Brazil Guide
Brazil, with its 8,547,877 km², offers a multitude of climates, magnificent landscapes – both urban and natural – as well as exceptional flora and fauna.
Capital : Brasilia
Official language : Portuguese
Population : 213.445.417
Hymne National: Brazilian National Anthem
Currency : Order and Progress
National Day : September 7
Bordering countries : Bolivia , Venezuela, Colombia , Peru , Paraguay, Argentina , Uruguay, Guyana, Suriname
Presentation of Brazil
Looking for an adventure in one of South America ‘s best destinations ? Brazil awaits you with its dream beaches, festive atmosphere, unique carnivals, and exceptional natural beauty. Whether you want to venture off the beaten track, visit tropical forests, or relax on white-sand beaches, Brazil offers plenty of options.
Aside from the country’s natural riches, Brazil also offers you the chance to enjoy an exceptional experience thanks to the warmth of its people and the numerous festivals held in almost every region of the country. Local bands will entertain you with bossa nova or samba, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.
Another important aspect of the country is its culinary richness. Stroll through local markets to taste the specialties of each region at low prices. Among the best dishes in Brazil , we recommend trying feijoada, coxinha, or bacalhau. Tasting street food is also an opportunity to get in touch with the local population to discover their way of life, but also the richness of their cultures. Indeed, several Brazilian populations have been able to preserve the know-how of their ancestors and still use them on a daily basis.
However, don’t forget to visit the country’s most famous destinations, such as the colorful cities of Salvador and Ouro Preto . Don’t miss the must-sees, such as the giant waterfalls of Iguazu , the Lencois Maranhenses Natural Park, or the famous Amazon rainforest .
Why visit Brazil?
There are plenty of reasons to visit Brazil . Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures, paradisiacal places, or a desire to discover new cultures, Brazil is a dream destination for your next getaway. You can start your trip by visiting the country’s iconic cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, or Salvador de Bahia . Vibrate with the locals through the love of football, the various carnivals, and the warm atmosphere of the bars. Brazil is a festive country where you can spend quality time with your friends in a small local restaurant or on the surrounding beaches of the region.
For those looking for new experiences, there’s no shortage of activities in Brazil . You can try local sports like capoeira or surfing. You can also hike the Atlantic coast or venture into the wild Amazon rainforest. And why not treat yourself to a samba class with local dancers? Another great reason to visit Brazil is its exceptional natural heritage. The famous Iguazu Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But there are also lesser-known, unusual sites like the unspoiled Mamanga Fjord.
Things to do in Brazil
When it comes to activities to do in Brazil , there is something for everyone, whether you are sporty, adventurous or interested in cultural activities.
Participate in a carnival
Carnival in Brazil is not just a celebration; it’s a sacred event for the people. During this unique event, you’ll witness the joy and excitement of the people. Boys, girls, young and old gather in their respective costumes to dance throughout the city. The event is enlivened by local bands that get the people singing and dancing. To fully enjoy this event, we recommend visiting Brazil in January or March.
Take a Brazilian culinary trip
During your stay in Brazil , don’t forget to taste the diverse culinary specialties of each region. Several delicious dishes await you, including seafood, exotic fruits, street food, and many other typical dishes of the country. For the more curious, we offer feijoada, farofa, empadas, and churrasco.
Visit the Amazon rainforest
The planet’s green lung is well worth a visit. Accompanied by a guide, you can explore this fragile and mysterious environment. On the agenda are spectacular landscapes , of course, but also the discovery of exceptional biodiversity. You might encounter a lion tamarin, a puma, or even a sloth. What’s more, this jungle is home to many magical legends, such as the origins of the forest and Amazonian spirits.
Learn Brazilian dances
If you enjoy physical activities, especially dancing, Brazil will delight you with its diverse local dance styles, such as capoeira. This dance, both athletic and artistic, is one of the symbols of Afro-Brazilian culture. It’s easy to find classes to learn some of the basics. The same goes for the world-famous samba.
Surfing and relaxing on the beaches
With 7,000 km of coastline, Brazil will spoil you with its sumptuous beaches ideal for surfing enthusiasts. Among the best surf spots in Brazil , we recommend Itaúna Beach , which is considered a true “Temple of Surfing” and where many surfers meet every year. Further south in Brazil , you can also surf between the mountains and tropical vegetation on the small beach of Silveira in the Garopaba region .
Finally, don’t forget to relax on the most beautiful beaches in the country. Ranked among the most beautiful in the world, you will have an exceptionally relaxing time on the beach of Sancho Bay in Fernando de Noronha. Aside from the many varieties of aquatic fauna found there, access to this beach is quite unusual, as it is reached through a ladder stuck between two rocks. For beach party lovers, the ideal destination is Copacabana Beach in the district of Rio de Janeiro . This beach remains very lively day and night. If you are looking for a remote beach, we recommend the beaches of Fortaleza, Morro Branco or Canoa Quebrada.
Trekking in remote places
With its national parks and lush nature, Brazil is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Among the best hiking trails, we recommend the Costa Verde with its beautiful colonial town of Paraty . Then, you can start your trekking tour to the Diamond Valleys and the Pearl Islands, ending in Salvador.
What to visit in Brazil?
Here is a small selection of must-see places to visit in Brazil .
Rio de Janeiro
You can start your visit in the country’s iconic city, Rio de Janeiro. Known as the “ Cidade Maravilhosa ” or marvelous city, Rio is a stunning city. Start by climbing the famous Corcovado and taking in the superb panorama of the city. Then, take a stroll through the largest urban forest in the world, Tijuca Forest . Rio de Janeiro is also the ideal destination for history buffs thanks to its many museums such as the Fine Arts Museum, the National Museum, and the Museum of Tomorrow. As the capital of samba, Rio is the perfect destination for street and beach concerts. There is so much to see that you should allow at least 5 days to fully explore the city.
Recife and Olinda
Nicknamed the “ Venice of Brazil ,” Recife is a city famous for its folklore, particularly frevo, a blend of performing arts practiced during carnival. Architecturally, the city is distinguished by its old Portuguese and Dutch colonial neighborhoods. Just across the street, on the other side of the sea, don’t miss the UNESCO- listed village of Olinda . The latter is definitely worth a visit, as it is fully preserved with its old Baroque-style buildings. It’s a paradise for strolling and wandering.
Savior of Bahia
If you are looking for the most beautiful city in Brazil , go to Salvador . The city is a concentration of colonial architecture and Portuguese and African cultures. This mix is reflected in particular in the local religious practice: Candomblé. In Salvador too, the atmosphere is festive with the samba de ronda. Don’t forget to visit the historic center of the city, Pelourinho , and take the essential elevators to connect the different neighborhoods. We also recommend a short boat trip to the island of Itaparica , just across the city to take memorable photos in the heart of a heavenly place.
The Iguaçu Falls
Among Brazil ‘s natural gems, Iguaçu Falls tops the list . Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site , these 80-meter-high waterfalls are surrounded by a magnificent tropical forest with equally exceptional flora and fauna. The falls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina . As a bonus, there are many activities on offer, such as ziplining, rock climbing, cruises, and more.
Chapada Diamantina National Park
Another wonder of the country is located in the center of the Bahia region , it is the Chapada Diamantina National Park . If you are looking for a good place to go hiking, the hills of the park will not disappoint you. For a little extra, we recommend you take a swim in the Poço Azul cave for a unique experience in the translucent blue waters.
Maranhenses National Park
To see extraordinary landscapes, Maranhenses National Park is the ideal destination. Surrounded by sand dunes, freshwater lagoons, and also part of the ocean, the park has a surreal appearance. Like in a desert, the dunes sometimes give way to an oasis. With this geography, the region is one of the favorite spots for kitesurfers. You can practice this activity in two cities: Barreirinhas and Atins .
Jericoacoara
This region was still relatively unknown until recently due to its isolation. The village is already accessible only by 4×4. However, the journey is definitely worth it to discover this small seaside resort with its end-of-the-world feel. Of course, there are more and more tourists, but it’s still reasonable. On the agenda: naps in hammocks on the freshwater lagoons, sunsets on the dunes, walks, and other water activities. In short, there’s little chance that mass tourism will forget this place, so make the most of it.
Black Gold
Another Brazilian World Heritage Site is the city of Ouro Preto . This historic city, built in 1711, was founded by gold prospectors who discovered rich reserves there. It is therefore worth visiting the old mines of the city. The latter has managed to preserve the architecture of the colonial houses, white with colorful doors. Ouro Preto is also known for its rich craftsmanship with traditional products carved from soapstone.
How to visit Brazil?
After a long flight, you’ve arrived in Brazil , ready to explore the country’s many tourist attractions. But what’s the best way to get around for a perfect stay in Brazil ? Generally, there are several options for getting to the city’s most beautiful spots, whether by car, plane, train, or even sometimes by boat. It’s also possible to explore some regions on foot if you’re looking for adventure and slow tourism.
However, if you want to reach fairly remote areas, we recommend national transportation, including local flights. As Brazil is a fairly large country, traveling by plane will allow you to reach remote areas quickly. You can also travel by bus, which is much less expensive and more local. Note that Brazilian buses are very punctual. You can book your seats in advance and according to the company’s schedule. We recommend taking “conventional” seats, which offer more comfort. You can thus admire the different landscapes peacefully throughout your journey.
To get around in big cities, you can use the metro which is very practical because the majority of big cities have one.
When to go to Brazil according to the climate and weather?
The Brazilian climate varies considerably across the country’s regions. However, this southern hemisphere country has inverted climates with:
a hot summer from September to March
a mild winter from June to September
However, climate and weather vary greatly depending on the region.
In the Amazon
This region is the wettest, but also the hottest, region in the country. The temperature ranges between 22 and 30°C throughout the year. In December and May, this region experiences significant downpours. Therefore, the best time to visit the Amazon region is between June and October.
In the region of Salvador de Bahia
The Salvador de Bahia region offers a drier climate, with maximum temperatures around 31°C (88°F) in summer and 28°C (82°F) in winter. Rainfall is more frequent between April and July, so this is not the best time to visit the region. The ideal time is between September and November, when you can enjoy the warm waters at the region’s most beautiful beaches.
In the Rio de Janeiro region
Regarding the Rio de Janeiro region , you can visit it regardless of the season. In fact, during the winter, which is the dry season (from June to August), temperatures are mild and around 25 °C. This is the ideal time to enjoy the calm weather of the region. During the summer, the city is quite festive, as it is the period of the Rio Carnival . Between December and March, the temperature is indeed quite high and rain often falls at the end of the day. However, the sea is warmer and people are celebrating thanks to the famous carnival.
In the south of Brazil
The southern region of Brazil does not experience frequent rainfall unlike other parts of the country. Winters are rather mild, with maximum temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and summers are hot, but temperatures do not exceed 30°C (86°F). Swimming is not recommended in winter, as the water temperature is around 16°C (61°F). However, you can enjoy other activities without the constraints of rain.
What clothes should you pack for your trip to Brazil?
Generally, when traveling to Brazil , people are looking for sunshine and beautiful beaches. Therefore, bring light clothing like t-shirts and shorts. Also, don’t forget essential accessories like a hat, sunglasses, swimsuits, and sunscreen. Regarding jewelry, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, as this could attract pickpockets. Indeed, cities are marked by significant wealth inequality.
However, the weather will not always be nice and the sun will not be omnipresent in all regions. Therefore, we advise you to customize your suitcase according to your trip .
If you’re planning an adventure in the Amazon rainforest, we recommend bringing lightweight sneakers to help you navigate the area. You can also add long-sleeved T-shirts to protect yourself from stinging plants or insects. Don’t forget to bring your hiking bag and accompanying accessories.
It is also important to bring a raincoat, as rainfall can occur at any time in different Brazilian regions.
Finally, pack party clothes like shirts or a light dress. The most important thing is to wear lightweight clothing that will make you feel comfortable, no matter the situation.
Where to do slow tourism in Brazil?
Slow tourism has become an increasingly sought-after concept today. Indeed, slow tourism is part of sustainable tourism and aims to rediscover the places visited differently by favoring nearby locations, less polluting travel, and direct contact with the local population. In the vast country of Brazil , you will be able to experience “slow tourism” in several locations across the country.
Discover the Costa Verde
For the first ecotourism tour, we suggest you explore the Costa Verde and its islands surrounded by magnificent beaches. The region offers exceptional places to do several non-polluting activities such as cultural visits, cycling, swimming, etc. In the city of Paraty , you will be able to admire the architectural beauty of the colonial style of the city as well as discover its history by communicating with the local population. The city is surrounded by hills and jungle, it is a good opportunity to reconnect with nature.
In the heart of the tropical Atlantic forest lies a marine estuary: the Saco de Mamanguá . Here, you will encounter lush mountains, mangroves, and several species of wildlife. It is also an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the Caiçara community and their traditions.
Discover the richness of Boipeba Island
Continue your slow tourism adventure by exploring Boipeba Island, a small Bahian island known for the friendliness of its local population. Boasting several kilometers of deserted beaches and turquoise lagoons, it’s the perfect place to take your time and rediscover nature in a different way. You can go for a swim in the sea or the region’s rivers. Take the time to meet the locals to discover their culture and way of life. You can even take introductory capoeira or samba classes.
