Travel advice for Brazil
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Kiki Deere
updated 16.11.2020
Lying on the border with Peru, the state of Acre is dotted with nearly 300 geoglyphs, large geometrical motifs that were discovered in the late 1970s. Since then a number of other designs have been unearthed, yet their original purpose still remains unclear. It is largely believed they could have served for religious purposes, and were abandoned in the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries following the arrival of the Europeans. Floating over these large formations and soaking in the Amazon rainforest from a hot air balloon is a truly unforgettable experience.
Lying at the border with Guyana and Venezuela is majestic Mount Roraima, an awe-inspiring tabletop mountain sitting amid steamy jungle, and often seen enveloped in mist. It allegedly served as inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World, a novel set on a remote plateau in the Amazon basin. Mount Roraima has long been revered by the indigenous Pemón people, who believe the tepui, or table top, to be the dwelling of their gods.
The picturesque village of Alter do Chão is home to spectacular Caribbean style white-sand beaches lapped by wonderfully clear fresh waters. The town is located on the right bank of the crystalline Tapajós River and sits at the entrance of the pretty Lago Verde, an emerald lake home to abundant flora and fauna, and a great spot to explore by canoe. Just opposite Alter do Chão is the Ilha do Amor, or “Island of Love”, a blindingly white stretch of sand dotted with laidback restaurants exuding a chilled vibe.
Amazonian cuisine is exotic even by Brazilian standards; a cultural hot pot embracing a variety of ingredients that most have never even heard of, including dozens of species of fish such as tucunaré, peacock bass native to the freshwaters of the Amazon River, and pirarucu, a member of the catfish family and one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, measuring up to three metres. One of the specialities of the Amazon is tacacá, a shrimp soup with tucupi (boiled manioc), hot pepper, tapioca starch and jambu (anaesthetising leaves that numb your tongue). Tropical fruits form the basis of most juices and ice creams, such as the hugely popular açaí berry that is highly rich in antioxidants.
The colourful Ver-o-Peso Market in the colonial port city of Belém is Latin America’s largest open-air market. Inaugurated in 1625, it was originally a tax warehouse, where goods were weighed to levy taxes for the Portuguese crown. On display are all manner of products, including handcrafted wicker baskets, exotic freshwater fish, tropical fruits, and Amazonian herbal remedies including love potions.
The Amazon is home to the world’s greatest biodiversity, with more and more species being identified over the course of the years. There are over 55,000 species of flora, with some trees reaching heights of 60 metres, while the canopies of others – including the Brazil nut tree – have a diameter of up to 40 metres. Only 30 per cent of the animal kingdom has so far been identified; among the animals that call this giant forest their home are three-toed sloths, jaguars, harpy eagles, macaws, alligators, manatees and pink river dolphins. At jungle lodges visitors can take part in plenty of activities, including educational jungle treks, bird watching, animal spotting and night walks.
Located at the mouth of the Amazon river, this is the world’s largest maritime-fluvial island – it’s the size of Switzerland. The island is home to spectacular freshwater beaches with golden sand and glistening waters, where the Atlantic flows into the Amazon River. On Marajó, hundreds of buffalo roam freely in the hinterland and along the coastal areas, and this is the only place in the world where police are seen riding these beasts.
Nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest are the Monte Alegre rock paintings, set amid a stunning landscape of floodplains and jagged mesas. These largely unexplored paintings are undoubtedly among South America’s most significant archaeological sites. Dating back 13,150 years, the indigenous paintings vary from abstract patterns to representations of animals and humans, including compelling images of the artists’ palm prints.
The Anavilhanas National Park is located in the north-eastern part of Amazonas State, and occupies an area of 350,000 hectares. This is one of the largest fluvial archipelagos in the world, with 400 verdant islands home to highly diversified flora and fauna, including caimans, giant otters and puma. The dark waters of the Rio Negro snake through the area forming hundreds of lakes, creeks and streams.
9 days / from2042 USD
Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more
Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1700 USD
Blissful Brazil
Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2683 USD
Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls
Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1370 USD
Extraordinary Brazil - Paraty & Iguaçu
Combine adventure and nature in Paraty with the stunning Iguaçu waterfalls. Your trip starts in the colonial town Paraty, Costa Verde's main attraction. Jeep rides, beaches, and a lot of culture are part of the program. Afterwards, fly to Foz do Iguaçu and see the falls from both Argentina & Brazil.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2950 USD
Jaguars in North Pantanal
Spend a week in a lodge in North Pantanal with boat tours, walking trails, horseback riding and an unforgettable Jaguar expedition. Experienced wildlife guides are available in the lodge to explain more of the fascinating fauna and flora around you.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2700 USD
Pure Wildlife - North Pantanal & Amazonia
Discover the world's largest continental flood area - the Pantanal, one of the richest places in biodiversity. Continue your wildlife trip to the Amazon River. Your lodges throughout the trip are located right in nature, with easy access to lodge trails around.
view tour ⤍6 days / from3533 USD
Brazilian Folk Art: Immersion in the Ceramic Valley
This is an unforgettable and intense journey of learning, exchanging and discovering alongside a cultural mediator and the ceramics’ masters the empowerment of the communities. Campo Buriti is a small community with 700 inhabitants where women make the famous clay dolls.
view tour ⤍14 days / from1933 USD
An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7500 USD
Luxury Holidays in South America
Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.
view tour ⤍5 days / from2813 USD
Secrets and Spices of the Amazon
Have you ever imagined tasting the delights of Amazonian cuisine? Uncover the secrets and spices of this unique region that has yet to be discovered by the world and go on a journey that aims at bringing about positive impacts.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2500 USD
Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu
A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
view tour ⤍3 days / from590 USD
Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina
Imagine two nights in this breathtaking destination, coupled with an exhilarating full-day excursion to witness the majestic Iguazu Falls, both in Argentina and Brazil. Experience the power of nature up close, with private services ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1920 USD
North Pantanal in 5 Days
Spend the first night in Cuiaba before heading to the Pantanal. Over the next two days, indulge in exciting daily activities, ranging from boat trips to horseback riding and hikes. All lodges include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
view tour ⤍Inaugurated in 1896 during the government of Eduardo Ribeiro, the Manaus Opera House is without a doubt one of the Amazon’s most iconic buildings. It was built during the rubber boom era, at a time when Manaus was one of the wealthiest cities in Brazil. The theatre’s sumptuous interior features crystal mirrors, marble columns, Louis XV style furniture and porcelain vases that were all imported from Europe, and transported to this most unusual location by vessel up the Amazon River.
written by Kiki Deere
updated 16.11.2020
Raised bilingually in London and Turin, Kiki Deere is a travel writer specialising in Italy. She has seen her work published in a number of magazines and UK broadsheets, including The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and Lonely Planet online. She has completed numerous guidebook writing assignments for Rough Guides that have taken her to far-flung corners of the globe, from the Brazilian Amazon to the remotest province of the Philippines. Follow her @kikideere on Instagram and Twitter.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil