Visit Brazil - 3 Week Itinerary & Travel Guide
There are few places that have the soul, vivacity, and passion that Brazil emanates.
It’s a country of strong contrasts, from the beat of the samba drums to the chirp of tree-top monkeys, from the chaotic metropolises to the untouched Amazon jungle, and from the freshest tropical fruit to the layers of a slow-cooked, meaty feijoada.
Famous for its palm-tree lined golden beaches, a waterfall that takes your breath away, friendly and easy-going locals, and of course those tasty caipirinhas, Brazil will give you all the feels as you experience one epic adventure.
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Figuring out how to pack the behemoth country of Brazil into a three week trip is quite a task, but my recommended Brazil 3 week itinerary and travel guide will take you through all the iconic destinations that this country is famous for, with a few of my hidden gems thrown in for good measure.
Along with the itinerary and must visit locations, I’ve shared some advice on getting around the country, safety considerations for Brazil, the best times to visit the various regions, and some essentials to pack for your trip. I’ve also included some options for a longer 4 week itinerary, a shorter 2 week itinerary, and some regional-focused 3 week itineraries that avoid domestic flights.
But why should you trust my advice?
Well, quite simply, this country holds a special place in my heart.
You see, I was incredibly lucky to spend a year in Brazil on a student exchange during high school. I spent my senior year in a small farming community (that most Brazilian’s haven’t even heard of!) not far from the Pantanal wetlands.
There’s nothing quite like the connection to a place that opened your eyes to the world, forged your independence, and spurred a love of experiencing new places and cultures. It’s easy to see that my time in Brazil ignited the itchy feet that have since led me around the world.
And the country has drawn me back multiple times too, both to explore further and to visit the people that are now family. Brazil is simply huge, and there’s always somewhere new to uncover.
I really hope you end up falling in love with this country, just like 17 year old me.
BRAZIL 3 WEEK ITINERARY & GUIDE
How to get to Brazil
How to get around Brazil
Must visit locations in Brazil
3 Week Itinerary
4 Week Itinerary
3 Week Itinerary (with no flights)
2 Week Itinerary
Weather & the best time to visit Brazil
What to pack and how to stay safe in Brazil
HOW TO GET TO BRAZIL
There are numerous arrival options to start a three week itinerary in Brazil, both by land from neighbouring South American countries, and by air from across Latin America, North America and Europe. Here are some of the most popular entry points to Brazil:
SÃO PAULO
São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport is by far the main in-bound destination for international flights, ranking as the busiest airport in Brazil, and the second in Latin America (behind Mexico City). It’s served by over 20 international airlines across three terminals. In addition to many Latin American destinations, long-haul flights arrive from the USA, Europe and the Middle-East.
São Paulo is also home to Congonhas, a domestic airport and the second busiest in Brazil behind Guarulhos; and Campinas-Viracopos, a predominately domestic airport, though with a few flights to the USA and Europe.
When booking tickets in, out or through São Paulo, it’s important to double check which airport(s) you’re using as they’re not that close together. When there’s traffic it can take hours to taxi or bus between the airports.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport is another popular arrival destination for visitors. The airport got a huge makeover following the Rio Olympics and Football World Cup, and it’s now served via various airlines from across the USA and Europe, and also Dubai.
Similar to São Paulo, be aware there is another airport in Rio (called Santos Dumont Airport) if you’re making a connection through the city, as they’re also an hour or more apart via taxi or public transport.
SALVADOR, RECIFE & FORTALEZA
These three major cities in the north-east of Brazil all receive international flights from the USA and Europe. If you can make use of open-jaw tickets, it can work really well with my itinerary below to arrive in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and depart out of one of these cities.
MANAUS
Manaus International Airport is an arrival airport worth considering if you’re arriving from Central America or Colombia. It also receives flights direct from Fort Lauderdale in the USA. Given its location in the far north of Brazil, the international flight will be much shorter, and if you’re including it on your Brazil itinerary, you’ll need to fly in here to visit the Amazon anyway.
FOZ DO IGUAÇU
The home city of the Iguaçu Falls is an extremely popular entry/exit point of Brazil for backpackers and overland travellers on a tour of South America. Located right on the border with both Argentina and Paraguay, there are numerous coach bus routes that arrive in Foz do Iguaçu.
A waterside cafe in Bahia state
HOW TO GET AROUND BRAZIL
Let’s re-state the obvious for a minute, Brazil is huge. Roughly the size of the USA or Australia, it’s easy to see why logistics are an important consideration when planning a Brazilian itinerary.
You’re either going to need to:
a). Pre-book some domestic flights
b). Take lots of overnight buses
or c). Focus your itinerary on one specific region of the country.
Luckily there are lots of options for getting around the country, and here are a few important things to know about logistics in Brazil to help plan your trip.
MAIN TRANSPORT HUBS
Brazil has a huge domestic flight network, but options can be limited without transiting through either São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Belo Horizonte. Whilst direct options do exist, they can be seasonal or have limited departures days or times, so be prepared to make a transit stop (or build it in as a stop on your itinerary).
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro both have multiple airports.
In São Paulo, Guarulhos is the principal international airport, whilst Congonhas and Campinas-Viracopos are most domestic focused (though all serve both domestic and international routes).
In Rio de Janeiro, Galeão is the principal international and domestic airport, due to recent government restrictions being placed on centrally located domestic airport Santos Dumont which can now only receive flights from within a 400km radius. This is a shame from a purely touristic point of view, as the flight in or out over Guanabara Bay from Santos Dumont is one of the most scenic in the world!
MAIN AIRLINES
Brazil has a range of airlines, providing good competition across the domestic network. Similar to most places, the earlier you book the cheaper the fares, especially over peak travel periods (like Carnaval).
The main players are (in alphabetical order):
AZUL | They have the biggest domestic network in South America, along with flights to the USA and Europe. Brazilian hubs include São Paulo Viracopos-Campinas (which is actually another city, and over an hours’ drive in no traffic), Belo Horizonte, and Recife in the north-east region.
LATAM | LATAM has the biggest network of all the South American airlines, with a huge domestic network, and the most connections to Europe and the USA. Brazilian hubs include both main São Paulo Airports (Congonhas and Guarulhos), Rio de Janeiro, the capital Brasília, and Fortaleza in the north-east.
GOL | Gol is a brazilian budget airline, mainly focused on the domestic network but with some international options too. The hub and focus cities of Gol include both main São Paulo airports (Congonhas and Guarulhos), Rio de Janeiro, Manaus in the Amazon, and Salvador in the north-east.
MAIN BUSLINES
There is a huge range of bus networks serving Brazil, with hundreds of companies typically serving a specific region rather than the entire domestic network. Bus travel is an extremely important local mode of transport, and historically the principal form of travel around the country for locals.
Bus companies are generally high quality, and there is a large range of seat (or bed!) options to choose from. Overnight buses can have reclining seats and fully lay-flat options, priced accordingly.
One of my top tips for bus travel in Brazil is to always bring a warm jumper and/or shawl on board, as they love to crank the AC and I personally always get cold on Brazilian buses.
My other top tip is regarding booking buses online. Whilst it’s easy to buy tickets from the bus station when you’re there, booking ahead online is a bit tricky for foreigners as the booking engines typically require a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) number in order to complete the transaction. I found the easiest way to get around this was to use BusBud as they have an option for foreigners to use passport details instead.
Some of the most popular routes and networks that feature on tourist routes include:
São Paulo - Rio de Janeiro | An extremely well served route, there are over a hundred departures per day on this key link..
São Paulo - Curitiba | Another key link, and a similar distance and duration to the São Paulo-Rio de Janeiro route. There are lots of options for both departure times and companies.
Curitiba - Florianópolis | The route between Curitiba and Florianópolis is well serviced, given Floripa’s popularity as a holiday destination for curitibanos. There are also various ‘express buses’ that skip all stops along the route.
Florianópolis - Foz do Iguaçu | The overnight bus between Florianópolis and Foz do Iguaçu is a bit of a backpacker right of passage, especially for those travelling around South American and continuing or arriving through Argentina.
Salvador - Recife | Both of these cities are main hubs for the region and are extremely well connected, both between themselves and on to other regional destinations.
A colonial shop front in Bahia
LANGUAGE BARRIERS
Whilst obviously not a mode of transport, language barriers can have a huge influence on how you get around the country.
Unlike the majority of South America, Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. If you’ve been travelling around the rest of spanish-speaking South America for a while, it might be a bit strange to hear a new language all of a sudden!
Whilst there are a lot of similarities between Spanish and Portuguese, I find it only tends to go one direction. By that I mean Portuguese-speakers can often understand a bit of both written and spoken Spanish, however it’s harder for Spanish speakers to understand Portuguese.
Outside of airports, accommodations and tourist attractions, English and other languages are not widely spoken. However, Brazilian’s are super friendly and helpful, so it’s more than likely they’ll find a way to help you out rather than ignoring you and your attempts at hand gestures.
Some key phrases to learn are:
Oi (oi) | Hi - an informal greeting
Olá (oo-lah) | Hello - a more formal greeting, same pronunciation as Spanish.
Tudo bem? (too-doh baang) | How are you? - the literal translation is ‘all good?’
Por favor (pour fa-voor) | Please
Obrigada (ob-ree-gah-da) | Thank you (for the ladies), Obrigado (ob-ree-gah-doo) (for the gents) - use the one based on your own identity, not the person you’re speaking to.
Um, dois, trȇs (ohm, doys, trez) | One, two, three
Uma cerveja gelada, por favor! (ohm-a sir-vej-ah gee-la-da, pour fa-voor!) | An icy cold beer, please!
Vamos (vah-moss) | Let’s go - or often abbreviated to vaa-moh
MUST VISIT LOCATIONS IN BRAZIL
RIO DE JANEIRO
Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Why Visit Rio de Janeiro?
No trip to Brazil is complete with a visit to Rio de Janeiro, or the Cidade Maravilhosa as the locals call it. Set in picturesque Guanabara Bay, the towering granite cliffs of Corcovado and Pāo de Açucar plunge to suburban rainforest and white sand beaches. Iconic, aesthetic and emotive, Rio de Janeiro is a place you experience with all your senses. There’s something for everyone here too – head a couple of blocks back from the world-class beaches and you’ll discover a fascinating history that has shaped the neighbourhoods (bairros) where unique carioca flavours and sounds have emerged.
Arriving in Rio
Both the Novo Rio Bus Station and Santos Dumont Airport (domestic flights) are very centrally located in Rio de Janeiro and are well connected to the public transport system with tram stops located at both. These easily connect to the metro system making it very easy to get to other Rio suburbs such as Copacabana & Ipanema. Alternatively, Uber’s are plentiful and a cheap way to get around (though avoid rush hour).
If you’re arriving on an international flight, chances are you’ll arrive at Galeão Airport, which is located a little further to the north of the city centre. Whilst it is possible to use public transport from here too, it’s far easier to take a taxi or Uber down to the tourist centres of the Zona Sul.
For more info on arriving and getting around in Rio, see my Rio de Janeiro travel guide.
What not to miss in Rio?
Take in the sunset from a top Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain)
Stroll along the iconic Copacabana boardwalk.
Ride the historic Santa Teresa tram up through some traditional neighbourhoods for a different perspective on the city.
Dance the night away in the samba bars of Lapa.
And of course, reach for the heavens up at Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer).
Hot Tips for Rio?
The Centro of Rio is often overlooked for the more famous beaches, but it contains many historical gems. The beautiful architecture and important landmarks are worthy of a visit.
Think twice about a favela tour. Favelas are people’s homes and not a zoo. If you decide to visit, find a local guide that contributes to their community.
Keep an eye out for monkeys in the suburban rainforest, especially around Corcovado.
Extra Time in Rio?
In this itinerary I’ve allowed 3 days, but you could easily fill 5 days or more in Rio de Janeiro. Some other things to do include hiking to Morro Dois Irmãos or Pedra da Gávea, taking a half day trip out to Barra da Tijuca, or a half day over the bay in Niteroi.
What to Eat and Drink in Rio?
A glass of chopp and some bolinhos de bacalhau whilst sitting on the seawall outside Bar Urca will always go down a treat.
For a slightly healthier alternative, pick up an acaí bowl from one of the huts along Ipanema Beach.
Where to Stay in Rio?
Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Botafogo are the most popular places to stay with plenty of hotel options, and are all well connected via the metro. Santa Teresa and Lapa are popular areas with backpackers as they’re generally cheaper than the beaches.
We loved our stay at Windsor California Copacabana, located right on the beachfront, with a rooftop pool serving delicious caiparinhas and only a short walk to the metro.
OURO PRETO
The hilltops of Ouro Preto
Why Visit Ouro Preto?
Ouro Preto is a historic colonial mining town, one of the main centres of the Brazilian Gold Rush of the late 17th century. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its baroque architecture, including some incredible churches with interiors laden with gold plate. This small town is very compact and walkable along its historic cobblestone streets, though expect a few stairs thanks to its hillside location.
Arriving in Ouro Preto
Util is the main bus company running direct buses from Rio de Janeiro to Ouro Preto, which is located in the state of Minas Gerais. Otherwise there are plenty of options running via Belo Horizonte, the closest main hub city. Buses arrive at Ouro Preto Bus Station which is located at the top of town. This means it’s likely an easy walk downhill to your accommodation (but uphill when you depart!).
What not to miss in Ouro Preto?
Igreja de São Francisco de Assisi is slightly unassuming from the exterior, but the interior sparkles!
Pick up some incredible gemstone souvenirs from the Artisanal Market.
Head to Morro Sao Sebastiao for an incredible view over the town.
Wander the pretty cobblestone streets of the town centre.
Hot Tips for Ouro Preto
I’d wear decent footwear for climbing up and down the cobblestone streets.
Ouro Preto translates to Black Gold, a reminder of its gold-rush roots in the state of Minas Gerais (General Mines).
Extra Time in Ouro Preto?
Ouro Preto is a small town that can be seen in a day, but if the schedules allow some extra time, consider taking a tour to one of the historical mines to understand a little more of the state of Minas Gerais’ history.
An alternative destination to Ouro Preto is Tiradentes, another historical gold mining town located nearby.
What to Eat and Drink in Ouro Preto?
Brazil is famous for its Pão de Queijo (cheese bread), and the Minas Gerais state is where it originated.
Minas Gerais is also famed for its coffee plantations, so be sure to try the local brew.
Where to Stay in Ouro Preto?
Guesthouses (pousadas) and boutique hotels are plentiful in Ouro Preto, rather than big international hotel chains. There are also highly rated hostels.
Alternatively, stay in the main hub of Belo Horizonte and make a day trip to Ouro Preto.
ILHA GRANDE
One of Ilha Grande’s pristine beaches
Why visit Ilha Grande?
The Green Coast, as this section of the rainforest-clad coastline is known, is a tropical paradise full of islands, beaches, and fun. The crystal clear waters are the perfect place for water-based activities such as snorkelling, and there are plenty of island-hopping boat tours on offer. There’s also a similar destination a little further along the coast, called Paraty. It has a bit more of a party vibe, so if that’s what you’re after, Paraty could be a good alternative to Ilha Grande. Together, Ilha Grande and Paraty form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arriving in Ilha Grande
The first step is to make your way to the port town of Angra dos Reis. Overnight buses from Belo Horizonte or frequent daily buses from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo arrive right next to the harbour in central Angra. From here, boats depart regularly from the ferry terminal to Ilha Grande with the trip taking a little over half an hour. Ferries arrive in Ilha Grande at Vila do Abraão Pier.
What not to miss on Ilha Grande?
Get out on the water, either by boat or by kayak.
Hike to one of the island’s many secluded beaches
Taste some delicious fresh seafood at one of the town’s beachfront restaurants.
Spot some incredible wildlife that calls the island home, such as sloths, and dolphins and whales that frequent the surrounding waters.
Hot Tips for Ilha Grande
The island is completely car-free, so to visit some of the best beaches, you’ll need to take a boat tour or hike through the rainforest.
The island has a bit of a coloured history! It was originally used as a leper colony, then became a high-profile and high-security prison until 1994 when it closed and eco-tourism commenced.
Extra Time in Ilha Grande?
After a couple of days in Ilha Grande, head back to the mainland town of Paraty to see the other side of this UNESCO site. Along with beautiful nature, Paraty is also known for its beautiful colonial architecture.
What to Eat and Drink in Ilha Grande?
Many of the beaches with established villages will have a small beach hut or restaurant, but most likely you’ll be eating in Vila do Abraão. There are many highly rated places here, so settle into a beachfront chair with a plate of freshly caught seafood.
Where to Stay in Ilha Grande?
Similar to the restaurants, the most common place to stay is in Vila do Abraão, where the majority of pousadas and hostels are located. The island is set up for ecotourism, so there’s plenty of options. Alternatively, it’s possible to stay back on the mainland in Angra and visit Ilha Grande as a daytrip only.
SÃO PAULO
Row after row of skyscraper in São Paulo
Why visit São Paulo?
São Paulo is probably most famous as being the most populated city in South America, and one of the biggest in the world. Whilst its pure size does bring its fair share of problems, like traffic and pollution, its size brings many benefits too - São Paulo is Brazil’s main transport hub, both internationally and domestically, and is also a hub for world-class cuisine and shopping.
Arriving in São Paulo
There are multiple daily buses between Angra dos Reis and São Paulo, arriving at the main bus station Tietê. It shouldn’t be surprising given the size of São Paulo, but Tietê is the biggest bus terminal in South America! It’s located just north of the city centre on Line 1 of the metro, making it nice and easy to get into the city. Make sure to double check your bus tickets though, as there are multiple bus stations in Sāo Paulo and you’ll want to alight at the correct one.
What not to miss in São Paulo?
São Paulo is a total foodie destination with many top restaurants located in the city.
Check out the incredible architecture, from futuristic designs by Oscar Niemeyer, to colonial churches from the 1500s.
Spend a few hours admiring artwork in some of the country’s top galleries.
Hot Tips for Sao Paulo
São Paulo is a huge city and traffic can be a real problem, make sure to allow extra time if travelling by Uber/taxi at rush hour. There’s a reason why the city’s elite travel from their homes to work via helicopter!
Extra Time in São Paulo?
I’m not going to lie, São Paulo isn’t my favourite city in Brazil. Whilst it does have its highlights (particularly the food!), unless you’re really into big cities, I’d probably get on my way to Ilha Grande or Florianópolis!
What to Eat and Drink in São Paulo?
Sample top cuisine at D.O.M., Maní, or A Casa do Porco.
Or for those on a budget, try one of the best Brazilian snacks called coxinha.
Where to Stay in São Paulo?
There are options-a-plenty on Avenida Paulista, a well located and well connected base. Nearby suburbs of Jardins and Higienopolis are home to a lot of good restaurants, and Centro is also well located and connected.
If you’re just using São Paulo as a transit hub, the Pullman Hotel is a great place for the night, and includes free shuttles to and from the airport.
FLORIANÓPOLIS
View over Praia Lagoinha do Leste
Why visit Florianópolis?
Florianópolis is a surfer’s paradise. With more beaches than you can count, the only hard part about visiting is narrowing down which ones to visit! Add on some delicious seafood, historical colonial towns, giant sand dunes and some epic hikes, and you may find yourself spending longer than expected here!
Arriving in Florianópolis
Whilst you’d be forgiven for assuming that Florianópolis (or Floripa as the locals call it) is the name of the island, Florianópolis is actually the main city on the island. The island itself is formally called Santa Catarina Island, being located in the state of Santa Catarina. However, most locals refer to the whole island as Floripa. Flights from around Brazil (and seasonally from Argentina) arrive into the island’s airport just south of the city. Long distance coaches from across southern and western Brazil arrive at the bus terminal located in central Florianópolis.
What not to miss in Florianópolis?
Hike through the rainforest to Lagoinha do Leste beach.
Learn to surf (or watch the pros) at Barra Beach.
Knock back oysters at legendary Ostradamus.
Wander through colonial architecture in Santo Antônio de Lisboa.
Hot Tips for Florianópolis
A victim of its own success, traffic is notoriously bad at peak season. Consider renting a scooter to bypass the jams.
Despite its beach reputation, at times it can be a bit prone to fog/cloud - make the most of the sunny days!
And be aware the island is bigger than you think! Allow enough time to get between beaches.
Extra Time in Florianópolis?
Florianópolis is a popular remote working and backpacking hub, so if you’re after a good base for a few days of work or travel admin, this place is set up for it. Settle into one of the many cafes in the backpacker centre of Lagoa.
What to Eat and Drink in Florianópolis?
Given its island location, Florianópolis is rightly known for its delicious seafood. Try oysters, prawns, or one of the many varieties of fish caught nearby.
Florianópolis is also a bit of a craft beer hub - try local brew Ratones.
Where to Stay in Florianópolis?
Full of beachfront resorts, it can be a bit of a minefield figuring out which beach to stay at in Floripa. Given the size of the island, I’d recommend staying centrally in either Lagoa or Barra da Lagoa.
We stayed at Antares Club right up the north of the island to attend a wedding, but I’d only recommend this if you have a car as getting around from here is difficult.
FOZ DO IGUAÇU (IGUASSU FALLS)
The upper trail along Iguazu falls
Why Visit Foz do Iguaçu?
Aside from Rio, it’s likely the other place most people have heard of in Brazil is Foz do Iguaçu (the Iguassu Falls). Situated on the border with Argentina, the falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu) are considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and the National Park in which they are located is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An absolutely spectacular location, it’s definitely worth visiting both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls for the two different perspectives.
Arriving in Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu features on most visitor’s itineraries, so Foz is particularly well connected - however do be aware that distances from other main centres are quite long to reach this far corner of the state of Paraná. Therefore to reach Foz do Iguaçu you’re likely going to need a flight or an overnight bus. There are lots of options though!
The small but busy Foz do Iguaçu Airport is located barely a 10 minute drive from the entrance to the Brazilian side of the falls and is served by various cities across Brazil (though many will include a stopover in Rio or São Paulo). Over on the Argentinian side, the Puerto Iguazu airport is barely a 15 minute drive to the Argentinian side of the falls and is mostly served by flights from Buenos Aires.
Foz is also served by an international bus station, located in the city centre. From here you can find coaches to locations to the main Brazilian centres and also Paraguay. Long-distance buses to Argentinian destinations leave from the main bus station in central Puerto Iguazu.
What not to miss in Foz do Iguaçu?
The falls of course! Spend an afternoon on the Brazilian side of the falls (walk the trails too!).
Keep an eye out for bountiful wildlife within the National Park too - there are monkeys, toucans and much more to spot.
Spend a day on the Argentinian side of the falls where there are more extensive trails to explore.
For something unique, head to the Três Fronteiras - a landmark on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay!
Hot Tips for Foz do Iguaçu
Watch out for cheeky coatis that roam the picnic areas on both sides of the falls. Don’t be fooled by their cute appearance, they can be quite aggressive in acquiring food from your backpack.
Arrive early - we hit the Argentinian side for opening hour and had the Upper Trail completely to ourselves. A few hours later it was packed.
And do visit both sides if you can - they offer completely different perspectives! Check any special visa requirements for Argentina before you head across though (Americans, Canadians, Brits, Aussies and Kiwis are typically visa free for 90 days).
Extra Time in Foz do Iguaçu?
If you’ve got some extra time in Foz do Iguaçu, take a tour out to the Itaipu Dam, the third largest in the world. Or if that’s not your thing, head across Friendship Bridge and spend some time in Paraguay! Check any visa requirements, then head over to Ciudad del Este for some cheap shopping.
What to Eat and Drink in Foz do Iguaçu?
Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side has a much larger permanent population with a more established city than the Argentinian side. Therefore, there are a lot more ‘less touristy’ options in Foz. Whilst in the south of Brazil, it’s essential to try gaucho style Brazilian BBQ and wash it down with a mug of chimarrão (maté tea).
Where to Stay in Foz do Iguaçu?
There’s a huge range of places to stay in Foz, from busy hostels in the city centre, out to the luxury Hotel das Cataratas located metres from the falls in the National Park (and the place to stay to visit the falls outside of normal visiting hours!).
We stayed at Eco Cataratas Resort, located on the main road between central Foz and the National Park, which was super convenient and highly recommended.
RECIFE
Beachfront beers near Recife
Why visit Recife?
Equal parts busy metropolis, charming old town, and beautiful beachfront, it’s easy to see why Recife is such a popular destination for visitors and locals. With a reef hugging the coastline (recife translate to reef!) this ocean-side city is famous for its long stretches of white sandy beaches lined with skyscrapers.
The historic old town of Recife Antigo is located on a small island in the city centre, connected by bridges, and a little further up the coast is the neighbouring architectural delight of Olinda - though it’s not easy to tell where one city finishes and the other starts.
This vibrant city also loves to have fun and cultural events line the calendar, especially over New Years Eve and Carnaval.
Arriving in Recife
Recife is a transport hub both domestically and internationally so there are plenty of options for arriving in Recife. Flights arrive into Recife International Airport, which is located right next to the touristic beach suburbs of Boa Viagem and Pina.
On the other hand, the Recife bus station is located a fair way from the city centre, out west in the Várzea neighbourhood. The city is well connected though, with bus long and short distance routes departing from here.
What not to miss in Recife?
Wander the old town of Recife Antigo and take in the old colonial architecture.
Spend the day with the locals on one of the city beaches, such as Boa Viagem beach.
Oh head south and spend a night at Porto de Galinhas, frequently voted the best beach in Brazil.
Head to adjoining city Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its picturesque colonial architecture.
Hot Tips for Recife
As part of its colonial history, Recife was claimed by the Dutch and called Mauritsstad until it was taken back over by the Portuguese. Some historical Dutch architecture remains in Recife Antigo.
Both Recife and Olinda are well known for their elaborate Carnaval celebrations, making them a great alternative to busy/expensive Rio. The pre-parties start not long after New Years, another big celebration event in the city.
Extra Time in Recife?
Recife is the perfect launching pad for the remote, eco archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a largely undeveloped marine-reserve that’s home to incredible scenery and wildlife. Plan this one well in advance though, as there’s a limit to the number of visitors that can be on the island at any one time.
What to Eat and Drink in Recife?
Recife’s signature dish is camarão na moranga, which translates to shrimp in a pumpkin. The creamy, savoury shrimp sauce is typically served inside a hollowed out pumpkin.
Out on the street, it won’t be long before you run into a tapioca stand. Try this crepe-like snack filled with local favourite ‘romeo and juliet’, better known as cheese and guava paste.
Where to Stay in Recife?
Hotel-lined Boa Viagem beach is the easiest option when looking for a place to stay, especially given its proximity to the airport. The popularity is reflected in the prices however. The pousadas in Olinda are a nice option to the big hotels, though it is a little further from the main centre.
Alternatively, head out of town and stay at the popular beach resort of Porto de Galinhas.
MACEIÓ
The reef near Maceió
Why visit Maceió?
Maceió is famous for having some of the best beaches in Brazil, along with its historic colonial architecture from the large Portuguese community that settled here. As with Recife, Maceió is renowned for its year round good weather, making it the perfect place to escape the winter and enjoy the plethora of white sand beaches.
Arriving in Maceió
Located in the state of Alagoas, Maceio is well connected to other main centres throughout the Nordeste of Brazil, from Natal to Salvador and beyond. The busy main bus station, John Paul II, is located in the Feitosa neighbourhood, about a 10 minute drive from the main centre.
MaceióóInternational Airport sits about 30 minutes north of the city and receives flights from across Brazil, along with a long haul flight from Lisbon in Portugal.
What not to miss in Maceió?
Beaches, beaches, beaches! People come from all over to Brazil to dig their toes into the luscious white sand.
Escape the city beaches and head to either Praia do Gunga or Praia do Francês, both located south of the city.
Explore the reef and natural pools located off Ponta Verde by snorkel or scuba diving.
Wander through the Centro Historico for colonial-era architecture.
Hot Tips for Maceió
Do make the effort to get out of town and head south from the city centre to discover some of the best beaches! My absolute favourite was Praia do Gunga, for its remote feeling location, turquoise blue water and row after row of palm trees. Praia do Francês was a close second, and is closer to town.
Extra Time in Maceió?
Maceió is a great place to spend some time if you’re a SCUBA diver, or interested in taking a PADI course. Along with the reef, there are a few shipwrecks to check out with the most famous being Itapajé Shipwreck.
What to Eat and Drink in Maceió?
You’re likely to come across many street vendors, or actually, beach vendors, walking up and down the popular beaches of Maceió. Be careful with what you go for - I’d avoid seafood, meat, and cheese, but definitely try fresh coconut water, tapioca crackers, and grilled corn on the cob.
Where to Stay in Maceió?
In Maceió, you’ll want to stay close to the beaches, and the neighbourhoods of Pajucara, Ponta Verde and Jatiuca are some of the most popular. You’ll find a lot of big name hotels here, along with lots of local pousadas and hostels.
CHAPADA DIAMANTINA
The Chapada Diamantina National Park
Why visit the Chapada Diamantina National Park?
Whilst not on many visitor’s radars, I’d consider the Chapada Diamantina (the Diamond Plateau) National Park to be my hidden gem of Brazil, if you’ll excuse the pun!
This National Park is an outdoorsy delight, full of epic hikes (treks) through canyons and cerrado landscape, towering waterfalls, and unique underground caves. Chapada Diamantina is definitely the place to go and stretch your legs after a few days lounging on the Nordeste beaches!
Arriving in the Chapada Diamantina
Located in the interior of Bahia state, the main bases within the Chapada Diamantina National Park are the towns Lençóis and Morro do Chapéu.
There is a small regional airport located near Lençóis, from which it is technically possible to arrive from Belo Horizonte or Salvador. However, most visitors will arrive via bus, usually connecting through Salvador, from where it’s about a six and a half hour ride to Lençóis.
I’d recommend basing yourself in the cute town of Lençóis unless you have a vehicle and can look further afield. It can be difficult to get around the park, so Lençóis is a great place to stay as the majority of tours and day trips depart from here.
What not to miss in the Chapada Diamantina?
One of the most iconic, and popular, views in the National Park is Morro do Pai Inácio - a famous peak with various hiking trails.
One of the coolest things we did was hike to Ribeirão do Meio, a natural waterslide and series of rock pools located a short hike from Lençóis.
The park has some incredible caves, such as the stunning Poço Azul. Unfortunately it flooded just before we arrived so we weren’t able to visit.
The Gruta Lapa Doce is an incredible cave system full of interesting stalactites and stalagmites formations. You’ll need a guide and gear to visit this extensive cave - one of the biggest in Brazil!
Hot Tips for the Chapada Diamantina
There are hidden waterfalls and caves all over this park, but I would highly recommend checking out Poço do Diabo (Devil Falls), a great spot for a swim in the river below the waterfalls or in the various surrounding rockpools.
Another spot that’s walkable from Lençóis is the Salão das Areias Coloridas (Room of Coloured Sand) and Primavera Falls, both located up the Lençóis River.
Extra Time in Chapada Diamantina?
There’s enough waterfalls and caves to fill a few days in Chapada Diamantina, but if you’ve got time to fit in a multi day hike, Vale do Pati is one of the picturesque hikes in the park.
What to Eat and Drink in the Chapada Diamantina?
To eat, head to one of the typical ‘nordestina’ restaurants located around the town square Praça Horácio de Matos. One of the most typical dishes of the region is Arroz de Garimpeiro, a rich, meaty rice dish named after the local miners known as ‘garimpeiros’.
Where to Stay in the Chapada Diamantina?
As mentioned above, I’d recommend staying in Lençóis while visiting the National Park. It has the best public transport connections, is the main base for tours, has attractions accessible on foot, and has a great range of places to stay. Whilst most accommodation is pousada style, there are also hotels and hostels available.
We had a great stay at the historic Hotel de Lençóis. It was a great place to relax after a busy day exploring!
SALVADOR
The Pelourinho in Salvador
Why visit Salvador?
Salvador is, quite simply, a city full of soul. The capital of afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is the birthplace of samba and capoeira, and the home of Candomblé belief. It’s now been over 10 years since I first visited and I can still distinctly remember the beat of the olodum drums in the Pelourinho and the rainbow of ribbons fluttering on the gates of Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim. You don’t visit Salvador as such, you experience its energy.
Arriving in Salvador
Salvador is located in the state of Bahia, and there’s a famous saying (and song!) in Brazil: Sorria, você está na Bahia! It means: smile, you’re in Bahia!
The gateway to the Nordeste of Brazil, Salvador is well connected both domestically and internationally. Flights arrive into the Salvador International Airport from across Brazil and Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Portugal and Spain.
More regionally, Salvador is well connected via bus to various towns and cities throughout the Nordeste region.
What not to miss in Salvador?
The Pelourinho is the beating heart of Salvador. The historic centre of Salvador is full of sights, tastes and sounds and the best thing to do is follow your senses until you reach Igreja São Francisco.
Take the Elevador Lacerda down to Mercado Modelo on the picturesque waterfront.
Walk out to Farol da Barra, a historic lighthouse watching over the entry to Baía de Todos os Santos.
Tie a ribbon to the gates before marvelling at the interior of Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim.
Experience a Roda de Capoeira, the famous dance-meets-martial art introduced by slaves from Angola and has its modern roots in Bahia.
Hot Tips for Salvador
Keep an eye out for baianas, local women who wear a traditional white outfit worn by those who practise the Candomblé religion.
Extra Time in Salvador?
If you’ve got extra time in Salvador, head down the coast to one of the islands and settle into a palm-tree lined surf beach, such as those at car-free Morro de São Paulo.
What to Eat and Drink in Salvador?
Salvador is a foodie’s paradise, the unique and delicious baiano flavours will have you salivating. If you’re going to take a food tour while in Brazil, Salvador is the place to do it.
Local delicacies include moqueca de camarão, a rich shrimp stew. On the street, pick up acarajé, deep-fried mashed black-eyed-peas, served with vatapá, a creamy seafood curry sauce. For something sweeter, try cocada, a lemon or ginger coconut sweet, and for breakfast, pick up a slice of bolo de aipim (cassava cake).
Where to Stay in Salvador?
Hotels line the southern coastline, but to really feel the vibes of Salvador, base yourself in a pousada within walking distance of the Pelourinho.
MY ULTIMATE BRAZIL 3 WEEK ITINERARY
Incorporating all the must-visit locations above, from the deserted palm-tree lined beaches of the Nordeste to the packed shore of Copacabana, and from hidden waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina to the famous Iguaçu Falls, this is the three week itinerary that I would suggest to any of my friends or family on their first trip to Brazil.
Given the size of the country and variety of culture and experiences, this itinerary aims to capture a taste of all the highlights in Brazil, with a few lesser known gems thrown in for good measure.
BRAZIL 3 WEEK ITINERARY
| DAY | LOCATION | HOW TO ARRIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Rio de Janeiro | By international flight |
| Day 4 | Ouro Preto | By coach bus |
| Days 5-6 | Ilha Grande | By coach bus |
| Day 7 | São Paulo | By coach bus |
| Days 8-10 | Florianópolis | By flight or coach bus |
| Days 11-12 | Foz do Iguaçu | By flight or overnight bus |
| Days 13-15 | Recife | By flight |
| Days 16-17 | Maceió | By coach bus |
| Days 18-19 | Chapada Diamantina | By flight and/or coach bus |
| Days 20-21 | Salvador | By coach bus |
MY ULTIMATE BRAZIL 4 WEEK ITINERARY
If three weeks isn’t enough, and you’re lucky enough to have a whole month to spend in Brazil, it’s possible to head to some destinations that are a bit off the typical tourist route or are a bit harder to get to!
In addition to the places in my three week itinerary, my top picks to ‘add on’ to make a four week itinerary would be:
BONITO & THE PANTANAL
As mentioned at the start of this guide, I spent a year living in close proximity to the Pantanal. The eco-town of Bonito was one of the first ‘touristy’ places I visited whilst in Brazil, where I got to spend an incredible weekend snorkelling in a ‘Natural Aquarium’ and jumping down waterfalls.
Bonito is renowned for its eco parks - full of swimming holes, tubing, snorkelling and other river based activities. It’s a river-adventure wonderland.
Meanwhile the Pantanal, or the Wetland, is the biggest tropical wetland in the world. Home to an incredible eco-system of wildlife, the Pantanal is the ideal destination for wildlife and bird lovers. Here you’ll have the chance to spot iconic creatures such as jaguars, caiman crocodiles and the vibrant-coloured hyacinth macaws.
The easiest way to get to Bonito and the Pantanal is either via coach, or via a flight into the state capital of Campo Grande.
A toucan, found at home in the Pantanal
THE AMAZON
The reason why the Amazon hasn’t featured more predominantly on my itinerary is simply its location - it’s just really remote. Driving isn’t really an option - it’s about as far as driving from Los Angeles, California to Orlando, and if they were in a remote jungle.
Therefore, you’ll most likely be arriving in the Amazon via Manaus International Airport. But once you’re there, it’ll be like nowhere else. I dream of wandering through the rainforest learning about the diverse flora and fauna, and of sailing down the river to experience the meeting of the rivers and to catch a glimpse of the fascinating pink dolphins. The Amazon really is a bucket list destination.
LENÇÓIS MARANHENSE, PARNAÍBA & JERICOACOARA
The Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions) is the local name for the stunning coastline that stretches from São Luis in the West to Fortaleza in the East, right up in the top right hand corner of Brazil. Think wind-swept white sand, brilliant blue water, and a bustling, but not crowded, backpacker scene.
The three gems of the route are;
Lençóis Maranhense, now instagram famous, is home to the impossibly large sand dunes that form mini lagoons following rain, creating some magical, other-worldly views. The easiest way to access is via a tour from the village of Barreirinhas, typically timed to run for a perfect sunset.
The Parnaíba Delta is an environmentally protected area featuring more incredible sand dunes, rivers, mangrove forests and more. It’s also renowned as a place for tropical bird watching. Tours through the delta depart from the small township of Parnaíba, about half way between Barreirinhas and Jericoacoara.
Jericoacoara, aka Jeri, is the kind of place that should be in the dictionary next to tropical beach paradise. Just imagine laying in a hammock over the bright blue water, book in one hand and a fresh coconut (or caipirinha!) in the other. Jeri is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the middle of a Brazilian adventure.
Whilst the Rota das Emoções is gaining in popularity, part of its charm is its isolation, so the effort of getting here is worth the effort. The easiest way to arrive is via flight into either São Luís or Fortaleza, and then travelling via coach bus, taxi, or the shuttles that are well organised between accommodation providers.
Sand dune lakes in Lençóis Maranhense
BRAZIL 4 WEEK ITINERARY
| DAY | LOCATION | HOW TO ARRIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Rio de Janeiro | By international flight |
| Day 4 | Ouro Preto | By coach bus |
| Days 5-6 | Ilha Grande | By coach bus |
| Day 7 | São Paulo | By coach bus |
| Days 8-10 | Florianópolis | By flight or coach bus |
| Days 11-12 | Foz do Iguaçu | By flight or overnight bus |
| Days 13-15 | Bonito & the Pantanal; OR the Amazon | By coach bus; OR flight |
| Days 16-17 | Lençóis Maranhense | By flight |
| Days 18-19 | Jericoacoara | By coach bus or shuttle |
| Days 20-22 | Recife | By coach bus |
| Days 23-24 | Maceió | By coach bus |
| Days 25-26 | Chapada Diamantina | By flight and/or coach bus |
| Days 27-28 | Salvador | By coach bus |
MY ULTIMATE BRAZIL 3 WEEK ITINERARY - NO FLIGHT ALTERNATIVES
As I’ve mentioned in the section about getting around Brazil, this country is just huge. Therefore, there are some really big distances to cover to get around the whole country in just three weeks, and it would be pretty much impossible to travel to different regions without domestic flights.
But if you’re looking to avoid air travel, either for budget purposes or to stick with a slow-travel ethos, here are my recommendations for three weeks in Brazil with no domestic flights. These two itineraries (one for the south-west and one for the north-east) feature a few long coach rides, which are the most common way to get around Brazil. These can often be taken as overnight buses to save a night’s accommodation and maximise time in the destination.
3 WEEK ITINERARY IN THE SOUTH-WEST OF BRAZIL
The first option focuses on the south-west of Brazil, starting at the border with Argentina and finishing in Rio de Janeiro - a popular way to travel through Brazil as part of a wider South American adventure.
BRAZIL 3 WEEK ITINERARY - SOUTH-WEST
| DAY | LOCATION | HOW TO ARRIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-2 | Foz do Iguaçu | By coach bus or flight |
| Days 3-5 | Bonito & the Pantanal | By overnight bus |
| Day6 | Curitiba | By coach bus |
| Days 7-9 | Florianópolis | By flight or coach bus |
| Days 10-11 | São Paulo | By coach bus |
| Days 12-13 | Paraty | By coach bus |
| Days 14-15 | Ilha Grande | By coach bus and/or ferry |
| Days 16-17 | Ouro Preto | By overnight bus |
| Days 18-21 | Rio de Janeiro | By coach bus |
Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Curitiba
3 WEEK ITINERARY IN THE NORTH-EAST OF BRAZIL
Alternatively, the second option focuses on the north-east of Brazil, starting in Rio de Janeiro and ending in Fortaleza, where it's possible to catch an international flight out to the USA or Europe.
BRAZIL 3 WEEK ITINERARY - NORTH-EAST
| DAY | LOCATION | HOW TO ARRIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-4 | Rio de Janeiro | By international flight |
| Day 5 | Ouro Preto | By coach bus |
| Days 6-8 | Arraial d'Ajuda or Porto Seguro | By overnight bus |
| Days 9-11 | Chapada Diamantina | By overnight bus |
| Days 12-13 | Salvador | By coach bus |
| Days 14-16 | Maceió | By coach bus |
| Days 17-18 | Pipa | By coach bus |
| Days 19-21 | Recife | Back to Rio or depart |
MY ULTIMATE BRAZIL 2 WEEK ITINERARY
If you’ve got limited leave or if Brazil is part of a wider South American tour, two weeks is definitely still enough time to get a taste of the country,
This two week itinerary can be easily adapted to suit various arrival/departure locations. Keep it as a round trip in and out of Rio, start in Foz do Iguaçu after visiting Argentina, or depart from Salvador to your home country.
BRAZIL 2 WEEK ITINERARY
| DAY | LOCATION | HOW TO ARRIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Rio de Janeiro | By international flight |
| Days 4-5 | Paraty or Ilha Grande | By coach bus |
| Days 6-8 | Florianópolis | By flight or overnight bus |
| Days 9-10 | Foz do Iguaçu | By flight or overnight bus |
| Days 11-12 | Arraial d'Ajuda or Porto Seguro | By flight |
| Days 13-14 | Salvador | By coach bus |
WEATHER IN BRAZIL - THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
As you can imagine in a country that spans from the equator down to more than 33° latitude, there’s a huge variation in temperature between the north and south. However, unlike some of the neighbouring countries that straddle the Andes, Brazil doesn’t have a huge range in altitude, which in turn means that location rather than altitude is the biggest factor in the climate.
THE SOUTHERN REGION
INCLUDES FOZ DO IGUAÇU, CURITIBA, FLORIANÓPOLIS
The southern region of Brazil has a temperate climate. Throughout the year it experiences all four seasons, and is the only region of Brazil to receive snow. We most recently visited in September when temperatures are typically very pleasant, but still a bit cool for local Brazilians to be flocking to the beaches.
Best time to visit the south of Brazil: the summer months of December to February for warm, sunny beach days. Alternatively, spring and autumn are great times to visit the Iguaçu Falls.
When to avoid the south of Brazil: if you’re after a tropical beach holiday, avoid the winter months of May to September.
SOUTH-EAST REGION
INCLUDES SÃO PAULO, PARATY, ILHA GRANDE, RIO DE JANEIRO, OURO PRETO
Sitting around the Tropic of Capricorn, much of the south-east region of Brazil is a tropical climate, with some altitude influencing temperatures in the highlands, and monsoons occurring in the northern areas of the region. On my various trips to this region, I experienced the best, clear sunny weather in July.
Best time to visit the south-east of Brazil: the summer months of November to March are best for hot, humid beach days, however the shoulder months have nice, pleasant temperatures. Be prepared for rain in the summer (wet) season, especially in January and February.
When to avoid the south-east of Brazil: there isn’t really a bad time to visit the south-east of Brazil, however the winter months of July/August would be considered the off season. Temperatures are cooler in the evenings.
NORTH-EAST REGION
INCLUDES SALVADOR, CHAPADA DIAMANTINA, MACEIÓ, RECIFE, FORTALEZA
All of the coastal north-east locations I mention in my itineraries are known for their hot, tropical climates. Featuring wet and dry seasons, temperatures here are typically high all year round, with varying levels of humidity. Heading further inland to the Chapada Diamantina, the climate changes to a tropical highland climate thanks to its slightly higher elevation, and features a shorter rainy season and more frequent droughts. We visited in July and had beautiful, hot, sunny days throughout the north-east region.
Best time to visit the north-east of Brazil: similar to the south-east, there’s no bad time to visit the north-east of Brazil. The dry season is popular with domestic tourists escaping the cooler temperatures of the south.
When to avoid the north-east of Brazil: the north-east of Brazil sees the most amount of rain during the autumn/fall seasons of April-June, so whilst temperatures are hot, umbrellas are required.
NORTHERN REGION
INCLUDES MANAUS & THE AMAZON
No surprises here, the climate of the Amazon is textbook tropical rainforest. Expect it to be hot and humid with rain year round, with slightly higher levels of rain in the wet season (January to June).
Due to the pretty consistent weather conditions, it’s probably best to time your visit to suit the wildlife you’re most interested in seeing rather than the weather!
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION IN BRAZIL
HOTELS
Hotels are a plentiful and popular type of accommodation in Brazil. From basic-but-comfortable inner city highrises, to casual and family-friendly beachfront resorts, to luxury international names, there are options to suit most budgets and styles of travel.
In peak season such as around New Years Eve and Carnival, and over popular local events such as the Rock in Rio festival, even huge cities like Rio can fill up with prices skyrocketing. It’s best to book in advance for the best locations and prices.
POUSADAS
A pousada is a Brazilian style of guest house or inn. Typically found in smaller towns, rural areas, or casual neighbourhoods, pousadas are a smaller type of accommodation featuring a smaller quantity of rooms and are usually independent and family run.
You’ll find them in places such as Foz do Iguaçu, Bonito,Ouro Preto and the beach towns up and down the coast. They’re less common in the main centres of Rio and Sāo Paulo where hotels dominate.
A pousada in Bahia
HOSTELS
Brazil has a big backpacker scene so options are plentiful, especially in the most popular destinations. From beachfront hostels to remote-working hubs, you have to get pretty far off the beaten track to look outside the hostel network. Whilst generally considered more expensive than other countries in South America, you should be able to find something in your budget, except for many in Rio and São Paulo where prices are higher in the most popular locations.
As always, hostels are a great way to meet fellow travellers and arrange local activities. For example, the local hostels in Rio often arrange nights out to favela raves that would be difficult to arrange without someone who knows when and where to go.
AIR BNBS
Air BNBs are another great option for the main cities of Rio and Sāo Paulo as an alternative to hotels, but are less common in smaller towns where pousadas are still the most common form of accommodation. AirBNB is becoming more and more popular in Brazil though, especially in the north-east cities such as Fortaleza and Salvador.
Rooftop views of Copacabana
ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR BRAZIL
CROSS BODY BAG | The easiest way to keep your valuables safe is to keep them close to your body. A cross body bag is the best way to carry your everyday travel items.
I'm usually wearing my black Fjallraven sling bag or my Lululemon belt bag.
WALKING SANDALS | Other than the famous Copacabana boardwalk, streets and paths have their ups and down in Brazil. Keep your feet happy and comfortable in walking sandals such as Tevas.
I live in these Tevas at the moment!
MAXI DRESSES | Perfect for hot, humid days, maxi dresses in breezy cottons and linens are a local favourite.
I love to wear the local brand FARM Rio.
SUNSCREEN | The Brazilian sun is strong, so always wear a high SPF sunscreen.
MOSQUITO REPELLANT | Take care with mosquitos throughout Brazil. Nasty tropical diseases like Zika and Dengue are around and malaria is a risk in the Amazon and the most northern areas of North-east Brazil (Lençóis Maranhense and Jericoacoara), and potentially in Bonito and the Pantanal. Of all the places, we surprisingly found mosquitos the worst in a heavy cluster up at Christ the Redeemer statue.
WATER FILTER BOTTLE | Water is generally safe to drink from the tap in major cities and reputable restaurants in Brazil. However, single use plastic bottles are unfortunately still commonly served in place of standard table water in cafes and restaurants. Bringing your own filtered water bottle will help cut out this unnecessary consumption when eating out.
I swear by my Grayl Ultrapress for filtering all the nasties. I've used it without any issues in Brazil, India and more.
SOME CASH | Whilst credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, there’s a few places where it’s helpful to carry cash. The machines for buying or recharging your Riocard (public transport) will accept only local debit cards or cash, and any street stalls or markets along the beachfront will need to be paid in cash. ATMs that accept foreign cards can be harder to find in smaller villages.
RAIN JACKET| Though famous as a tropical beach destination, rain is pretty common too - think about all the lush jungle that needs regular watering! In summer, aka the rainy season, thunderstorms can quickly roll through and clear the beaches. In winter, aka the dry season, misty drizzle can roll into the south-east for days at a time. Further south, an insulated rain jacket will be needed over winter.
I always carry this quality rainjacket and my partner carries a similar men's version
SAFETY IN BRAZIL
Brazil does have a bit of a reputation as being unsafe, with petty theft, muggings, or worse. But as with many things you read about foreign countries in the media, it pays to take the advice with a pinch of salt and not let it deter you from visiting this incredible country!
I won’t go into all the typical safety advice to follow when travelling, but having spent a considerable amount of time in the country, I have a few tips specific for keeping safe and enjoying your time at the locations mentioned in this three week itinerary.
YELLOW FEVER
Starting off first with a health safety consideration is Yellow Fever, A yellow fever certificate isn’t required to enter Brazil, but getting the vaccination is recommended by most health organisations. Risk areas were recently expanded to include the main tourist hot spots along the coast, from Salvador in the North all the way down to the border with Uruguay, due to outbreaks.
Consider onward travel plans in your decision too, as many countries, such as Australia, require proof of vaccination for recently returned travellers.
YES YOU CAN TAKE A DSLR CAMERA - BUT NOT EVERYWHERE
For many of the places mentioned in this article, I did use my DSLR. Generally, I’d keep it stashed away in a backpack and only remove it to take the photos. I never walked the streets with it hanging around my neck, and only kept it out at very touristy locations (ie. up at Christ the Redeemer).
For the remainder of the photos, I generally used my phone given it’s less conspicuous. Apply similar rules to your phone though, especially if you have a recent model iPhone or Samsung - take the photo then stash your phone back in your bag.
I’d also keep a close on your valuables if there are any cheeky monkeys hanging around, as they might be attracted to loose, shiny objects. They’re definitely not on the same level as monkeys in Indonesia, but will take an opportunity if it’s presented!
STICK TO SAFE NEIGHBOURHOODS
All of the locations listed in this article are places frequented by tourists, but it always pays to be aware of which areas are safe and which (if any) you should avoid.
Whilst you’re never far from a favela in the likes of Rio, my belief is that people generally have good intentions and if you expect the best but prepare for the worst, you won’t attract negativity or bad luck. That said, organised crime does exist in Brazil (as it does in most major cities around the world) and being aware of your surroundings is important.
I go into more detail about the safety level of neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro in this post:
The Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Itinerary & Travel Guide
DRESS LIKE THE LOCALS
Brazilians are a fashionable bunch and love to dress well, with bright colourful clothing and tropical vibes. One thing you’ll notice however is the lack of luxury goods worn by the locals.
Diamond rings and gold watches make way for bold local jewellery, often made from indigenous seeds or other natural materials. Designer handbags are put away and cross-body bags are taken out instead.
To spell it out simply, keep the brands at home. Brazil just isn’t the place to put your Balenciaga sneakers, Gucci belts and Chanel sunglasses on display, and outside of Leblon’s top restaurants, you’re unlikely to see the locals in these types of brands either.
A special word on Apple Watches - these are very expensive to buy in Brazil due to heavy import taxes, so they can attract unwanted attention. Reconsider their use in Brazil.
AUTHOR BIO
Laura is a travel addict who’s been traversing the globe for over 15 years. After collecting all that experience, she’s now sharing her travel advice here. When she’s not out-of-office, she’s planning her next adventure and trying to keep her plants alive.
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