
Brazil is a country of contrasts, where vibrant cities meet vast rainforests, tropical savannahs, and wetlands. As the largest country in South America, Brazil offers a dizzying array of choices for visitors, from the famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the wild Amazon Rainforest. With 2095 beaches along its 7242km-long Atlantic coastline, Brazil has sand to spare. Beyond its natural wonders, Brazil boasts lively cities like São Paulo, a multicultural metropolis known for its nightlife, food, and art scene. For those seeking historical charm, there's Paraty, a colonial town with a heavy Portuguese influence, and Ouro Preto, a former gold rush town with lavishly ornamented churches. Brazil is also home to the world's largest waterfall system, the stunning Iguazu Falls, and the unique eco-destination of the Cerrado, with its scrublands, grasslands, and forest caves. With its diverse ecosystems, vibrant culture, and abundant natural beauty, Brazil is undoubtedly a good place to travel and explore.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Diversity of nature | Steam rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands, beaches, and cities |
Number of beaches | 2095 |
Length of coastline | 7242km (4500 miles) |
Best time to visit | October and November for good weather and no crowds |
Peak season | December to March |
Events | Carnival in February, Christmas and New Year's Eve in December and January |
Cities | São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Manaus, Brasília, Florianópolis, and more |
Attractions | Amazon Rainforest, Paraty, Ouro Preto, Iguaçu Falls, Christ the Redeemer, Ilha Grande |
What You'll Learn
The Amazon Rainforest
Brazil is home to 60% of the Amazon, making it an ideal place to embark on an Amazonian adventure. The Amazon is a mysterious and wild place that has fascinated people for centuries. It is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, believed to be home to 10% of all known species.
The best way to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil is to fly to Eduardo Gomes International Airport in the city of Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. From there, you can stay at a jungle lodge in the region, take an Amazon cruise, or base yourself in Manaus and take day trips.
- The Amazon has two distinct seasons: the dry season (August to December) and the rainy season (January to July). The dry season offers less rain, fewer mosquitoes, better access to river beaches, and better trekking options. The rainy season provides better opportunities for boat/canoe tours and accessing smaller canals and flooded forests.
- The Amazon is home to countless species of wild animals, but many are well camouflaged or hiding deep in the jungle. Common animals seen include monkeys, caimans, freshwater dolphins, sloths, frogs, tarantulas, piranhas, and birds.
- The Amazon is a vast and impenetrable jungle, so it is important to always go with an official guide when exploring the rainforest.
- To protect yourself from mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and trousers, use mosquito repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net.
- Vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are recommended for a trip to the Amazon.
- There are a variety of lodges to choose from around Manaus, ranging from affordable and rustic to more stylish and comfortable options.
- Jungle walk: Go on a trek in the rainforest with expert naturalist guides to learn about the exotic plants and wildlife.
- Canoe or boat tour: Take a tour on the calm waters of small rivers and lakes to spot caimans, river dolphins, and birds.
- Giant Amazon water lilies: Visit the iconic giant Amazon water lilies, locally known as Vitoria Regia, which can be found in ponds and lakes.
- Alter do Chão: Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches along the Tapajós River, nicknamed the Caribbean of the Amazon due to its clear blue waters.
- Meeting of the Waters: Witness the unique phenomenon where the black waters of the Rio Negro and the light brown waters of the Solimões River meet and run side by side for several kilometers before mixing.
- Cristalino Jungle Lodge: If your priority is seeing wildlife, head to this lodge in the southern Amazon. It contributes to reforestation efforts, and due to its isolation, wildlife is much more prolific.
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São Paulo
Things to do
For stunning views of the city, head to the top of the Edifício Itália. Nearby, you can visit the neo-Gothic Catedral da Sé de São Paulo, and the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo.
One of the city's premier streets, Avenida Paulista, is filled with shops, hotels, and the Museu de Arte de São São Paulo, which houses works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Degas.
If you're looking for a break from the bustling city, visit the Parque do Ibirapuera, which offers a relaxing escape from the hectic streets.
Football is huge in São Paulo, and the city has several clubs. You can catch a game or visit the Museu do Futebol to learn more about the sport.
Food and drink
For traditional Brazilian food, try Mani or D.O.M., which have both earned spots on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Tuju, which earned its second Michelin star in 2018, is another excellent option for innovative, seasonal cuisine.
Steakhouses, or churrascarias, are also popular in Brazil. Varanda Grill and Barbacoa are two of the best in São Paulo, the latter of which also has an impressive salad bar.
For Italian food, try Bráz Pizzaria, and for Japanese, head to Kinoshita. A Casa do Porco is another restaurant that made it onto the World's Best list, serving up pork in creative and inventive ways.
For more casual dining, check out one of the city's lanchonetes, which offer cheap, light meals, or a sandwich bar for a mortadella sandwich and a beer.
Safety
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Rio de Janeiro
Getting There and Getting Around
Rio also has a metro system, which is reliable, cheap, and safe. Where the metro doesn't reach, there is a bus system and overground trams.
Where to Stay
The "south zone" (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, etc.) is considered a safe area to stay. It's more affluent and has lots of amenities within walking distance.
When to Go
Rio is a great place to visit all year round due to its proximity to the equator. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to avoid going during the Brazilian summer months (December to March). April to June and October to November are good times to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and it's less busy.
What to Do
Rio has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Here are some ideas for things to see and do:
- Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor): This iconic statue offers panoramic views of the city and can be reached by train, minivan/shuttle, or organised tour.
- Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar): Take a gondola up to the peak for incredible 360-degree views of the city and Guanabara Bay, especially beautiful at sunset.
- The beaches: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon are the most famous, offering sun, sea, sand, and people-watching. You can surf, run, cycle, play volleyball, or just relax with a caipirinha.
- Santa Teresa: Take the bright yellow Santa Teresa tram for incredible views and a taste of everyday life in Rio. Stop at Bar do Mineiro for local dishes and a cold beer.
- The Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro): Showcasing over 6000 plant species, these peaceful gardens are a great place to escape the city.
- Parque Lage: A beautiful old mansion set in lush gardens, with Christ the Redeemer watching over it.
- Morro Dois Irmãos: A challenging but rewarding hike up twin granite peaks, offering some of the best views in the city.
- The Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón): A colourful, tiled staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. It's a popular spot for photos.
- Maracanã: Cheer on your favourite football team at this famous stadium or take a tour.
- The Sambadrome: Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, this stadium hosts samba parades during Carnival. You can visit the museum, dress up in costumes, or attend dress rehearsals if you're there outside of Carnival season.
- The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu de Amanhã): An interactive museum with a focus on environmental sustainability.
- The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil: A bank that hosts art exhibitions, a theatre, and a cinema.
- Pedra do Arpoador: Watch the sun set over the gorgeous bay of Rio de Janeiro.
Food and Drink
- Brazil is famous for its food, and Rio has plenty to offer in this regard. Be sure to try the local specialities, including:
- Bolinhos de bacalhau: Codfish cakes.
- Caipirinha: A cocktail made with Brazil's equivalent of rum.
- Açaí: A frozen berry mix served with granola, syrup, fruit, or chocolate.
- Moqueca: A seafood stew made with coconut milk (try this in Salvador).
- Feijoada: A hearty local dish (try this at Bar do Mineiro).
- Pastéis: Savoury pastries (also available at Bar do Mineiro).
Safety
Rio does have a higher crime rate than most other Brazilian cities, but by taking some common-sense precautions, you should be able to stay safe:
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Don't walk around with your phone or wallet out on display.
- Stick to safe neighbourhoods during the day and avoid wandering around alone at night.
- Avoid going to favelas (impoverished houses on the hillsides where gangs have more control).
Other Tips
- If you want to blend in with the locals, leave your designer clothes and accessories at home. Brazilians tend to dress well but in more affordable, colourful, and natural items.
- Bring mosquito repellent – you'll need it, especially if you're heading up to Christ the Redeemer.
- If you plan to visit multiple attractions, it may be worth investing in a RioCard, which offers discounted rates on public transport.
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Paraty
Brazil is a dazzling destination, packed with steamy rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands, and exciting cities. It is South America's largest country, with 2095 beaches along its 7242km (4500-mile) Atlantic coastline.
Today, Paraty is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, views of the fjord, and waterfalls. The town is surrounded by lush green nature, including the Serra da Bocaina National Park, which offers countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches. One of the most famous waterfalls is the Cachoeira do Toboga, a 20-minute drive from Paraty, where visitors can slide down a huge smooth rock into a pool below. Paraty is also a great place to shop, with many boutiques offering handmade clothes, wooden handicrafts, and local spirits.
For accommodation, Paraty offers a range of pousadas, which are luxury guesthouses. One notable pousada is the Pousada Literaria de Paraty, located in the historic centre. It offers a library, a pool, a spa, and a highly-rated restaurant, Quintal das Letras, which sources its ingredients from a local sustainable farm.
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Salvador
Brazil is a large country with a wide variety of things to do and see. It is known for its vibrant cities, stunning natural wonders, and cultural offerings.
Now, let's take a deeper look at Salvador, a city in the state of Bahia, which was once the nation's capital. Known as "the Capital of Joy", Salvador is famous for its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, music, and African-influenced cuisine and architecture. Here are some highlights and things to do when visiting Salvador:
- Explore the Historic Centre: The historic centre of Salvador, known as Pelourinho, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features well-preserved colonial architecture from the 17th century and is a great place to learn about the city's history and culture.
- Experience the Music and Dance: Salvador is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, including samba and capoeira. You can enjoy live music and join in on the dancing at many venues throughout the city.
- Visit the Churches and Monasteries: Salvador is home to many majestic churches and monasteries, such as the São Francisco Church and Convent, known for its gilded interior and ornate Azulejo tile work.
- Indulge in the Local Cuisine: Salvador's cuisine is heavily influenced by African and Caribbean flavours. Be sure to try moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk, and acarajé, a traditional street food.
- Relax on the Beaches: Salvador offers a variety of beaches, each with its own unique charm. Some popular options include Praia Porto da Barra, Praia de Piatã, and Praia Boa Viagem.
- Take a City Tour: There are several options for city tours in Salvador, including private tours, walking tours, and the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. These tours can provide a great overview of the city and its main attractions.
- Visit the Farol da Barra: The Farol da Barra is a fort that houses the Barra Lighthouse and the Nautical Museum of Bahia. It is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy views of the bay.
- Explore the Museums: Salvador is home to many incredible museums that showcase local culture and history. Some notable options include the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia, the House of Carnaval of Bahia, and the Carlos Costa Pinto Museum.
- Stay in the Historic Fera Palace Hotel: The Fera Palace Hotel is an iconic landmark inspired by New York's Flatiron Building. It combines Art Deco details with soft water tones and captivating photography, capturing the essence of Salvador.
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