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Foz do Iguaçu – BrazilRio de Janeiro – BrazilSalvador – BrazilManaus – BrazilFernando de Noronha – BrazilBasilica of Aparecida – Brazil
📍 Foz do Iguaçu📷 jose donizetti dias · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 South America🗓️ Best: Dec–Mar for beaches and Carnival; Jun–Sep for the Amazon and Pantanal

Brazil ✓

RioRio Sugarloaf

Beaches, rainforest, samba and carnival energy

🕒 –:– local time31 stories this week10 sources 6 top placesCapital Brasília

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Brazil📸 Photo album · 9 photos · Ultra-HD
Brazil📜 History of Brazil

The story of Brazil

For thousands of years, the territory of Brazil was home to hundreds of Indigenous nations, from Tupi-Guarani peoples along the Atlantic coast to societies deep in the Amazon who built raised fields, earthworks and large villages on the river bluffs. Rock art at Serra da Capivara in the northeast ranks among the oldest traces of human presence in the Americas.

Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral landed in 1500 and claimed the coast for Portugal. Brazilwood, then sugar, drove early colonisation, and Portugal brought millions of enslaved Africans to work plantations and later gold and diamond mines in Minas Gerais – more than any other country in the Americas. African culture, religion, music and food deeply shaped the nation. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon to Rio de Janeiro, making it the capital of an empire. In 1822 Prince Pedro declared independence and became Emperor Pedro I.

Read the full history

The Empire of Brazil lasted until 1889, a year after slavery was finally abolished, when a republic was proclaimed. Waves of immigrants from Italy, Germany, Japan and the Middle East followed, and coffee and rubber booms fuelled growth. The twentieth century brought the Vargas era, the building of the modernist capital Brasília in 1960, and military rule from 1964 to 1985. A new constitution in 1988 cemented the return to democracy.

Today Brazil is Latin America's largest country and economy, a vibrant democracy famous for football, samba and bossa nova. For travellers, its story lives on in baroque gold-rush towns like Ouro Preto, the colourful colonial centre of Salvador with its Afro-Brazilian heritage, Rio's iconic landscapes, Niemeyer's futuristic Brasília and the vast Amazon, still home to many Indigenous communities.

Timeline

  1. c. 10,000 BCEarly hunter-gatherers create rock art at Serra da Capivara
  2. 1500Pedro Álvares Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal
  3. 1549Salvador founded as the colonial capital
  4. 1808Portuguese royal court moves to Rio de Janeiro
  5. 1822Independence declared by Pedro I
  6. 1888Slavery abolished by the Golden Law
  7. 1960Brasília inaugurated as the new capital
  8. 1985Return to civilian rule after military government
Brazil 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • Mercosur – Mercosur member – South American neighbours can often travel with a national ID card.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Brazil appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Brazil✨ 10 best things to do in Brazil

Things to do in Brazil

  1. Ride up Sugarloaf MountainTake the cable car at sunset for jaw-dropping views over Guanabara Bay and Rio's beaches.
  2. Meet Christ the RedeemerStand beneath the giant statue atop Corcovado with the whole of Rio spread below you.
  3. Explore the AmazonSleep in a jungle lodge near Manaus, canoe through flooded forest and listen for howler monkeys at dawn.
  4. Join CarnivalDance with a street bloco or watch samba schools parade through the Sambadrome in a riot of feathers and drums.
  5. Marvel at Iguaçu FallsSee the panoramic sweep of the falls from the Brazilian side, then take a boat ride into the spray.
  6. Spot jaguars in the PantanalSearch the world's largest tropical wetland for jaguars, giant otters, caiman and hyacinth macaws.
  7. Wander PelourinhoStroll Salvador's pastel-painted old town to the sound of capoeira and Afro-Brazilian drumming.
  8. Island-hop in Fernando de NoronhaSnorkel with turtles and spinner dolphins in some of the clearest waters in the Atlantic.
  9. Swim in Lençóis MaranhensesPlunge into turquoise rainwater lagoons between towering white sand dunes during the wet months.
  10. Eat your way through a churrascariaFeast on skewers of grilled meat carved at your table, followed by a caipirinha.
Brazil🗺️ Where to visit in Brazil

Where to go in Brazil

  • Rio de JaneiroSoutheast · beaches & iconsA spectacular city of granite peaks, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, samba clubs and lush rainforest parks.
  • SalvadorBahia · Afro-Brazilian cultureBrazil's first capital, with a UNESCO-listed old town and the country's strongest African heritage in music, religion and food.
  • 📍
    Manaus & the AmazonNorth · rainforestGateway to river cruises and jungle lodges in the world's largest rainforest.
  • Foz do IguaçuParaná · waterfallsBase for the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls and the nearby bird park.
  • 📍
    PantanalMato Grosso · wetlands & wildlifeThe best place in South America to see jaguars and a remarkable range of birds.
  • 📍
    Ouro PretoMinas Gerais · colonial townA hilly gold-rush town filled with baroque churches decorated by the sculptor Aleijadinho.
  • 📍
    Paraty & Ilha GrandeCosta Verde · coast & islandsCobbled colonial streets, jungle-backed beaches and car-free island hiking between Rio and São Paulo.
  • 📍
    FlorianópolisSanta Catarina · beachesAn island city with dozens of beaches, surf breaks, lagoons and a laid-back southern vibe.
Brazil✨ Must-do experiences
  • Celebrate Carnival in Rio or Salvador
  • Take a riverboat into the Amazon
  • See Iguaçu Falls from the Brazilian side
  • Spot jaguars and caimans in the Pantanal
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Brazil🍽️ Taste of Brazil
  • Feijoada – black bean and pork stew
  • Pão de queijo – chewy cheese bread
  • Moqueca – seafood stew with coconut milk
  • Açaí – frozen berry bowl with fruit and granola
Brazil🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Brazil

Best time to visit Brazil

Brazil is so large that its climate ranges from equatorial in the Amazon to temperate in the south, where winter can be cool. Rio and the southeast are hot and rainy in summer (December–March) and mild and drier in winter.

BestSeptember–November – warm, mostly dry weather across much of the country before peak-season crowds and prices.
ShoulderApril–June – the end of the rains in the Amazon and pleasant conditions in Rio and the south.
AvoidNo bad time – but December to March is hot, humid and expensive around Christmas and Carnival, and the northeast coast is wetter from April to July.
30°💧💧Jan
31°💧💧Feb
30°💧💧Mar
28°💧💧Apr
26°💧May
25°💧Jun
25°💧Jul
25°💧Aug
25°💧Sep
26°💧Oct
27°💧💧Nov
29°💧💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Rio de Janeiro (approximate averages).

Brazil🎉 Festivals & events in Brazil
  • February–March
    CarnivalFive days of street parties and samba parades, biggest in Rio, Salvador, Recife and Olinda.
  • June
    Festa JuninaHarvest festivals with bonfires, square dancing, folk costumes and corn-based treats, especially vibrant in the northeast.
  • June
    Parintins Folklore FestivalTwo rival teams stage dazzling Bumba Meu Boi performances on an Amazon river island.
  • January
    Lavagem do BonfimIn Salvador, women in white wash the steps of Bonfim Church in a blend of Catholic and Candomblé tradition.
  • 31 December
    RéveillonMillions dressed in white gather on Copacabana Beach for New Year's fireworks and offerings to the sea goddess Iemanjá.
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Brazil🧭 Brazil itinerary ideas

How many days in Brazil?

7 daysRio & Iguaçu

Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro's beaches, Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa. Day 5-7: fly to Foz do Iguaçu to see the falls from both sides.

16 daysBrazil's greatest hits

Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro. Day 5-6: Paraty or Ilha Grande. Day 7-8: Iguaçu Falls. Day 9-11: Salvador and the Bahian coast. Day 12-16: fly to Manaus for an Amazon lodge stay or to the Pantanal for wildlife.

Brazil🎒 Backpacking Brazil – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $35–55 a day

  • Long-distance buses are comfortable but distances are huge; budget airlines often cost little more and save days.
  • Botafogo and Santa Teresa in Rio, Pelourinho in Salvador and Vila Madalena in São Paulo are popular hostel hubs.
  • Eat at 'por quilo' buffets, where you pay by the weight of your plate – cheap, filling and varied.
  • A local SIM or eSIM is very useful; ride-hailing apps are widely used and often cheaper than taxis.
  • Learn some basic Portuguese – English is less widely spoken than many travellers expect.
Brazil🛡️ Safety & money in Brazil

Stay safe

  • Street crime is a real issue in big cities; carry only what you need and keep phones hidden in public.
  • Avoid empty beaches and streets after dark and don't enter favelas without a reputable local guide.
  • Use ride-hailing apps or official taxis at night rather than walking.
  • Swim only where locals swim and watch for strong currents on Atlantic beaches.

Money

  • The currency is the Brazilian real; cards are widely accepted and contactless payment is common.
  • Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres during the day, and expect some machines to reject foreign cards.
  • Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill, so extra tipping isn't expected.

Emergency: 190 police · 192 ambulance · 193 fire

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Brazil🛬 Getting to Brazil

Most international flights arrive at São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), with others into Brasília, Salvador, Recife and Fortaleza. Land borders connect Brazil with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.

✈️ Cheap flights to Brazil: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Brazil💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Brazil
  • Brazil borders ten countries – every nation in South America except Chile and Ecuador.
  • It is home to the largest Japanese-descended population outside Japan.
  • Brazil has won the men's FIFA World Cup five times, more than any other nation.
  • Portuguese is the official language, making Brazil the world's largest Portuguese-speaking country.
  • Brasília was built almost from scratch in about four years and is shaped like an aeroplane or bird when seen from above.
Brazil❓ Brazil travel FAQ

Brazil travel questions

Is Brazil safe for tourists?

Millions of tourists visit Brazil safely each year, but petty and street crime is common in big cities. Stay alert, avoid flashing valuables and use trusted transport at night.

When is the best time to visit Brazil?

September to November and April to June offer good weather and fewer crowds. Come in February or March if you want to experience Carnival.

How many days do you need in Brazil?

One week is enough for Rio and Iguaçu Falls. Two to three weeks lets you add Salvador, the Amazon or the Pantanal using domestic flights.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

It depends on your passport, and Brazil's entry rules have changed in recent years. Check the official Brazilian government site or your nearest consulate before you travel.

Do people speak English in Brazil?

Portuguese is spoken everywhere, and English is limited outside hotels and tourist hotspots. Translation apps and a few basic phrases make travel much easier.

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Brazil💰 What a trip costs
$$price level
$35–55backpacker / day
$90–170mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Brazil🚌 Getting around

Domestic flights are the best way to cover long distances; long-distance buses are comfortable and cheap. Use ride-hailing apps or metros in big cities.

Brazil🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Christ the Redeemer – Iconic statue of Jesus on Corcovado mountain above Rio
  • Basilica of Aparecida – One of the world's largest churches and Brazil's top shrine
  • Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim – Salvador church famous for its colourful ribbons
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Brazil🤝 Local etiquette
  • Greet with a handshake or cheek kisses among friends
  • Avoid the 'OK' hand sign – it is rude in Brazil
  • Portuguese, not Spanish, is the language – a few words help

📰 Older Brazil stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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