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1 month in Brazil: our detailed itinerary…

• Posted by Perine
• October 15, 2018
• brazil , itinerary , one month , travel tips

From mid-September to mid-October 2018 we had the chance to explore this beautiful country: Brazil ! We went from Sao Paulo , in the South, up to Jericoacoara in the North.

Our first reflexion is : damn this country is so big!!! Coming from our little Europe it was difficult for us to apprehend the distances. Our itinerary was very ambitious and this was  probably too much for our month long tour. Even so, we were very happy to be able to have a glimpse at the different regions. This will also help us decide what to visit or revisit on our next Brazilian visit! 😉

Another surprise: the South in the winter is not as mild as we imagined. Just exiting winter into spring, it was much colder than expected, especially in comparison to the North where it was super warm even if summer had not started yet. Oh well, lesson learned.

What we liked the most during this month : discovering different landscapes both urban and natural; the food and fresh fruit juices; the helpfulness of random people (once a guy carrying a huge heavy bag on his shoulder stopped to give us indications while seeing we were confused about where to go!). We can say that we are more than impressed by the kindness of regular people.

What we liked the least during this month : observing the very visible contrast between social layers; in some places the sellers were quite aggressive in their approach; that everything is so far away, limiting the number of places you can see in one go. We also did not like to leave behind these amazing fruits behind 😛

Our itinerary:

2 days in sao paulo.

We had a bit of trouble understanding this huge city and we are not sure we completely liked it. We were very lucky to meet our friend and his daughter in Sao Paulo, since they presented us the “other side” of the city which offered us the opportunity to experience the city from the perspective of the locals. We followed them and their advices around the city and it gave us a good overview of the life in Sao Paulo. We also enjoyed two very good evenings in their company: thank you again!

Read our articles about our experience in Sao Paulo  here (the city of contrasts) and here (2 days in Sao Paulo) .

We believe 2 days there have been enough to explore the main attractions.

4 days around Sao Paulo

We were very fortunate to be invited at our friend’s farm for a few days (read article – relaxing near Sao Paulo ) of relaxation. From there we could discover the nearest cities and have a feeling of the local culture and the non-touristic areas.

We also got to spend a day by the beach South of Sao Paulo on Ilha Comprida (read article – visit Cananeia and Ilha Comprida ) , which was also a very nice experience.

Ilha Comprida and the State Park South of Cananeia seemed amazing and spending a few days there could be a great idea if you have some time (and good weather).

2 days on the Costa Verde: Paraty and Trindade

Located on the Costa Verde in between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a stop we highly recommend. We were there off-season so not sure how touristic it normally gets but we really liked this charming colonial village , its vibe and how its inhabitants genuinely care for the place (read article – Visit Paraty ).

When you are in Paraty, you also need to spend a day in Trindade to enjoy its beautiful beaches. Trinidade is close to Paraty and it can be accessed by public bus from the city. Walk your way all the way to the natural pool to swim in a naturally protected area. The area is useful due to the big waves and currents. There you can enjoy the postcard kind of landscape! (read  article – Paradisiac beaches in Trinidade )

We would suggest to stay longer than 2 days in Paraty in order to include a boat tour, which we regretted not having done.

5 days in Rio de Janeiro

Ah Rio… the famous beaches, the Corcovado, the Carnival, the samba, the caipirinhas, the Sugar Loaf…

Silviu’s first time in this city was mainly for paragliding; but now with me it was time to explore some more from the ground, not only from the air. We had a great stay in Rio alternating cultural visits (read our article about our visit of the center ), hiking our way up the view points (read our article about our hike up the Corcovado ) or just relaxing at the beach !

Read our article to discover our recommendations on how to spend 5 days in Rio !

4 days in Chapada Diamantina

We heard about Chapada Diamantina some time ago, in particular about the trek in the Vale do Pati which is known to be one of the best of Brazil… we knew we had to go!

Arriving by night bus in Lençóis (the city gate), we were able to settle down early morning and explore the charming city and its beautiful surrounding of Lençóis (read article about Lencois )

The next day we took of for 3 wonderful and tiring days hiking through the Vale do Pati (read article about Chapada Diamantina )

We completely recommend it! Although in full summer it might get very warm which is adding some challenge but luckily there are many rivers and waterfalls on the way.

4 days in Salvador de Bahia

We stayed longer than expected in Salvador because we both got sick…But this also gave us time to discover at a slow pace this complex city.

Walking around the Pelourinho is a must-do to apprehend the history of the city, its mix of culture and its nightlife… in a safe way! Best time to visit this neighborhood is by the end of the afternoon and in the evening when its streets get animated. You should also extend your visit walking towards Barra beach so you can discover other neighborhoods (read article about Salvador de Bahia )

A 2-3 days stay seem enough for us in Salvador unless you spend some more days exploring the region (like Praia do Forte and its turtles).

2 days in Recife and Olinda

We didn’t really have time to explore Recife  in detail except from its seafront. Please note that you cannot swim in Recife because of the presence of sharks.

Our main objective stopping in Recife was to open the opportunity to discover Olinda . The little town next located next to Recife was very pleasant. We walked through this colonial colorful district located up a hill and had a very nice lunch. People say that Olinda is “the pearl of Brazil”, but we think otherwise.

Read our article about Olinda to have more details about our brief passage there.

We personally feel like we could have skipped that part and win some time on the transportation by heading directly from Salvador to Fortaleza, but you never know until you don’t experience it. 🙂

6 days in Ceara state, Nordeste

During those 6 days in the land of wind we were able to discover 4 locations.

We first spent 2 days in the city of  Fortaleza , enjoying its beaches and discovering the center. We then hit the road by car up to Cubumco , a famous beach and kite-surfing spot, before continuing towards Prea , a small fishermen village at the gate of Jericoacoara Park . We finally discovered Jericoacoara’s  famous city and dunes in one evening. Read  article about Ceara .

We definitely loved this area and in particular the peacefulness of Prea. Silviu was also able to learn kite-surfing . We wished we would have stayed longer and maybe also take the opportunity to discover the Park of Lençois Maranhenses. Next time we know better!

2 days in Iguaçu

Foz de Iguaçu as a city itself does not have any special interest. But we wanted to take our time to visit the Iguaçu waterfalls and therefore to not do everything in one day (arriving, visiting the National Park, going to Argentina).

Now, realistically speaking it is completely feasible to do it in one day as it only takes about 3 hours to visit the Iguaçu Falls on the Brazilian side.

You can find all the information and our recommendation about the visit and the border crossing in our article about the Iguaçu waterfalls on the Brazilian side .

How to travel within Brazil?

Between cities

There are two main ways of transportation between cities: by plane or by bus . You should always compare both options since the plane happens to sometimes be cheaper (as well as much faster of course). We flew with Latam, Gol and Avianca and had no issues with any of them. Note that Azul Linheas can also be an interesting option for less usual routes!

You will also need to choose between night and day buses . In our opinion this option should depend on the length of the journey (more than 7 hours means you would lose a full day in transportation) and of the route (are there any landscapes to see or it will mainly be highways?).

Finally know that they are different classes of buses : convencional, executivo. semi-leito, leito (from lowest to highest). The difference concerns mainly the space between seats, the width and level of inclination (the leito category being a bed). The convencional category is the only one where you may not have toilets in the bus; but no worries the bus will stop every 3 hours. Some extra-services might also be included, such as screen, free water, blankets, USB plugs… The prices will vary accordingly. But for long journeys it can really make a difference so you might want to think about it!

Inside cities

We used Uber mostly when the public transportation was no so easy (from and to the airport for instance). But whenever we had an easy option, we would opt for the bus or subway . The reason for preferring Uber over multiple bus connections is not only the convenience but also that multiple buses means you have to pay your ticket several time. in the end it might not be such a big difference compared to Uber, since it is pretty cheap! We find Uber to be a safe option too in Brazil.

How do you like our itinerary?

I hope our comments and suggestions will help you define the itinerary that works best for you. There is so much to see in this giant country. Please let us know if you find anything else worth visiting.

If you have questions don’t hesitate to contact us 🙂

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3 thoughts on “ 1 month in Brazil: our detailed itinerary… ”

So beautiful to see.

Great itinerary! But why didn’t you take advantage of being in Sao Paulo and traveled until Florianopolis? The island is so beautiful, there are paradise like beaches there. The landscapes are so spectacular. You have to meet it someday! A tip is to buy bus tickets online (to save time) and enjoy the trip!

Go to Lençóis Maranhenses, it is the most beautiful place on all Brazil (I am a local).

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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.

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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• Things to do in São Paulo on ANY Budget

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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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Recommended Brazil Travel Itineraries

Brazil is a massive country that requires a fair amount of dedication to travel completely.  Personally, I spent 3 months in the country and felt like I could have spent a year exploring each nook and cranny.  I would like to say that I hit nearly every major spot in the country during my exploration, but that isn’t to say that I couldn’t have visited more places.  I have included below a number of travel itineraries that I recommend for Brazil .  They have been put together in a way to make sure that you get the most out of your time in Brazil.  Whether you only have 10 days or 2 months, there is a Brazil travel itinerary set up for you.  These itineraries are written as though your means of transportation is bus but, of course, there is always more than one way to skin a cat.  Personally, I travel nearly all the time over land, but air travel in Brazil is widely popular and quite affordable if booked in advance.

Of course, these travel itineraries for Brazil are meant as a guide and are by no means the only way to travel the country.  If you have any questions about travelling Brazil in any capacity please don’t hesitate to contact me .

Itinerary 1: The Loop (39 Days)

The loop itinerary is meant to give you the most extensive possible travel experience in Brazil.  This itinerary offers a little bit of everything: beaches, cities, wildlife and natural wonder.  If you have a lot of time to spend in Brazil this might be the itinerary for you.  You might also want to check itinerary 6 if you have a lot of time and prefer not to do a loop.

• Days 1-4 Rio de Janerio
• Days 5: Bus to Ilha Grande
• Days 6-7: Explore the island, maybe go for a hike
• Day 8: Bus to Paraty
• Day 9: Explore Paraty
• Day 10: Visit beaches nearby Paraty
• Day 11: Bus to Sao Paulo
• Day 12: Explore Sao Paulo (Football museum is a must)
• Day 13: Morning in Sao Paulo with night bus to Florianopolis
• Day 14: Arrive in Floripa, head to Barra Lagoa
• Days 15-17: Florianopolis
• Day 18: Bus to Curitiba
• Day 19: Curitiba
• Day 20: Morning in Curitiba, Afternoon bus to Iguazu Falls
• Day 21: Iguazu: Brazilian site
• Day 22: Take day trip to Argentinean side of falls
• Day 23: Bus to Campo Grande
• Day 24-26: Pantanal wildlife tour
• Day 28: Night bus to Brasilia
• Days 29-30: Brasilia
• Day 31: Night bus to Salvador de Bahia
• Days 32-34: Salvador
• Day 35: Bus to Porto Seguro
• Day 36-37: Porto Seguro and Trancoso
• Day 38: Night bus to Rio
• Day 39: End in Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary 2: The Southern Loop (24 Days)

The southern loop itinerary is meant to give visitors to Brazil a quick look at the highlights of the country without over extending all too much.  This itinerary still gives travellers the chance to see some of the most amazing places in the country while not travelling the massive distance to get to the north of the country.  This itinerary is meant for those who do not have a whole lot of time in the country but still want to experience a little of everything.

• Day 5: Bus to Paraty
• Day 6: Explore Paraty
• Day 7: Visit beaches nearby Paraty
• Day 8: Morning in Paraty, night bus to Curitiba
• Day 9: Curitiba
• Day 10: Bus to Florianopolis
• Days 11-13: Florianopolis
• Day 14: Night bus to Iguazu Falls
• Day 15: Iguazu: Brazilian site
• Day 16: Take day trip to Argentinean side of falls
• Day 17: Bus to Campo Grande
• Days 18-20 Pantanal Wildlife tour
• Day 21: Bus to Sao Paulo
• Day 22: Explore Sao Paulo
• Day 23: Morning in Sao Paulo with night bus to Rio
• Day 24: End in Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary 3: Cultural Brazil (19 Days)

If you find yourself on a search for history rather than a hunt for beach destinations than you might want to consider the “Cultural Brazil” travel itinerary.  This itinerary guides visitors to some of the more important historical regions of Brazil while still offering some time on the beach to catch a bit of that Brazilian sun.  Obviously, with a little bit more time one could also include a trip to the famous Iguazu Falls to this trip.  Brazil has a lot of offer in terms of history and culture and this itinerary will be sure to fill your spirits with the Brazilian character.

• Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro
• Day 4: Bus to Paraty
• Day 5: Explore Paraty
• Day 6: Explore beaches near Paraty or historical hiking trail
• Day 7: Bus to Sao Paulo
• Days 8-9: Explore Sao Paulo
• Day 10: Overnight bus to Belo Horizonte (10hrs)
• Days 11-12 Belo Horizonte
• Day 13: Night bus to Salvador de Bahia
• Days 14-16 Salvador
• Day 15: Bus to Porto Seguro
• Days 16-17: Porto Seguro
• Day 18: Bus to Rio
• Day 19: End in Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary 4: From Uruguay to Rio (24 Days)

If you are coming from Uruguay and heading to Rio de Janeiro you will basically have everything laid out for you in terms of Brazilian destination hot spots.  This is probably the most popular route of travel, especially for travellers that fall in the class of backpackers.  If you don’t really care about visiting Florianopolis, and prefer not to cross Uruguay, this itinerary is also possible if you start from the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls.

• Day 1: Arrive in Porto Alegre
• Day 2: Porto Alegre
• Day 3: Bus to Florianopolis
• Days 5-7: Florianopolis
• Day 8: Night bus to Foz do Iguacu
• Day 9: Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
• Day 10: Day trip to the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls
• Day 11: Night bus to Curitiba
• Day 12: Curitiba
• Day 13: Night bus to Sao Paulo
• Days 14-15: Sao Paulo
• Day 16: Bus to Paraty
• Days 17-18: Paraty
• Day 19: Bus to Rio
• Days 20-23: Rio de Janeiro
• Day 24: End in Rio

Itinerary 5: From Bolivia to Rio (27 Days)

Coming from Brazil and travelling to Rio perhaps gives you the greatest swath of available destination opportunities starting with the wildlife rich Pantanal and ending with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.  This itinerary will give you a great means of exploring the best of what Southern Brazil has to offer.

• Day 1: Arrive in Campo Grande from Bolivia
• Days 2-4: Pantanal wildlife tour
• Day 5: Campo Grande and Night bus to Iguazu Falls
• Day 6: Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
• Day 7: Day trip to the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls
• Day 8: Bus to Curitiba
• Day 14: Night bus to Sao Paulo
• Days 15-16: Sao Paulo
• Day 17: Bus to Paraty
• Days 18-19: Paraty
• Day 20: Bus to Ilha Grande
• Days 21-22: Ilha Grande
• Day 23: Bus to Rio de Janeiro
• Days 24-26: Rio
• Day 27: End in Rio de Janeiro

Campo Grande-Iguasu-Curitiba-Florianopolis-Sao Paulo-Parati-Ihla Grande-Rio

Itinerary 6: Complete Brazil: From Uruguay to Venezuela (73 Days)

When I travelled Brazil, I basically did a variation of this Itinerary Although my itinerary was different since I left Brazil for French Guyana instead of Venezuela (although I did eventually cross the border from Brazil to Venezuela).  This trip is a true adventure if you have the time, or if like myself, you are circumnavigating South America trying to see all its glory.  Quite obviously, this itinerary can be manipulated with a quick flight back to Rio de Janeiro at the end if you are trying to avoid Venezuela.  This itinerary is extensive and long, however, if you are up to it, this is a great adventure.

• Day 1: Porto Alegre
• Day 2: Bus to Florianopolis
• Days 3-5: Folianopolis
• Day 6: Bus to Curitiba
• Day 7: Curitiba
• Day 8: Catch the train to the coast and boat to Ilha do Mel
• Day 9-10: Ilha do Mel
• Day 11: Bus back to Curitiba and overnight bus to Foz do Iguasu
• Day 12: Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
• Day 13: Day trip to Argentineans side of Iguazzu Falls
• Day 14: Bus to Campo Grande
• Days 15-17: Panatanal wildlife tour
• Day 18: Bus to Sao Paulo
• Days 19-20: Sao Paulo
• Day 21: Bus to Parati
• Days 22-23: Parati
• Day 24: Bus to Ilha Grande
• Days 25-27: Ilha Grande
• Day 28: Bus to Rio de Janeiro
• Days 29-32: Rio de Janeiro
• Day 33: Bus to Belo Horizonte
• Days 34-36: Belo Horizonte
• Day 37: Bus to Porto Seguro
• Days 38-40: Porto Seguro and Trancoso
• Day 41: Bus to Salvador de Bahia
• Days 42-44: Salvador de Bahia
• Day 45: Bus to Recife
• Days 46-48: Recife and Olinda
• Day 49: Bus to Fortaleza
• Days 50-51: Fortaleza
• Day 52: Bus to Jericoacoara
• Days 53-56: Jericoacoara
• Day 57: Bus to Belem
• Days 58-60: Belem
• Days 61-62: Boat to Santarem
• Days 63-65: Santarem
• Days 66-67: Boat to Manaus
• Days 68-71: Manaus and Wildlife excursion
• Day 72: Bus to Boa Vista
• Day 73: Bus to Venezuela

Travel Advice for Brazil

I wanted to end this post with some bits of travel advice for Brazil.  Hopefully this guide to travelling Brazil has helped you plan your trip here.

• Accommodation : In Brazil you have options for hotels, and hostels. Some places also offer an ultra-budget option to hang up your own hammock. I will say, though, that I’ve found hotels to be just as good a value as hostels in Brazil.  The hostels aren’t incredible, and unless you’re hoping to meet other travellers, the hotels are great.  For either hotel or hostel, I use this site for the cheapest prices .
• Tours : If you’re looking to book your local tours at places like Iguazu Falls or Rio de Janeiro, check out Get Your Guide . You can book everything online to make things easier.
• Flights : Flights within Brazil are quite cheap. There’s lots of competition between the major airlines (TAM, Gol, and Azul) But, the earlier you book the better.  Personally, I use Kiwi for my flights in Brazil .
• Buses : If you’re travelling by bus in Brazil, you sort of have to go to the bus station to book your tickets. As far as I know, there’s not a great online option.
• Money : Most of Brazil takes credit card and debit card these days. Aside from street stands, you’ll be able to use your cards almost everywhere.  Where you can’t, there are always ATMs nearby.

Brazil is awesome. I would love to do the last one! If you don’t mind sharing, about how much money was it for you to do?

Hey Maggie… no problem sharing. I didn’t exactly live on a shoestring in Brazil like I normally do. When I did it I spent about 50US$ a day (mostly because of the fact I was there during the high season and carnival) but I’m sure that I could have done it for about 40$ a day had I tried a little harder.

I am parked at the moment in Buenos Aires and one thing I need to do is make a plan for Brazil so this should prove very helpful. I think I am going to try a variation of that last itinerary, possibly with a quick foray into Paraguay. Thanks for sharing. If I want to do the Guyanas also before Venezuela how would you recommend modifying the route? Also, I wasn’t planning to bother with Manaus but what do you think, is it skippable or a must-see?

I actually did the trip to the Guianas, and it’s really simple. When you get to Belem you just either take the 24 hour boat ride to Macapa or you can fly to Macapa. The from Macapa it’s about a 12 hour bus ride to the border town called Olapoque where you cross into French Guiana.

Manaus is amazing for wildlife, but if you do the Pantana it would be much of the same thing, you could skip it.

Heyyy, so glad to know that you came to my home country! I’m from São Paulo, but there’s a place called Maragogi, in the state of Alagoas that is really beautiful here. If you come another time, be sure to go to this beach, cause it’s quite amazing! =)

Thanks for the tip Barbara… I’ll make sure to check it out next time I’m around!

Hi Brendan,

I’m travelling to Brazil in a group of four this August/September and we are looking at doing a route similar to your 39-day loop.

Could you tell me more about the Pantanal wildlife tours? Is it best to book in advance through an operator or to arrange tours when we get there? How much does the Pantanal cost? (I understand that the lodges are quite expensive).

Beej, If you’re looking for a budget trip into the Panatanal give Ecological Expeditions in Campo Grande a look. I don’t have their website on hand but they’re good and low budget for sure. You will likely only need to give them dates a week or two in advance. The pantanal is sweet the time of year you’re going. That’s when it’s easiest to find cats. Also, there’s less rain and mosquitoes.

First of all: thanks for all your stories, I love them! I fly to Suriname the end of august, and my plan was to travel over land to Brasil. I had a question about the visum for French Guinea: how did you get this? I think you also don’t have an outgoing flight because you were travelling over land? I also saw that most of the long travels, you use a full day in you itinerary. Is that because there are no nightbuses, or is it not safe? I would like to use them because it also make a difference in the accomodationcosts.

Greetings, Esther The Netherlands

Hi Esther, French Guiana is a French department, so it’s just like entering a European country. You don’t need a visa if you’re a European citizen. In Brazil, the night buses are fine, and I normally would do the night bus personally. However, most people find them quite uncomfortable. They aren’t really nice buses like in Argentina. Still, to save time, take the night buses. Just make sure it’s a safe line as bus robberies used to be a major problem in Brazil, although it’s getting better.

Hi…Great post and very helpful for newbies like myself to Brazil. I wondered if you may be able to assist me?

I am travelling from London and I have about 3 weeks for Brazil and possibly somewhere else. My plan is to fly from Lon to GIG, stay in Rio for 4-5 days, then take a bus to Paraty and stay there for 2-3days. After this is when I get stuck with my plans as I want to also visit Salvador, the falls on both sides, The Amazon for 4 days and possibly the Pantanal, I just don’t know what order to do these trips in, I do know that I want The Amazon to be my 2nd to last stop. As it looks like I will have some spare days I was thinking of leaving Brazil and going to Buenos Aires then fly back to GIG to get flight home. The reason why I will fly back to GIG is because the return flight from Lon to Gig to London is the same price as me leaving Buenos Aires and taking a one way flight home to London. Do you have any suggestions as to what route to take and also where possible to take a busother than Rio to Paraty? Thank you very much Kelly

Thank you for simplifying what has been an overwhelming trip to plan. How would you add the Iguazu Falls to the 19 day Cultural Brazil trip to make it a 22-24 day trip?

Pleasure Gena! From Sao Paolo there are direct buses to Iguazu Falls. It’s done quite easily. If you plan on visiting both sides of the falls, you’ll want a half day on the Brazilian side and a full day on the Argentinean side. For accommodation, and in general as a tourist staying the night, the Argentinean side is much better.

Hi Brendan, have to thank you for this site, it’s been a great source of knowledge in advance of my trip to arg/bol/bra.

One question I have is whether it’s best to book bus trips and flights in advance. A friend advised me not to book buses whilst in the location you want your bus to depart from. He also said that you get better deals on inbound flights if you book in South America and not prior to your trip.

I’ve since read the opposite on a few sites and would be very grateful to know your opinion on booking transport in advance.

Jack, I’m not sure about the buses as I always booked them in the location of departure. I’m not sure it matters much. But, honestly, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard of that so it could be the case. As for flights, they are right. You’ll find better prices with the South American carriers. BUT, you can book with these airlines in advance too. It just takes more digging. The earlier you book, the better deal you’ll get, generally speaking.

Hey Brendan,

I’m planning a trip to Recife for a wedding and I have about 4 additional days to explore the area outside of the wedding itinerary which includes Recife, Maracaipe, and Porto de Galinhas. Do you have any recommendation of what to do those 4 days that isn’t too expensive? I’m thinking of traveling to either Salvador or Rio or both?

If you only have 4 days, I’d pick either Salvador or Rio as the moving would be too much. Personally, I love Salvador. However, it doesn’t have the same amount of tourist attractions Rio has. That said, I much prefer Salvador to Rio, in general.

Thanks for the quick response Brendan! One quick question, I’ve heard Salvador is similar to Recife, do you find that to be true as well?

Similar, yes. But not the same. I feel like Salvador has far more history and is more interesting for tourists. But from a local culture and atmosphere sense, yeah, they are fairly similar. There is a divide in Brazil between the south and the north. Both Recife and Salvador have that “north Brazil” feeling.

I’m planning g to go to Brazil on August as one of my good friends lives there. She stays in florianapolis but ill be flying in from sao Paulo as it’s just much cheaper. I’ll spend about a week with her and was thinking to then do do something like your 21 day tour. Do you have a rough estimate on what a trip like hat would cost (excluding flights to Brazil) obviously I would do the trip the other way around as well. Any other tips are more then welcome too. Thanks

Hi Britt, I’d say something like $50-55 a day would be reasonable in Brazil these days. I did it for $45 but I travel on a pretty strict budget.

I will be in Brazil from September to December, during which I will have a month long leave during september, after which my classes will start at FGV Rio, which I will be attending as a part of semester exchange program. I intend to tour places far away from Rio during september, as I will be in Rio from october to december.

Can you please advise me regarding planning my trip.

We are planning a month trip to Brazil in February for 2 people. We are 21 years old so we are trying to make it as cheap as possible. We want to do something like the itinerary number 3, but we can’t find information for the transportation from Belo Horizonte to Salvador. Do you remember the bus brand that you used?

Thanks for the amazing information.

Micaela from Chile.

Fly. It’s not worth it to bus. The flights will likely be cheaper anyways. If you book the flights a month or so in advance you’ll get very cheap fares. Check kayak.com for the lowest prices on the airlines in Brazil.

Hi Brendan, my 22 year old son has booked a flight to Sao Paulo in June, returning end Aug. He is interested in doing some volunteering work as well as seeing as much as he can. He is a student and so he needs to be doing things on a budget… Can you give us any advice?

Many thanks

I’m planning on doing a similar route as the last itinerary but starting in Manaus and ending in Rio, January to March. I’m having trouble figuring out how much I should set aside for transportation expenses and adventure/activity expenses. When should I look into flying/busing and which cities should I set aside more/less for activities and adventuring? Right now I’m budgeting about $70 Canadian a day.

Hi, I’m going to Rio de Janeiro for new year’s eve than flying to pantanal, from here flying to Manaus and travelling by boat to Belem and by bus to forteleza. So you think it’is worth a visit to Pantanal since I’m going to Manaus too? Is it better to go to Campo Grande or Cuiaba to do a tour into Pantanal? Thanks

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Brazil Itineraries

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The itineraries below cover the entirety of the incredibly diverse country of Brazil , from the metropolitan areas in the south to the deserts and unspoiled beaches of the northeast. Given the vast distances involved, you may not be able to cover everything, but even choosing a few highlights will give you a deeper appreciation of Brazil's natural and historical wonders.

Itinerary tips from Anahi: your Brazil Travel Expert

Recommended brazil itineraries, 7 day brazil itinerary, 10 day brazil itinerary, 14 day brazil itinerary, 3 week brazil itinerary, the southern coastal route brazil itinerary, the grand tour brazil itinerary, the northeast beach trail brazil itinerary.

• The Amazon Brazil itinerary

The Gold Route (Estrada Real) Brazil itinerary

The national parks loop brazil itinerary, the best time for brazil holiday, tailor-made travel itineraries for brazil, created by local experts.

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

8 days  / from 1370 USD

Extraordinary Brazil - Paraty & Iguaçu

Combine adventure and nature in Paraty with the stunning Iguaçu waterfalls. Your trip starts in the colonial town Paraty, Costa Verde's main attraction. Jeep rides, beaches, and a lot of culture are part of the program. Afterwards, fly to Foz do Iguaçu and see the falls from both Argentina & Brazil.

7 days  / from 2950 USD

Jaguars in North Pantanal

Spend a week in a lodge in North Pantanal with boat tours, walking trails, horseback riding and an unforgettable Jaguar expedition. Experienced wildlife guides are available in the lodge to explain more of the fascinating fauna and flora around you.

10 days  / from 2700 USD

Pure Wildlife - North Pantanal & Amazonia

Discover the world's largest continental flood area - the Pantanal, one of the richest places in biodiversity. Continue your wildlife trip to the Amazon River. Your lodges throughout the trip are located right in nature, with easy access to lodge trails around.

"Creating a Brazil itinerary is more than just planning a vacation; it's an immersive cultural journey," emphasizes our Brazilian travel expert , Anahi. Recognizing the significance of a well-crafted itinerary in Brazil, a country adorned with diverse landscapes and cultural richness, is crucial. 

Brazil is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, from the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro to the tranquil beaches of Bahia . Each region boasts unique allure and offerings. A personalized itinerary guarantees a comprehensive introduction to Brazil's distinctive elements and cultural marvels.

Armed with extensive experience and intimate local knowledge, I can guide you in creating the perfect itinerary. Whether you're eager to explore ancient sites, indulge in the dynamic local cuisine, or uncover hidden natural gems across the vast country, a thoughtfully designed itinerary ensures a seamless and enriching journey.

Let's collaborate to tailor a voyage aligned with your preferences, pace, and style, ensuring your trip to Brazil becomes an unforgettable experience.

Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain from Corcovado, Brazil © galaro/Shutterstock

If you are planning your travel to Brazil yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

For more inspiration, check our itineraries by duration: 14 days

For a brief but fascinating introduction to Brazil, try a mesmerizing 7-day journey through the country's diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Start in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore iconic sites such as Christ the Redeemer Cathedral and Copacabana Beach. 

Head to Salvador , known for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture and historic Pelourinho neighborhood. Continue to the Amazon rainforest for two days of immersing yourself in its biodiversity and indigenous communities. 

Fly to Iguazu Falls, where the powerful cascades are located on the border with Argentina. End your journey in São Paulo , where you'll experience a dynamic arts scene and culinary delights. This carefully crafted itinerary promises a week filled with the best of Brazil, combining natural wonders, cultural richness and city life.

Iguazu Falls, Brazil © Shutterstock

Set off on a 10-day journey through the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of Brazil. Start in Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon, for a glimpse into the heart of the rainforest. Head south to the Pantanal for days of unparalleled wildlife viewing. 

Then visit Brasilia , marveling at its modernist architecture and unique city layout. From there, head to Belo Horizonte , a cultural center known for its culinary scene and nearby historic towns like Ouro Preto . 

Head to the breathtaking Chapada Diamantina National Park for hiking and natural pools. End your journey in Salvador, immersing yourself in its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage and vibrant arts scene. This itinerary showcases Brazil's ecological wonders, architectural marvels and cultural richness.

Chapada Diamantina cave, Brazil © Alekk Pires/Shutterstock

For a deeper exploration of Brazil, try a 14-day Brazilian odyssey , starting in energetic São Paulo with its world-class museums and culinary scene. Travel to the historic city of Curitiba, known for its innovative urban planning. Then experience the awe of the Iguazu Falls as you explore their majestic beauty from both Brazil and Argentina . 

Head to the serene beaches and vibrant nightlife of Florianópolis . Travel inland to the culturally rich city of Belo Horizonte, home to the historic towns of Ouro Preto and Mariana. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Amazon from Manaus with an excursion deep into the jungle. 

Fly to Salvador to immerse yourself in Afro-Brazilian culture and colonial history. End your journey in Rio de Janeiro, where legendary beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain and the vibrant spirit of the Cariocas await. This itinerary winds through Brazil's diverse landscapes, from urban centers to natural wonders, offering a well-rounded and unforgettable experience.

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil @ Shutterstock

This extensive 3-week journey through Brazil combines vibrant cities, cultural depth and natural beauty. Start in Fortaleza, exploring its beaches and lagoons. Head to the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park for a surreal desert experience. Then discover San Luis, a city rich in colonial history. 

Fly to Belém , the gateway to the Amazon, and travel deep into the rainforest by riverboat. Visit the charming city of Goiania , known for its Art Deco architecture. Travel to Brasilia, marveling at its modernist design. Explore the ecotourism center of Bonito , home to crystal-clear rivers and wildlife. 

In Porto Alegre, experience gaucho culture and cuisine. See the picturesque scenery of Gramado, a slice of Europe in Brazil. Travel to the cosmopolitan city of Curitiba, known for its innovative urban planning. 

End your extensive tour in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying its legendary beaches, vibrant culture, and landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer. This itinerary offers a deep dive into Brazil's diverse regions, from the little-known north to the famous southern cities.

Theatro Municipal, Municipal Theatre, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Traveling south from Salvador along Brazil's captivating coast reveals an array of stunning beaches and charming towns, a journey that can span two to three weeks, culminating in Florianópolis. 

Start in Salvador, where colonial churches, vibrant samba, and a lively bar scene await. A short boat ride brings you to Morro de São Paulo, a stark contrast with its palm-fringed beaches and dynamic nightlife. For tranquility, venture further south to Boipeba, an unspoiled island of serene beaches and quaint villages. 

Itacaré beckons backpackers and surfers alike, offering wave-riding lessons, capoeira, and relaxing sands. In Espírito Santo, Itaúnas's massive dunes and forró music create a unique ambiance. Rio de Janeiro demands attention with its iconic sights, bustling beaches, and cultural richness. 

Explore the cobblestone streets of Paraty , a coastal town steeped in Baroque history. Ilhabela , a chic island getaway, boasts pristine beaches, lush jungle, and volcanic landscapes. Ihla do Mel, off the coast of Paraná , is a surfers' paradise, perfect for rest, hikes, and surfing. The journey concludes in Florianópolis, a laid-back island with a mix of traditional Azorean villages, modern beach hotels, and a variety of activities.

Train bridge, Parana, Brasil @ Shutterstock

Head out on a three-week journey through Brazil, starting in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where iconic views and famous beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema await. Travel along the coast to Paraty, a picturesque colonial town full of charming pousadas and restaurants. 

Don't overlook São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, known for its outstanding restaurants, art galleries, and museums. See the Iguazu Falls, the world's largest system of waterfalls that cascade down the Rio Iguazu River. Fly to Belo Horizonte, the gateway to the colonial hill towns of the state of Minas Gerais . 

If time permits, visit Ouro Preto, a town with steep cobblestone streets and elegant baroque churches. Then fly to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil and a testament to the vision of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Return to the coast and head to Salvador, a city pulsing with Afro-Brazilian culture, rhythms, and flavors. End your tour in Morro de São Paulo, a trendy and lively resort town just south of Salvador.

National Congress, Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil @ Shutterstock

Explore the northeast of Brazil on a two to three-week trip, a region filled with history, culture, and the country's best music. Starting in Salvador, you'll be mesmerized by the city's romantic colonial charm, exotic cuisine, capoeira, and musical heritage. 

Then visit Praia do Frances near Maceio , a relaxed beach with excellent restaurants. Porto de Galinhas, once a quiet harbor town, is now a trendy resort with stunning white sands and a vibrant nightlife. Olinda , a beautifully preserved colonial enclave, offers a mix of baroque architecture, art galleries, and live music. 

Don't miss Praia da Pipa, known for its fashionable beaches, pristine lagoons, and rich marine life, including dolphins. In Natal, explore the expansive dune beaches on off-road vehicles or beach buggies while enjoying the city's dynamic music and dance scene. Jericoacoara, once a gated village for backpackers, still charms with quality surf, wind, and tranquil lagoons. 

Visit Parque Nacional dos Lençóis, a spectacular national park with huge dunes and clear pools. End your journey in São Luis, where luxurious azulejo-decorated mansions house lively bars, museums, and galleries in a hot colonial setting.

Praia da Pipa Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil © Rosanetur/Flickr under CC BY 2.0 license

The Amazon Brazil itinerary 

Rafting the Amazon, once a romantic endeavor, is now more accessible and safer, though it still requires careful planning and patience. Begin your adventure in Belém, the gateway to the Amazon basin, with a charming mix of museums, mango trees, live music, and craft beer. 

Explore the unspoiled beauty of Ilha do Maraju, a huge island with secluded beaches and herds of water buffalo. Travel to Alter do Chão , an unexpectedly remote Amazonian town with a stunning white-sand beach and a wildlife-rich lagoon surrounded by jungle. Discover the tropical paradise of Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, famous for its jungle trails and towering adobe trees along the Rio Tapajós River.

Continue on the iconic Amazon Riverboat from Santarém to Manaus, where you'll enjoy the lavish Amazonas Theater and an array of creative restaurants. Manaus serves as a strategic base for jungle excursions, offering stays in romantic forest lodges or riverboats. Finally, head to the wild jungles of Acre on the border with Bolivia , home to an abundance of wildlife best seen by flying over the forest in a hot air balloon.

Amazon River, Brazil @ Shutterstock

Follow a historic journey through 17th-century Brazil, tracing the legacy of the gold boom that led to the emergence of magnificent colonial towns along the old "Estrada Real". Starting in Rio, known for its beaches, the colonial heart of the city reveals a rich historical zone with elegant baroque churches and mansions.

Follow the Caminho Velho road to Paraty, the original port city of the "Royal Road" that exudes timeless charm. Head north to São João del Rey in the state of Minas Gerais, a modern university town that retains an impressive number of colonial churches and museums. Explore beautifully preserved Tiradentes, home to eighteenth-century churches and mansions.

Ouro Preto, home to the richest collection of Baroque and Rococo art, is the most important stop in Brazil's gold mining history. Stop by Congonhas to see Aleijadinho's Prophets, an extraordinary ensemble of Baroque sculptures.

Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, is home to the informative Museum of Mines and Metals, which tells the story of the region's mining history. End your journey in Diamantina , the most remote, traditional, and intriguing of the historic towns.

The historic Ouro Preto city in Minas Gerais, Brazil © Fred S. Pinheiro/Shutterstock

Discover the heart of Brazil's interior, a treasure trove of stunning national parks stretching from the craggy canyons of the south to the lush jungles of the north. This journey requires flying and ample time to explore.

Begin at Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra, where you can hike along the plateau rim, witnessing one of the continent's most breathtaking canyons slicing through the Atlantic ridge. Then, fly to Brasília to explore Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, a high-altitude wonderland of waterfalls, caves, and trails.

In Bahia, Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina offers hikers dramatic valleys, peaks, and monoliths. Venture north to Piauí's Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara, an isolated park filled with prehistoric cave paintings and petroglyphs.

Experience the gem of Brazil's park system at Parque Nacional dos Lençóis, a pristine wilderness of giant sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. In Santarém, the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós safeguards majestic samaúma trees.

Visit Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, not a national park but equally spectacular, nestled in the Amazon and brimming with flooded forests and wildlife. Near Cuiabá, explore Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães, known for its towering Véu de Noiva falls and the Cidade de Pedra.

Conclude your odyssey at the Iguaçu Falls on the Argentine border, where the mighty Rio Iguazu cascades over vast rocky ledges, a fitting finale to this extraordinary journey.

The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in central Brazil © Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr/Shutterstock

The optimal time for a holiday in Brazil depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to visit. The country experiences diverse climates due to its vast size. For coastal destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, the period from December to March is ideal, offering warm temperatures and lively festivities. 

The Amazon Rainforest is best explored during the dry season from June to November when water levels are lower, facilitating jungle excursions. If you're heading to the Pantanal for wildlife adventures, the dry season ( May to October ) is optimal for animal sightings. 

Southern cities like São Paulo and Curitiba enjoy a temperate climate, making any time of the year suitable. To catch vibrant Carnival celebrations, plan your visit in February . Overall, Brazil offers enticing experiences year-round, allowing you to tailor your holiday based on specific interests and destinations.

The Rough Guides to Brazil and related travel guides

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written by Andy Turner

updated 25.01.2024

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Brazil Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Brazil is impossible to summarize in just a few paragraphs. It’s the largest country in South America and home to cosmopolitan cities like Rio de Janeiro and its Wonder of the World Christ the Redeemer statue, the rambunctious and world-famous Carnival, the Amazon River and rainforest, and an abundance of lush and untamed nature.

Brazil has more plant and animal species than anywhere else in the world, making it a paradise for travelers who love the outdoors. It’s also home to the towering and awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls.

In other words, you’re going to need longer than a week to visit this massive, diverse country.

Meet the locals at Copacabana Beach in Rio or spend an evening learning how to dance the samba. Cruise the wetlands of the Pantanal or the Amazon River while keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife like toucans and pink dolphins. Gorge on a barbecue feast, and cool off with caipirinha , Brazil’s official cocktail of sugarcane liquor, sugar, and lime.

Throw in passionate fútbol (soccer) matches, beautiful people, and low prices, and it’s easy to see why Brazil is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

This travel guide to Brazil will help you plan your trip, save money, stay safe, and make the most of your time in this amazing country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Brazil

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Top 5 things to see and do in brazil.

1. Visit Rio de Janeiro

Home to over 12 million people, Rio de Janeiro has dozens of museums, the world-famous sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, countless party spots, the towering Christ the Redeemer statue (a New Wonder of the World), Sugarloaf Mountain, Tijuca National Park (the largest urban rainforest in the world) right in the city’s backyard, and so much more. No visit to Brazil is complete without a stop here. It’s fun personified, especially if you come during Carnival!

2. Visit Florianópolis

Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s most popular coastal cities, (especially for surfers taking advantage of big waves). Brazilians love to vacation here, and it’s a big spot for backpackers too, thanks to its powdery beaches, cheap seafood, fantastic hiking, and awesome nightlife. Come here to party, lounge, hike, and enjoy the sunshine!

3. Spend time in the Amazon

The Amazon covers 8% of the earth’s surface and is home to 50% of its biodiversity. There are so many ways to experience it: take a jungle cruise down the Amazon River, do a guided multi-day trek , or join a wildlife tour. You can also visit indigenous communities and learn how they live in such a unique place.

4. Go to Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha was Brazil’s first national marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sandy beaches with turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling (there are lots of dolphins here) will take your breath away. 70% of the island is protected, and less than 500 people are permitted at a time, meaning the island is largely empty. It’s one of the most gorgeous places in South America, though be prepared to pay for it in higher accommodation and food costs, as well as a daily visitor tax (87 BRL per day, plus a 330 BRL 10-day visitor pass).

5. See Iguazú Falls

Other things to see and do in brazil, 1. attend a fútbol match in rio.

Fútbol (soccer) is a religion here, and the chaos and excitement during a match are contagious! Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest stadiums in the world, and it seats 100,000 supporters. The best games are the local teams (Flamengo, Vasco, Botafogo, and Fluminese) because you’re guaranteed a game full of singing, cheering, and insult-slinging. You can buy tickets through the teams’ websites or the FutebolCard site. Tickets can be as low as 20 BRL. To learn even more about the sport and stadium, you can take a stadium tour for 77 BRL.

2. Enjoy Rio Carnival

The Rio Carnival is an epic festival of music, samba, and revelers dressed in elaborate, colorful regalia as they take to the streets by the thousands. It’s one of the biggest celebrations in the world (2 million people hit the streets every day during Carnival). The entire celebration is one last hurrah before the start of Lent’s quiet period. Prices for accommodations triple during Carnival (held every February) so be sure to book far in advance for the best deals. You can reserve your 2024 Carnival tickets in advance here (highly recommended – they sell out quickly)!

3. Visit Brasilia

Brasilia is the often-overlooked capital of Brazil. This futuristic city was established in 1960 and is a hub for modernist architecture, including the National Congress, with its odd bowl-shaped structures, and Santuário Dom Bosco church which boasts long, narrow windows made of blue-colored Murano glass that represents a starry sky. Visit the 60,000-acre Parque Nacional de Brasilia and walk the trails between tall Cerrado trees while looking for wildlife like anteaters and pampas deer.

4. Explore the Pantanal

Located in Western Brazil, the Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world, stretching into parts of Bolivia and Paraguay. Over 11,000 species of animal live here, including the rare marsh deer, the giant anteater, and the hyacinth macaw. The two main access points are Cuiabá and Campo Grande. I recommend the latter as it tends to offer more affordable accommodations and tour options. Most wildlife and sightseeing tours are multi-day and cost a minimum of about 1,325 BRL per day.

5. Relax in Recife

Located on the eastern tip of the country, Recife is the place to be if you want to relax and enjoy some of Brazil’s scenic beaches. Boa Viagem, the 7-kilometer (4-mile) stretch of sand between Pina to Piedade, is very developed with cabanas and sun chairs for rent. Piedade is equally as beautiful but less touristy, lined with restaurants and bars where the locals hang out. For an even more low-key beach area, head south to Porto de Galinhas, where the beach is virtually empty.

6. Visit Salvador

Salvador was Brazil’s first capital city, and today it remains the country’s cultural capital, thanks to its vibrant Afro-Brazilian community. Located down the coast from Recife, Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is a perfect example of this community’s unique spirit: it’s a church that peacefully combines Catholicism and Candomblé (a religion originating from West Africa). Furthermore, the pastel-painted colonial buildings and cobblestone scenes of the Pelourinho neighborhood are extremely photogenic, and if you stay in this area, you’ll have easy access to shopping, restaurants, bars, and live music. Local tour operator Your Tour Brazil offers many different tours to help you dig deeper into Salvador’s culture, including their African Heritage & Acarajé Tasting tour .

7. See São Paulo

São Paulo, the fourth-largest city in the world and the largest in South America, is home to over 23 million people. This sprawling metropolis is for anyone who loves wild nightlife, great museums, interesting street art, live samba music, and fine dining. Every area is like its own micro-city and it’s a completely different vibe than Rio (taking a walking tour is one of the best way to get a handle on this gigantic city). São Paulo also has a flourishing art community, which you can discover through its many experimental theaters and art-house cinemas (including CineSala, an independent street theater founded in 1959).

8. Try capoeira

Capoeira is a combination of dance, music, and martial arts created nearly 500 years ago by enslaved West Africans to disguise their combat training. It kind of looks like breakdancing, emphasizing flow over specific stances. In Brazil’s larger cities you can sign up for intro classes, including in Rio de Janeiro, where classes start from 70 BRL. Angola N’Golo is an affordable school to check out.

9. Unplug in Ilha Grande

You’d never know from the look of it that the tropical island paradise of Ilha Grande was once a pirate’s hideout, a leper colony, and a high-security prison. Nowadays people (especially locals from nearby Rio) come here on the weekends to hang out on the pristine beaches, like Aventura Beach and Palmas Cove. There are a handful of hostels and accommodations here, but mostly the island is made up of undeveloped jungles and beaches. Come here to lounge, disconnect, and chill out.

10. Visit Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto, a 17th-century colonial town, is one of Brazil’s most picturesque towns for its brightly painted houses, Baroque churches, and large leafy plazas. Located around 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of Rio, Ouro Preto sits in a valley at the foot of the Serra do Espinhaco, and up in the hills surrounding the town are 23 churches you can hike to visit.

11. Learn samba

Samba is a musical genre and dance born in Rio de Janeiro’s Afro-Brazilian communities in the early 20th century. Today, it’s an important Brazilian cultural symbol, but Rio remains one of the best places in Brazil to learn how to dance. Rio Samba Dancer is my favorite for its all-levels group classes, especially for the classes combined with social outings to samba clubs. Classes start from about 105 BRL.

12. Admire the Azorean fishing villages

Brazil has 7,400 kilometers (4,500 miles) of coastline with many historic fishing villages to explore. Florianópolis has a number of particularly beautiful ones, including Santo Antonio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha, where you can indulge in delectable oyster and seafood dishes and enjoy secluded beaches, cobbled streets, and jellybean-colored houses. Sights in Ribeirão da Ilha include the Acoriano Casario Church and museum Ecomuseu do Ribeirão da Ilha, where you can learn more about the natural and Azorean cultural history of the area. Museum admission is 5 BRL.

13. Hike in Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is the largest urban rainforest in the world, stretching across 8,300 acres. The area is home to over 350 different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including howler monkeys, which only came back to the park recently after a 100-year hiatus. The Corcovado (Christo) hike through Parque Lage to the top of Corcovado is a steep climb, but it’s shaded and only takes about three hours. Another scenic hike is to Tijuca Peak, starting in Rio’s North Zone and going past waterfalls and through dense rainforest. This hike only takes about two hours, and you’ll be rewarded with views over Niteroi and Guanabara Bay. Entrance to the park is free. This is a place where it’s really worth it to go with a tour though. You’ll not only have a more in-depth experience, learning history of the rainforest as well as how to recognize native flora and fauna, but get round-trip transportation to/from your accommodation as well. There are tons of tours available, from the popular jeep tours to full-day adventure hikes that go to lesser visited sections of the rainforest.

14. Visit Paraty

This incredibly well-preserved Portuguese colonial town and UNESCO World Heritige site is located almost halfway between São Paulo and Rio, making it an excellent place to stop and unwind for a few days as you travel between Brazil’s two largest cities. The picturesque cobblestone-lined streets of the 16th-century town are lined with handicraft shops, bars with live music every night, and great restaurants (go to family-run Vinicius for a superb homecooked meal). Located on Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast), there’s a lot of adventure activities to be had here too, including jungle tours of the Atlantic Forest (usually with stops to visit historic cachaca distilleries, as the area is famous for brewing Brazil’s most popular spirit), and boat tours with snorkeling and beach stops. You’ll be able to see and enjoy all the main things to do in about three days here.

  For more information on specific cities in Brazil, check out these guides:

• Fernando de Noronha Travel Guide
• Florianópolis Travel Guide
• Sao Paulo Travel Guide
• Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Brazil Travel Costs

Accommodation – Brazil is a huge country (it’s the 7th-largest in the world) and accommodation prices fluctuate from city to city and from season to season (with huge increases during Carnival). Prices in places like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are pretty consistent, but for beachy destinations like Florianópolis, prices change dramatically depending on the time of year.

A 4-6 person dorm costs about 75-85 BRL per night, while a bed in a 8-10 person dorm costs 60-70 BRL. More remote places like Fernando de Noronha have higher prices, with dorms costing up to 150 BRL per night.

A private double room in a hostel costs about 225-300 BRL, but sometimes you can find rooms for as low as 150 BRL per night.

A budget two-star hotel room in the center of town costs 200-300 BRL per night with air-conditioning and breakfast included. If you’re willing to leave the city center, you can sometimes find rooms for as low as 150 BRL per night.

Airbnb is another great budget option, with private rooms averaging around 100-150 BRL per night, while entire apartments or homes start around 275 BRL.

Campgrounds are plentiful by the beaches and national parks. Expect to pay around 40-70 BRL per night for a basic plot. Amenities generally include free Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities including hot showers, and charging stations.

Food – Brazilian cuisine — like the country itself — is a mix of many cultures, with European, Amerindian, African, and Japanese influences. As such a large country, food varies per region, with seafood plentiful on the coastlines and Brazilian barbeque dominating in the south. Rice and beans are a staple no matter where you are.

Common vegetables include tubers like cassava and yams, tomatoes, red peppers, okra, and more. Being a subtropical country, there’s a huge variety of fruits, with the most famous being the superfood açaí, though cupuaçu, mango, papaya, guava, orange, passion fruit, and pineapple are all common as well.

Feijoada , Brazil’s national dish, is a meaty bean stew that is traditionally eaten for Wednesday or Saturday lunch. Other popular dishes include moqueca (fish stew), polenta, and vatapá (a stew of bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts) among countless others.

Some popular street food snacks include pão de queijo (cheese bread rolls), acarajé (black eyed pea and shrimp fritters), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and pastéis (savory fried pies with assorted fillings).

All of this is to say that Brazil has such a variety of food and flavors that you never have to go far to find an affordable meal.

Street food like pastel (a deep-fried pastry with filling) or coxinha costs around 8-10 BRL. An açaí (served pureed and frozen, with toppings you can choose from) from a street stand or takeaway spot is 15-20 BRL. A sandwich and drink at a juice bar should be no more than 35-40 BRL, while a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant (think McDonald’s) is around 30-35 BRL. A meal at a Chinese takeout restaurant costs about the same, at 35 BRL for a dish like fried rice. Burgers cost 25-30 BRL and pizzas are around 50-60 BRL.

Buffets, where you pay by weight, are very common throughout Brazil. You usually pay around 65-80 BRL per kilo.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical Brazilian dishes costs about 20-40 BRL, depending on the region and city. A meal with two courses at a casual restaurant starts from 60 BRL, though prices at restaurants along the beach can go much higher, often starting at 80 BRL for a dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about 150-180 BRL, but you can expect to pay nearly double this price at some places in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Dishes at higher-end seafood restaurants cost 150-225 BRL and up. At many restaurants in coastal areas, seafood dishes and platters are meant for two (often served with an entire fish) – it’s a huge portion of food that could easily be split between three people.

A domestic beer costs about 10-15 BRL, while a cocktail is 15-25 BRL. Wine is expensive (and not very good) in Brazil, so expect to pay at least 15-20 BRL per glass. A soda or juice is 5-8 BRL, and a cappuccino is 9-11 BRL.

Grocery shopping costs about 100-200 BRL per week for basic staples like fresh veggies, pasta, rice, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Brazil Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Rio de Janeiro, expect to spend about 215 BRL per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, cooking some of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like enjoying the beach and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of about 420 BRL per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for all your meals at cheap local restaurants, take the occasional taxi to get around, take buses between destinations, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like surfing or samba lessons.

On a “luxury” budget of about 750 BRL per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take taxis everywhere, fly between cities, and enjoy all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

If you’re coming during Carnival, expect prices for accommodations and activities to increase significantly (sometimes triple or even quadruple) — especially if you’re booking last minute.

If you’re staying in Fernando de Noronha, budget double the above suggestions.

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BRL.

Brazil Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries in South America, but prices depend on where in the country you are and what kind of activities you’re doing. Brazil’s main cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are more expensive than rural areas (unless you’re seeking out less touristy locales, like Fernando do Noronha). Here are some money-saving tips to help you get started:

• Agree on taxi prices – Agree on the price for your journey with the taxi driver before setting off. Many drivers refuse to use their meters and try to rip you off. It’s much better to take a bus most of the time.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money.
• Visit off-season – December to March is a pretty busy time as people from the Northern hemisphere escape the winter. Try to avoid these dates if you want to keep prices low.
• Skip Carnival – Carnival might be fun, but it’s also super expensive. If you’re on a budget, avoid visiting during Carnival.
• Get an Airpass – If you book your domestic flights in advance, the Airpass can save you money on flights. It’s the cheapest way to fly around the country (more on this below).
• Cook your meals – Eating out here can easily blow your budget so try and stay somewhere with a kitchen so you can do some cooking. It’s not glamorous, but if you live like the locals you’ll save a fortune.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Brazil

Hostels are widespread all over Brazil. You’ll also find a ton of B&Bs and cool Airbnbs. Basically, there are a lot of budget options here. My suggested places to stay in Brazil are:

• Joy Hostel (Brasilia)
• Barra Beach Club Oceanfront Hostel (Florianópolis)
• Submarino Hostel (Florianópolis)
• The Search House Beachfront Hostel (Florianópolis)
• Tucano House Summer Hostel (Florianópolis)
• Hostel e Pousada El Shaddai (Iguacu)
• Hostel Bambu (Iguacu)
• Books Hostel (Rio)
• Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro (Rio)
• Mango Tree Hostel Ipanema (Rio)
• Bamboo Rio Hostel (Rio)
• O de Casa Hostel Bar (São Paulo)
• Hostel Galeria 13 (Salvador)

How to Get Around Brazil

Public transportation – City transportation in Brazil is efficient and modern. Many places (like Rio and São Paulo) have an extensive subway system. Fares cost around 5 BRL per one-way ticket. In most places, you can pick up a multi-day metro card to save money.

Buses are everywhere. A one-way ticket costs about 3-5 BRL, and as with the subway, there are usually multi-day metro cards available.

Taxis – Taxis are recommended in the evening when public transportation may not be as safe. Fares start at 6-8 BRL and then go up to about 3-6 BRL per kilometer. Use an app like 99 (formerly 99Taxis) to ensure you get a licensed taxi. Ridesharing like Uber is also available and common here.

Bus – Long-distance buses are a convenient, economical, and comfortable way to travel in the country. There are hundreds of routes. You can use Brazil Bus Travel to check schedules and book your tickets.

A bus from Rio to São Paulo takes 6.5 hours and costs about 180 BRL, or you can book a sleeper bus with a bed for 420 BRL. Rio to Florianópolis is a 20-hour journey that costs about 520 BRL for a regular seat or 1,050 for a bed.

Train – Train service is limited to the tourist-oriented steam train that offers transport in between São Joao del Rei and Tiradentes. It’s expensive, so I don’t recommend doing this.

Flying – Air travel is useful if you’re trying to get around the country on limited time (especially if you’re traveling between the big cities, or between places like Rio and the Amazon). The country’s major airlines are:

If you’re booking a flight two months in advance from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus (the easiest way to reach the Amazon), you can find airfare for as low as 1,700 BRL (round-trip). Rio to Salvador is about 360 BRL (one-way), while flights between Brasilia and São Paulo can be as little as 155 BRL (one-way).

An Airpass is a practical option if you’re going to take a lot of flights within 30 days (especially if you’re going to the Amazon, which is far and expensive to get to). With GOL you can get a 90-day pass with four domestic flights in its network for 2,600 BRL. Azul offers something similar with four flights within three weeks for the same price. Brol.com can help you find the right pass.

Just keep in mind that you have to book in advance for these passes so this doesn’t allow for flexible travel. You also cannot use these passes during popular time periods, like during Carnival and Christmas/the New Year.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 65-90 BRL per day for a multi-day rental. However, the road conditions aren’t great here and drivers are aggressive. Moreover, since break-ins and carjackings are common, I’d likely skip the rental here just to be safe.

When to Go to Brazil

Brazil covers such a large territory that the country is broken up into different climate areas. The “coldest” part is in the far south and southeast, with the winter season lasting from June to September. Brazilians will complain about the cold here, but it rarely dips below freezing. The summer months from December to March are hot.

If you’re sticking to Brazil’s coastal areas, the weather is warm year-round. During the winter (December to March), the temperature is always higher than 25°C (77°F). There’s near-constant sunshine, but there is also a rainy season, which lasts from October-January. The rainy season often starts earlier in Salvador and Recife.

The northeast (around the Amazon) is always hot, with temperatures often climbing to 40°C (104°F). There’s no real winter season. In Manaus and the central Amazon, the dry season is from July-October. This period is also the best time to visit wildlife in the Amazon as the water recedes and animals gather at watering holes. The same goes for the Pantanal.

If you come during the Brazilian winter, you’ll find much fewer crowds and lower prices. I consider this the best time to be here, but only if you’re not trying to escape the North American winter.

If you’re super budget-minded, don’t come during February when it’s Carnival and prices skyrocket!

How to Stay Safe in Brazil

Travelers need to be vigilant in Brazil . Pick-pocketing and other petty crimes are common here, especially in Rio. Don’t flash expensive belongings and always keep your phone and wallet secure and out of reach. Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach either. Be sure to lock up your valuables before leaving your accommodation, whether you’re staying in a hostel dorm or in a private hotel/Airbnb room.

Avoid going out alone in the evenings after dark. If you do need to travel at night to get back to your accommodation, take a taxi (use the 99 app to call one) or an Uber.

Solo female travelers will want to exercise caution here. Avoid walking around alone when possible and definitely avoid walking around at night. Always keep an eye on your drink (even when it’s being poured) and never accept drinks from strangers.

Use ATMs inside a bank or have a friend with you to keep an eye out while you withdraw cash.

To learn which scams to be on the lookout for, read about this post about common travel scams .

Carjacking and break-ins are common, so I’d probably avoid renting here just to be safe.

When hiking, always bring a lot of water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly. Don’t pick fruit off a tree and eat it without knowing what it is (it might be poisonous). There is also a risk of the Zika virus and/or Malaria in certain areas. Carry bug spray and use it often.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 190 for assistance.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Brazil, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Brazil Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Brazil Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Brazil and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Perfect Trip to Brazil: Expert Tips from a Local!

April 10, 2023

Paula Martinelli

If you are planning a dream trip to Brazil, this is your one-stop guide! Here you will find all you need to know to plan a safe trip to Brazil , plus all the useful tips prepared by a Brazileira ;-).

When you think about Brazil, what comes to  your  mind? Carnaval…Rio de Janeiro…Samba…Soccer (Futebol)…Beaches…Amazon forest? Most people have some association with Brazil from popular culture. I am here to EXPAND on those associations so that you can get to know this amazing country, diverse culture, and incredible people.

Join me as I take you beyond the usual associations with Brazil from popular culture, and delve into the rich history, culture, and people that make this country truly unique. With stunning landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and a blend of Portuguese, African, European, and Brazilian influences, Brazil has something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty and excitement of Brazil like a local. Let this guide be your go-to resource for planning the perfect trip to Brazil, tailor-made just for you. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this extraordinary destination!

Why you Should Travel to Brazil

Well, amigo, let me start by saying why you should travel to Brazil. Brazil is one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit on the Planet, and I really mean it.

Visit the natural beauty of the falls at Iguaçu, meet the locals at the Copacabana beach, see one of the Seven Wonders of the New World, Christ the Redeemer, learn how to dance the samba, enjoy a barbecue, and cool off with a caipirinha and be able to cruise around some of the largest jungles in the planet, Pantanal and Amazon.

Brazil offers it all for any travel style –  from solo travelers to a family vacation trip of a lifetime, to adventure travelers, to one of the best routes to backpack in South America . 

Brazil is a very vast country, and because of its size, it is impossible to travel around and get to visit many places on your first trip. You will need good planning and longer than a week to visit 1-2 States.

Brazil Travel Tips Essentials

LANGUAGE:  The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. English and Spanish are not widely spoken.

CURRENCY:  The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, and the U.S. Dollar is not accepted. Check here  for the latest conversion rate.

TIPPING: It is not customary to tip in Brazil

CREDIT CARD & ATMs:  A credit card is widely accepted in Brazil. ATMs can be easily found in commercial areas, but they may be closed at night for security reasons.

PLUGS: In Brazil, the power plugs are type N, the standard voltage is 127 / 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. I recommend buying a  universal adapter  and using a  converter  for hair dryers. 

WI-FI IN BRAZIL: You can get Wi-Fi service in Brazil pretty much everywhere (unless you are planning to visit some remote areas). Normally the hotels, restaurants and shopping malls offer free internet service.

CELL PHONE: Your international cell phone will work in Brazil. However, to avoid high international calling charges, you’ll want to pick up a local SIM card and get a local calling plan. You can buy these at street-corner kiosks (called bancas) and some supermarkets.

HUAWEI E5577s-321 Mobile WiFi Router

I recommend buying this WiFi router. You can insert any SIM card around the world, and it shares data across all your devices, up to 10, via WiFi and the battery lasts up to 12 hours.

Brazil Travel Planning: Orientation & Map

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest country in the world, with a population of 212 million people (2.75% of the total world population). 

Brazil might be the largest country most of the world doesn’t know a whole lot about. Brazil’s economy ranks 1st in South America,  2nd in the Americas, and 8th in the world.

Although Brazil covers an area equal to 88% of the US and therefore is  almost  as large, being the size of the US without Alaska .

The coastline of Brazil measures 7,491 km, which makes it the 16th longest national coastline in the world. Throughout the coastal areas, geographical features can be found like islands, reefs, and bays.

What is the Visa Requirement to Travel to Brazil?

You need a valid passport for at least 6-months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred below.

A visa to Travel to Brazil is not required by all nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90-days. A Visa to travel to Brazil is required by nationals of Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Visa-Free Entry to stay up to 90 days for American, Canadian, Japanese, and Australian passport holders. Consult this website for more visa requirements.

What are the best Flights options to Brazil?

There are numerous options for flights to Brazil and many gateways in the US and Canada.

Direct flights leave from:  Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York, Orlando, Washington, and Toronto.

TAM is the only Brazilian carrier serving the US at present, while the North American airlines are American, Air Canada, Continental, Delta, and United.

Most flights go to either Rio  or  São Paulo.  If your ultimate destination is somewhere other than these cities, it is usually best to connect in Rio or São Paulo.

What are the Best Places to Visit in Brazil?

When talking about visiting Brazil, everyone seems to gravitate to either  Rio de Janeiro ,  Iguaçu Falls,  or the  Amazon .

I regret to say that those places are very far distance from each other. Therefore, if you have only 2-week to visit Brazil you would need to pick one destination over another. You can see some ideas of the Best Brazil Route here . 

Just take a quick glance at a map to figure this out, I have picked my top 10 places to visit in Brazil and pinned the map to help to give a better perspective of each location:

• SÃO PAULO (São Paulo State)  – Largest city, very metropolitan and cultural, great cuisine
• RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio de Janeiro State)  – Second largest city, amazing natural beauty, and beaches
• PARATY (Rio de Janeiro State)  – 4 hours driving from Rio, Brazilian imperial town by the ocean
• ANGRA DOS REIS (Rio de Janeiro State): The most beautiful coastline in Brazil with over 2,000 beaches to choose from
• CURITIBA (Paraná State)  – Large city praised with one of the world’s best models of  urban planning
• FLORIANÓPOLIS (Santa Catarina State)  – Island in the South with perfect beaches and excellent surfing
• PANTANAL (Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul State)  – The world’s largest inland wetland area, one of the best to spot animals
• AMAZON FOREST (Amazonas State) – The largest tropical rainforest in the world
• JALAPÃO (Tocantins)  –  Large variety of landscapes including sand dunes, rivers, waterfalls, and Savana
• NATAL (Rio Grande do Norte State)  -Stunning beaches, white sand dunes, and rich diverse culture.

Plan Well Your Itinerary in Brazil

Remember that pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe. I have spent years of my life living and traveling around Brazil and these articles will be extremely helpful with tons of Brazil Travel Tips for you:

• 10 Best Backpacking Routes in South America
• 15 Amazing day trip from Sao Paulo
• 21 Amazing Facts about Rio de Janeiro
• Rio de Janeiro Itinerary
• Sao Paulo Itinerary
• Jalapao, Brazil Itinerary
• Angra dos Reis Itinerary
• Petropolis Itinerary
• Paraty itinerary
• Bonito Itinerary

How much does a Trip to Brazil Cost?

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries to visit in South America, but because of the exchange rate, when converted, prices are still very affordable.

The best time to travel to Brazil on a budget is in the off-season. If you travel outside of Christmas or Carnival, flying to Brazil can be quite affordable.

Check the average trip to Brazil cost below – Per day for 2 people – Based on 4 stars hotel, eating all meals at the restaurant, renting a car – Of course, it can be less, it will depend on your travel style:

Average Prices per Day/ 2 People

Planning a trip to brazil: transportation & getting around.

If you are visiting more than one state, I recommend flying instead of traveling by bus or car. The distances are long, and flying will save you time and allow you to visit more locations in less time.

You can get a 15% off your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend RentalCar because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

Planning a Trip to Brazil: Accommodations

Prices and options will vary a lot, depending on what area of Brazil you are visiting and what time of the year you are visiting. But the good news is that because of the exchange rate, the prices will be very affordable when converted.

I have selected 3 options for the most popular accommodation options in Brazil, and I recommend booking using Booking.com   because it is a reliable source and also, there is free cancelation policy:

The capital of Nepal is a typical busy city, with pollution and traffic. But still, a fascinating place to visit including the Boudha Stupa, Asan Market, and Swayambhunath.

What is the Best time to Visit Brazil?

Brazil is one of the few destinations on Earth that is warm year-round. Because of its tropical landscapes, there are several climatic extremes, though none of which are too extreme to deter travelers.

Winter in Brazil lasts from May to September . No matter where in Brazil you are visiting, temperatures won’t drop below 60 F. It’s one of the best times to go sightseeing and hiking in cities like Rio, thanks to plenty of sunshine and cooler temps.

During the spring and summer (November to March) , temperatures can get up to 120 F so be sure to stack on a whole lot of sunscreen and prepare for some humidity.

Around February and March is when it happens the largest party on the Planet: Carnival!

What is the Weather in Brazil?

The summer months are from December to March and winter is from June to September

Because of the size of Brazil, the country is broken into different climate areas. Check here for the weather in Brazil.

• The south of Brazil is the coldest part, with winters that can even be seeing some snowflakes.
• The North of Brazil , where you can find the Amazon forest, is always hot with temperatures climbing up to 100F (40C).
• The coastal areas in Brazil – If you are visiting the coastal areas, the weather is warm most of the year, with temperatures higher than 77F (25C).

Planning a Trip to Brazil: Safety

Let’s start with a million-dollar question. Every time I engage in a conversation with someone, I am asked this question: “Is it safe to travel to Brazil?”

Safety is a big concern for Brazilians. Drug gangs control certain territories, police corruption is not uncommon, and if you are not aware, you could become a victim of theft or pickpocketing.

With that being said, Brazil is not a dangerous place, and every year millions of people visit Brazil and it is not a reason you should avoid a trip to Brazil, just follow some basics suggested safety tips:

Backpack Travel Anti Theft with USB Charging Port

To keep your belongings safe during your travels, I recommend this anti-theft backpack. The hidden theft-proof pocket designed on the back sits up against the wearer’s body. Anti-Pickpocket back pocket is difficult to steal personal items. It fits my 15.6” laptop with a bit to spare.

What is the food in Brazil?

Maybe you are already family with the Brazilian steakhouse. Yes, steak is very popular in Brazil, it seems that every weekend you will have at least 2 invites for a  churrasco  (barbecue) at your family or friend’s house. 

A  churrasco   usually includes sausages and several different cuts of meat, grilled over hardwood charcoal, sliced to bite-size pieces, and eaten hot off the cutting board.

In addition to  churrasco , there are many other delicious Brazilian foods to experiment with:

• Açai:  Antioxidant super fruit gaining popularity outside of Brazil – açaí bowls are very popular
• Pão de Queijo:  They are getting very popular in the US, they are the heaven version of cheese bread.
• Cachorro Quente:  It is the Brazilian version of hot dog, it is another level
• Moqueca:  Anyone who tries it, falls in love. Fresh fish cooked in coconut milk
• Brazilian Pizza:  My vote goes to the Brazilian pizza. Want to know the difference between Brazilian and American pizza?
• Feijoada:  Brazilian comfort food, which is a slow-cooked black bean, beef, and pork stew served with rice – a truly must try the traditional dish, that every time I cook it and invite my friends to try, they leave asking me for the secret recipe.
• Brigadeiro:  Sweet like a bonbon and extremely scrumptious and delicious
• Creme de papaya:  a perfect ending to a big meal, papaya helps digestion.
• Caipirinha:  It is the Bazilian popular drink. Strong is the definition, made by sugar cane, sugar, lime, and ice.
• Guaraná:  the Brazilian soda – loaded with caffeine from the guaraná plant

What to Pack for a Trip to Brazil?

I recommend packing light, and if you forget anything, buy it there. Brazil makes very good quality clothes and shoes and the prices are really good.

The packing will depend on what area of Brazil you are planning to visit, and what time of the year. But in general comfortable, light and colorful clothes are the best option. Some MUST PACK items are:

• Colorful casual clothing: tank top, t-shirts, shorts, skirts,
• Summer dresses
• A pair of jean
• Shawal – is always a great item for the cooler evening
• A light rain jacket
• a pair of Havaianas
• Bikini/ bathing suit
• Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
• Dress shoes/ sandals – to go out at night
• Long sleeve shirt/ nice dress – to go out at night
• 1 pair of sneakers
• LifeStraw water bottle with a purifier
• socks/ underwear
• A day backpack
• Universal charger/ adaptor

PACK SMART ALERT!

If you are planning to carry a backpack for your trip to Brazil, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today – Also, it doesn’t matter if it is summer or winter, it is always smart to carry a jacket with you, so check my complete review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel and pack smart!

Pack Light & Smart when you Travel to Brazil

Here is one of the most important Brazil travel tips to keep in mind. I recommend packing in a backpack if you are planning to travel around Brazil. Consider that you will be traveling from point A to point B on public transportation. Or even if you fly, it is easier to just have a carry-on item with you. Pack light and smart is always my rule of thumb!

I love traveling with my Osprey Backpack , and if you are taking a backpack, I recommend rolling your clothes and using small packing cubes separated by categories (pants, tops, socks…), so you don’t need to empty the backpack every time when you are trying to reach to the items you need. Here are the best backpacks for travel that I recommend:

Osprey Talon 20 Liters

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling with luggage or a backpack, the fact is that you will need a day pack for Vietnam ! This is the backpack that I use and recommend because you can fit a lot, keep everything organized and it is super comfortable to carry around for hours.

Osprey Levity 45 Liters

This is an ultralight backpack specially designed for minimalist travelers who are particular about light and smart packing. Made with breathable fabric and enough pockets for proper pack organization. It is a great backpack for hiking because it is light and very comfortable to carry.

Osprey Atmos 65 Liters

This is the backpack I have been using for many years now and they are amazing! I love the anti-gravity system and it really works wonders, plus it has ventilated suspended mesh back panel and adjustable torso length and straps to ensure carrying comfort.

Photography Gear in Brazil

We all know that Brazil is a very unique and magical place. It is impossible to not take many pictures and want to capture the amazing moments while traveling around Brazil.

Therefore, do not forget to bring your camera equipment with you:

• This is the camera I use and love – Sony Mirrorless a7III
• Bring a couple of good lenses for different pictures – I always carry this lens with me
• Extra memory cards 
• I recommend bringing some filters
• Tripod to photograph the waterfalls and depending on the time of the year, the Aurora Borealis. 
• If you want to capture amazing videos, I use and recommend a Gimble Smartphone Stabilizer
• I also recommend a GoPro HERO9 for some action images videos and pictures.
• You can also capture incredible Drone images in Iceland. I use DJI Mavic Air 2

7-Steps for a well-planned trip to Brazil

• CHOOSE A LOCATION TO VISIT:  Start by checking other itineraries and tips that I have prepared, as I am providing the best information for you to plan an independent trip to Brazil on my  BRAZILTRAVEL GUIDE .
• BUY A GUIDE BOOK: An excellent guidebook that I recommend is  Lonely Planet Brazil Guidebook , as it has tons of great information on main attractions, places to stay, and many curiosities about Brazilian culture.
• BOOK YOUR FLIGHT: There are great options to fly direct to Brazil to the major airports of the country. Book in advance to try to get a better deal. The flights are approx. 6-8 hours. The best way to start your South America backpacking route is to fly to a large city. 
• BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE:  Brazil has great options for accommodations, but make sure you book in advance to take advantage of the best prices and best options. I recommend  Booking.com  as it has a great policy of free cancelation.
• START PACKING: It will depend on each area of Brazil you will visit to pack accordingly. Check my recommended packing list and my expert review on the Best Backpacks for Travel here.
• BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER: Responsible and Ethical traveling is REALLY IMPORTANT.  Check my complete guide
• BOOK ANY TOUR IN ADVANCE:  There are great options for group or VIP tours in Brazil, just make sure you check the many options and book in advance.  Check here  for options or check some options for you below:

Planning a Trip to Brazil Conclusion

Brazil is a very large country, and you will need to plan accordingly before your visit. Preplanning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe.

Make sure you have the places you want to visit highlighted. Brazil offers everything from large cities to the Amazon Rainforest to stunning beaches. You can visit my Travel Planning and print the easy 10-steps to plan an international trip.  

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51 thoughts on “ultimate guide to planning a perfect trip to brazil: expert tips from a local”.

Great Post Paula and a perfect place for me to start. Thank you ?

I’ve always wanted to go to Brazil, but got lost in the vastness. This is so helpful, thank you!

Nice post Paula. I have always loved Brazil since childhood – from their football! 🙂 Someday I would like to visit the Amazon rainforest and the Iguazu falls in this large diverse country. Do you plan to write about these destinations?

I am so happy you liked my post and that you loved Brazil. Yes, I am planning to cover every special corner of the country on my blog and planning to write about Amazon and Iguaçu also. I saw you have some great content on Peru and I cannot wait to go back and explore more, I will be using your blog for reference.

It is hard to pick a destination when you are going to a big country. There is so much to explore in Brazil. My recommendation is start with São Paulo and/or Rio de Janeiro e explore the surrounding. You should go with me sometime 😉

Thank you! I am excited to continue to write about Brazil, and hopefully you will be there soon too. You will love it!

What a great article Paula! A great resource to demystify a lot of the misconceptions about Brazil and encourage travelers to visit our beautiful country. Also thanks for linking to my article about the difference between Brazilian vs American pizza. ? As “Brazileiras” we know which one will always win. Hehehe ?

One of these days I will visit this beautiful country!! The food looks amazing. Pinning for future reference!

Adorei o texto e o contexto…muito útil para amantes viajantes!!!! Nosso lindo país vale a pena ser visitado, experimentado, com tanta diversidade, fauna exótica, praias de tirar o fôlego, montanhas cheias de charme e tranquilidade, você certamente encontrará vários países dentro de um só. Aproveitem e pesquisem sobre Rio Grande do Sul, especialmente Gramado e Canela, Pantanal Mato Grossense, Nordeste e seus encantos, nossa culinária que é um grande patrimônio. Paula parabéns por este post completo e maravilhoso.

Obrigada Patricia – sim, o Brasil tem vários países dentro de um só, e com um lugares tão unicos e incriveis para visitar.

For the first time I want to visit Brazil. Thanks for the interesting review.

Really a complete guide!

Thanks for all the useful tips! I’ve been to Brasil once, and I’m definitely coming back one day!

Brazil is absolutely one of my favourite countries in the world. I’ve been 3 times, but still have so much to see. I haven’t been for nearly 15 years, so I’m definitely due a return visit!

I’ve only been to a few places in Brazil and I fell in love with it 🙂 This guide will be very helpful when I plan my next trip 🙂 Thanks!

This post comes to me just in time as I am actually planning my trip to South America next year! I was a bit concerned about travelling safely in Brazil, and luckily found lots of useful tips from your post. Thank you!

I loved Brazil but sadly could only stay for 2 days! I need to go back and see more places there for sure, and will definitely keep this comprehensive guide handy! Thank you! 🙂

This is such an amazing and comprehensive post about Brazil! I will definitely be saving this for when I go in the future!

Such a great post! Would love to visit Brazil!

I last went to South America in 2009 but have never been to Brazil so it’s always been on my bucket list. I’ve recently been watching Race Around the World so now I’ve moved it right at the top. I really want to go and photograph animals in the Pantanal. So this is a really great overview for a beginner like me!

You will absolutely LOVE Brazil. I have been in Pantanal twice and I was planning to go back this year again. Whenever you want to go, just let me know, maybe we can go together! Pantanal is so unique from any other place in the Planet.

Thanks Tyra. I hope you get to visit Brazil, it is so diverse and there is so much to explore.

I am so happy to hear you like it Marisa. I hope you get to visit Brazil one day, you will love it and see how diverse this amazing country is.

Only 2 days! Girl, you need to go back and with the photography skills you have, you will have the best time of your life just photographing and exploring this amazing country. Thanks for stopping by.

I am so glad to hear that this guide was helpful for you Fiona. Yes, it is a good start, Brazil is so big and so diverse. Let me know when you are getting ready and if I can help you with your plans.

Hi Or, I am so glad you found this guide helpful. Brazil need to be explored on many trips. I am from Brazil and I still haven’t explored half of this vast country.

Time to go back again Deborah 🙂 and really makes me so happy that you love Brazil. There is so much to do and so many places to visit. It is so awesome you have been 3 times and love it!

Thanks Mal, and I am so glad you have visited and enjoyed Brasil. Actually I read your blog about Brazil and make me so happy to see that you are helping to promote my beautiful home country.

Thanks for the guide! I have a colleague who lives in Brazil, and I would love to go visit! Your photos of the fresh fruit are calling my name. Also, love the link to the Brazilian pizza 101 article. Yummm!

It’s my dream to participate in Carnival in Brazil haha I love the costumes so much. Also really want to go to the Amazon and Iguazu falls. But like you said, they are so far from each other. Might have to be more than one trip 😛 These are such great tips! Always love hearing from someone from the country.

I went to Recife for two weeks this year. You are right, not many people speak English, it was a hurdle we had to get over. But the FOOD! Wow! a lot of the stuff we ate was regional (not even on your list!) and it was all SO good!

The size of Brazil has always been so intimidating to me – I’ve never known where to start. Thank you for simplifying the top points, especially the key areas to visit. I hope to make it to at least one of them some day.

What a comprehensive guide, and i love the mention on being a responsible traveler! I have to say its one of my dream destinations, but the safety aspect has always concerned me! Thank you for sharing it Paula!

This is such a helpful guide, thanks so much for putting this together! I’m hoping to visit Brazil when we can travel again, so this is great!

Hi Emma, I am so glad you enjoyed this guide. I hope so too that you get to travel to Brazil one day, you will love it.

hi Tia, I am so glad you found my guide helpful. I agree with you about the safety aspects, but during my last trip to Rio last year, I was as a solo and I felt really safe and enjoyed the beauty of this incredible city.

Thanks for your feedback, Katie. I hear that a lot, that people don’t even know where to start because Brazil is so big. If you evern decide to go, reach out to me and I will be happy to help you with some ideas of places to visit.

Amy, I am so happy to hear you visited Recife and loved it. Yes, Brazil is very diverse and each region has it’s own accent, food, culture…In order to explore all the amazing food, someone would need to spend at least a year traveling around the country. The food is really amazing!

I am so glad o hear you like this article Viola. I also have the Amazon on my bucket list, I haven’t been yet and I cannot wait to visit. You will love Brazil! Maybe we can go together one day 🙂

Brazil is very high on my bucket list. I love how vast and diverse the country is. Thank you for this great guide. Definitely will keep it handy for when I plan my future travels to Brazil. 🙂

Thanks for sharing such useful information .hope to visit Brazil someday

What an incredibly helpful guide. I especially loved the section on safety as well as suggestions for what to pack. As always, your pictures are stunning! I just pinned for future inspiration 🙂

Oh wow! i really want to visit one day! looks so stunning!

I really hope you get to visit Brazil one day, you will love it.

I am so glad you enjoyed this guide, Elena. Thank you so much!

I hope you get to visit Brazil someday too, you will love it.

Oh Taylor, you will fall in love with Brazil. I am so glad you found this guide helpful

Paula, nice blog. I’m heading to Brazil in 10 days for a 2 month trip. How do you deal with your camera equipment when passing through customs? I’m a wildlife photographer so I will be taking a camera body and several large lenses. For non-resident travellers, it appears that camera equipment over $500 dollars must be declared on the customs form.

Hi Shane, I am glad you found my blog and enjoyed it. That is a great question, and I always traveled to Brazil with a lot of electronics – 2 laptops (personal and work), 2 cell phones (personal and work), and my camera gears (lots of lenses, filters, etc.) and I never declared anything as they are all my personal items. Where are you planning to travel to, Guarulhos (GRU in Sao Paulo)? or any other city? It will depend on when you are traveling, but my experience is that if you are traveling to GRU you won’t have any issues if you are only carrying your personal electronic items.

so great infos thanks very much, also try this out ” atm fee saver” app, i just used it while travelling. its shows atm around with the lowest fees for withdrawing money. i always struggle to find good atms or i dont know how much i can withdraw, it has all the infos so i can totally recommend it 🙂

Hi Anni – this is a very good information, thanks so much. I will download it and use it myself too.

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Brazil in 7-10 Days

Brazil in 2 weeks, brazil for active travelers, top brazil travel packages, brazil in 7-10 days.

Brazil is a very large and culturally rich destination which allows for many different experiences for all different kinds of travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature , sightseeing major historical sites or immersing yourself in the culture, Brazil has endless possibilities for you. Below are some sample itineraries to help you start thinking about what your perfect trip to Brazil could be like.

Brazil is an enormous country. With seven to ten days, it is advised to stick to one broad region, such as the northern area of Brazil or the southern coast. Here are some of the highlights to see in Brazil on a seven to ten day tour:

Day 1-3, Rio de Janeiro : Explore exciting Rio, hike sugarloaf, visit the Christ Redeemer statue on Corcavado Mountain, and enjoy the famous nightlife. Also make sure to visit the beaches that inspired songs, Ipanema and Copacabana. Be careful when traveling in Rio, and always stay with your tour group.

Day 4-5, Paraty : On the way to Iguazu falls you’ll pass through this charming town with beautiful beaches and UNESCO verified colonial architecture.

Day 6-7, Iguazu Falls : Visit iconic Iguazu (or Iguassu) Falls. The thundering waters and surrounding jungle once prompted Eleanor Roosevelt to lament “Poor Niagara!” So you know you’re in for something special. Enjoy the spray and long walk around the falls on paths to see the impressive sight from multiple vantage points.

See all Brazil tours in 7-10 days

If you have the time and the means, a longer trip is ideal for touring Brazil . Two weeks will allow you to see the different sides of Brazil, from the big cities to the jungle. It also allows for a little downtime between activities.

Day 1, Rio : Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the biggest city in Brazil. Take the day to settle into your lodgings and explore your surroundings.

Day 2-4, Rio : Explore the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. Hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain to get a look at the famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

Make the drive to nearby resort town, Buzios, where pristine and less crowded beaches await.

Day 4-5, São Paulo : Travel from Rio to São Paulo. Visit one of the cities museums, which have some of the best fine art collections in the country.

Day 6-7, Curitiba : Explore this unique city and all it has to offer culturally. Take the Curitiba-Paranaguá train, taking in the scenic beauty and historical significance.

Day 8-9, Iguazu Falls : Tour the spectacular falls. Walk along the footbridge system for spectacular views.

Day 10-13, Manaus-Amazon : Fly to the heart of the Amazon . Here, you can tour the rainforest on foot or by river for a unique perspective. Participate in one of the cultural activities available to visitors.

Day 14, Manaus : Depart Brazil with stories to tell.

See all  Brazil Tours in 2 Weeks  »

For the adventurous and active, Brazil has so much to offer. From wildlife spotting to trekking, there is something for anyone looking to get moving.

Day 1-2, Sao Luis : Explore this historical town and its architecture. Visit one of its beautiful beaches.

Day 3-4, Lencois Maranhenses : You can explore the incredible sand dunes, lagoons, and mangrove swamps of this national park from the town of Sao Luis, or schedule a guided trek through the dunes for a truly adventurous experience.

Day 5, Baixa Grande : Stop at this nearby town as you continue your exploration of Lencois Maranhenses.

Day 6, Atins : This fishing village is the perfect resting point. Take advantage of the beaches and the slow pace.

Day 7-8, Ilha das Canarias : Take a tour of the Delta do Parnaiba, one of the most unique in the world. The delta branches into five arms and 73 river islands.

Day 9-10, Jericoacoara : This city in Northeastern Brazil is in an Environmental Protection Area, preserving an array of natural wonders. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in Brazil and popular for water sports.

See all Active Tours in Brazil »

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Top Brazil Attractions

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Backpacking Brazil Itinerary

Are you thinking of backpacking Brazil?

Brazil is one of the most interesting countries South America has to offer. It’s filled with history, religion, culture, and, of course, sports!

The country is surrounded by Amazon rainforests and tropical oceans , so it has plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities.

It’s an exciting destination for tourists, which is why it’s so popular, and it has a lot to offer.

What's in this guide?

Backpacking Brazil

In this guide, we are going to look at some of the popular places to visit in Brazil for travelers and backpackers looking for inspiration.

Is Brazil Worth Visiting?

Brazil is the largest nation in Latin America and also one of the most popular to explore.

With some of the best beaches in the world, an incredible, untouched jungle and a hotpot of cultures to explore , everyone must visit Brazil at least once in their lifetime!

As well as hosting the largest carnival in the world, Brazil is also known for its extremely friendly and inviting people, which results in a country that few want to leave after visiting.

BLATAM backpacking data:

• 💰 Currency: Real
• 🇧🇷 Language: Portuguese
• 🌎 Population Size: 212 Million
• 📍 Best Secret: Jericoacoara
• 🍴 Eat: Pão de Queijo, Feijoada
• 🥛 Drink: Caipirinha
• 💸 Average Daily Budget: $20-30

Is Brazil Safe?

Many tourists wonder whether Brazil is a safe destination or not.

Brazil is known for its crime rate. However, this has much to do with gang-related activity , which means tourists aren’t the targets of that violence.

Our basic tips for safety in Brazil include:

• Walk with purpose when you’re out and about.
• Dress to fit in.
• Leave your valuables at home.
• Never take free food or drinks from strangers.

However, tourists are at risk of pick-pocketing or muggings, which is why though this is a relatively safe place to visit, you must take precautions. But more on that later!

Safety About Facts Brazil

• One way to evaluate safety is by looking at the 2020 Global Peace Index. This measures the state of peace of each country in comparison with the rest of the world, by evaluating both tangible and qualitative indicators.
• Brazil ranked as 126th out of the 163 nations measured, which is similar to that of Kenya and Saudi Arabia. For comparison, The United States ranked as 121st.
• Big cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo tend to be safe in the touristy areas, but can then range to very unsafe in suburbs that are not too far away. A classic example are the favelas in the hills of Rio, which are renowned for gang violence and extreme corruption.
• If heading to the favelas, only go with an organized tour who knows the area well and any current happenings.
• With the rest of the major destinations, exercise the same caution as you would in any other Latin American country. This includes leaving flashy and expensive accessories at home, as these will only entice opportunistic thieves. The other main tip is to avoid going out late alone at night.

Brazil Backpacking Itinerary

There is a lot to do in Brazil, so it’s difficult to narrow down all the available options.

To help you do that, today we bring you a list of some of the places you simply can’t miss when you visit the country!

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most exciting destinations on earth and it’s one of the most visited cities in South America , for good reason.

It’s surrounded by breathtaking natural attractions such as the Corcovado mountains and it also provides access to beaches such as Ipanema and Copacabana .

You will also get to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue , which is iconic, along with many landmarks and interesting spots.

If you go during the Carnival , you’ll enjoy some of the most epic parties, parades, and celebrations.

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland area in the world and it’s very diverse, so it’s worth a visit.

The scenery and the wildlife will make for a memorable visit, which is why it’s such a popular destination for tourists who visit Brazil.

You will be able to explore the incredible landscapes and you will spot many capybaras and caimans . You may even get a glimpse of the elusive South American jaguar, an incredible creature.

This incredible, 3-Day Tour in the Pantanal is one of the best trips you can take in Brazil, where you can see everything from Jaguars and Howler Monkeys to Toucans and Otters.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is located to the south and it has the most scenic setting, which is why tourists love to visit.

It’s an important economic, cultural and political hub and it’s considered to be one of the best places to live in Brazil . The main attraction is the beaches, but you’ll also find dunes, waterfalls, lovely mountains, and much more.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu, or Iguazu Falls, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders and it’s often compared to Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls.

It’s a huge waterfall that’s surrounded by rainforest and it has infinite cascades, which is why it’s one of the largest waterfall systems on earth.

There are plenty of things you can do when you visit. For example, you can hike the rainforest or take a boat ride under the falls. Either way, it will be magical! While here, we recommend heading on this tour where you’ll be able to explore the Brazilian side of the waterfalls.

Sao Paulo is one of the largest city in the country and the world , so it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s known for its gastronomy, cultural scene, and many amazing skyscrapers.

Definitely try to visit Paulista Avenue , which divides the city in two and it’s bursting with art galleries, restaurants, theaters, shopping malls, businesses, and much more. There are plenty of opportunities for excitement here!

The best way to explore São Paulo is with this guided tour , who will show you all of the best sights including Ibirapuera Park as well as the Japanese district of Liberdade.

Last but not least, we have Bonito, a small city in the Pantanal region that’s definitely worth a visit.

If you practice ecotourism, this is the place to go because there are a wide variety of natural wonders.

You’ll find waterfalls, sinkholes, caves, rivers, and more , where you’ll be able to engage in many different outdoor activities.

You’ll also be able to learn more about the fauna and flora of the region by visiting the Serra da Bodoquena National Park .

Estância Mimosa is another beautiful region worth visiting, which is full of picturesque waterfalls and caves. We recommend going with this day tour .

Brazil Itinerary (2 Weeks)

Below we’ll cover our very best Brazil itinerary. As well as keeping an eye on time, it’s also been designed to keep things fresh and exciting too for you .

Before we get started, it’s of course important to note that this country is pretty huge. So here we’ve only covered the southern highlights of Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro (Days 1-5)

To kick off our Brazilian adventure, we’ll first be arriving in the pulsating hub of Rio. Whilst its international airport is slightly less connected as São Paulo’s, we definitely recommend starting in this city first .

Rio really is a melting hotpot of culture, rhythm and festivities. The areas of Copacabana and Ipanema are the best for their expansive beaches, as well as for partying and their abundance of accommodation options. Lapa is also a great spot with arguably better nightlife than the other two .

The best things to do in Rio could easily be made into an article of its own, but we’ll cover the very best here. Christ the Redeemer is an absolute must, with this one of the seven wonders of the world being perched over a mountain, allowing a perfect panoramic view of Rio and its coastline.

Sugarloaf mountain is another unmissable , where you can ride the gondola to the top (or even rope climb if you’re feeling daring!).

Be sure to also visit the Maracaña Stadium for a local football match, where you’ll be swept away by the passion of the fans and o jogo bonito. This highly rated day tour is the best way to explore all of Rio’s top highlights.

Ilha Grande (Days 6-8)

After our unforgettable time in Rio (well, perhaps forgotten if you became nicely acquainted with a caipirinha, that is), we’ll now head to the stunning island of Ilha Grande.

To get here we’ll first need to take a bus to Conceição de Jacareí , followed by a boat ride to the island. In total it’ll take around 3/4 hours.

Ilha Grande is best known for its world-class beaches, and whilst Rio’s are for the party crowd, these are much better for a well-needed relax time . The beaches of Aventureiro and Lopes Mendes are the best and are strong contenders for the best overall beaches in Southern Brazil.

Other cool things to do here include snorkeling with exotic and colorful fishes in Lagoa Azul , getting off the beaten path by hiking through Trilha do Bico Do Papagaio (a mouthful, we know) as well as summiting its peak for the best views over Ilha Grande.

This day tour is one of the best ways to explore the region, including stunning beaches such as Praia de Japar

São Paulo (Days 9-12)

From Ilha Grande, we’ll now head to the giant City of São Paulo. The largest city in South America, it can be quite intimidating for a first-timer , however, we’ll outline the best way for you to do this city below.

To get here we’ll first take the ferry to Angra dos Reis on the mainland, and then the bus to São Paulo (around 10 hours in total).

As it’s so big, it can be hard deciding where is best to stay. We recommend staying in either the upscale district of Vila Madalena or in Jardim Paulista which is close the mammoth-sized Ibirapuera Park.

Some of the best things to do here include exploring that park (along with its lake and monuments), which is the biggest man-made park in all of Latin America.

Be sure to head to the La Libertade district too, which is full of Japanese influence and cuisine, with this area the biggest settlement of those from Japan outside of the country.

Foz do Iguaçu (Days 13-15)

Last but not least we visit the ultimate waterfall destination of the country. To get to Foz we’ll need to take the long bus of 16 hours, or you can also save time by flying if you’ve got the funds.

Foz do Iguaçu is right next to the towering Iguaçu Falls (or Iguazú in Spanish), with Brazil home to one side that looks over to the Argentinian part.

At 195m, they’re not the tallest falls, however, they’re by far the most surreal in Latin America (and probably the world too) for the sheer amount of cascades thundering from all sides .

However, it’s not the only thing to do in town. The Parque de Aves is located close-by to the falls, and is home to over 140 species of rare and exotic birds from all over the Atlantic Rainforest.

Another awesome thing to do is to tick off your first-ever tri-border landmark! That’s because the Marco das Tres Fronteiras is the official meeting point of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay , which is along the Paraná river.

From here you can either take the bus back to São Paulo for your departing flight, or alternatively cross the borders into either Argentina or Paraguay to continue your South American adventure.

Those who want the all-time best views will want to head on this fly-over helicopter tour , with words really not able to do this experience justice

And there we have our 2 week Brazil itinerary. Now let’s move on to our most important tips, so you can have the best experience possible here.

Brazil: Travel Safety Tips

As mentioned before, Brazil is generally a safe place to visit but it’s important that tourists take certain precautions because they’re often victims of petty crimes such as pickpocketing.

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

• Don’t carry more cash or more cards than you need and leave the rest at the hotel.
• If you’re going to the beach, don’t take anything you don’t need.
• Look out for the top rated hostels in Brazil for the most comfy rooms etc.
• We recommend looking at local airlines, as flights can sometimes be really cheap within Brazil.
• Brazil is one of the most diverse countries in Latin America when it comes to the local grub. Be sure to try Pao de Queijo, which is a cheesy bread as well as Moqueca, which is Brazilian fish stew that is mixed up with coconut milk, peppers and tomatoes.
• There’s no better country than Brazil when it comes to party and atmosphere. Rio and Salvador are the very best, whilst pretty much all of the other major cities have enough for you to explore and never feel like you’re bored!
• If in Salvador, head to Zen as well as the hidden bar of Casa Preta, and whilst in Rio be sure to check out the nightlife capital of Lapa, which is full of incredible nightclubs and samba bars!
• Don’t flaunt your mobile devices when you’re out and about.
• Christ the Redeemer (Rio), Carnival (Salvador), The Amazon, Ilha Grande, Mercado Municipal (São Paulo). See this list of top rated tours in Brazil
• Avoid rough areas and don’t use outdoor ATMs, always go for the ones inside buildings.
• Don’t leave your valuables just lying around the hotel room. Lock them up before you leave.
• Walk with purpose when you’re out and about. Don’t look unsure because pickpockets and muggers will take advantage of that.
• Avoid walking around alone at night and avoid empty areas such as beaches and parks.

Follow these tips and you’ll be able to avoid common risks tourists are subject to. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful, so remember to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings.

Traveling around Brazil

If you want to explore Brazil by bus, there are a few tips that will make things easier for you.

For one, purchase your bus tickets online and always look up the bus schedules in advance.

Always get there 30 minutes earlier and bring a pen with you to fill out your ID number, address, and name on the bus ticket.

If you’re taking an overnight bus, bring a jacket or a blanket, and splurge on a Leito or Executivo ticket so you can be more comfortable during the long ride.

Some of our favourite hostels in Brazil include:

Hostel Maresias do Leme (Rio de Janiero), Tucano House Summer Hostel (Florianópolis), Porto das Palmeiras Hostel (Salvador).

Best time to visit Brazil

We’ve spoken a lot about the best time to visit South America on this blog (George is absolutely obsessed with checking the weather when we travel).

Spanning over 4000km in length, Brazil is home to a range of climates as well as different biomes. We’ll split it up into the three main areas and what you can expect from a visit to each.

Manaus and much of the Amazon Jungle are pretty hot and humid all year round . Average temperatures range around 77°F, although between August and November this rises up to an average of 82°F.

The hottest months to visit the Amazon Jungle are September and October with highs of up to 91°F. The coolest month in contrast is January, with lows of 74°F.

Rainfall in Manaus can vary quite considerably. December until May is the official wet season here, with between 7-10 inches falling throughout each month (March is the wettest month with 10 inches of rainfall). Visiting between July and September promises the driest weather, with only 2 inches falling throughout these months.

Now let’s look at Salvador, which is a good destination to cover that’s similar to many other areas in the north of Brazil . Temperatures are pretty stable throughout the year, so there’s no real warm or cool season to be discussed.

Most annual temperatures range from 78-81°F, with highs of up to 88°F. December until April is the hottest period to visit Salvador, and August in contrast is the coolest month to visit.

Rainfall on the other hand is pretty seasonal. October until March is the driest time to visit with only 1-3 inches falling throughout each month. May, on the other hand, is the wettest month of the year to head to Salvador, with around 6 inches of downpour.

Then we have the south of Brazil . Rio de Janeiro is the most popular destination to visit here, so we’ll cover this gem. Rio has more clear warm and cool seasons compared to the rest of Brazil.

May until October is cooler, with average temperatures of 70-73°F with highs of up to 79°F and lows of 64°F (July being the coolest month to visit Rio).

November until April on the other hand is much warmer. Average temperatures range from 77-81°F, with highs of up to 86°F (January and February are the hottest months to visit Rio).

Rainfall is at its lowest in Rio in July and August with around 50mm falling throughout each, and at its highest in December with up to 170mm of downpour. The rest of the months vary somewhere between 80-130mm.

What to pack for Brazil

Despite Brazil’s massive size, it’s still pretty warm here regardless of where in the country you visit , and also when in the year you go.

With the climate ranging from warm to hot, it’s always best to pack lots of light clothes for the sun and beach weather.

You’ll need to bring some sturdy hiking boots and a solid raincoat if heading into the Amazon and Pantanal, as depending on the month, these can get very wet. Also make sure to pack some anti-mosquito repellent as well, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance in Brazil.

As well as the above, you’ll also want to pack the essentials which include toiletries, a document holder, towels, a water bottle as well as a daypack for any excursions you’ll be taking part in.

Got travel insurance for Brazil?

Backpacking Brazil: Final Words

This Brazil itinerary is a guide you can trust, so make sure you revisit it before and during your travels so you don’t miss anything important and make sure everything’s in order.

Stay safe and have fun exploring this amazing country with tons of adventures to offer!

We have listed more places to visit in our backpacking South America guide so why not check that out while you’re here?

👉🏽 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.

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Brazil, being almost the size of the United States, requires some type of itinerary, especially if your time is limited and you’re trying to explore as much of the country as possible. With the size of the country in mind, and knowing our Brazil itinerary had to be family-friendly, I had to do my research, including talking to locals to ensure my family got the most out of our Brazilian vacation. And boy did we! 

Below, I highlight three different Brazilian family vacation itineraries. After reading, you will have gained an in-depth understanding of Brazil’s most popular tourist destinations and how to interact with them for an unforgettable vacation. No matter if you choose a seven-day, ten-day, or two-week Brazil itinerary, you will be well prepared to experience their beautiful culture and enjoy your time there. 

Brazil Itinerary 

Strategically positioned in the tropical and coastal region of South America , Brazil has a plethora of breathtaking scenes that you must see. From magnificent waterfalls, beaches, lakes, and parks, the country has placed itself among the top tourist destination sites worldwide.

Its centuries-old art culture also sets it apart from other top tourist destinations. From ancient architectural buildings to luxurious and modern skyscrapers, you will find no shortage of artistic scenes.  There are a vast collection of artistic items showcased in museums and art galleries throughout the various cities. 

In addition, the country has a vibrant and dynamic culture. It is possible to sharpen your culinary experience by tasting delicious cuisines from various cultures around the country.  Plus the country is known for its vibrant music and dance culture. So no matter which Brazil itinerary you choose, you’re subject to having a great time. 

Keep reading for my different Brazil trip itinerary options and pack your bags if you haven’t already.

How many Days to Stay in Brazil?

Due to the size of the country, the minimum amount of days you should spend in Brazil is 7 days, especially if you want to explore more than one city.

Since Brazil has so many unique travel destinations , you could spend 10 days, 14 days, and even months in Brazil and still want to come back to explore more.

No matter how many days you plan to stay in Brazil, be sure to get travel insurance . While traveling in Brazil, I had an incident where the shower glass shattered on me. Needless to say, I was glad I had travel insurance .

✔️ Learn more about my favorite travel insurance , SafetyWing ✔️

Brazil Trip Itinerary: 7 Days in Brazil

On your family vacation , you can still get the most out of Brazil by following the 7 days in Brazil Trip Itinerary provided below. You will gain a lot of experience engaging with three of the country’s most famous cities during this period.

This is the itinerary I recently did with my husband, aunt, and twin toddlers. Let’s just say, it’s a relatively packed itinerary; however, we did have 2 days of relaxation in our Brazil itinerary – our first day in Sao Paulo and a day in Rio.

Itinerary #1

Brazil 7-day itinerary: sao paulo, salvador, bahia, and rio de janeiro , day 1-3: sao paulo, brazil itinerary.

Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and one of the most populous in the world. It has managed to place itself as one of the top tourist destinations in Brazil because of its rich artistic history, delicious food scene, and diverse population that reflects the many cultures that converged there over time.

Is Sao Paulo worth visiting?

Do you love a diverse food scene, beautiful art, history, and/or architecture? If so, Sao Paulo offers all of this and more. 

Sao Paulo is a major center for business and finance in South America, making it an important destination for business travelers. As a result, you will experience a dynamic collaboration of cultures when visiting- from the cuisine to the museums and art galleries, as well as the vibrant nightlife. 

Which Sao Paulo airport is the best to fly into?

Sao Paulo is a great city to use as a base to fly in and out of Brazil. Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) offers several direct flights into the United States and Europe, making it the busiest airport in Brazil (remember it’s the financial district of Brazil.)

If you’re looking to fly to other cities within Brazil,  São Paulo–Congonhas Airport offers several nonstop flights to a plethora of cities within the country. Thus, maximizing your time in Brazil. Because who wants to spend an entire day with multiple flights getting from one city to another? 

Things to do in Sao Paulo

When traveling to a city, one of my main objectives is to experience the destination like a local. Due to its rich cultural heritage, Sao Paulo offers a wide range of family-friendly things to do, including site-seeing, art exploration, swimming, shopping, dining, and more.

Museums and Galleries

So, let’s start with the great Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo museum, the oldest art museum in Sao Paulo and one of the most important museums in Brazil. 

The museum is home to a variety of Brazilian art, as well as European art and structures. Similarly, they host various art collections and cultural events. So be sure to check their website when planning your Sao Paulo, Brazil itinerary. 

For art lovers, Pinacoteca is just the beginning of the rich art that Sao Paulo offers. There are numerous art galleries throughout the city if you’d like to explore more art while there.

Another local must-visit thing to do in Sao Paulo is Ibirapuera Park. Now you may be thinking, a park, really? Yes! Why come to Sao Paulo and not go to the most visited park in South America?

People Watching and Cultural Activities

Ibirapuera Park is home to multiple museums, a planetarium, cultural events, pavilions, and trails. It’s a great addition to your Brazil itinerary if you want to experience various aspects of Sao Paulo in one place. 

Plus, it’s the perfect thing to do in Sao Paulo with kids! I mean, what kid doesn’t love a park?

Similarly, Paulista Avenue embodies the culture and heart of Sao Paulo. Within its almost 2 miles stretch, you can find a variety of restaurants, museums, art galleries, financial institutes, and more. It makes great people-watching!

Lastly, you can’t spend time in Sao Paulo without trying out its culinary scene. It has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops from various cultures, including Japanese. In fact, Sao Paulo has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. 

✔️ Learn more about Sao Paulo City Tour to maximize your time ✔️

Where to stay in Sao Paulo

If you have spent an exciting and eventful day with your family in Brazil, you will probably need an ideal resting place. Whatever your budget, Sao Paulo has a variety of accommodations .

Sao Paulo Budget-Friendly Hotel

A four-star hotel for less than $100. Say less.

The Mercure Sao Paulo Paulista Hotel is conveniently located within a short walk to Paulista Avenue, the metro, and buses. With clean rooms, friendly staff, and a great location, this hotel is a great option for those who want to be in the midst of the action without breaking the bank. 

Sao Paulo Mid-tier Hotel

L’Hotel Porto Bay Sao Paulo is a boutique, 5-star hotel that exudes luxury and top-tier service within walking distance of Paulista Avenue.  For those who enjoy spending time at the hotel, they offer a spa and gym, as well as a beautiful pool. 

Our Countryside Sao Paulo Family Vacation

I personally have experienced the metropolis of Sao Paulo for work. So when one of my good friends moved to Indiatuba, Sao Paulo, 2 hours from the metropolitan, I knew we had to take a family vacation to Brazil . 

Instead of staying in Indiatuba, a decent size city, we opted for the countryside of Itu, which was less than an hour from where my friend lives. There’s something special about the countryside, where you slow down and can create beautiful, simple memories during your Brazil vacation.

We were going to need this rest day because our one-week Brazil itinerary was jam pack with action!

Family Vacation in Itu, Sao Paulo, Brazil

When traveling to Brazil with kids, our Itu vacation rental was everything we needed and more! As soon as our driver opened the van doors for us to explore our new home for the next few days, our twins immediately ran to the play area, which included a trampoline and playhouse. Between this play area and the soccer field, our boys literally stayed outside for hours, playing.

Gilda and her sister, the chef and housekeeping service cooked mouthwatering meals and kept the house and its facilities in immaculate shape. Not only was the home super welcoming, like going to grandma’s house, but it also had a pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, offering any luxury that you may want. 

The home itself was our vacation in Itu. We sat in the hammocks on the veranda and watched the kids play while drinking caipirinhas and listening to music. This was the perfect, slow start to a very busy Brazil itinerary. 

Day 4-5: Salvador da Bahia, Brazil Itinerary

Salvador, Bahia in Northeast Brazil is known for its rich Black and African culture and history, as well as its artistic scenes, such as museums and art galleries. On top of that, Salvador has beautiful white beaches, so your family can have a variety of fun while vacationing. 

The best way to get to Salvador, Bahia from Sao Paulo

The best way to get to Salvador, Bahia from most cities in Brazil is to fly.

Sao Paulo is no different.

Sao Paulo is located in the Southeast region of Brazil, but driving northwards towards Salvador, Bahia will take over 24 hours. Thus, flying is the best option. All three Sao Paulo area airports offer direct flights to Salvador, making the flight only 2 hours. 

Personally, we flew out of the Campinas airport at 5 PM and made it to Salvador in time for dinner.   I was so happy to learn that there is indeed Uber in Brazil , in over 100 cities! This made it super easy to get around Bahia and other Brazilian cities.

Is Salvador da Bahia worth visiting?

If you are a cultural enthusiast, Salvador, Bahia in Northeast Brazil, is the right place to visit. Due to its Afro-Brazilian population, it is considered the black city in Brazil. While peeking through the streets of Salvador, you may be dazzled by the city’s vibrant and dynamic culture, not forgetting the remarkable colonial architecture.

Also, prepare your taste buds for a savory culinary experience with a touch of indigenous African flavors and ingredients. As if this is not enough, you can enjoy that toothsome meal while watching your kids build sand castles along the beach.

Things to do in Salvador da Bahia

There are many things your family can do in Salvador during your one-week Brazil itinerary, but tackling them all one by one might be challenging. If you take a guided tour of the city from a reputable company, you can get a good feel for the city in a short amount of time. We took a private African city tour with Sayuri Bahia Local Experience.

If you’re into history and understanding the intricacies of different religions and how people live, adding a Candomble house is a unique addition to your Brazil itinerary. Candomble is an Afro-Brazilian religion that fuses West African tribal practices brought by the enslaved with the beliefs of Native Brazilian Indians. The religion was technically banned by the government until as recently as 1970.

Visiting their place of worship opens your eyes to the history of Salvador and its people. Since a Candomble house is sacred, it’s not open to the public. You have to go on a tour. 

✔️ Learn more about the Candomble Religion with a tour ✔️

In my personal opinion, your Salvador da Bahia, Brazil itinerary is not complete without doing these three things: visiting the historical Pelourinho, going to the beach, and taking a tour, preferably an African tour, of the city. 

✔️ Learn more Salvador da Bahia city tour ✔️

Pelourinho is the frame historic district, declared one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Here you will find the culture and soul of the city through its architecture, art and structures, cathedrals, and more. You can take the Lacerda Elevator which connects the lower city to the upper city (Pelourinho is in the upper city).

While in Pelourinho, be sure to stop at the square where Michael Jackson recorded the “They don’t really care about us” music video.

Casa do Carnaval da Bahia

Living in New Orleans, we were very curious about Carnival in Bahia, so we stopped at Bahia’s Carnival House as it’s not a far walk from the Lacerda Elevator. It was so cool to see how they celebrate Carnival. The kids loved the room where you can dress in carnival attire and learn different dance moves.

Oh and the view of the city from the top of the museum is breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to sit at their cafe and enjoy a caipirinha and coxinha. 

Salvador da Bahia Beaches

Salvador is known for its beautiful beaches. We personally stayed by and hung out at Porto da Barra Beach. It’s a local beach filled with families enjoying the calm waters. The street that lines the beach is filled with delicious restaurants, but it’s not uncommon for folks to grill on the beach in Salvador. 

✔️ Want to explore the islands around Salvador? Learn more here ✔️

Where to Stay in Salvador

I’m team “nice and lux lodging” So having an ideal place to relax after engaging in breathtaking activities throughout the day is a must!

We personally stayed at an Airbnb close to Porto da Barra beach. The location was perfect as it was only a block or so from the beach, restaurants, and lighthouse. The view from the living room was perfect, but the rest of the accommodations were just okay. 

If you want a Salvador, Bahia vacation rental close to the beach and large enough for a family, you can check it out . 

Where to stay in Salvador da Bahia

Lodging Close to Salvador Beach, Porto da Barra

Grande Hotel da Barra – Located across the street from the beach, this hotel provides beautiful views of the beach. The accommodations themselves are a bit basic, but it’s one of the best options available if you’re looking to be close to the beach.

Close to Salvador Colonial District, Pelourinho

Hotel Casa do Amarelindo – Located within the historic district of Pelourinho, you are close to the action of the historic part of town. This hotel offers excellent service that includes car service and tours. Plus, the views of the city from the terrace are breathtaking. 

Day 5-7: Rio de Janeiro

So I must admit, when I first planned our one-week Brazil itinerary, I initially didn’t have Rio on the list, just Sao Paulo and Salvador. Well, my husband wasn’t having it. And I’m grateful.

Our family vacation in Rio was literally one of the highlights of our Brazilian itinerary. Rio is the perfect family vacation destination. The entire family enjoyed Rio so much that we were all sad when our time there came to an end. 

The best way to get to Rio de Janeiro from Salvador, Bahia

There is no need to worry about moving to the next stage of your fun-filled Brazil family vacation. Rio is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Southeastern region of the country, similar to Sao Paulo.

A 7-day Brazil itinerary vacation shouldn’t be wasted on day-long drives when you could be exploring Rio, a vibrant and exhilarating city. Taking one of the multiple flights from Salvador to Rio will save you much-needed vacation time with your family.

For us, we took a 4 AM flight from Salvador and arrived in Rio de Janeiro around 630 AM, with a fun-packed Brazil itinerary. Let’s just say we didn’t get to our lodging until 5 PM!

Why Rio is one of the most visited cities in South America?

Rio de Janeiro is a popular vacation destination site, attracting millions of tourists worldwide. Subsequently, the city is considered one of the most visited cities in South America.

Here’s why. 

Rio’s natural landscape is literally breathtaking. It’s picturesque.

Its beauty alone makes you want to explore its neighborhoods, beaches, and mountains.  On top of that, its rich and dynamic culture is so vibrant and filled with delicious food, kind people, and fun vibes. 

There’s literally something for everyone in Rio de Janeiro. 

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro 

Rio de Janeiro offers a wide variety of things to do, and yes, even family-friendly activities. In fact, there is enough to do that one could fill an entire one-week Brazil itinerary in Rio alone.

If it’s your first time visiting Rio, navigating the city’s colorful mix of art and culture may be challenging due to its massive size and the minimum number of people who can speak English . Engaging a seasoned city guide who’ll take you through the city’s enumerating scenes would be beneficial. Since this was a family trip and there were 5 of us, including twin toddlers, we took a private tour. 

Our guide, Alex (Whats App +55 21 98112-6940), was both friendly and professional. He was amazing with the boys and a big help when they became tired or started showing signs of their age (my parents know what I’m talking about.) Working with him gave us the flexibility to maximize our Rio, Brazil itinerary while meeting our family’s needs. 

✔️ If you do choose to rent a car, check out these affordable rental rates ✔️

Our Rio Family Vacation Itinerary

When we landed in Rio at 630 AM, we hit the ground running. 

Christ the Redeemer- A Must-Do Rio Activity

Our first stop directly from the airport was Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven world wonders of the world. Leaving directly from the airport positioned us to be one of the first people there. We wanted to get there as early as possible to get good pictures to commemorate my boys’ second world wonder.

Machu Picchu was their first world wonder.

I recommend that you arrive at Christ the Redeemer as close to the opening as possible because, towards the end of our time there, it was starting to get crowded and more challenging to get a picture without someone in it. 

Another great option to get views of both Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain is the Estrada Mirante Dona Marta lookout. There is a fraction of the people there and the views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the city of Rio are absolutely breathtaking.

On the same day, you potentially could include a stop at the famous Selaraon Stairs , or even have lunch with Christ the Redeemer in the background at Parque Lage .

Parque Lage

If you choose to go to Parque Lage, note that it’s more than just a restaurant. It’s also a park. One of my kids truly enjoyed exploring the park. We even saw monkeys running around.

If you just want to take a picture with the iconic scene of Christ the Redeemer in the background (featured in Pharrell and Snoop Dog’s ‘Beautiful’  music video), you have to make a reservation to take a picture.

However, a reservation is not required if you want to eat there. It’s first come, first serve. Our wait to eat was about 45 minutes to an hour. 

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is an experience within itself as you take cable cars to two different mountains, Urca and Sugarloaf. Each offers incredible and unique views of the city. At each stop, there are a variety of restaurants, shops, and more to stop and explore. 

Adventurous Things to do in Rio

If you haven’t had enough of an adrenaline rush from the city vibe, you might enjoy hang gliding and swaying leafless, taking in the unparalleled views of the city. Or even take a helicopter ride and take in the spectacular view of Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana, and Ipanema beaches.

The experiences in Rio are endless. From sailing on the Guanabara Bay to hiking to waterfalls , the infamous Telegraph Rock , or even the challenging Pedra da Gavea . 

No matter what you choose to do in Rio, you are bound to have a great time!

👉🏽 Adventurous Things to do in Rio 👈🏽

✔️ Hang Gliding ✔️

✔️ Sailing on the Guanabara Bay ✔️

✔️ Hiking Waterfalls ✔️

✔️ Hiking Telegraph Rock ✔️

✔️ Hiking Pedra da Gavea ✔️

Where to stay in Rio

Rio is such a massive city that finding the right neighborhood to stay in comes down to preference. Keep reading for where to stay in Rio de Janeiro !

Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro Hotel 

We personally stayed in a local, upscale neighborhood, Barra da Tijuca . This neighborhood made me want to move there as it’s home to its own beautiful, less crowded beach. As well as a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and other recreational sites.

Do note that it’s about a thirty-minute drive from most tourist hot spots, but that’s what I loved about it. You can drive to the ‘must-see’ attractions like Christ the Redeemer, do all of them while out, then come back ‘home’ and enjoy your time around locals. 

If you prefer to be in the midst of all of the action, Copacabana and Ipanema are wonderful options as well. Please note, that Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach are less than a mile from one another, so why choose one? You can stay in one neighborhood and walk to the other. 

Beach Hotel, Windsor Marapendi – This 5-Star hotel is perfectly located in front of the beach, which offers tremendous views of the beach from the rooftop pool. The rooms, breakfast, and service are all excellent. 

Copacabana Hotel, Rio de Janeiro  

Copacabana is the most popular Rio destination for tourists. This bustling neighborhood is home to the pristine, two-mile, crescent shape beach which is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. There’s always something to do in Copacabana, no matter the time of day.

Windsor California Copacabana – Directly, across the street from the beach and within walking distance to anything you may need, this hotel is a great option for anyone looking to be within close proximity to Copacabana beach. Not only is the location great, but also the accommodations and service, all at a pretty affordable rate.

Ipanema Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema is Copacabana’s slightly more upscale cousin. The neighborhood also features a beautiful beach whose beauty draws tourists to sunbathe and even surf. Here you will find upscale boutiques as well as fine-dining restaurants. 

Hotel Arpoador – This boutique hotel is located steps from the beach, offering incredible views from the hotel as well as hammocks in the rooms to enjoy the view. While here, you must try the breakfast, one of the things it’s well known for.

Brazil Trip Itinerary: 10 Days in Brazil

Looking to explore and get the most out of Brazil’s unique attractions. This Brazil 10-day Itinerary explores and offers the best of all worlds- from the largest metropolitan in Brazil (Sao Paulo) to a natural wonder of the world (Iguazu Falls), to one of the seven world wonders (Christ the Redeemer), and so much more! 

Itinerary #2

10 days in brazil sao paulo, iguazu falls, rio de janeiro, day 1-3: são paulo, brazil trip itinerary  .

Love experiencing the feel of a large, bustling city. Sao Paulo is your place. Take in the city’s rich history and art culture through its various museums and galleries before people-watching on the bustling Paulista Avenue or Ibirapuera Park.

And Sao Paulo can’t be a part of your Brazil itinerary without exploring its delicious gastronomy scene. Likewise, if experiencing nightlife in a different country is your vibe, you won’t be disappointed in Sao Paulo. 

Day 4-6: Iguazu Falls, Brazil Trip Itinerary

Get ready to explore one of the remarkable natural wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls. Not only can you experience this breathtaking waterfall up close and personal, but the area offers a quaint town filled with restaurants and shops, as well as some parks and hikes. 

What is Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls are one of the largest waterfall systems in the world.  It is spread out over two miles, on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná.

Which side is better to view Iguazu Falls?

When viewed from Brazil, the natural scenery is elegant and dashing. However, Argentina’s side has more activities and tours available.

Can you visit both sides of Iguazu Falls in one day?

Yes, it’s possible to see both sides of Iguazu Falls in one day . If setting out to see both the Argentian and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls in one day, be prepared for a busy day. For a more relaxing and thorough experience, splitting each side into individual days is recommended.

In fact, there are tours of both sides over a 2-day period.  

Getting from one side to another takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the season and traffic. November through March is the busy season and can take up to 2 hours to clear customs. 

When driving from Brazil to Argentina, your car must have a Carta Verde (green card), as well as your passport. If you prefer not to drive, you can take a bus , which honestly has lackluster reviews, or use a tour /transport company.

The best way to get to/from Iguazu Falls

The best way to get to Iguazu Falls from Brazil is to fly to Foz do Iguazu International Airport (IGU). It’s conveniently located just five minutes from the Falls on Brazil’s side and a thirty-five minutes drive to Iguazu Falls from Argentina’s side (not taking traffic into consideration.) Airports from both Sao Paulo and Rio offer multiple direct flights to IGU. 

Things to do in Iguazu Falls

As the area’s main feature, you must see the Iguazu Falls. As previously mentioned, the Brazil side is known to be the most beautiful side while most tours and activities occur on the Argentina side. 

A tour of the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls usually involves visiting the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and Devil’s Throat, which offers panoramic views of the waterfalls and the jungle, as well as the spectacular sight of the plume of mist. Be prepared to do some walking, as the views are worth every step. Some tours include an optional boat ride for thrill-seekers. 

From Brazil’s side of Iguazu Falls, bus tours typically include visits to the panoramic terrace and the lower trail, where visitors can experience the power of the falls at the base. For the more adventurous traveler, take a helicopter r ide for an unparallel view of both sides. 

For individuals who prefer to explore the waterfall on their own, you can visit both Parque Nacional Iguazu (Argentina side) and Parque das Aves (Brazil side) without a tour.

👉🏽 Iguazu Falls Tour Options 👈🏽

✔️ 1 Day Brazil and Argentina Tour ✔️

✔️ 2 Day Brazil and Argentina Tour ✔️

✔️ Brazil Tour ✔️

✔️ Brazil Helicopter Tour ✔️

✔️ Argentina Tour with Optional Boat Ride ✔️

Where to stay in Iguazu Falls

There are a variety of lodging options on both the Brazil and Argentina sides. I recommend choosing which side best suits your itinerary. If you desire to be near activities outside of Iguazu Falls, the Argentinian side is the best option.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina Hotel 

To maximize your family experiences around Iguazu Falls, stay at the Jasy Hotel on the Argentine side, just within walking distance of the amazing scenery. If you prefer to take in the relaxing views of the jungle, Selvaje Lodge Iguazu is a wonderful option.  

Iguazu Falls, Brazil Hotel 

Sanma Hotel By Nobile is the perfect home, away from home. This hotel offers excellent services and first-class accommodations. The hotel is ideal if you want to focus entirely on experiencing every deep refreshing breath of your interaction with the Iguazu Falls, as there are no other activities aside from visiting the falls.

 Day 7-10: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Trip Itinerary

Rio is the perfect finish to your 10-day Brazil itinerary due to its unique blend of nature and culture. Some must-dos during your stay in Rio are visiting the World Wonder, Christ the Redeemer, taking a boat ride on the Guanabara River, and enjoying the Brazilian beach culture. Whatever you decide to do in Rio, you’re subject to have an amazing time. 

Check out the first section, the  7-day Brazil itinerary for more suggestions on things to do in Rio de Janeiro. 

Brazil Trip Itinerary: Brazil 2 Week Itinerary

This Brazil 2 Week itinerary ensures that you and your family get to sample some of the most thrilling and unique experiences that Brazil has to offer. The journey explores popular destinations within the state of Rio de Janeiro as well as the metropolitan of Sao Paulo. 

Itinerary #3

2-weeks in brazil: rio de janeiro, ilha grande, paraty, sao paulo, day 1-3: rio de janeiro, brazil trip itinerary .

During this two-week Brazil itinerary, it’s recommended to experience the culture and vibrant nature of Rio.  From going to the various restaurants, hanging out on Cocacabana or Ipanama Beach, or experiencing the Rio nightlife, this is the part of the itinerary to let loose and take in Brazil’s vibrant culture. Also be sure to check out the world wonder, Christ the Redeemer. 

If you don’t get the opportunity to do a boat ride or nature hike, that’s okay as both Ilha Grande and Paraty offer water and hiking adventures. 

Day 4-6: Ilha Grande, Brazil Trip Itinerary 

On your first two days in the Ilha Grande, make the most of your family vacation by taking boat rides, seeing one of the best waterfalls in the region, and engaging in outdoor sports like hiking and snorkeling. Lastly, no vacation in the town would be complete without a relaxing moment on one of the top beaches. 

Is Ilha Grande worth visiting?

Ilha Grande offers the complete package for a family vacation if you love nature. Beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters are some of the state’s most popular attractions. Hiking, snorkeling, and swimming are among the activities you can enjoy in the lustrous Brazilian state.

What’s the best way to get to Ilha Grande?

Ilha Grande is a car-free island. In order to reach the island you can either take the Rodoviaria bus or a shared transportation van from Rio to the Conceiço de Jacare port where you can take the ferry to Abraao for twenty minutes. The ferry offers frequent trips throughout the day, so you won’t miss out on any fun activities on the island.

If you prefer all of the logistics to be done for you, choose a transportation company that includes land and sea transportation services . 

Things to do in Ilha Grande

Outdoor adventure awaits you in Ilha Grande. 

Your vacation to Ilha Grande is not complete if you have not visited two of the most outstanding beaches in all of Brazil; Lopes Mendes and Lagoa Azul. Both beaches have spectacular views of the crystal-clear ocean water. 

Aracatiba is another quaint and quiet beach

Not only does Ilha Grande offer some of the most beautiful beaches, but the hiking is spectacular. Experience a private hike or a midnight hike through the historical features of the island. If hiking is on your Brazil itinerary be sure to hike to the most visited waterfall in Ilha Grande, Feiticerira Waterfall.

Please note the hike to Feiticerira Waterfall is considered a bit challenging due to the dirt roads and some inclines and declines. On average it could take between 90-120 minutes to complete, depending on the person.

The good news is it’s worth every step as the waterfall is beautiful and you can bathe in it upon your arrival (although the water can be a bit cold.) Plus, if you continue the path to the public beach, there is an option to take a taxi boat for your return.

If you’re looking for an easy hike, lagoa verde (green lagoon) is a nice place to take an easy hike and hang out on the water. It’s a great addition to your Brazilian itinerary with children.

If you have little ones in tow, these hiking tips will help make the experience more pleasing for everyone.

👉🏽 Hikes in Ilha Grande 👈🏽 ✔️ Private Hike ✔️ ✔️ Midnight Hike ✔️

Where to Stay in Ilha Grande

Granted, Ilha Grande is no match for the lush apartments and hotels in Rio or even Sao Paulo. Nevertheless, the island makes up for what it lacks in modern styles with authentic, fresh, and serene environments.

Vila do Abraao is the island’s main village and hosts many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. The quaint town has several shops and restaurants within close proximity. Check out Vila Parnaiba for an ideal experience in the area.

Day 7-10: Paraty, Brazil Trip Itinerary 

Paraty is perfect for those seeking to hike, explore the sites, and enjoy a relaxed moment at the beach. When visiting Paraty, be prepared to take it slow and take in the beauty this quaint town has to offer. 

Is Paraty worth visiting?

Yes! Whether you are a nature enthusiast or just a lover of outdoor scenes, Paraty is a treasure, allowing you to experience intimate moments with beautiful waterfalls and beaches.

You will also be privileged to witness how sunrise and sunset create an aura of deep calm and serenity as the cobblestone streets naturally blend in with the scenic beauty of the colonial town.

What’s the best way to get to Paraty

Much like Ilha Grande, Paraty is not accessible by plane, at least not directly. The closest airport to Paraty is the Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport, which means you still have to take a bus or a car to the historic town.

Despite the small challenge in air travel, you can still make the most of your Brazil vacation by taking bus and boat transfers from neighboring towns such as Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande, and Ilhabela. The transport from Ilha Grande is about 2 hours while the transport from Rio is around 90 minutes. 

Things to do in Paraty

If you are adventurous, you will find a lot of activities to do in Paraty.

Paraty is home to numerous waterfalls.

Two must-visit waterfalls are Cachoeira do Toboga and Cachoeira da Pedra Branca. These waterfalls bring out your inner kid as they have natural water slides. Perfect for an adventurous family vacation. 

Similar to Ilha Grande, you can’t come to Paraty without exploring its great beaches. There are plenty of beaches where you and your family can enjoy various water sports like boat riding, swimming, etc.

If you’re traveling with kids to Paraty, Jabaquara Beach is a great option as it’s easily accessible, the tides are low, and they have kiosks that sell food, snacks, and drinks. 

Most other beaches in the area are a little further from the city, and you may have to take a hike, bus, or boat to access them. But the views are worth it!

Some of the top options are Praia do Rosa, Praia do Sono, Praia de Antigos, which is close to Praia do Sono, and São Gonçalo, one of the most beautiful beaches in Paraty. 

For those who want activities outside of nature, Paraty also offers historic city tours and Alambique, a cachaca distillery, to name a few. 

Where to Stay in Paraty

Paraty offers a wide range of lodging, from budget-friendly, to luxurious, as well as beachfront hotels. The ultimate choice depends on your budget and personal preferences. 

Paraty, Brazil Mid-Tier Hotel

Calamar Flats Paraty is a modern, beachfront boutique hotel that offers rooms with views of the sea or mountains. The rooms are actually apartments that have a kitchen and living room. And the pool and garden area are gorgeous. 

Paraty, Brazil Luxury

Casa Turquesa – Maison D ́Hôtes is the epitome of luxury and detailed service. Located in the heart of the quaint town of Paraty, the staff of this boutique hotel treats guests like both family and royalty. You will not be disappointed to stay here; the reviews speak for themselves. 

Day 11-14: São Paulo, Brazil Trip Itinerary 

You will be able to explore great artworks, art scenes, grand architecture, and the general culture of the people in the city the moment you land in the metropolitan mega city. Be sure to get a taste of Sao Paulo’s wonderful food and nightlife scene. 

Reference the 7-day Brazil itinerary above to get more details on things to do in Sao Paulo. 

Activities that can be included in most Brazil Itineraries

Brazil has such a unique culture that embodies the vibrance and beauty of the country. It would be a miss not to add at least one of the following activities to your Brazil itinerary. Personally, my family did all of the below as we wanted to get as much of a local and cultural experience as possible. 

Luckily, most major cities, especially Sao Paulo, Salvador, and Rio offer these types of cultural experiences. 

Brazilian Cooking Class

Brazil is home to many unique and delicious dishes. Why not try your hand at preparing a Brazilian dish while exploring your Brazil itinerary? Plus, it gives you an experience with a local. 

Our boys LOVE to cook, so it was a perfect experience for our family. Our class was located at the home of a local chef, coordinated by our Salvador, Bahia tour guide Sayuri.

In our Brazilian cooking class, we made a traditional Brazilian appetizer made with shredded cheese and carrots wrapped in a cassava flour “wrap” of sorts. The boys were the sous chef with this dish as they shredded the cheese and carrots. 

The adults focused on making the moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew. The fish was already cut so all the adults needed to do was slice the vegetables,  layer them on top of the fish, and pour the freshly made coconut milk on top. 

After adding a little salt and pepper and boiling the dish, magic was created! The meal was delicious, but the opportunity to spend time with a local Brazilian, in their home, was priceless!

Samba and Afro-Brazilian Dance

This class was not only fun but it’s a challenge! 

With Samba you may think you got the moves while the instructor slowly explained each step. However, when he put those moves to the actual beat…help me!

The Afro-Brazilian dance moves were not as challenging, but they were still a great workout. The boys really enjoyed “dancing” to these songs and playing the drums. 

This class is perfect for those who love music and dance. 

An Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines an element of dance and more into its practice. 

My boys are at the stage where they love to kick and move, so this capoeira class was perfect. It taught them not only how to make the movements but about body and mind control and when to choose to use these movements. 

If you enjoy moving your body in unique ways while learning about other cultures, a capoeira class is a must-add to your Brazil itinerary. 

Conclusion: Brazil Trip Itinerary 

Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world, offering an unlimited amount of things to do and destinations to explore. Therefore, one could literally spend months and years exploring cities in Brazil and not get to see everything.

However, these three Brazil itineraries: 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days, will give you and your family an excellent taste and variety of what this amazing country has to offer while you’re on vacation. Don’t hesitate to mix and match itineraries and make your Brazil vacation your own. 

Whatever you choose to do while in Brazil will leave you wanting to return to explore more of this unique and naturally beautiful country.  

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First draft itinerary 1 month in Brazil - advice needed! - Brazil Forum

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First draft itinerary 1 month in Brazil - advice needed!

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(Clockwise from RDJ) https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1rYk8fliJjl-gTMwewcSn_izC-IGbHLw&usp=sharing

This is a first draft and seems a little ambitious for 30 days, so it'll probably need trimming down. I'd like your help please! I'm looking to use most of these stops as a base for nearby things to visit. I'll probably stay overnight in Chapada, but mostly day trips.

So what to see/miss in and around these places? I don't do beach days so no need to account for time spent on that.

What are the essentials I'm missing?

Will that itinerary give me a broad enough idea of the country as a whole?

Partially complete list of things I'd like to do.

Largest mural in the world

Real Cabinete Portugeus Leitura

Treetop restaurant Aprazivel?

2: Paraty (Rio de Janeiro)

3: Sao Paolo (Sao Paolo)

4: Foz do Iguacu (Parana)

a: Iguazu National Park

i: Iguazu Falls

i1: Devil's Throat Canyon

ii: Poço Preto (the Black Well)

iii: Macuco Waterfall

iv: Visitors Center

v: Santos Dumont Statue

b: Itaipu Dam

5: Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul)

6: Cuiaba (Mato Grosso)

7: Manaus (Amazonas)

a: Meeting of waters

b: Mindu municipal park

c: Amazon Theatre

i: Festival Amazonas de Ópera (March-May)

ii: Film festival (November?)

d: Paricatuba waterfall

8: Parintins (Amazonas)

a: Folklore festival (Boi Bumba) (June)

b: Serra da Valeria

9: Belem (Para)

10: Santo Amaro do Maranhão (Maranhao)

a: Dune park

11: Parnaiba (Piaui)

12: Fortaleza (Ceara)

13: Vitoria da Conquista (Bahia)

a: Boi Island

b: Parque Pedra da Cebola

14: Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais)

a: Inhotim outdoor museum (3 hour train)

15: Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro)

Thinking of spending 4 nights in RDJ, 3 in SP, 2 in Cuiaba/Chapada. The rest will be overnighters. Is that enough or too much for someone who's looking to get a lot done in a day without rushing too much?

I'd be interested in some shorter train journeys (4 hours max) if you can think of any spectacular ones.

Also if there's something really worth going way off that path for please let me know.

Other information that might be useful:

Travelling alone (41, English, male - no other languages)

I don't drive

Not really interested in clubs/nightlife, so I'm good with early starts and long days

I prefer culture and nature.

I'll visit beaches for the scenery but not for spending all day there, and I'm very unlikely to travel any great distance just for a beach

Not into adventure-type activities.

I can live with a lousy Airbnb but I won't be camping/hosteling/hammocking

No multi-day Amazon boat trips!

Thank you for any help or advice you may have!

some initial comments:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g303320-Activities-Vitoria_State_of_Espirito_Santo.html

Vitória is by no means a must-go destination for a first time visitor to Brazil... in a sense, it is a smaller version of Rio de Janeiro (but beaches in Rio are better)... main attraction there is actually in twin town Vila Velha.. a convent on top of hill,,, I assume you had included VdC in your itinerary just from looking at a map... as a point between your previous and next destination, rather than a burning desire to visit Vitória (unless you have some specific reason to go there)

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g303319-Activities-Vila_Velha_State_of_Espirito_Santo.html

2. Campo Grande

it is basically a gateway to go into a Pantanal trip; if you are not doing that (not feasible with overnight stay); I would skip it... again, if that was added simply as a stop, I would look instead at Bonito, where there are nature attractions

3. what jumps out as missing: Salvador ... first capital of Brazil (for more than 200 years); colonial heritage in Pelourinho area and the center of Afro Brazilian culture

4, scenic train ride... if one is to be added, I would say it is from Curitiba downhill to the shore.. you can take tourist train and then come back by faster bus... a day trip... Curitiba could be added between São Paulo and Foz do Iguaçu:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303441-d1632428-Reviews-Serra_Verde_Express-Curitiba_State_of_Parana.html

https://serraverdeexpress.com.br/

5. Parintins... does that big festival fit your dates? If it does, it requires major advance planning; you cannot just show up and wing it due to transportation, accomodation and admissions tkt limitations... if it does not, no reason to go there

overall comment: do not just add places because they seem "right" on a map as an intermediate stop... look at actual transportation options, which in Brazil will be flights or inter city buses... for flights , look at actual dates as it can be done farther out in advance... buses only release schedules for shorter periods... however, they do not change much... you can use this website for an idea of routes, schedules, prices etc; it works for most (but not all) routes in Brazil:

https://www.buscaonibus.com.br/en

you know your travel style, but consider how long you will simply spend moving around (huge distances in Brazil) vis a vis actually enjoying something.

I would focus on places that really attract you for whatever reason and not their locations on a map... of course, every so often we have to add some intermediate, less interesting, stops just to make itinerary work.

you do not say when your trip will take place... but at some point you will have to fly within Brazil... if you buy plane tkts less than, lets say, 2 weeks in advance, you will pay a lot more than if you buy it about 2 months advance... airlines here do NOT engage in last minute discounting, quite the opposite... three of them (Gol; Latam; Azul) have 99% of flights ... they all have carryon limit of 10kg... cheapest fares do NOT include any checked luggage... if you know you need to check luggage, better buy in advance a fare that includes that than to pay at airport to check it.

if you are really going to the Parnaiba Delta and are planning a long journey thru the inland of Brazil, see this thread about Serra da Capivara... quite off the beaten path for foreign tourists. I am just mentioning it as you put Parnaiba in your itinerary, as that would eat a lot of time:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g303462-i8027-k13784459-NYTimes_2022_best_places_Serra_da_Capivara_Natl_Pk-State_of_Piaui.html

and here some lenghty comments about other nature areas in Brazil, and it talks about Vitoria region too:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294280-i1045-k13902977-Two_areas_in_Brazil_recognized_as_UNESCO_Global_Geoparks-Brazil.html

2nd: Flew into Rio then on to Salvador , ferry to ilha Itaparica, ferry to Velenca, bus to Porto Segura, bus to Vitoria, bus to Belo Horizonte, fly to Cabo Frio, taxi to Arriall do Cobo, bus back to Rio.

Yes, we could’ve flown the last time here and there but we quite liked the bus. And we don’t stay just one night anywhere. We like to wander and explore. I’ve written a more in-depth blog if you want the link to it. Message me if you do.

Just to add a few hints...since its been covered...

Did uou look/use any travel book? They are just 1 more resource if you care to use.

Also...not sure if tou are looking at this trip as "once in a lifetime" and you cant/wont go back?

If you can see yourself returning..you can plan for it too.

Also..i yout idea of travel is fast...i would not pack alot since tou will be living out of your suitcase.

If you really want to visit a lot of cities in one trip the best you can do is to stay 5 nights in Rio and 3 in the others, so you could still visit about 7 others, traveling by plane .

but the highlights in Brazil imo are

1. Rio de Janeiro

2. Iguacu Falls

3. Pantanal wetlands

4. Amazon forest

5. Salvador

6. Lencois Maranhenses

7. a few of the Chapada national parks

for a trip like the above, it will easily take 2 months already. and I would choose to visit in austral winter (june/july)

good thing is flying within brazil is not too expensive. bad thing is it takes time bc the country is so big and many times you have to route through hubs.

Thank you everyone for your EXTREMELY helpful replies.

I think I'm going to make it two trips. I knew that I'd have to edit it down but not by that much! And it's not an option to stay longer. I'll keep it mostly as-is but go from Manaus straight to Rio and home, saving the rest for another time. That first draft was already heavily edited, so this means I'll be able to reinstate a couple of spots in one trip and a couple more in the second. Plus it'll involve a lot fewer logistics.

Thanks again!

I agree with ManoelNetto and MRC

And then ... not that far away from Salvador there is the famous Brazilian Grand Canyon : Chapada Diamantian National Park, also worth a visit if you like mountain hiking ;-)

Tropical greetz from Salvador

Ivan Bahia Guide

#ivanbahiaguide

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Two Week Trip to Brazil Itinerary for Any Traveler

We always knew that planning a trip to Brazil would be a challenge. Officially the 5 th largest country in the world, we knew that it wouldn’t be possible to fit in everything on one trip. Instead, we chose to approach our Brazil itinerary with a focus on some spectacular highlights.

I have to admit; this was a hard approach for me. Brazil has been on my travel wish list for so long, I was incredibly tempted to spend my time jetting around frantically to see as much as possible. Long story short, I am glad I didn’t.

Brazil isn’t a place that you should rush through. It’s a place that you need to take your time in, uncovering all the things about it that make it special. You know, all those things that made you want to visit in the first place.

Looking back, choosing to travel the country in a total of 3 weeks in one region was the best decision we made. It was not only the perfect introduction to a country that is incredibly diverse but it also whets our appetite for a return visit.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Brazil (Travel Guide)

Putting Together a Trip to Brazil 

Table of Contents

While it is possible to travel through Brazil independently, and plenty of people do, we highly recommend seeing Brazil on a tour, as we did.

Most of the experiences listed here are highlights from our Wonders of Brazil tour with G Adventures.  

If you’re considering taking a tour in Brazil, this outline will give you a look into the experience you could have by booking this tour.

Taking a tour for our first visit not only helped us set the pace for a great trip but kept us on track instead of tempting us to divert from a plan to explore other areas.

The itinerary we experienced was specifically designed to introduce us to the diversity that Brazil offers.

Disclosure: This tour was in partnership with G Adventures and was provided to us as part of our involvement as G Wanderers .  

If you’re planning to visit Brazil independently, this guide will give you a good starting base for where you can go and how you should pace yourself for a great visit.

The Perfect First Time Brazil Itinerary

Rio de janeiro – we recommend one week.

If you’re a nature buff, like me, you’ll find it easy to fall for Rio de Janeiro from the moment you step off the plane. The city is set right into lush jungles that push toward the ocean. It’s one of the most beautiful cities I have ever laid eyes on.

I never really understood why most of the people that you talk to about travel to Brazil chose to only spend their time in Rio de Janeiro.

Now that I have been there, I totally get it. This city is addictive and provides an incredible base for endless options of exploration.

We ended up spending a week in total in this magical city, which officially brought our Brazil itinerary to 3 weeks when combined with our two-week Wonders of Brazil tour with G Adventures.

We did a lot but barely scratched the surface of all the wonderful things to do in Rio de Janeiro .

Between the intense Portuguese colonial history that forever shaped the tone of Brazil to the haunted past of the slave trade, Rio de Janeiro is a city with a soul and intriguing history around every corner.

Things we did in Rio de Janeiro:

• City Tour: Taking a city tour to see the iconic sites. You simply cannot visit Rio de Janeiro without visiting Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Selaron Steps, Santa Teresa and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastion.
• Enjoying the beaches: The song ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ enters my head immediately whenever someone asks me about Rio’s famous beaches. Yes, we visited the likes of Copacabana, Ipanema and yes, they are spectacular. Brazil has a beach culture unrivaled by any other place we have been to and you need to experience it on a visit.
• Helicopter Ride: We soared over the city in a spectacular doors-off helicopter ride. Choosing to go just before sunset gave us some pretty amazing light and incredible views of Rio’s famous beaches, Christ the Redeemer and more.
• Favela Tour: Learning about the Planeterra projects that have been implemented in Vidigal with an intimate favela tour. While favelas are often the center of media, mostly for crime and violence, we seem to overlook that they are their own thriving communities. Our tour introduced us to what like is like inside the favela for the people who live there and how they are working to preserve their corner of the city that they call home.
• Samba Tour: Learning about Samba is a rite of passage for any visitor to Brazil. We didn’t even hesitate to book a new tour offering in the city called, Soul of Samba, where we introduced to the complete history of Samba music through an interactive tour around Rio de Janeiro. The tour included stops in the downtown historic district, a behind the scenes experience at the City of Samba to learn about Rio’s famous Carnival and more street art than you could imagine existed in one place. This was hands down our favorite tour in the city.
• Hang Gliding: Rio de Janeiro is world-famous for hang gliding and you can bet we made a point of trying it out for ourselves. There really is nothing as exhilarating as hurling yourself off a mountain while watching the stunning topography of forest, beach, and city unfold below you.
• Landscapes Tour: If you’re into photography, this tour is fantastic for getting you to as many vantage points of Rio de Janeiro as possible. It navigates all around Guanabara Bay providing different perspectives of the city.
• Attend Carnival Festival: We planned our tour so that we would be back in Rio de Janeiro in time to attend the impressive Parade of Champions at the Sambodromo. We splurged for box tickets, which gave us front row seats to one of the most spectacular parties we have ever been to in our lives.

Where to stay in Rio de Janerio

The most obvious choice is Copacabana and for good reason. This area is largely developed and caters well to an international market. There is a large variety of shops, restaurants, hotel options, and infrastructure.

The only downside is that it is one of the pricier areas. That aside, along with Ipanema, I also think it is the safest place to base yourself during your stay in Rio de Janeiro.

We stayed at the Royalty Rio Hotel for the duration of our stay in Rio both before and after our tour with G Adventures. The hotel is well located and comfortable.

Other districts to consider include Ipanema, Centro, Santa Teresa and Botafogo.

Ilha Grande – 2 Days

The island paradise of Ilha Grande was a pleasant surprise on our Brazil itinerary. Untouched by development, at least of the modern and expansive kind, this island harkens to the vacations of old.

With no roads, no vehicles and no high rises, you’re left to experience the lush island and magical beaches without distraction. Heck, WIFI was even a rare commodity during our visit.

Instantly reminding me of Gili Trawangan in Indonesia, the first thing I said out loud was that I wished we were staying longer.

There are so few places in the world like this today that when we find them we want to stay and enjoy them.

If you have flexibility on your side, then you should definitely consider spending a few extra days on this island. In my opinion, you cannot travel to Brazil without making a stop here. 

Read more Ilha Grande, Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide

Things we did in Ilha Grande:

• Island Speed Boat Tour: We spent an entire day beach hopping around the outside of the island. We had access to places that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach and with the weather on our side, we were even treated to the often inaccessible ocean side of the island. I highly recommend it if you like quaint places and spectacular beaches.
• City Walk: The main ‘town’ on Ilha Grande is not large but does have some interesting things to check out. They have a square, small church, artisan market, ocean walk, and several storage options. In addition, you’ll have a chance to browse the many restaurant options.

Where to stay in Ilha Grande

Apart from very few homestay options in other parts of the island, you will find accommodation options for all budgets in the main town. Everything is within walking distance from the main pier. 

If you have luggage that you cannot move on non-paved streets, there are several ‘luggage porters’ available on the pier that will take your bags to your accommodation when you arrive.

The cost is $5 and that includes return transfers of your luggage when you leave. 

We stayed at the Pousada Bugio , a small eco-friendly place located on one of the back streets. While not in the thick of the action, we enjoyed that it was very quiet.

There was a small supermarket across the street to buy snacks and it was a short walk to the main street on the beach.

Paraty – 2 Days

Set on the coast, the town is also backed by lush forests making it the perfect base to combine island hopping, jungle trekking and history on your trip to Brazil.

Time has stood still in this charming colonial town where you can stroll the streets and marvel at the Portuguese architecture that was constructed in the late 1500s. Serving as a base for the Portuguese, this city has survived the rise and fall of gold, coffee, and slavery.

Designed in classic colonial style, the streets form a massive grid of cobblestoned streets that make navigation easy.  What sticks out the most is the colorful doors and small artisan shops.

Be sure to have your camera ready as you roam, there are photo opportunities at every corner.

Read more Paraty, Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide

Things we did in Paraty:

• Island Hopping Cruise: One of the most popular things to do in Paraty is to go island hopping my schooner. Being located directly on the water, the marina gives you access to hundreds of islands and beaches on a day trip. Most trips stop at 3-4 islands and offer beach landings, snorkeling, and onboard lunch options,
• Jeep Tour: Heading off for a day of exploration in the Serra de Bocaina National Park, this ended up being our favorite day trip in Paraty. The tour takes you into the surrounding forest where you explore waterfalls, hike in the forest and visit a couple of Cachaca distilleries.
• City Tour: Every day you have the option of joining a free walking tour of the city that leaves from the main square. You’ll visit the churches of the city, have iconic buildings pointed out and learn the history of the city over 2 hours. Tours depart daily, except Wednesdays, at 10:30 AM and 5 PM, rain or shine.
• Samba da Benção Street Party : Every Monday night around 8 PM, the locals gather in the main square of Paraty to dance the Samba. Unique to Brazil, Samba is infused with heave African rhythms and accompanied by dance moves that will leave you in awe. Don’t let that deter you though! Everyone is encouraged to dance and party into the wee hours of the morning. Just be sure to drop a donation in the hat when it comes around.

Where to stay in Paraty

With the city being so walkable, there really isn’t a bad place to stay. That being said, our accommodation was located outside of the historical center.

With the city being a focal point for visitors, the streets can be crowded and loud. So while we were at first not thrilled about the location of our pousada, we learned that it was actually the perfect solution.

We stayed at Refron du Mar Pousada Paraty , located right on the beach and just outside the historical center where we were able to get away from the busy streets when we were done exploring.

This pousada was very clean and set up like a colonial courtyard with the rooms located just off a large open-air central area.

Iguazu Falls – 2 Days

The amazing natural wonder is all you have ever dreamed it would be, and more. Set in some of the lushest forests we have ever seen, these falls open the forest with huge clouds of mist.

It is easily one of the most exotic places you can visit in the world and a sheer testament to the power of nature.

The falls are accessible from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, both of which we recommend you taking the time to experience. Besides gawking at the falls, there are a number of activities to do as well.

Things we did in Iguazu Falls:

• Visit the Brazilian Side: The Brazil side is comprised of a beautiful park with a long walking trail that skirts the falls. Along the trail, you’ll come across various viewpoints that overlook the water, as well as the opportunity to see some wildlife.
• Visit the Argentinian Side: From Argentina, you’ll have a completely different perspective and a variety of trails that will give you every vantage you can imagine, including walkways that take you straight into the spray zone. As with the Brazil side, the wildlife is plentiful and there is even a tourist train to help you access the hiking paths.
• Helicopter Ride: From the Brazil side, you have the option of taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls. While the view is stunning, it is not a good flight for photography. It lasts about 15 minutes and they put 7 people in the helicopter, making it hard to see much.
• Skydiving: Yes, you can skydive over the rainforest. While you won’t be jumping out directly over Iguazu Falls themselves, you will have an incredible vantage point of the area. Not to mention an adrenaline rush.
• Speed Boat Under the falls: If you do nothing else during your time at Iguazu Falls, then do this. After boarding an inflatable speed boat, you will be taken upriver and right to the base of the massive falls. Just seeing them from below is impressive but the fun gets started them they bring you in close for a total soaking.

Where to stay in Iguazu Falls

With Iguazu Falls being a now booming tourist stop on people’s routes around South America, it is no surprise that the towns on both Argentina and Brazil sides have been built up to support the influx.

We stayed on the Brazilian side and found the city to be very modern with lots of hotel and restaurant options.

Our stay at the Hotel Del Rey was very comfortable. Centrally located, it is within easy access to many of the best restaurants in the city. It also features onsite dining and a rooftop pool area.

Bonito – 2 Days

Beautiful, natural, wild Bonito. No longer much of a secret, this is where you go to see some incredible natural wonders in Brazil.

Boasting an insanely clear river system, you can have the adventure of your dreams here through snorkeling and cave exploring.

The city itself is very small and built exclusively for tourists. Looking around from there, all you can see if retired farmland. But don’t let that deter you.

Outside of town is where all the wonder is, so don’t sell yourself short by not participating in any tours.

Read more Bonito Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide

Things we did in Bonito:

• Snorkel the Rio da Prata: Hands down the best site to visit is this famous river. Known for its sparkling turquoise waters and ultra-clear visibility, this is the adventure you cannot miss. Snorkeling trips here are guided and regulated, meaning you should make your reservations well in advance of visiting. Showing up without a booking is not a good idea, as these tours often sell out months in advance.
• Gruta Azul: There are many caves in the Bonito area that are worth checking out but if you only have time for one, I would recommend going to Gruta Azul. Your visit will involve some walking through the rainforest before reaching the cave entrance, in which you will then begin your walk down into the cave. There are many stairs but the vibrant blue pool at the bottom is worth the effort. Something to note, you are not allowed to swim here, just enjoy the natural splendor. What makes Gruta Azul interesting is the discoveries that have been made here, including a Giant Sloth and Saber Tooth Tiger.

Where to stay in Bonito

There isn’t much to the town of Bonito. It literally exists as a place for tourists to base while exploring the natural wonders of the area. It’s a one-street town with a reasonable amount of accommodation and dining options.

We stayed at Muito Bonito which is like stepping into a tiny oasis. The hotel is like a tiny resort complex with great gardening and natural buildings.

At the center of the property is a wonderful pool with a bar. The rooms were comfortable, had A/C and internet access.

Pantanal – 2 Days

No trip to Brazil would be complete without a visit to the Pantanal. Officially the largest wetland in the world, roughly the size of France, the Pantanal is bursting with wildlife and adventure opportunities.

I have to say that 2 days is nowhere near enough time to experience all that this region of Brazil has to offer. We got a small intro taste on our first trip to Brazil, but I am going to level with you.

I think a solid week would be more appropriate and you would need to fly into the very middle to get the best experience possible. 

If you are looking to view Jaguars, something that is very realistic and possible in the Pantanal, you will have to do just that.

Your chances of having a sighting at the southern part are possible but very rare. Keep that in mind to manage expectations. 

Read more Pantanal in Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide

Things we did in the Pantanal:

• Bushwalking: There are few ways to get up close to an area than on foot. Accompanied by experienced guides, we set off into the wetlands on foot in search of wildlife and exotic flora. During our bushwalk, we observed several species of birds and blazed our own paths through the thick forest. I wouldn’t recommend trying this without a guide who knows the area and be sure you’re prepared for the heat and insects.
• River Boat Trip: Some of the best wildlife sightings are often done by water, so be sure to get into a boat during your visit. We cruised up and down the main river near our Pousada and found a fantastic opportunity for viewing birds and reptiles.
• Piranha Fishing: If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling Amazon’s most vicious fish out of the water than this is for you. With the help of the guides, you’ll drop traditional stick pole lines into the water, baited with fresh meat, and try your luck at fishing. The best part, whatever you catch can be cooked for lunch that day too.
• Bird Viewing: The Pantanal is a bird lovers paradise. I’ve never seen such a high species concentration of birds in one place, ever in my travels. From the exotic species of macaw and parrot to the smaller songbirds, they were everywhere. Truth be told, we easily spotted 50 species of bird in our 2-day visit.

Where to stay in the Pantanal

Our particular itinerary visited the southern tip of the Pantanal, closest to Campo Grande. This location is a perfect little property that offers two styles of accommodation based on budget.

Pousada Santa Clara is owned by a local farmer’s family and offers the full spectrum of transportation into the lodge, accommodation, meals, and excursions during your stay.

You can either stay in the more rustic riverside area, where there are hammocks and dormitory-style sleeping options or you can opt for the boutique-styled main property. This option features private rooms, A/C, internet access and a pool.

We split our time between the two options and have to say they were both great. The riverside camp has totally screened-in areas so you experience little to no insects. There are also basic restroom and shower facilities.

Attending Rio Carnival

Carnival in Rio is literally the biggest festival in the world. If you travel to Brazil around this incredible time, we recommend that you take some time to attend this spectacular festival.

Spanning an entire week, there are many things to see and experience as part of the festivities.

This includes street parties, private parties, concerts, competitions, and parades. It is a full-on immersion into Samba.

If your trip to Brazil is during the time period that coincides with this major festival, you will see sprinklings of it throughout your travels, even in the smallest towns. However, the heart of the celebration happens in Rio de Janeiro.

Want to party it up for Carnival but don’t want to do it alone? Check out this unique 6-day tour that explores the Carnival festival for the full duration. 

If full-on partying for a week isn’t your thing, have a look at when the Parade of Champions will take place and book your tickets for that.

This will give you an intimate look at the best Samba schools in Brazil. It’s a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss.

Hot Tip: Book your tickets to any of the Carnival events as far in advance as possible. Prices skyrocket the closer you get to the events.

Tips for planning your Brazil itinerary

Best time to visit brazil.

Like most tropical places, Brazil really has two seasons, wet and dry. However, the length of these seasons can vary greatly depending on the region you are visiting.

High season is experienced when the Brazilians are on vacation, coinciding with the countrywide celebrations of Carnival. This period generally extends from December to March and also includes July.

During this time, pricing will be high and many of the popular places will be crowded.

Weather in Brazil can be observed as follows:

• Fall (March-May) and Spring (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures and not much rain. Ideally making this the best time to visit.
• Summer (December – February) is very hot and very crowded. Despite the heat, it is also the height of the rainy season. This brings a healthy population of insects.
• Winter (June-August) offers cooler temperatures and way fewer people in the country. It is also much drier. If you want to see jaguars in the Pantanal, this is when you want to go.

Getting around Brazil

As we mentioned before, apart from the week we spent in Rio, we spent two weeks on tour with G Adventures. Their tour includes all transportation, which was a mix of mini-buses, coaches, boats, and planes.

If you are planning to travel to Brazil independently, you will get around the country in much of the same manner.

The country supports an extensive bus system that connects most places. If you have a bit more budget and less time, flying is a good option too.

Local flights are provided by LATAM and Avianca. It is also possible to work with a travel agency to book on ground travel in advance.

Renting a car is also an option that people choose to do in Brazil. There is an extensive network of well-maintained roads in the southeast, so traveling between all of the places in this Brazil itinerary is possible by rental car.

Keep in mind that Brazil is HUGE. What may look like a short distance on a map can often take a full day to traverse on land.  

Be sure to double-check distances with Google Maps and factor in time for traffic and stops when calculating commutes.

Costs & Budget

The official currency of Brazil is the Real ( pronounced as ree-al ).  We recommend planning to withdraw local currency from the ATM instead of exchanging cash. This will ensure you get the best rates and pay fewer fees.

Major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, shops, and hotels. We were able to pay for most tours with a credit card as well.

We found Brazil to be quite expensive when compared to the likes of Peru, Ecuador , and Colombia.

It was more on par with what you would experience in Argentina or Chile . Something to keep in mind when budgeting for your trip.

Getting a Brazil Visa

One of the reasons we put off a visit to Brazil for so long was the extensive process in place to obtain a visa. It used to be that US citizens would have to apply for a visa through a physical embassy in the USA.

This required extensive paperwork and having to mail in our passports for several weeks. The process was not easy and not cheap.

In 2018, Brazil changed this policy to e-visa, meaning that you could apply for a visa online and it only cost $45. This is what we did and the process was very easy to complete.

As of June 17, 2019, citizens of the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia will no longer need a visa to visit Brazil. This is exciting and will open up Brazil in a way that it has never been before for travelers.

If you’re planning to travel to Brazil before June 17, 2019, you will still need to apply online as we did. The process is easy and straightforward.

You’ll be asked to complete an application, upload a copy of your passport and a photo (pay attention to the spec requirements) and then pay the $45 application fee.

You can expect to receive your visa, via email, in less than a week.

Safety in Brazil

This is a widely discussed topic by most people planning to visit Brazil. While there are currently no nationwide security advisories in effect for Brazil right now, it is important to recognize that Brazil is a place where you should exercise caution.

Much like other countries in South America , it is important to remain vigilant at all times when out exploring, especially in the bigger cities.

To be honest, I was terrified to walk the streets of Rio de Janeiro. I had read so many horrible things that I almost let it ruin my time there.

Turns out, if you follow your instincts, act smart and don’t flaunt anything fancy, you can have an amazing time without any worries.

Some tips for keeping yourself safe in Brazil:

• Always be aware of your surroundings. I am not saying to be paranoid but keeping your head up and eyes open will go a long way to keeping you safe and less of a target.
• Do not carry your phone on the street. You will see locals doing this but don’t do it. Thieves target tourists and are masters at easily picking your phone out of your hand.
• Do not leave your purse or phone on the table or hanging from a chair at a restaurant.
• Avoid empty or poorly lit streets.
• Do not go out alone, always take someone with you.
• Do not carry excess cash or debit cards with you.
• Leave your passport in the hotel.
• Lock up everything in your hotel room. They provide a safe for a reason, use it. Put away all valuables before going out for the day, including laptops.
• Know where you are going before you leave so you can walk with purpose.
• Do not leave anything unattended while enjoying the beaches.

Most of the crime against tourists in Brazil is petty. Meaning they are after your things and not your life. Don’t be a hero, if you have an encounter, give up the item and move on.

First Time Tips

• I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Brazil is huge and diverse. Do not underestimate this.
• You will be tempted to see as much as possible on your first trip to Brazil. Fight that temptation and plan your itinerary in a practical way. Pick a region and stick with it. This will allow you to enjoy the places you visit instead of spending your whole vacation moving between places.
• To truly maximize your time, it is best to fly between places. This will cost a lot more money, but you’ll have more time in each place you visit.
• Book all of your flights well in advance for the best rates and options.
• Also, book all of your accommodation in advance. Especially if your trip to Brazil is in high season.
• Purchase travel insurance . Not only does this protect your investment, but it will also cover any items that may go walking.

More on Brazil:

• 40 Bucketlist Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
• The Best Favela Tour in Rio: Defeating the Stigma
• Ilha Grande, Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide
• Paraty, Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide
• Bonito, Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide
• Pantanal in Brazil: Ultimate Planning Guide
• 16 Amazing Things to do in Brazil

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Superb post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative, I love reading your blog.

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• January 30, 2024
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How Many Days Do You Need In Brazil? 5 Great Itineraries from 7 Days to One Month

How many days do you need in brazil.

I would recommend at least a minimum of t wo weeks in Brazil with three-four weeks being the perfect amount of time.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to do in Brazil with:

• 7 Days – You’ll be able to see everything Rio has to offer and then a short trip out of the capital. Ihla Grande is ideal for nature lovers who want to enjoy the beach, but Iguazu will be the main pick.
• 10 Days – you can follow similar to above but with more time in each place, or move from Rio to Sao Paulo and then Iguazu. However, it will be a busy 10 days.
• 2 Weeks – You’ll be able to fit in Rio, Ihla Grande, Sao Paulo, Florianopolis and Iguazu. However, this will be a pacey itinerary with lots of moving around and internal flights.
• 3 weeks – similar to above but at a much slower pace. You’ll be able to take buses instead of flights in some cases to save money and enjoy an extra day or two at each stop.
• 1 month – all of the above along with some extra stops at Paraty and Itamambuca for some surfing. You’ll also get much longer on Florianopolis which is a huge island that needs to be explored.

Is 7 Days Enough In Brazil?

While a week may feel short, it is still ample time to absorb Brazil’s vibrant culture. You’ll be able to see everything Rio has to offer and also escape the city to enjoy one of Brazil’s many natural wonders.

In Rio de Janeiro, you can explore the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, stroll along Copacabana Beach , and immerse yourself in the energetic rhythms of samba.

You can then extend your adventure to Ihla Grande , a tropical paradise 3 hours from Rio with pristine beaches and lush hiking trails.

Alternatively, you could fly to Iguazu Falls as this is one of the highlights of the country. 

Brazil 7-Day Itinerary

Option 1: rio and ihla grande.

This is the cheaper of the two itineraries as you only need to take a short bus to visit Ihla Grande compared to an internal flight. 

• Day 1-3 – Rio de Janeiro: (Explore the iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and experience the vibrant culture from samba to street parties)
• Day 4-6 – Ihla Grande:  Relax on the pristine beaches, hike through tropical forests, and discover hidden coves on a snorkel or dive trip
• Day 7 – Rio de Janeiro:  Wrap up your trip with any missed attractions or experiences.

3 days on Ihla Grande is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle of Rio. Head to the post below to see why it’s worth your time:

• Is Ihla Grande Worth Visiting? 10 Great Reasons To Visit

Option 2: Rio, Sao Paulo and Iguazu Fall

This is a costlier one week itinerary as it will include one or two internal flights to Sao Paulo and Iguazu. However, this is recommended if you want to see these three places as the flights will save you time which can be spent enjoying the attractions. 

• Day 1-3 – Rio de Janeiro: (see as above)
• Day 4-5 – Sao Paulo: Delve into Brazil’s urban culture and vibrant arts scene
• Day 6-7 – Iguazu Falls: Marvel at the awe-inspiring waterfalls and explore the surrounding national park. 

How much does a week cost in Brazil?

For a week in Brazil, a daily budget of $75 is reasonable. This includes money for accommodation, meals, local transportation, and smaller activities such as walking tours. 

On top of this, I would add an extra $225 for extras such as one or two nice meals out, and bigger activities such as full day tours you might want to book.

So in total, I would budget $750 for a week in Brazil. 

Additionally, internal flights for Option 2 may cost between $150 and $300, depending on the time of booking and the airline, so if you decide to go for this option I would budget $1000. 

I’ve been using WayAway Plus to book all my internal flights whilst travelling in Brazil.

With the WayAway Plus membership plan, you can get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services.

All features are available with a free 7-day trial so why not try it out and book a flight through them! 

You will also get 10% off if you sign up with the link below.

Is 10 Days Enough In Brazil?

With ten days, you can delve deeper into Brazil’s diversity, from the built-up cities to the secluded tropical beaches.

You’ll get 4 days in total in Rio and 3 days on Ihla Grande for relaxation and adventure similar to the one-week itinerary above.

Then in Sao Paulo , with 2 days you’ll discover world-class museums and taste the culinary delights of this cultural hub.

Finally, Iguazu offers a chance to witness the sheer power and beauty of the falls,

Brazil 10 Day Itinerary

This 10-day itinerary is similar to option 2 from above, however, with t he extra days allow you to slow down a little and enjoy each place more.

Alternatively, if this feels a bit rushed to you, you can cut out one of the stops. If you are a nature lover then I would cut out Sao Paulo for more time on Ihla Grande or add another stop along the coast such as Paraty. 

Here’s a short breakdown:

• Day 1-3 – Rio de Janeiro: Explore the city’s iconic attractions.
• Day 4-6 – Ihla Grande: Enjoy beaches, hiking, and water activities.
• Day 6-7 – Sao Paulo: Experience the vibrant cultural scene and culinary delights. 
• Day 8-9 –  Iguazu Falls: Marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls and enjoy the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.
• Day 10 – Rio de Janeiro: Wrap up your journey with any last-minute experiences.

How much does 10 days cost in Brazil?

For a 10-day trip to Brazil, a daily budget of $75 is suitable . This budget covers accommodation, meals, local transportation, and short activities.

So for 10 days I would budget a minimum of $750 to begin. 

However, internal flights may add an additional $350 depending on your itinerary, the airlines and time of year. 

I would also include an extra $250 extra for any big activities, nights out and fancy meals you might want to include.

So in total, for 10 days in Brazil I would budget $1250. 

Preparing for your first trip to South America? 

 Here are 22 FAQ’s to help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime: 

How To Travel South America: 22 FAQs To Prepare For Your Next Trip

Planning a trip to South America can be an exhilarating adventure filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, it's essential to be well-prepared on several fronts. Here are 22 frequently asked questions...

Is Two Weeks Enough In Brazil?

Two weeks is more than enough time to explore the beautiful coastline of Brazil. You’ll be able to tick off the highlights such as Rio, Sao Paulo, Florianopolis and Iguazu Falls.

With two weeks, you can either opt for a fast-paced adventure or a more relaxed exploration.

Paraty, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, becomes an added gem in the itinerary if you want to see as much as possible. 

Brazil Two-Week Itinerary

Brazil two-week itinerary option 1: action packed.

This is a busy itinerary and ideal for travellers who suffer FOMO and want to do as much as possible in the time they have. 

• Day 1-3 – Rio de Janeiro: Explore the city.
• Day 4-6 – Ihla Grande: Relax and explore this beautiful island
• Day 6-7 – Paraty: Experience colonial charm of this coastal gem
• Day 8-9 – Sao Paulo: Dive into Brazil’s urban culture
• Day 10-12 – Florianopolis: Enjoy beaches and outdoor activities on this amazing island
• Day 13-14 – Iguazu Falls:  Marvel at the falls from both sides of the border

Brazil Two-Week Itinerary Option 2: Relaxed

This two week Brazil itinerary is slower and more relaxed compared to the one above. This is the preferred option for travellers who don’t want to feel rushed. 

I have cut out Paraty and Sao Paulo. Paraty is a great place to visit but you’ll have enjoyed enough beach and tropical jungle whilst on Ihla Grande. Sao Paulo is a big city that’s only really for culture lovers wanting to enjoy the museums. 

I personally prefer more time on Florianopolis as its such a beautiful island with over 40 beaches.

• Day 1-4 – Rio de Janeiro: Explore the city at a leisurely pace
• Day 5-7 – Ihla Grande: Relax on beaches and explore nature
• Day 7-11 – Florianopolis Take in the relaxed island vibe. 5 days here means you can explore the islands many beaches
• Day 12-13 – Iguazu Falls: Experience the wonders of the falls
• Day 14 – Rio de Janeiro: Wrap up your journey

For more on why Florianopolis is a place spending more time on, check out the post below:

• Is Florianopolis Worth Visiting? 12 Great Reasons To Visit

How Much Will Two Weeks Cost In Brazil?

For a two-week stay in Brazil, a daily budget of $75 is a good benchmark. This budget covers accommodation, meals, local  transportation, and activities.

So I would start with a minimum of $1050 for two weeks in Brazil.

Internal flights may range from $300 to $500, depending on the chosen destinations, airlines and which of the two options you go for above. 

So overall, for two weeks in Brazil I would budget $1500.

Is Three Weeks Enough In Brazil?

Three weeks is the perfect amount of time in Brazil.

With three weeks, you can enjoy your journey at a more relaxed pace, incorporate bus rides instead of flights to save on costs and see everything the coast has to offer from Rio to Iguazu.

You’ll be able to follow the same route as the itinerary above, but with more days at each stop.

Having the extra time on Florianopolis is always worth it! 

Brazil Three-Week Itinerary

• Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro 
• Day 5-8: Ihla Grande
• Day 9-11: Paraty 
• Day 12-14: Sao Paulo
• Day 15-18: Florianopolis 
• Day 19-20: Iguazu 
• Day 21: Rio de Janeiro

How much does three weeks cost in Brazil?

With three weeks, opting for long or overnight buses instead of flights for inter-city travel can result in significant cost savings but will cut into your time.

I would recommend a budget of $500 a week in Brazil , so as a minimum you should be taking $1500 to start with. I would then suggest an extra $500 on top for bigger activities like full day tours, nights out and nice meals.

So in total, I would recommend a budget of $2000 for three weeks in Brazil. 

For more why Brazil is such a great country to visit, check out the post below:

• Is Brazil Worth Visiting? 10 Great Reasons To Visit In 2024

Is A Month Enough In Brazil?

A month is the perfect amount of time in Brazil if you truly want to see everything this country has to offer.

A month provides more time for leisurely exploration, allowing for extended stays in each stop and more immersive experience overall. You will leave Brazil feeling like a local rather than a tourist!

With an extra week, you’ll also be able to add in an extra stop along the coast in Itamambuca , a surfers paradise.

Brazil 1-Month Itinerary

With this 1-month itinerary, you’ll get 5 days in Itamambuca which is a beautiful beach town perfect for those wanting to learn how to surf. You’ll also get longer on Floriaonopolis which means more surfing or simply more time to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Here’s a breakdown: 

• Day 1-5: Rio de Janeiro 
• Day 6-9: Ihla Grande 
• Day 10-12: Paraty 
• Day 13-17: Itamambuca 
• Day 18-20: Sao Paulo 
• Day 21-27: Florianopolis 
• Day 28-29: Iguazu Falls
• Day 30: Rio de Janeiro 

See this 1-month itinerary in more detail in the post below:

The Ideal 1-Month Brazil Itinerary

How much does a month cost in Brazil?

For a month in Brazil, I would budget $2500. 

A budget of $500 a week is advisable, and then the extra $500 is for flights and more expensive things such as full day tours, surf camps etc. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Brazil?

Brazil is a big country with multitude of microclimates. However, most people will be visiting the coast, going south from Rio to Iguazu so I’ll only provide an answer for this region. 

There’s no perfect time to visit Brazil, but here are some recommendations to help you decide:

• High Season – Often recommended as the best time to visit will be from December to March. This is high season and you’ll have the hottest weather but also more rain. Visit between these months if you want a more lively experience and meeting travellers. However, take into account that it will be busier and more expensive. Carnival is also in February.
• Shoulder Seasons – I usually recommend the shoulder seasons of October-November and April-May can also be good. The weather will still be warm, but there will be less tourists and prices will be cheaper.
• Low Season – low season in Brazil is June-August , also know as winter. Temperatures are lower but it is much drier. This is likely when most Americans and Europeans visit as its the summer holidays. You’ll enjoy sunny days but you’ll also need some warmer clothes for the evenings. 

To download this chart in a handy infographic, head to the link below:

• When Is The Best Time To Visit South America?

Popular South America Posts

For more popular posts on South America that include everything from expertly curated itineraries to detailed country guides, check out some of the posts below:

• 4 Efficient Two-Week South America Itineraries For Every Backpacker
• The Ideal 1-Month Backpacking Itinerary For Peru, Bolivia & Chile
• How To Budget For A Month In South America 
• Is South America Worth Travelling? 18 Great Reasons To Visit In 2023
• The Ultimate 3-Month South America Backpacking Itinerary & Route
• 4 Epic 1-Month South America Backpacking Itineraries
• The 11 Best & Craziest Party Hostels In South America
• 4 Perfectly Planned 10-Day Itineraries For South America 
• 4 Fast-Paced One Week Backpacking Itineraries For South America
• A Flashpacker Five-Week South America Itinerary

Popular Brazil Posts

For more popular posts on Brazil from city guides to planned itineraries, check out some of the posts below:

• Is Ilha Grande Worth Visiting? 10 Great Reasons To Visit This Island Paradise
• How Many Days Do You Need In Brazil? 5 Great Itineraries From 7 days to 1-month
• How Many Days Do You Need In Florianopolis? 3 Great Itineraries From 3-7 Days
• Author Profile
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Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

Travel South America Like A pro

Do You Want To See South America On A Budget?

See Machu Picchu, the Amazon and the Bolivian Salt Flats, all with this efficient money-saving itinerary

Budget Breakdown: One Month Solo Backpacking In Brazil

Famous for football and the annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil also has a negative reputation of being an unsafe travel destination. While a bit of that might be true as you do have to be aware and extra cautious, I found this aspect to be wildly exaggerated. In my opinion, Brazilians are some of the most friendliest people in the world. Even with a language barrier, they go above and beyond trying to help. The natural beauty in this country is unmatched anywhere else; there are white sand beaches, lush rain forests, stunning waterfalls, clear blue lagoons, beautiful mountains on the ocean’s edge, and many more. Here is my experience one month solo backpacking in Brazil.

Spending just over a month in Brazil, I was able to hit up a lot of places. Below is a map of my journey. My route started in the largest city of Sao Paulo, looping through the south before making my way to Rio de Janeiro. From there, I flew to the northeast region starting in Sao Luis and ended the Brazilian leg of my trip in Fortaleza before heading to Uruguay.

When I was in Brazil in February/March 2019, the exchange of the Brazilian Real (BRL) to the Canadian Dollar (CAD) was 2.8 BRL to $1 CAD .

Flights within Brazil aren’t too bad if you don’t book last minute. But when you see a good price and want to purchase, it will ask for your Brazilian CPF number (similar to a social security number in the US or Social Insurance Number in Canada; see how to get a CPF as a foreigner ). To get around this, I booked my flights through Expedia. If I recall correctly, I might have paid a bit more (around $10 CAD).

I first flew into Sao Paulo from Indonesia through a grueling two-day journey, with layovers in Perth and Johannesburg. My flights were a part of a larger expedition: my Mini Round the World Trip with Aeroplan.

The budget airlines within Brazil are GOL and Azul , but I found LATAM to also have competitive prices as all of my domestics flights have been with LATAM:

• Florianopolis to Sao Paulo 4500 British Airways Avios points and $11.10 CAD
• Rio de Janeiro to Sao Luis $248.80 CAD
• Fortaleza to Sao Paulo $117.05 CAD

Food & Drinks

Brazil is a country of immigrants and it definitely shows in its food scene. The cuisine is heavily influenced by African, Amerindian, Japanese and European flavours. Below are some examples of what I ate in Brazil and how much they cost:

• Acai bowls ranges from 9 BRL ($3.21 CAD) to 16.5 BRL ($5.89 CAD)
• Coxinha – fried and battered dough with shredded chicken meat inside 4.5 BRL ($1.61 CAD)
• Sao Paulo’s massive mortadella sandwich 26 BRL ($9.29 CAD)
• All you can eat “rodizio” sushi 62.59 BRL ($22.35 CAD)
• Tapioca flatbreads 6 BRL ($2.14 CAD)
• Pastel carne – deep fried pastries with meat 3.5 BRL ($1.25 CAD)
• All you can eat “rodizio” Brazilian churrasco (BBQ) 58 BRL ($20.74 CAD)
• Brazil’s national cocktail, Caipirinha 5 BRL ($1.79 CAD)
• Brazil’s national soft drink, Guarana ~ 5 BRL ($1.79 CAD)

Make sure you check out what makes it to the Top 5 Eats in Brazil

Transportation

Being the fifth largest country in the world means there is a lot of ground to cover. Unlike other countries like Canada and Russia where there’s a lot of barren land, Brazil has attractions in all of its regions. From the jungles of the Amazon in the north, and the animal-rich area of the Pantanal in the west, to the surreal beaches and African culture in the east, and the hustle and bustle of Sao Paulo and Rio in the south. Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly if you think about it), the biggest portion of my budget was transportation. Bus trips between cities are quite long and expensive. They are, however of great quality–big and comfortable chairs recline back to allow for somewhat good sleep. To save time you can book flights between cities but keep in mind that booking last minute will be more costly.

The main websites I used to search/book for bus journeys were Busbud and Clickbus . However, by booking on the websites, there is a booking fee (around $6 CAD ). Hence I usually book at the bus station unless I am stretched for time.

My Bus Routes in Brazil

• 6 hr bus from Sao Paulo to Curitiba 96.47 BRL ($34.45 CAD)
• 11 hr sleeper bus from Curitibia to Foz do Iguaçu 249.95 BRL ($89.27 CAD)
• 16 hr bus from Foz do Iguaçu to Florianopolis 226.05 BRL ($80.73 CAD)
• 6 hr bus from Sao Paulo to Paraty 101.88 BRL ($36.39 CAD)
• 5 hr bus from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro 75.9 BRL ($27.11 CAD)
• 5 hr bus from Sao Luis to Barreirinhas 60.18 BRL ($21.49 CAD)
• A whole day of travelling from Barreirinhas to Jericoacoara, which includes riding a pick up truck, bus, and a 4×4. 121.5 BRL ($43.39 CAD)
• 4×4 and a bus from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza 73.7 BRL ($26.32 CAD)

I have never taken as much Uber as I have in Brazil. In total, I took 32 Uber rides and spent a total of 573.52 BRL ($204.83 CAD) for an average of 18 BRL ($6.40 CAD) per trip. Uber is super popular in the country with ads for the service all over. It is a good alternative to public transport, especially during at night.

If you do not have Uber yet, please use my referral link so that you can get free rides and/or discounts. I would also earn some free rides and/or discounts! Win-Win!

Accommodation

I found hostels in Brazil lackluster in quality compared to the ones I’ve been to in Southeast Asia and Western Europe. I’ve encountered dorm beds where there was no outlet near the bed, which made charging your phone and setting an alarm pretty difficult. Having stayed in numerous hostels during my one month solo backpacking Brazil, here are some of my recommendations:

Curitiba: Curitiba Casa Hostel for 1 night for 46 BRL ($16.43 CAD)

This cozy and quiet hostel is walking distance to most attractions in Curitiba such as the Curitiba Botanical Gardens, the Mercado Municipal and the bus terminal. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and breakfast is served with their own homemade jams! The staff are friendly and hospitable. I got to learn a lot more about Brazil and its controversial president ( Bolsonaro ).

Florianópolis: Tucano House for 3 nights at 37.3 BRL ($13.33 CAD) per night

A true backpacker’s hostel. This social hostel makes it easy to meet people with their day activities and organized dinners. In addition, the staff were also quite helpful regarding my need to buy new glasses in Florianópolis.

Paraty: Casa Viva Hostel for 3 nights at 30.56 BRL ($10.91 CAD) per night

This hostel boasts a big outdoor pool and view of the mountains. Located a 10 min walk from the historic town, it is a little out of the way compared to other accommodations. Facilities such as the beds and bathrooms were basic but clean. In conclusion, this hostel is a really good value for a night’s stay.

Barreirinhas: Hostel Lencois Park for 2 nights at 36 BRL ($12.86 CAD) per night

A cozy and clean hostel. It was great base for tours and hikes to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The owner is super knowledgeable of the area and goes the extra mile for his guests! He helped me venture to Jericoacoara with public transportation (a whole day of travelling with 4 transfers)!

There are endless things to do in this massive country. These are some highlights of my one month solo backpacking in Brazil:

• Checked out Sao Paulo’s graffiti scene at Beco do Batman. FREE
• Learned more about Brazil’s most famous architect and Brazilian modern art at the Museu Oscar Niemeyer in Curitiba. Regular price is 28 BRL ($10 CAD). However, I was able to get away with the student price of 10 BRL ($3.57 CAD)
• Checked out the many amazing beaches around Florianópolis. FREE
• Walked around the historic centre of the colonial town of Paraty. FREE
• Got amazing views of Rio’s skyline and nature from the Sugar Loaf Mountains (Pão de Açúcar). Taking a cable car up is 110 BRL ($39.29 CAD). However, I was able to get away with the student price of 49 BRL ($17.50 CAD)
• Explored São Luís’s colonial centre, founded by the French in 1612. In addition, it is also one of Brazil’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. FREE
• Flew with a charter flight tour over Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. 350 BRL ($125 CAD)
• Lagoa Azul tour in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. 70 BRL ($25 CAD)
• Hiked and hit up the beaches in Jericoacoara National Park. FREE

Iguazu Falls

The largest waterfall system in the world can be found at the border of Brazil and Argentina. This natural wonder was one of my must-visits in South America. Since most of the falls are on the Argentina side, the panoramic views from the Brazil side are the best, whereas a visit to the Argentina side will give you a chance to get up close and personal (in which you will definitively get wet!)

The entrance fee to enter the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil side) is 70 BRL ($25 CAD) and can be explored in about two to four hours depending on how crowded it is. There are platforms all over the trail, perfect for taking those panoramic pictures.

The larger Iguazú National Park (Argentina side) costs 700 ARS ($23.70 CAD) to get in. Instead of one single trail, there are multiple trails overlooking the falls. There is a boardwalk that brings you face-to-face with the Devil’s Throat, the main horseshoe falls where its spray and mist drenches everyone nearby.

There are additional options to spend more money with helicopter tours and boat rides (similar to Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls).

While the entrance fees are not that expensive, you should account for the time and cost of transportation to allow you to get the full Iguazu Falls experience. This area is quite remote; there isn’t much else to do. I only went here to see the falling water. Both the cities of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) have airports where you can fly into. Domestic flights to either airport from either Rio or Buenos Aires cost around $150 CAD (one way, booked a month in advance). Buses will take up a hefty amount of travel time (my bus from Foz do Iguaçu to Florianopolis was 16 hours). Don’t count on it being cheap either; my bus ride cost 226.05 BRL ($80.73 CAD)

Unlike Canada’s Niagara Falls, where there is essentially two falls, Iguazu Falls consists of over 200 individual falls making a it a whole waterfall network spread across a few kilometres. The views are breathtaking and you are left speechless at the size of it all (that’s what she said). Despite the time and cost to get here, this experience was totally worth it and has been one of my highlights during my one month solo backpacking in Brazil.

Carnival in Rio

Carnival in Rio is considered the biggest carnival in the world with over two million people per day on the streets. For those who do not know, Carnival is a celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent. Carnival in Rio officially lasts for a week but festivities begin early with parties taking place prior to the start. As Easter and Lent occurs at different times every year, the dates of Carnival also changes but is generally around February and March. This year, it took place between March 1st – 6th.

Street festivals (blocos) are very common during carnival and are highly populated by the locals. These parties take place all over Rio and there are some that start early in the morning at 8 AM and go late into the night. Many of these parties have certain themes such as Beatles, drag, African, etc.

Rio Carnival is famous for its parades, which are filled with extravagant costumes and floats from numerous samba schools. I got a ticket to the first day of the parades which are reserved for lower level schools for 60 BRL ($21.43 CAD) from my hostel. Unfortunately, there was a massive storm that night (never seen rain that hard before in my life) and the parades were postponed. I went back to my hostel and called it a night. The following morning, I realized that the rain had stopped and the parades commenced late at night and lasted until morning. #FOMO.

• Keep your valuables (including phones) within your accommodation or be ready to guard it with your life. Pickpocketing is rife during the festival times. It gets super crowded that it becomes easy for people to steal your stuff without you noticing.
• The Rio Metro runs 24 hours during Carnival and is a great way to get around as many streets will be closed due to the blocos.
• As you can already imagine, Carnival is the busiest time in Rio. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance or else you might get stuck paying hundreds of dollars for a dorm bed in high demand areas such as Ipanema and Copacabana.

Being in the country for just over a month, I was bound to have expenses in the miscellaneous category. Here are some that I encountered while one month solo backpacking in Brazil:

• Going into Brazil, I had to get a visa which I could get online with VFS Global $45 USD . Brazil just announced that as of June 17th, 2019, Canadians along with Americans, Japanese, and Australians will no longer require visas to visit the country.
• ATM fees 24 BRL ($8.57 CAD) . After learning that Banco do Brasil does not charge any ATM fees, I took out only from this bank. Make sure you use a debit card that doesn’t charge you for any foreign transaction fees. If you are from Canada, I recommend using  STACK !
• New glasses 400 BRL ($142.86 CAD) . Strong waves hit me when I was wearing my glasses in the water and I was not able to find it again in Florianopolis. #RIP.
• SIM card 10 BRL ($3.57 CAD)
• 4 GB data plan for one month with TIM 40 BRL ($14.29 CAD)
• Brazil’s most famous export, Havaianas 37.9 BRL ($13.54 CAD)

The Sum of One Month Solo Backpacking in Brazil

For the month I was there, I spent a total of $2,511.18 CAD which came out to $78.47 per day! By South American standards, Brazil is expensive to travel around. Day-to-day expenses such as accommodation and food are not too bad, but travel expenses will add up quick. Long distance bus tickets will cost a minimum of $50 CAD and upwards to $150 CAD. If you’re planning on seeing lots of Brazil, be prepared to pay for it.

• Top 5 Eats in Brazil | The Sum of Travel June 23, 2019 Permalink
• Budget Breakdown: Exploring Buenos Aires and Mendoza (Argentina) June 30, 2019 Permalink

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South America Backpacking Routes: Seven Itineraries for Two Weeks to One Month

By Author Mikha Zeffertt

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

South America is a truly unique travel experience, with myriad landscapes and cultures. Many new South American travellers become intimidated by how much there is to do and how little of it is familiar.

Don’t worry, once you get going, you’ll quickly fall in love with the towering mountains, long beaches, lush forests, old towns and much older ruins. Top it off with friendly people, new foods, a little craziness, and you are bound to have a great time.

When I first landed in the continent, I knew absolutely nothing about traveling here and realised I should have planned where to travel in South America, so I drew a map of the continent and started plotting potential routes. 

I’ve laid out the best South America backpacking routes for you to get the most out of the time you have.

Whether you have two weeks or a month in South America, a shoestring budget or a lavish lifestyle, one of these routes will get you started with your trip ideas and help you discover all that South America has to offer.

Before you dive in, it’s also worth checking out our article about what to pack for South America – a guide written after seven years of exploring the continent – as well as work out which are the best countries in South America to visit for the different interests you have , whether those are hiking, archeological sites, football or wine.

Click to navigate this article:

What should you consider before planning your South America backpacking route?

• Budget : ‘How much can you spend traveling in South America’ and ‘how much should you spend traveling in South America’ are two very different questions, and both are important. Traveling South America cheaply is possible; the cost of backpacking here is far cheaper than in most other parts of the world and it’s relatively easy to stick to a budget of $50 USD per day. My main tip would be to have a budget so that you don’t overspend but also avoid keeping the purse strings so tight that you miss out on amazing experiences. Identify what is important to you and set aside part of your budget for it before you start. 
• Where you will land: This is not only important for the route you pick but also relevant when looking at flight costs and visa restrictions. Hubs such as Lima, Santiago, São Paulo and Bogota generally have the cheapest connections with countries outside of South America, as well as plenty of direct flights between these and other parts of the continent.

Argentina economy update

The Argentine economy is a huge mess at the moment, with inflation expected to hit 200% this year. Using Argentine pesos can therefore be a nightmare – and mean you lose a lot of money. The blue dollar (an unofficial exchange rate that gives you a better conversion than the official rate) is around, but if you want to avoid carrying lots of cash, you can now pay using your credit card and get an exchange rate similar to the blue dollar rate. You must choose to pay in Argentine pesos (not USD!) to secure this rate.

Both Mastercard and Visa give you what is called the MEP rate, which is almost as good as the blue dollar rate. Mastercard will charge you the official rate but refund you the money a few days later; Visa will charge you the MEP rate from the beginning.

If you do want to have some Argentine pesos for paying in cash (which I highly recommend as you will need them for some restaurants and attractions), it’s best to use Western Union, whereby you send cash to yourself using the Western Union app and then withdraw it in Argentine pesos from one of their branches in Argentina. Bear in mind, those in El Calafate and Ushuaia can run dry of notes, so it can be easiest to do this in Buenos Aires.

Additionally, you can bring USD (unmarked and untorn hundred dollar bills), which you can exchange at “cuevas” (unofficial exchange houses). These will be able to give you the blue dollar rate and any hotel owner will be able to tell you where your nearest one is. Souvenir shops in most parts of the country will be able to give you pesos in exchange for dollar bills – although they might not give you the best rate.

Avoid cash machines. Currently, the maximum withdrawal is the equivalent of $15 USD in Argentine pesos and it will cost you $10 USD in fees.

• The best time to go to South America: Remember to also think about the seasons; the best time to go to South America really depends on exactly where you’re heading. The northern countries are usually best visited in the dry season (May to September) and the southern countries in summer (October to April). Read our article for more detailed information about the best time to visit South America .
• What do you want to do: Do you want to do a five-day hike in Patagonia , learn to surf in Peru , walk the streets of Buenos Aires or dance salsa in Cartagena ? Remember to consider what is important to you to see or do, not only how much time and money you have.
• Is it dangerous to backpack in South America? No, it’s not. Travelling to South America – or any part of the world in fact – requires pre-planning and thought, so you know how to get from A to B safely and without issue. Learning Spanish before you go is helpful but not essential; what you’ll find is that many travellers follow similar South America travel routes, so you’ll quickly find and make plenty of new friends along the way.
• The best itinerary for South America: Ultimately, there is no best itinerary. What matters is that you spend your time and your money seeing destinations and having experiences that will last you a lifetime. All of the South America backpacking routes and places to visit outlined in this post have been tried and tested by myself and other backpackers, so it’s really a choice of deciding which one most appeals to your imagination.  

Planning Your Trip to South America?

Save time, stress & money with a customized travel itinerary planned for you by a South America expert

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Steph’s itinerary exceeded all expectations. She provided off-the-beaten-path hikes, great restaurants and accommodations, and very helpful local contacts. Due to the weather, we had to deviate from our original plan, however, Steph quickly responded to our email during the trip with further recommendations. Her service took all the guesswork out of planning our vacation and led to the most fun and unforgettable trip we have ever had!

Ten days in South America

Very short trips to South America can be difficult. Cities and tourist attractions are far apart and fast travel (aka flying) is expensive. Good planning will help you make the most of it. 

I’ve laid out one itinerary below, but you can also get inspired by the two-week itineraries for Peru and Colombia, as these can easily be adapted to a shorter duration.

Ten Days in Brazil

Brazil is huge, but this ironically, makes it a great destination for a short South American trip – let’s face it: you would never be able to see it all anyway!

This ten-day Brazil itinerary will give you a taste of the fun, flare and beauty of this vast and extraordinary country.

Days One to Three: Start your trip in Rio de Janeiro , a city that is an absolute must-see on any Brazil trip. There is so much to do here that you will need to plan your activities in advance.

Definitely set aside some time to sun yourself on the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon. Hike or train up to the Christ the Redeemer statue for panoramic views of the hilly city and the glittering Atlantic Ocean below.

Inside the city itself, Santa Theresa is a great artistic neighbourhood to explore and Lapa is the area to experience the nightlife of Rio.

Days Four to Six: Next, take a four-hour bus to Paraty , a colonial coastal city with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of islands only a day trip away. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also popular amongst Brazilian holidaymakers.

You’ll have no problem keeping yourself busy thanks to the rage of gorgeous streets, nearby waterfalls, fine restaurants and interesting boat trips.

Days Seven and Eight: Head south to Florianopolis for some relaxation. You can either take an overnight bus from Paraty or take the bus to Sao Paulo and fly from there. Once you arrive, don’t stay in Florianopolis City; instead, head straight to the island to enjoy its clean and stunning beaches.

You can easily use public transport or rent a car to explore them and the equally striking corners of this gorgeous island.

Days Nine and Ten: Your last stop is Foz do Iguacu (Iguazú Falls), an overnight bus journey from Florianopolis. Another must-see, these falls are a wonder of the natural world and are jaw-droppingly powerful.

On the border with Argentina, they can be viewed from both sides but the Brazilian side is famous for panoramic views of the entire waterfall complex, with various pathways allowing you to catch sight of all 275 falls.

The bottom line: Brazil is too vast to see on any trip that doesn’t span months, but this itinerary gives you a good snapshot of what this beautiful country has to offer.

Two weeks in South America Itinerary

While two weeks is not a lot of time for traveling in a continent as huge as South America, with some forward-thinking, you can still see a lot.

Top tip: Pick one country to explore rather than spread your time too thin. Peru and Colombia are both great places to explore in short periods of time because both are jam-packed with compelling attractions, all of which aren’t very far away from each other.

Two-week Peru Itinerary

Peru is one of the most intriguing countries to travel to in South America – it’s no surprise that it makes most travellers’ bucket lists. Between beautiful cities, fantastic food, awe-inspiring Inca ruins, and rich indigenous culture, you are bound to fall in love. 

For a short trip to South America, this is definitely one of the most rewarding destinations as there are so many things to do here in Peru – in what is actually a relatively small country.

What’s more, Peru has a little for everyone: everything from culture, fine dining, ancient history and jaw-dropping scenery (not to mention, the hiking in Peru is up there with some of the best treks in the world!)

Top tip: It’s best to plan your trip in the dry season, which is May through September. This time of year is peak season in Peru but guarantees sunny days that won’t interfere with your plans.

Days One and Two: Start in Lima , the vibrant capital of Peru. Spend some time exploring the boardwalk in fancy Miraflores , the old colonial buildings in the old city centre, and the street art scene of Barranco . If you’re not on a budget, Lima is home to three of the world’s best restaurants: Cent r al , Maido and Astrid y Gastón , where you’ll modern and innovative takes on typical Peruvian dishes .

If you’re counting the pennies, try ceviche (a local dish of raw fish, lime and chilli) in Barranco and chifa (Peruvian Chinese food) anywhere.

Days Three to Five: From there, fly to Cusco , the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It can get pretty crowded with tourists but is definitely worth it.

Spend a day or two in a city whose history is everywhere you look thanks to the Inca (who built it) and the Spanish (who colonized it). Free walking tours are great for budgets, while souvenir shopping is not so much. 

For accommodation tips, read our guide to where to stay in Cusco.

Days Six to Eight: Once you’ve acclimatized to the altitude, take a tour of the Sacred Valley , and, of course, visit Machu Picchu . The most efficient way to see the ancient Incan citadel is to take the train: it might be expensive, but it’s the fastest option for a short trip. You can stay overnight the Sacred Valley at one of its many hotels and guesthouses , too.

Alternatively, sign up for a two-day bus tour with an agency in Cusco or add an extra day to your itinerary and take an Inca trail hiking tour instead. 

Days Nine and Ten: Take a spectacular train ride from Cusco to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca . Spend a day visiting the Uros floating reed islands or kayaking on what is the highest freshwater lake in the world.

Days Eleven and Twelve: Catch a bus to Arequipa , a beautiful city nestled below El Misti Volcano. Arequipa’s dazzling white and historical centre is another of Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Days Twelve and Thirteen: Bus north up the Pacific coast to Nazca , where you can fly over the famous Nazca Lines and get back to Lima by bus in the afternoon. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be better to spend a few more days in Cusco and the surrounding areas, instead.

Day Fourteen: Get ready for the journey home and have one last plate of ceviche and a pisco sour to bid farewell to your trip South America backpacking trip. 

Adapting this itinerary: If you want to make this a shorter trip, cut out Puno and Nazca, and instead head from Cusco to Arequipa and then fly back to Lima. For more details, check out our guides to visiting Machu Picchu (and the Inca Trail ), the Sacred Valley , and all things Peru . Alternatively, extend this trip with a 31-day immersive Spanish language class , which includes accommodation, the Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu, visits to the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, plus 80 hours of small-group Spanish language classes across four and a half weeks. Use the promo code WorldlyAdventurer to get a 5% discount!

Two weeks in Colombia

Colombia is one of the best backpacking spots around. It’s cheap, beautiful and Colombians are largely extremely welcoming and friendly.

It’s up to you whether you prioritise nightlife, beaches or history but, whatever you choose, Colombia is a fantastic destination. Before you go, read our guide to the best time to travel to Colombia .

Day 1-4: Start in Bogotá . Colombia’s capital is a diverse, vibrant city filled with bright colours and a dark history. Explore the street art, old buildings, great coffee, and surprising array of brilliant restaurants in Bogota , while the world-class Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) can’t be missed.

If you like to party, Bogotá boasts some of the best nightclubs in South America and day trips should hinge around Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial village, as well as the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá .

Alternatively, book yourself onto an incredible tour flying out of Bogotá to San Vicente Del Caguán visiting a part of southern Colombia that was, until recently, inaccessible for travel because of the armed conflict.

Truly adventurous travellers can join the three-day Rafting For Peace tour , where you take on the rapids of the Río Pato alongside ex-FARC militants who’ve found rafting a credible means of bringing peace to the region. Founder Steph did this and it was a truly perception-changing experience; read more in this article she wrote for CNN.

Support sustainable, responsible tourism in Colombia – and learn a tonne about the country’s chequered history along the way- by booking the Rafting for Peace tour with IMPULSE Travel Colombia and get a 5% discount by using the code WORLDLY5 at checkout.

Days Five and Six: Fly to Pereira or Armenia where you can either stay in the colourful town of Salento or in a hacienda in one of the surrounding coffee plantations.

Be sure to do a coffee tour and to play the local game of tejo , a fun traditional game that involves throwing disks at a target, with the bull’s eye being a tiny packet of gunpowder. It’s great fun.

Spend a day hiking in Valle de Cocora National Par k , where you can see wax palms towering up to 60 metres above your head.

Days Seven to Nine: Fly to Medellin , a city famous for its tragic past of gangsters and cocaine. While it was once one of the most dangerous in the world, Medellin is now an innovative modern city, where the weather always feels like spring.

Explore the beautiful parks and some great museums, such as the interactive science museum, Parque Explora .

Read our guide to where to stay in Medellin for further inspiration for visiting the city.

Days Ten to Fourteen: Fly up to Cartagena . The Caribbean city of Cartagena de Indias was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its incredible colonial old quarter.

You can spend days wandering the picturesque cobbled streets and flowering bougainvillaea. There is a lot of music and food on these busy streets, or you can take a unique tour to learn about the hidden history of Cartagena on a sustainable weaving tour with indigenous Zenú guides .

There are also several beaches and islands nearby that can be visited for a night or just a day trip from the city . We’ve also written all about our favorite places to stay in Cartagena to help you plan your time there.

Adapting this itinerary: If you haven’t had enough, or had a different trip in mind, check out what to do on the Caribbean coast in our one-month Colombia itinerary further down or explore this guide to the best places to visit in Colombia .

Two weeks in Chile

Chile is another rewarding destination to spend a two-week vacation in South America.

While it’s certainly one of the more expensive destinations on the continent, its diverse landscapes and reliable network of flights and buses make it a perfect place for a short South America trip.

And, despite protests back in 2019 and 2020, Chile is a safe and welcoming place to visit .

Days One to Three: Fly into Santiago , the Chilean capital city and spend a day exploring its wealth of museums about historic pre-Colombian cultures, sipping on delicious Chilean wine and getting to grips with the city’s thriving gastronomic scene in award-winning Boragó or Restaurant 040 .

Take a bus out east to the quirky, street-art daubed streets of Valparaíso , a bohemian university city cascading over a coastal hill. Take a free walking tour or graffiti tour and spend an afternoon appreciating the views from Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s former residence.

Days Four to Six: Return to Santiago and take a plane six hours west across the Pacific Ocean to the fabled volcanic island, Easter Island .

Here, you can hire a car or take tours out to see the stoic moai statues that line the shore, each representing the ancestors of the local Rapanui people, as well as see the quarry from which each and every last one was carved.

Catch a performance of Polynesian traditional dance in the main town, Hanga Roa , hike around the north-western coastline to see ruins that receive few – if any – visitors or kick back on the white sands of Anakena , a tropical beach in the island’s far north.

Stay overnight in one of Easter island’s comfortable hotels, guesthouses or campgrounds .

Days Seven to Nine: Fly back to Santiago and take an overnight bus to Pucón , southern Chile’s adventure capital. Trek up the rock-strewn and snow-dusted slopes of Volcán Villarrica before easing yourself into the hot thermal springs that dot the surrounding area.

Spend a day in nearby Parque Nacional Huerquehue for glorious views of lakes and gushing waterfalls.

Days Ten to Fourteen: Hop on an overnight bus and wake up the next morning in the bustling capital of the Chiloé archipelago, Castro . Catch the city’s houses on stilts – palafitos – in the early morning light for striking photographs.

Afterwards, take rattling, old public buses between the brightly painted churches of Tenaún, Chonchi and Dalcahue and join the locals for a steaming bowl of curanto (seafood stew) in the latter’s market.

Want a custom-made Chile itinerary, but without the effort of planning it?

Get it planned by an expert (me!) with my travel itinerary planning service ; you’ll give me an overview of your ideal once-in-a-lifetime trip to Chile and/or Patagonia, and I’ll put together a custom itinerary just for you using my expert knowledge of the destination.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a local operator to plan and book your trip, I recommend our trusted partner EcoChile Travel. They design and book tours throughout the country, such as this 12-day highlights of Southern Patagonia itinerary – and offer Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on their services!

Book here to claim your discount.

Take the bus out to Parque Nacional Chiloé to hike in lush temperate rainforest and admire the island’s most startlingly empty beaches and follow the path to the Muelle de las Almas for a photograph at a cliffside side pier where you can hear the howls of the dead echo through the air.

Return to Castro and fly back to Santiago .

How to adapt this itinerary: We’ve written more about Chile and how to explore this country – with plenty of alternative suggestions – in this two-week Chile itinerary and you can find itineraries to suit your budget and travel style in my brand new guidebook, Moon Chile . For the best accommodation along the way, read this guide to the best hotels in Chile .

One-month South America Backpacking Routes

My recommendation for a one-month South America itinerary is to not try and fit too much in. You don’t want to burn yourself out by trying to cram everything in, but also you need a little wiggle room for the inevitable late bus or great location that throws off your schedule.

Leave yourself a few days unplanned to use when you need a day off or you just can’t resist spending one more day somewhere.

One-month South America travel itinerary: Peru, Northern Chile and Bolivia

This is a perfect trip for seeing some of the greatest highlights of South America. This backpacking route will take you through the most beautiful and historic sites on the continent.

However, be aware that if you’re looking for a super low-budget trip, this isn’t it. Between the tickets to Machu Picchu and the many tours you will want to do in Bolivia and Chile, this is for someone who’s seeking an action-packed trip and is happy to pay for more expensive tours and transport options.

Start your trip flying into Lima , the capital of Peru. It’s both busy and huge, and possibly a little intimidating, but it’s a good introduction to traveling in South America!

Walk the beachfront of Miraflores at sunset, explore the trendy Barranco neighbourhood, and be sure to eat some ceviche, local dish of raw fish, lime and chilli.

It is also worth visiting the Larco Museum to get a better understanding of Peruvian history, the beautiful 18th-century villa houses a large collection showing 5 000 years of pre-Columbian art.

From there, fly or bus it overnight to Arequipa . This beautiful colonial-style city is a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits beneath a volcano. Be sure to do a city walking tour (free, except you will have to tip your guide) to see its detailed, baroque architecture carved from white volcanic stone.

Explore what the city has to offer with our comprehensive guide to what to do in Arequipa and find a comfortable place to stay with our guide to accommodation in the city .

From here you can also take a two- or three-day trip to hike Colca Canyon , the second deepest canyon in the world.

Your next stop is San Pedro de Atacama , Chile. Take the morning bus from Arequipa to Tacna, cross over the border to Arica in Chile and then the overnight bus that brings you the next morning to this small desert town on the Chilean-Bolivian border.

While this place is a tourist trap of note, it’s worth visiting because it is the base for a plethora of surrounding activities. My favourites were Valle de la Luna , a truly surreal sand valley of salt and cliffs, and the stargazing tours .

You cannot understand how expansive the universe is until you see a desert night sky with absolutely no light pollution, allowing crystal clear skies with the Milky Way branching above you. 

None of the tours are cheap and tour agencies will do their best to overcharge, but you can often negotiate better prices if you are in a group or booking multiple tours with one company, and it’s advisable to ask for more than one place for a quote.

Make friends in your hostel and see who’s found a good deal or is interested in the same tours you are.

San Pedro de Atacama is also the departure point for the three-day trip to the Salar de Uyuni , the picture-perfect salt flats that lie just on the other side of the border in Bolivia.

You can do a one- to four-day tour from Uyuni in Bolivia, but why not use it as a way to travel to Bolivia rather than starting and ending in the same place? 

From San Pedro de Atacama, it’s a three-day tour across the border and through the blinding white plateau of the Bolivian salt flats , an experience that is definitely worth it but is far from a luxury travel experience.

The trip is entirely done in a cramped SUV-type vehicle that would have done the trip many times before you arrived and the accommodation is basic. However, the landscapes, lakes and hot springs are some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen anywhere in the world and this experience should not be skipped.

Once you make it to Salar de Uyuni , your tour will give you a day to enjoy the expansive salt flats and then take you to Uyuni before dark. Spend the night in Uyuni, get warm, have a good shower and then a bus to Sucre the next day.

This will be probably one of the worst bus rides of your life – I don’t want to lie to you, as Bolivian buses largely suck. Almost all the buses are old, with no heating, and uncomfortable seats.

Couple these with the narrow, winding rows of the Bolivian Andes, and you get quite a combination. Wear warm clothes and try not to sit at the front.

Bolivia’s capital Sucre is a colonial city with great markets and a range of cool things to do. Try and find the hilarious zebras of the zebra crossings: volunteers who dress up as zebras to direct pedestrians across the busier streets.

There is also a two-day hike to the Maragua Crater , where you can see the geological formations that formed around Sucre, including some truly fascinating fossilized dinosaur footprints that were exposed by an earthquake. 

If you aren’t interested in the hike but want to see fossils, head over to Park Cretácico , a dinosaur museum just on the outskirts of Sucre that offers tours to the base of an entire wall of hundreds of dinosaur footprints, which was discovered accidentally in still-functioning quarry.

From Sucre, you can either fly or take the bus to La Paz . The capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world, sitting at 3,640m above sea level. Don’t underestimate this altitude: it will knock the wind out of you, so take it slow.

Explore the Witches Market, take a whirl at bicycling down the infamous Death Road, or just explore the endless street markets and try my favourite, api morada , a spiced purple corn drink that is drunk warm for breakfast.

Next stop is Lake Titicaca , the highest freshwater lake in the world. Copacabana is a small town on its shores and is famous for being a Catholic pilgrimage site. While the town is a bit of a tourist trap, the glittering blue lake and the expansive sunsets are definitely worth a visit.

Spend a day or two on the Isla del Sol , believed by the Incans to be the birthplace of the sun. This tranquil island has a walking path that crosses the length of it and is dotted with ruins and fishing villages.

It is now time to return to Peru. Take a tourist bus from Copacabana to Cusco . You can stop along the way in Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca to see the floating reed villages of the Uros people.

There is also an option to take a cultural bus tour from Puno where you can learn some Peruvian history and see some pre-Incan sites along the way.

There are a few companies offering the service but Inca Express are what we’d recommend.

You should be acclimated by the time you make it to Cusco , the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Spend a day or two here exploring the cobblestone streets and local Inca sites, like Sacsayhuaman .

Free walking tours are great for budgets, and it is a fantastic place for some souvenir shopping, but watch out for inflated tourist prices.

Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire and a large centre during Spanish colonial rule. The city has retained archaeological and architectural elements from its complex history, meaning there is so much to explore.

Be careful to leave enough time at the end of your trip to really enjoy it. You could very easily spend a week here and still have things to do every day.

When you have soaked up Cusco, head out on a tour of the Sacred Valley or stay over in Ollantaytambo . Home to a massive Incan fortress, it’s a great base for exploring the most unmissable sights and attractions in the Sacred Valley .

This itinerary sees you saving the best for last – the purpose for most people’s trips: Machu Picchu . The most efficient way to get to the ancient Incan citadel is to take the train.

While expensive, this method will save you a lot of time as the alternative involves multiple busses and a long walk; alternatively, consider hiking the four-day, famed Inca highway, the Inca Trail instead.

Have a day exploring the ruins and then either spend the night in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes or head back to Cusco.

The bus back to Lima is a long one, so if you can afford the flight back I would recommend it. 

The bottom line: And then that’s it! It’s a lot to fit into a month but you’ll really have covered some ground and made the most of your trip thanks to this one-month South America backpacking route.

One-month South America travel itinerary: Colombia

If I had one month to travel in South America, I would choose to spend it in Colombia. It is fun, beautiful and rich in history. This trip will show you the sights and leave a lot of room for enjoying the culture of this colourful country.

Seriously: Colombia should be on every backpacker’s South America wish list!

The two-week Colombia itinerary above can easily be extended to become one month in the country. Once you have completed this two-week route and ended up in Cartagena, spend the extra two weeks on the Caribbean coast .

The northern coast is the beautiful, picture-perfect shoreline of your beach holiday dreams. As you head east along the coast the distances between towns are small and easily crossed by local bus.

Now you’ve explored central Colombia and made it to Cartagena, you have a number of options of where to go next. If some relaxation is what you are after, consider visiting the San Bernardo islands (or one of the other attractions that are a day trip from Cartagena ).

Located only an hour’s boat ride from the mainland, this island is also home to the marvellous Casa En El Agua, an eco-hostel built as an island in a national park.

Otherwise there’s Isla Fuerte , once a hiding place for pirates and drug smugglers, which is now filled with a sleepy village, many donkeys and great open-air bars.

If relaxation doesn’t strike the right tone for you, instead, from Cartegena head east up the coast to Santa Marta for some scuba diving and to use it as a base for visiting the surrounding areas.

Just down the road is the world-famous Tayrona National Park , a gorgeous protected area where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains meet the coast. Palm-covered coves, thick rainforest, lagoons and white sand beaches support rich biodiversity. You can hike, swim and even stay overnight in this expansive park.

If the Caribbean heat is getting to you, take a jeep from Santa Marta to the cooler climate of Minca , a jungle mountain village with some incredible hostels and waterfall hikes.

Your next stop should be Palomino , a beachfront town of cocktails and relaxation. You can tube down the river and swim offshore from long, sandy beaches. 

Continue on towards the desert in the North Eastern corner of Colombia. A great stop along the way is Los Flamencos Natural Reserve to see flamingos and other bird life. The last destination is Cabo de la Vela , a beach town where it almost never rains – it is in the desert after all.

Learn how to kitesurf and dine on the local langostino , a type of crayfish. Take a day trip up to Punta Gallinas , the northern tip of South America, and see the beautiful dunes of northern coast.

From there, bus back to Santa Marta and fly back to Bogota to catch your flight home. 

The bottom line: This varied backpacking travel itinerary is for someone looking for a rich combination of history, beaches – and plenty of fun!

One month in Patagonia

We’re obsessed with Patagonia on this website, and we’ve got plenty of itinerary ideas to sink your teeth into.

Fly from Santiago south to Puerto Montt , where you can pick up a hire car (get the low-down on driving in Patagonia before you do).

Drive south down Carretera Austral , South America’s finest road trip and stop to hike and admire the landscapes of lush, temperate rainforest, steaming volcanoes and pristine fjords.

Spend a few days trekking and relaxing in hot springs in Parque Nacional Pumalín before driving southeast to Futaleufú to experience the best white-water rafting in South America.

Continue the drive south via Puyuhuapi , to see the truly remarkable Queulat Hanging Glacier , and then on to Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo , for a day or even four-day traverse through one of Patagonia’s newest national parks.

Covid-19 update: You MUST make a reservation in order to visit Parque Nacional Queulat where the Queulat Hanging Glacier is located. You can do this on this website , but you will need to pay in cash (bring small notes) upon arrival. You can only enter the park between 9:00am and 14:30pm (you can stay within the park until 16.30pm) and you must bring your reservation code on your phone or printed off to show at the park entrance.

Continue on your way south, cruising along this southern highway to reach Puerto Río Tranquilo where you can take a speedboat or paddle a kayak out to the candy-cane marble caves .

Spend an extra day either ice trekking on the Exploradores Glacier or – if your budget is big enough – taking a day cruise out to the Glaciar San Rafael .

Do a loop of the mesmerizingly blue waters of Lago General Carrera , stopping at Chile Chico to visit the northern sector of Parque Nacional Patagonia , Sector Jeinimeni, for shorts hikes and outstanding scenery, before taking the boat north across the lake and return your car to Balmaceda airport.

Fly from Balmaceda to Punta Arenas and take the bus north to Puerto Natales , where you can organize your equipment and food for the four- or five-day W trek (or, if you’ve got more time, the 10-day circuit ) in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine .

If you’ve got more time, board the 32-hour TABSA ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams , the world’s southernmost settlement ($151,110 CLP ($196 USD).

It sails through the Beagle Channel and its most dazzling section: Glacier Alley – a stretch of water lined by hanging tidewater glaciers. Very expensive cruise ships normally ply this route; instead, the Yaghan ferry is the local form of transport (and priced accordingly!).

From Puerto Williams, which is home to plenty of hiking, you can cross the Beagle Channel and spend a day or two in Ushuaia before flying up to El Calafate .

When you’ve accomplished the challenge of hiking in the remote Patagonia scenery near Puerto Natales, board a bus across the border to El Calafate , a small town in striking distance of the awe-inspiring Glacier Perito Moreno .

Take the public bus for a day tour out to the boardwalks that sit beneath the glacier’s snout.

Back in El Calafate, take a bus north to El Chaltén , Argentine Patagonia’s hiking capital.

Set on the very outskirts of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , this town makes a great place from which to approach a range of day hikes, including to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre , both of which boast splendid mountain reflections in sparkling glacial lakes.

If you’ve more time and are an experienced hiker, embark on the four-day Huemul trek, which takes you in a loop of the park with stunning vistas of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

Return by bus to El Calafate and fly to Buenos Aires or continue on from here back to Santiago .

How to adapt this itinerary: If you’ve got less time, it is possible to explore Patagonia in just a one- or two-week vacation . For more information, we’ve gone into more depth about visiting both the Chilean and Argentine sides of this region, including the best national parks, road trip destinations and most remote areas in this comprehensive post about Patagonia backpacking itineraries . You can also add on a trip to Antarctica (check out this cruise from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula  from the highly-recommended company Swoop Antarctica), just be aware the season for cruises is limited. This guide to when to visit Antarctica can help you plan.

Tuesday 12th of July 2022

Hello, Can you pls. help me with my itinerary. I will be in Bogota, Colombia from Oct. 25-27. Oct. 28 fly to Cusco, Peru for 2 days. Travel to Aguas Calientes for Macchu Picchu. Then travel to Arequipa for Calca canyon. After that I wanted to Arica, Chile. Which is the nearest city to Arica La Paz or Uyuni, Bolivia. Or which is the nearest or next to Arequipa La paz or Arica. After that I wanted to go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil then to Iguazu falls. After that I have to be in Ushuaia by Nov. 17 or 18 for my trip to Antarctica on November 19 until November 28. I have time after my trip to Antarctica as my fly back home is Dec. 6. pls. help me to how to put together my itinerary if which route is better for me. I will appreciate your help.

Mildred Pinkihan

Steph Dyson

Thursday 21st of July 2022

Hi Mildred, I can help with trip planning if you contact me at [email protected] . You can see the prices for this service here. Steph

The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

How to spend 10 days in Brazil – 3 epic itineraries

Brazil is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries I’ve ever been to. Its cities are full of character, its cuisine is truly unique and its nature is staggeringly beautiful. Throw in some caipirinhas, friendly locals and samba rhythms and you’ll get a destination where you’re guaranteed to have a good time. With just 10 days in Brazil, you’ll only be able to scratch the surface of what the country has to offer but with a proper plan, you can still visit some of the major attractions.

Keep in mind that Brazil is a gigantic country (fifth largest in the world!) and has an area larger than all of Europe. It’s even bigger than Australia. Because of that, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to include and what to leave out of your 10-day Brazil itinerary. 

To help you make your travel planning easier, I’ve created three itineraries that will take you to some of the best places in Brazil and allow you to experience the local culture as well as the spectacular nature that this country has been blessed with.

Each of these itineraries starts in Rio de Janeiro and ends in a different city so that you wouldn’t have to waste time on backtracking to Rio. You can also easily reverse these itineraries by starting from their ending point and then finishing in Rio.

Ready to start planning your 10 days in Brazil?

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

ITINERARY #1

10 days in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, São Paulo

Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro Day 5-7: Paraty Day 8-10: São Paulo

Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro

Start your 10 days in Brazil by flying to Rio de Janeiro, the second-largest city in the country and by far the most popular tourist destination in Brazil.

With its winding coastline, impressive mountains, endless beaches and rainforest, the natural setting of Rio de Janeiro is intoxicatingly beautiful. On top of that, the city offers its visitors a bustling nightlife scene, great restaurants, lovely parks and the world-famous annual Carnival in February/March.

Some of the must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro are the Christ the Redeemer Statue (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and the most famous landmark of the city), Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches (the two most iconic beaches in Rio), Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain (two peaks with magnificent views of the city) and the Selaron Stairs (a staircase covered with colorful mosaic tiles).

For more details on these attractions and other great places to visit in the city, read my blog post on the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro .

Accommodation:

Ritz Copacabana Hotel – This boutique hotel is located on the famous Copacabana Beach and features modern, tastefully decorated facilities. There’s also a rooftop terrace and pool offering spectacular views of the city and the coast.

Day 5-7: Paraty

After exploring Rio, head to the small seaside town Paraty. It is located 250 km (155 miles) west of Rio, so you need to either rent a car, take a shuttle or catch a public bus to get there. I promise you it’s worth the drive!

Paraty is known for its UNESCO-listed historic center full of whitewashed colonial buildings and charming cobblestone streets, a legacy of the Portuguese era of Brazil.

There are plenty of amazing restaurants, boutiques and cute souvenir shops to explore here. Since Paraty is also renowned for its high-quality cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane liquor), you can take a distillery tour to sample some of this locally-made spirit.

However, the best part about Paraty is the incredible nature surrounding it. The region is home to beautiful waterfalls, mountains covered with dense Atlantic rainforest and a coastline sprinkled with secluded beaches that you can visit on a boat tour .

Some of the most impressive natural wonders of Paraty are Saco do Mamangua (a fjord surrounded by green peaks, calm beaches and untouched nature), the Toboga Waterfall resembling a huge water slide, and Cachadaço Natural Pool in the neighboring town Trindade.

Pousada Aconchego – This beautiful guesthouse is perfectly located in the historic center of Paraty. It features colonial-style rooms, a tropical garden and a gorgeous outdoor pool.

Day 8-10: São Paulo

Drive back to Rio and catch a one-hour flight to São Paulo, the final destination of your 10-day Brazil itinerary.

Being the largest city in Brazil (and in South America), São Paulo is a vibrant metropolis and a melting pot of cultures with strong influences from European, Japanese, Arab and African populations. Although the city is mainly known as a financial hub and the center of Brazil’s economy, it also boasts countless cultural attractions and a top-notch culinary scene.

One of the best things to do in São Paulo is to stroll along Paulista Avenue, a bustling street lined with high-rise buildings, shops, museums and cultural centers. I also recommend checking out Ibirapuera Park, which is São Paulo’s equivalent of New York’s Central Park. If you’re into art, make sure to visit Beco do Batman, a free open-air gallery of incredible street art, and Pinacoteca, a visual arts museum focusing on the works of Brazilian artists.

For more tips on the best attractions in the city, read my blog post on the top things to do in São Paulo, Brazil .

Meliá Paulista – A 5-star hotel on Paulista Avenue, the most iconic street of São Paulo. With its bright and spacious rooms, a large indoor pool, a wellness and fitness center, this hotel offers great value for money.

ITINERARY #2

10 days in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Bonito, São Paulo

Day 1-3: Rio de Janeiro Day 4-8: Bonito Day 9-10: São Paulo

Day 1-3: Rio de Janeiro

Kick off your 10 days in Brazil by spending a couple of days in Rio de Janeiro, exploring its world-famous beaches, snapping a selfie with the Christ the Redeemer statue and watching the sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain.

For more tips on what to do in Rio de Janeiro, read itinerary #1 .

Ritz Copacabana Hotel – Situated on the iconic Copacabana Beach, this boutique hotel offers modern facilities with sleek decor. It also has a rooftop terrace and an outdoor pool with amazing views of the city and the beach.

Day 4-8: Bonito

After visiting Rio, take a flight to Bonito, one of the top eco-tourism destinations in Brazil. Home to crystalline rivers, countless waterfalls, idyllic farmland and exotic flora and fauna, Bonito is the ideal playground for nature lovers.

In order to preserve its pristine nature and ensure that no attraction gets overcrowded, all nature activities in Bonito must be done with a qualified guide.

One of the best things to do in Bonito is to snorkel in its turquoise rivers teeming with fish – it feels like being inside a giant aquarium! The most popular place for doing that is in the Prata River and you have to take a guided tour like this one .

Other attractions you shouldn’t miss are Buraco das Araras (a large sinkhole and a nesting spot for the beautiful scarlet macaws), Boca da Onça (Mouth of the Jaguar) waterfalls tour and Estancia Mimosa waterfalls tour .

Adventure junkies should also consider rappelling down into Anhumas Abyss, a cave the size of a football field hiding impressive rock formations and an underground lake.

Hotel Pousada Águas de Bonito – This boutique hotel features multiple pools, spa facilities and a lush garden full of palm trees. It’s the perfect place to rest and relax after a day full of adventures.

Day 9-10: São Paulo

Finish your 10-day Brazil trip by flying from Bonito to São Paulo, the largest city in South America.

Although you’ll have very little time to discover this massive city, you’ll still be able to get a taste of it. Take a walk along Paulista Avenue, the most famous streets in the city, discover the Ibirapuera Park and enjoy the views of São Paulo’s skyline from Restaurant Vista before flying home on your final day.

Find more São Paulo travel tips in itinerary #1 .

Meliá Paulista – A 5-star hotel perfectly located on Paulista Avenue. With its spacious rooms, a wellness and fitness center and large indoor pool, this hotel offers great value for money.

ITINERARY #3

10 days in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Florianopolis

Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro Day 5-6: Iguazu Falls Day 7-10: Florianopolis

Once again, start your 10-day Brazil itinerary by exploring Rio de Janeiro. With three full days, you’ll be able to see all the main attractions of the city, such as Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, Selaron Stairs and the Sugarloaf Mountain.

If you have time, I also recommend visiting Parque Lage, a beautiful public park with a colonial mansion, and the Botanical Garden which is abundant in exotic plants.

For more details on things to do in Rio de Janeiro, read itinerary #1 .

Ritz Copacabana Hotel – This 4-star boutique hotel features modern rooms with sleek design and is located on the iconic Copacabana Beach. There’s also a rooftop terrace with a pool and incredible views of the beach.

Day 5-6: Iguazu Falls

After exploring Rio, take a 2-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu, the gateway town to the famous Iguazu Falls.

Voted one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world (and probably THE most spectacular). Extending for 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles), the scale and the beauty of these waterfalls are absolutely breathtaking.

As Iguazu Falls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, many people visit both sides since they offer a very different perspective.

Another fun attraction to visit in Foz do Iguaçu is Parque das Aves . It’s a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rescue of Atlantic rainforest birds, and what makes it such a fun place to visit is that you can walk right through the aviaries where the birds live and see them up close.

Make sure to read my full guide to visiting Iguazu Falls for more tips and practical advice on how to plan your trip to this wonderful part of Brazil.

Del Rey Quality Hotel – An affordable hotel with comfortable and clean rooms near the center of Foz do Iguaçu town. There’s an amazing breakfast buffet as well as a heated rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city.

Day 7-10: Florianopolis

Catch a flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Florianopolis, the last destination of your trip.

Florianopolis, or Floripa as the locals call it, is a bustling city and an island off the southern coast of Brazil. Known for its white-sand beaches, green mountains, lakes and sand dunes, the landscape of Floripa is truly incredible with fantastic views on every corner.

It is an excellent place for hiking, with numerous trails leading through the lush Atlantic rainforest to picture-perfect beaches. And if you like surfing, you’re in for a treat because Floripa is considered one of the best surfing destinations in Brazil.

Not only is Floripa an island with beautiful nature, but it’s also a hotspot for nightlife and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Ibiza of Brazil’. You’ll find the biggest beach clubs and the wildest parties on Praia de Jurerê on the northern coast of the island.

Haute Haus Guest House – Situated on the shores of the Lagoa lake, this stylish guest house offers spacious rooms with modern decor and lake views. There’s an outdoor pool as well as a large garden that is often visited by marmoset monkeys.

10 days in Brazil: a map for three itineraries

Click on the top left corner of the map for details.

These were my recommended itineraries for exploring Brazil in 10 days. Whichever itinerary you choose, I have no doubt that you’ll fall in love with the country like I did, and that after your first trip you’ll want to go back for more!

The list of exciting things to do in Brazil is endless and if you have more than 10 days to spend, you should also consider visiting the Amazon rainforest , exploring the white desert of Lençois Maranhenses, discovering Alter do Chão , going on a safari in the wetlands of Pantanal, hiking in Chapada Diamantina or exploring the volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. (I still need to cross some of these off my Brazil bucket list!)

In case you have any questions about these itineraries, let me know in the comments.

For more photos and videos of my Brazil adventures, check out my Instagram account (look for the ‘highlight’ called Brazil).

Enjoyed reading about these Brazil 10-day itineraries? Pin it!

Visiting Alter do Chão, Brazil: A hidden gem in the Amazon region

How to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil: A complete guide

How to visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil: Everything you need to know

Things to do in Chapada Diamantina besides hiking

Hiking in Brazil: getting off the beaten path in Chapada Diamantina

I am planning a trip to Brazil in November and I am going to base It off of your itinerary! You seem well-traveled and you made the trip way easier to plan than I expected. I’m happy I stumbled across your blog! 🙂

I have 12 days and was thinking of doing your 2nd itinerary. However, I am having difficulty finding flights. It seems that nothing flies out of Bonito? I’ve checked on Expedia and it’s coming up with nothing. Did you use a specific airline/bus/train to travel to all these spots?

Hi Christie. I’m so glad to hear you found my blog helpful for planning your trip! 🙂 . Regarding flights out of Bonito, I did a quick search (using Momondo) and found direct flights to Sao Paulo Congonhas airport and Sao Paulo Viracopos (and from there you could fly on to Rio if that’s your plan). The airlines flying out of Bonito are Azul and GOL. Alternatively, You could also fly out of Campo Grande airport which is larger and has more connections.

Thank you so much! I was going crazy trying to find flights through Expedia but I will use Momondo instead. Hopefully, I will have better luck. 🙂

Haha yeah I think Momondo is pretty good for flights! Good luck! 🙂

Hi 🙂 what time of year did you go to Bonito?

Hi Melanie! I went in January.

thanks 🙂 how was the weather?

It was good. I remember we got some rain on one of the days but otherwise it was lovely.

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