!

2. Find a travel planner

3. Research the best destinations and things to do in Brazil

4. Choose a travel style

5. Choose the best time to visit

6. Plan your Brazil itinerary

7. Sit back and let your travel planner book all the accommodations and tours

8. Go! Brazil awaits you.