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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 Rough Guides Editors
updated 20.07.2021
Rio's residents call their home the Cidade Marvilhosa – and there can’t be much argument about that. The city is home to some of the greatest landmarks in the world, from the Corcovado mountain, supporting the great statue of Christ the Redeemer, to the famous sweeps of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. With the World Cup well and truly underway in Brazil, there's never been a better time to plan a visit. Taken from the brand new Rough Guides Snapshot Rio de Janeiro, here are eight of the city's highlights:
The Corcovado: Its giant statue of Christ with outstretched arms is Rio’s most famous image and it has the best views across the city.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro: One of the smallest of Rio’s colonial churches, but certainly the most beautiful.
Ipanema beach: The city’s best beach for people watching.
Instituto Moreira Salles: This splendid modernist house hosts noteworthy exhibits of nineteenth-century Brazilian art and photography.
Parque Nacional da Tijuca: With a variety of trails and a wealth of flora and fauna, this fine city park offers spectacular views of Rio.
Lapa nightlife: Samba, forró and other Brazilian rhythms pound out of the bars and nightclubs of this central Bohemian district.
Museu de Arte Contemporânea: One of Oscar Niemeyer’s most stunning creations; on a fine day, its views across the bay to Rio are dazzling.
Paraty: Among the prettiest and best preserved colonial towns in Brazil, Paraty is also a great base to explore the Costa Verde’s islands and beaches.
For more inspiration for visitng Brazil check out our guide to the best things to do in Brazil.
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 ⤍Buy the Rough Guides Snapshot Rio de Janeiro. Book hostels for your trip, and don't forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 20.07.2021
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil