Brazi itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Brazil is the largest country in South America, and traveling here means covering long distances. The Amazon basin is vast and full of waterways, the Pantanal is one of the best regions for wildlife, and the coastline runs for thousands of miles with cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador scattered along it. Inland, smaller colonial towns and craft traditions give a different sense of the country.

Because the distances are so big, it’s worth thinking carefully about how much you can fit into one Brazil itinerary. Rough Guides’ local experts can help you do just that, taking care of flights, hotels, and logistics while you focus on the experience.

Best Brazil itinerary at a glance

Some people spend a week focusing on one area, like the Pantanal for wildlife or Rio for city life and beaches. Others link a couple of regions in 10 days. With two weeks you can travel farther, maybe connecting Iguaçu Falls with the Amazon or Bonito. However much time you have, it’s worth planning a route that avoids backtracking

• 7 days in Brazil itinerary: Spend a week in the Jequitinhonha Valley in Minas Gerais. This is a rural area known for its ceramic traditions, where you’ll meet local artisans, stay with families, and see how pottery is part of everyday life. It’s a slower-paced trip with a focus on culture.
• 10 days in Brazil itinerary: Divide your time between São Paulo, Iguaçu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro. You’ll get a mix of city life, dramatic waterfalls, and time by the coast. This works well if it’s your first trip and you want variety without trying to do too much.
• 14 days in Brazil itinerary: With two weeks you can see Rio, Iguaçu Falls, the Pantanal, and Bonito. This adds wildlife and outdoor activities to the better-known highlights and gives you a broader sense of the country’s landscapes. 

Want real local insight? Our Brazil local travel experts know the destination inside out.

7 days in Brazil itinerary

How to plan a trip to Brazil if you don't have a ton of time? This week in Brazil's Jequitinhonha Valley connects historic towns with pottery traditions that span generations. You’ll meet artisans, work with clay, and stay with families who keep these traditions alive. This is a great sustainable trip that helps support the local economy and culture. 

Day 1: Diamantina

Drive from Belo Horizonte to Diamantina, a UNESCO World Heritage town in the Espinhaço Mountains. Once a diamond-mining center in the 1700s, it’s now known for cobblestone streets and baroque churches. In the afternoon, take a walking tour that includes the Igreja do Carmo and the Casa da Chica da Silva.

Day 2: Journey to Campo Buriti

Travel time: 4–5 hours

The road from Diamantina to Campo Buriti winds through the Jequitinhonha Valley, with views of mountains and small villages along the way. Buses run this route, but private transport gives you the flexibility to stop at roadside pottery stands or scenic viewpoints.

Many travelers arrange their stay in Campo Buriti through a local cooperative, which connects visitors with ceramicist families. On arrival, you might share lunch with an artisan who also hosts you in their home. Conversations over the meal give you a sense of how ceramics fit into daily life.

Staying with a host family gives you a sense of everyday life, and regional dishes such as pequi chicken and mandioca bring a taste of the local food culture.

Day 3: Campo Alegre

Spend the day learning coil and pinch methods from a local master such as Deuzani, one of the valley’s best-known craftswomen. These techniques shape everything from water jugs to figurines, and a hands-on lesson helps you appreciate the skill involved.

Later, visit Campo Alegre’s community arts museum and exhibition hangar, where you see how regional styles have evolved. Evenings back with your host family give more perspective on how pottery remains central to life in the valley. This is by far one of the best places to visit in Brazil.

Day 4: Women's cooperative & traditional firing

A visit to the Craftswomen’s Association of Campo Buriti highlights how ceramics sustain families and traditions. Workshops often focus on painting and oleio finishing, which create the valley’s recognizable glazes and patterns.

In the evening, your piece goes into a wood-fired kiln, guided by artisans using methods passed down for generations. Watching the firing is as much a community gathering as it is a practical step in the process.

Insider tip: Stand upwind during the kiln firing so you can watch without the smoke.

Day 5: Master artist meeting & community farewell

Through the same cooperative that arranged your homestay, you’ll be introduced to artists who have shaped the region’s reputation. One of them is Zezinha, a leading ceramicist whose work is recognized across Brazil. Meeting her shows how personal creativity grows from shared traditions, and her story links the valley’s history with the ceramics being made today.

Travel time: 4–5 hours

The return drive to Diamantina follows the same mountain road, but after a week of workshops and conversations, the landscape carries new meaning.

Insider tip: Buy ceramics directly from the artisans instead of waiting until you’re back in Diamantina.
 

Day 6: Diamantina

Spend the morning at Casa da Glória and Mercado dos Tropeiros for a last look at Diamantina’s colonial history and everyday culture. The museum highlights religious art and period furnishings, while the market brings together ceramics, textiles, and regional food.

Travel time: 4–5 hours

The drive to Belo Horizonte follows the BR-259 highway through mountain towns. Buses are available, though private transport is easier if you’re carrying ceramics.

Insider tip: Wrap your ceramics in bubble wrap provided by the cooperative as newspaper can leave stains and won’t protect as well.

Day 7: Belo Horizonte

Use your last morning to shop for gifts or food at Belo Horizonte’s Central Market or browse the stores in Savassi before heading to the airport. A week in the Jequitinhonha Valley shows how art and community remain deeply tied together.

Insider tip: Arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international departures.

Want a smoother trip planned your way? Our local travel experts create custom itineraries and support you throughout.
 

10 days in Brazil itinerary

Ten days gives you a clear introduction to Brazil, with time split between São Paulo, Iguaçu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro. This route combines city life, natural landmarks, and coastal scenery for a first look at the country.

Day 1: São Paulo arrival

Fly into Guarulhos International Airport and head into São Paulo. Avenida Paulista is a good starting point, lined with offices, museums, and cafés. Murals and painted walls are part of the city’s identity, and it’s easy to take a casual evening walk here as the nightlife begins.

Insider tip: Download Uber before you arrive. It’s often the most reliable way to get around.

Day 2: São Paulo sightseeing

Begin at Catedral da Sé in the historic center. From there, walk to Pátio do Colégio, where the city was founded in 1554, now home to a small museum on São Paulo’s early history.

Continue into Higienópolis for a look at the city’s Jewish heritage, then head back to Avenida Paulista to visit the São Paulo Museum of Art, known for its striking red structure and wide collection. End the day at Instituto Butantan, a research center where you can learn about snakes and antivenoms.

Insider tip: Admission at MASP is free on Tuesday afternoons, which also means fewer people compared to weekends.
 

Day 3: Travel to Foz do Iguaçu

Travel time: 2-hour flight

Flights from São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport to Foz do Iguaçu run often with airlines like GOL and LATAM. The short flight shifts quickly from city to farmland and then forest. After landing, settle in at your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu, a border town that connects Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

In the evening, head to the Rafain Show. It’s a cultural performance with dance and music from across Latin America, paired with a churrasco dinner where you can try a range of meats and sides.

Day 4: Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls

Spend the day in Iguaçu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that protects one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. On the Brazilian side, trails take you to panoramic viewpoints of more than 280 cascades.

As you move through the Atlantic Forest you may see toucans, coatis, and butterflies. The walkway at Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) leads to the most dramatic section, where water plunges into the river and mist rises high into the air.

Insider tip: Bring a rain jacket or poncho and keep electronics covered, as the spray carries a long distance.
 

Day 5: Argentine side of Iguaçu Falls

Cross into Argentina for a closer look at the falls. The walkways here bring you near cascades like Dos Hermanas and Bosetti. The trails cut through thick forest, with birds calling overhead and coatis often moving along the paths.

The upper circuit takes you to the top of Devil’s Throat, while the lower circuit brings you down near smaller waterfalls and natural pools, a welcome break from the heat.

Day 6: Travel to Rio de Janeiro

Travel time: 2.5 hours flight

Flights run daily from Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro, either to Santos Dumont Airport in the city center or Galeão International farther out. From the plane you’ll see Brazil’s coastline before landing.

Many visitors stay in Copacabana, with hotels along the curve of the beach. In the evening you can walk the patterned promenade, try coconut water or queijo coalho from a kiosk, and watch the sunset light up Christ the Redeemer in the distance.

Day 7: Christ the Redeemer

From Cosme Velho station, the cog train takes about 20 minutes to reach the top of Corcovado through the forest of Tijuca National Park. Christ the Redeemer stands 98 feet (30m) tall with arms 92 feet (28m) wide, looking over Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf, and the shoreline below.

On your return, spend time along Rio’s beaches. São Conrado is known for hang-gliders, Leblon is more refined, Ipanema draws a younger crowd, and Copacabana stays active at all hours. For lunch, a churrascaria is a classic choice where grilled meats are carved directly at your table.

Day 8: Rio’s sights

Start at the Selarón Steps, a staircase in Lapa covered in bright tiles collected by the artist Jorge Selarón over more than two decades. Continue on the Santa Teresa tram, which winds through narrow streets past colonial houses now used as galleries, studios, and cafes. From the hillside there are wide views over the city and Guanabara Bay.

In the center, the Metropolitan Cathedral rises like a modern pyramid with stained glass stretching 262 feet (80m) high. You can also visit the Sambadrome, where the Carnival parade is held each year with elaborate floats and thousands of dancers.

Day 9: Sugarloaf Mountain

The cable car to Sugarloaf runs in two stages. The first stops at Urca Hill, where there are short walking trails and monkeys in the trees. The second continues to the 1,299-foot (396m) summit, with open views of the city, the beaches, and Christ the Redeemer.

Back on the ground, explore Rio’s downtown. The Imperial Palace once hosted Portuguese royalty and São Bento Monastery has an interior decorated in baroque gold.

Insider tip: Plan your cable car ride down for late afternoon when the light over the city is at its best.

Day 10: Departure

Travel time: 45 minutes to Galeão International Airport

On your last day, transfer to Galeão International Airport on Governador Island. Leave extra time for international check-in and security. The duty-free section sells Brazilian coffee, cachaça, and crafts that are easy to bring home.

Prefer a trip made to fit you? Our local experts design itineraries around your needs and give you full support.
 

14 days in Brazil itinerary

Two weeks in Brazil gives you time to see both its famous landmarks and its wild landscapes. During this Brazil itinerary, you’ll hear waterfalls crashing, watch for jaguars and hyacinth macaws, snorkel in clear freshwater springs, and travel through the largest tropical wetland on the planet.

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro

At Galeão International Airport you may already glimpse Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain above the coast. The drive into the city passes long beaches and green hills, giving a first impression of Rio’s dramatic setting. After checking in, take the afternoon slowly with a walk nearby, coconut water from a vendor, or a look at beach life on Copacabana or Ipanema.

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer

Ride the cog train through Tijuca National Park to reach Christ the Redeemer. From the top, the 125-foot (38-meter) statue looks out across Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf, and the city.

In the afternoon you can see Maracanã Stadium, Jorge Selarón’s staircase, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Sambadrome. Later, return to Tijuca where waterfalls and birds are only a short distance from downtown.
 

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro landmarks

The cable car to Sugar Loaf climbs in two stages to 1,300 feet (396 meters) with wide views over the coast. Afterwards, explore Santa Teresa’s cobbled streets with colonial houses, studios, and cafés.

In the historic center, see the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, Praça XV, and the France-Brazil House. End the day at Confeitaria Colombo, a 19th-century café known for ornate mirrors and pastries.

Day 4: Rio to Foz do Iguaçu

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Flights from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu are frequent, and after landing it’s only about 15 minutes to hotels near the park.

In the afternoon, walk the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, where more than 270 cascades stretch for 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) along the river. The trail ends with a boardwalk facing Devil’s Throat, where the power of the falls is felt in the spray and sound. Before evening, visit Parque das Aves to see toucans, parrots, flamingos, and other rainforest birds.
 

Day 5: Foz do Iguaçu Argentine side

The next day, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Argentina and take the small train through the forest to different viewpoints. Here you reach Devil’s Throat again, this time from above, looking straight down into its 260-foot (80-meter) drop.

The upper circuit gives wide views of falls such as Dos Hermanas and San Martin, while the lower circuit takes you closer to the base. Keep watch for coatis, butterflies, and tropical birds along the trails.

Day 6: Foz to South Pantanal

Travel time: 1 hour flight plus 3–4 hour drive

Take a morning flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Campo Grande, the main entry point for the Pantanal. From there, it’s a long drive south through changing landscapes, shifting from dry savanna to wide floodplains dotted with ranches and the occasional wildlife sighting.

By the time you reach the South Pantanal, the scenery has opened into wetlands, gallery forests, and grasslands that support jaguars, giant otters, hyacinth macaws, and caimans. Your first activity is a night safari, where you might spot anteaters digging for termites, foxes along the riverbanks, and capybaras grazing at the water’s edge.

Insider tip: Neutral clothing and avoiding perfume make it easier to approach wildlife on evening drives.
 

Day 7: South Pantanal

Spend the day exploring deeper into the wetlands by 4WD, following tracks that lead to watering holes where animals gather. These areas bring the best chances of spotting jaguars or otters in the wild.

In the afternoon, saddle up for a horseback ride across fazenda land. It’s a way to experience the ranching traditions that shaped the Pantanal while also seeing the landscape from a different angle. Evenings are quieter, best spent in a hammock listening as monkeys call in the trees and caimans shift in the water nearby.

Insider tip: Bring a headlamp with a red filter to observe nocturnal animals without disturbing them.

Day 8: South Pantanal rivers and birds

Take a speedboat along the Aquidauana River, where giant otters hunt in the shallows and jabiru storks wade at the banks. The river links forest, grassland, and wetland habitats, showing how closely the Pantanal’s ecosystems connect.

Birdwatching is especially rewarding here. Hyacinth macaws, toucans, herons, and kingfishers are common sightings, and a guided walk introduces you to native plants, their uses, and how people live with the cycles of flooding and drought.

Insider tip: Download a bird ID app before your trip. More than 200 species are regularly recorded here.
 

Day 9: Pantanal to Bonito

Begin the morning in a canoe on the Miranda River, gliding quietly past wading birds, caimans, and sometimes giant otters.

Later, transfer to Bonito. The landscape shifts from wetlands to limestone plateau, a change that explains the region’s clear rivers and underground springs.

Insider tip: Keep your camera ready on the road, rheas and armadillos are often seen along this route.

Day 10: Bonito

On day 10 oF this Brazil itinerary, start with a walk to the Olho d’Água River Spring, where limestone formations feed a strikingly clear blue pool. From there, snorkel downstream through waters so transparent you can see fish and aquatic plants with visibility reaching 130 feet (40 meters).

In the afternoon, visit Buraco das Araras, a 407-foot (124-meter) limestone crater created by a collapsed cave. Hundreds of red-and-green macaws return here to roost in the late afternoon, filling the sky with color and sound.

Insider tip: Arrive by 4pm for the most active macaw viewing as they return to the crater walls.
 

Day 11: Bonito underground

Blue Lagoon Cave brings you into an underground lake surrounded by limestone formations shaped over thousands of years. The air stays cool inside, and the water’s strong blue color comes from the way minerals reflect sunlight filtering through the rock above.

At Estância Mimosa, trails lead through forest where the connection between limestone and the plants growing around it is easy to see. Swimming in the waterfalls and natural pools is a good way to cool off while hearing tropical birds all around. The property also protects the freshwater system through careful conservation projects.

Day 12: Bonito to Rio

Travel time: 1 hour drive plus 2 hour flight

In the morning, you’ll drive to Campo Grande Airport before your flight to Rio de Janeiro. GOL and LATAM both run this route, and with afternoon arrivals you’ll have the evening free.

Back in Rio, take the evening to experience samba. You could watch a professional show at Plataforma Rio or take a lesson in Lapa, the neighborhood where the dance first developed. At night, Lapa’s streets fill with live music and performers in the open squares.
 

Day 13: Rio

Spend your last full day mixing outdoor time with local culture. Take a moderate hike in Tijuca National Park to Pedra Bonita for wide views across the coastline. Along the trail, watch for butterflies, birds, and native plants.

Later, relax at Ipanema or Copacabana. Volleyball, soccer, and surfing play out on the sand all day, and watching it is as much a part of the experience as swimming. In the afternoon, the Ipanema Hippie Fair brings together local artists selling jewelry, textiles, and paintings.

Day 14: Departure

On your last morning, you might pick up coffee, a bottle of cachaça, or a small piece of art to take home. The drive to Galeão International Airport gives you time to reflect on two weeks of waterfalls, wildlife in the Pantanal, crystal-clear springs, and samba in Rio.

Insider tip: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight, as security and immigration in Rio can move slowly.
 

Personalize your Brazil travel itinerary

Every traveler approaches Brazil differently, and Rough Guides’ local experts adjust plans to match. If wildlife is the focus, they’ll point you toward the Pantanal or Amazon lodges. If food and culture are more your style, Rio, São Paulo, and Salvador make a strong combination. They can arrange transport, accommodation, and local guides who help with context and language.

The main benefit is knowing that our local experts are local to area and know everything there is to known about Brazil. You’ll also have 24/7 support, so if a flight is delayed or you want to change plans, help is available. With the distances involved and the range of regions to cover, having that safety net makes the trip smoother. Ready to plan? Make your free sample itinerary.
 

Other Brazil travel itineraries

If you have more time or want a different focus, there are plenty of ways to plan a trip around Brazil. Some routes highlight wildlife and nature, while others lean into history, culture, or time by the water. Think about what matters most to you, then build around that.

Best Rio de Janiero itinerary

This week in Rio focuses on the landmarks everyone comes to see along with time in neighborhoods where daily life plays out. You’ll get the famous views, but also a closer look at how people live and celebrate in the city.

• Days 1 to 3: Classic Rio icons
  • Start with Rio’s most recognizable sights. Take the cog train through Tijuca National Park to reach Christ the Redeemer, then ride the cable cars to Sugar Loaf Mountain for sweeping views over Copacabana and Guanabara Bay. These first days help you get oriented and show off Rio’s dramatic setting between ocean and mountains.
• Days 4 & 5: Neighborhoods and nature
  • Spend time at Ipanema Beach before taking the tram into Santa Teresa to walk its hillside streets lined with old homes and small cafés. Set aside part of the day for a hike in Tijuca National Park to reach quieter viewpoints. In the evening, head to Lapa where samba clubs keep the district lively well into the night.
• Days 6 & 7: Culture and community
  • Finish the week with experiences that give a fuller picture of the city. Take a guided walk through Rocinha favela to hear local perspectives, visit the historic Maracanã Stadium, and close with live samba in Lapa. These final days connect music, sport, and community life with the landmarks you saw earlier.

Best family Brazil itinerary

This Brazil itinerary works well for families, keeping days active without being overwhelming. Attractions are chosen with children in mind, blending open spaces with interactive learning and chances to play.

• Days 1 to 3: Rio de Janiero
  • Begin with child-friendly versions of the classics. The cog train ride to Christ the Redeemer and the cable cars to Sugar Loaf Mountain are exciting for kids while staying easy to manage. Add a short walk in Tijuca National Park and pedal boats on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon for time outdoors without long distances.
• Days 4 & 5: Copacabana
  • Mix beach time at Copacabana with stops that hold children’s attention. AquaRio aquarium brings them face to face with sharks and tropical fish, and the Museum of Tomorrow has interactive exhibits designed for hands-on learning. The butterfly greenhouse in the Botanical Garden is another favorite, giving kids space to slow down and watch nature up close.
• Days 6  & 7: Wildlife
  • Spend the morning at Rio Zoo, home to jaguars, toucans, and other native species. Later, head to Parque Lage, where children can swim in natural pools and explore gardens at their own pace. End with the Olympic Park, where interactive displays let them try out different sports in a playful way.
     

Best beach Brazil itinerary

This nine-day Brazil itinerary takes you from the force of Iguaçu Falls to the beaches of Rio. You’ll start with days spent exploring the waterfalls before moving on to the coast.

• Days 1 to 3: Iguaçu Falls
  • Begin at Iguaçu Falls, where nearly 280 cascades stretch across the Brazil–Argentina border. Walkways on both sides bring different perspectives, from broad panoramas to the spray of Devil’s Throat. The ecological train inside the park makes moving between trails easy, and nearby the Bird Park is home to more than 150 rainforest species.
• Days 4 to 6: Rio Beach
  • Fly to Rio de Janeiro and see the city from above at Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Down at sea level, spend time on Copacabana playing volleyball, try surfing at Barra da Tijuca, or simply relax at a kiosk with a caipirinha while kids play in the sand.
• Days 7 to 9: Extended coastal exploration
  • Close your trip with more of Rio’s coastline. Barra da Tijuca stretches for 11 miles (18 km), while Grumari Beach inside a protected reserve feels far from the city. Recreio dos Bandeirantes has dramatic rock formations and wide sands. Between paddleboarding, jet skiing, and downtime by the water, your last days can be spent actively or by relaxing.
     

Brazil travel itineraries FAQ

Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning a Brazil itinerary.

How many days are enough for Brazil?

For a first trip, 10 to 14 days works well. That gives you enough time to see a few key regions without racing from place to place.

In two weeks you could spend time in Rio de Janeiro, take a flight to Manaus to explore the Amazon, head to Salvador for Afro-Brazilian culture, and finish at Iguazu Falls. Each destination feels very different, with its own food, music, and atmosphere.

Things rarely start exactly when planned. Dinners, tours, and even flights may begin 15 to 30 minutes later than scheduled. It is not considered rude, just part of daily life. You will probably find yourself adjusting to it.

With only a week, focus on Rio and one other destination, such as Salvador or the Amazon. Anything shorter than five days makes it hard to get a real sense of the country.

What is the best time to visit Brazil?

December through March is the busiest season, with Carnival and summer holidays filling beaches and cities. The atmosphere is lively, but hotels cost more and temperatures climb.

April to June and August to November are arguably the best time to visit Brazil, with good weather, lighter crowds, and lower prices. The Amazon stays hot year-round, though June to November is drier, which helps with wildlife sightings and reduces mosquitoes. Southern Brazil can feel cool from June to September, with sweater weather and occasional frost in places like Curitiba.

For beach trips, the Northeast around Fortaleza and Natal is sunny most of the year, especially July through December.
 

How do you get around Brazil?

There are a lot of options for getting around Brazil.

Between cities

Flying saves the most time. São Paulo to Manaus takes five hours by plane, compared to four days by road. GOL, LATAM, and Azul are the main airlines, and booking ahead usually lowers the price. Long-distance buses are another reliable option. They are comfortable, often overnight, and come with reclining seats and bathrooms. Companies like Cometa and Itapemirim connect the major cities.

Within cities

The metro systems in Rio and São Paulo are clean and safe for reaching main areas, though they do not cover the whole city. Uber is inexpensive and works well in most places. City buses are very cheap, but routes can be confusing without Portuguese.

Driving

Renting a car is useful in certain regions, like the southern wine country or along the coast. Driving in large cities is not recommended because of traffic and parking issues. Highways range from excellent in the South to rough in remote regions. An international driving permit is technically required.
 

How much does a trip to Brazil cost?

Compared with its neighbors, Brazil is middle range in price: higher than Bolivia or Peru, lower than Chile or Uruguay.

• Budget (R$400 to 700 / $65 to 115 per day): Hostel dorms, street food, local buses, and free activities like hiking or beach time. Lunch specials known as “prato feito” are filling and usually cost R$20 to 30.
• Mid-range (R$700 to 1,500 / $115  to 250 per day): Guesthouses or mid-level hotels, restaurant meals, Uber rides, and paid attractions like Christ the Redeemer. This is the most common range for international visitors.
• Luxury (R$1,500+ / $250+ per day): Beachfront resorts, fine dining, private transfers, and extras like helicopter rides over Rio.

How different are the Amazon, Northeast beaches, Rio/São Paulo, and the South?

Traveling between these regions feels like visiting separate countries.

• Amazon:  Life revolves around the rivers and the forest. Most travel is by boat, and days often include wildlife excursions, fishing, or visiting small communities. Staying in a lodge means you wake up to the sounds of birds and monkeys instead of city traffic.
• Northeast coast: The culture here has a strong Afro-Brazilian influence, especially in Bahia. You see it in the food, music, and religious traditions. The coastline stretches for hundreds of miles with a mix of lively beach towns and quieter fishing villages. You’ll also come across capoeira circles, colonial squares, and busy seafood markets.
• Rio and São Paulo: These are Brazil’s two biggest cities, but they feel very different. Rio is defined by its mix of sea and mountains, with samba and football woven into daily life. São Paulo is huge and business-driven, with endless restaurants, nightlife, and art spaces. People often joke that Rio plays while São Paulo works, and that contrast is easy to notice when you visit both.
• South: Beyond its immigrant history, the South is known for wide open landscapes, cooler weather, and strong regional identities. Rio Grande do Sul is home to gaucho culture, with churrasco barbecues, yerba mate (chimarrão), and cattle ranch traditions. Santa Catarina has a dramatic coastline with surf beaches and a string of islands offshore.

How widely is English spoken in tourist areas vs off-the-beaten-path?

English is not widely spoken compared to some other Latin American countries. In Rio’s beach neighborhoods, major attractions, and higher-end hotels, you will usually find someone who speaks enough to help. São Paulo’s business areas and airports are similar.

Outside of these, English becomes rare. Even in popular destinations like Salvador or Florianópolis, taxi drivers and restaurant staff may not speak it. A translation app is very useful, and learning a few basic Portuguese phrases makes daily travel easier. “Onde fica” (where is), “quanto custa” (how much), and “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you) go a long way.

In rural areas and the Amazon, you may go days without meeting an English speaker. For activities like jungle treks, hiring a bilingual guide is the best option. Locals are usually patient with visitors trying Portuguese and will often rely on gestures or phone apps to communicate.

How do I book a reputable Amazon tour?

Don’t book tours from street vendors in Manaus. They usually charge more for experiences that aren’t well run. It’s better to arrange something in advance with established companies such as Amazon Gero Tours, Iguana Turismo, or Amazon Emotions.

A reliable operator will be registered with CADASTUR, Brazil’s official tourism registry. Reading recent reviews that talk about the guides and the amount of wildlife seen is also helpful.

Good tours usually include boat transfers from Manaus, meals, and English-speaking naturalist guides. You can expect to pay around $100 to $200 per person per day for a lodge stay that includes activities and meals.

Accommodation is generally simple but comfortable, and you should be cautious of very cheap tours that promise luxury. 
 

What are the current safety concerns in major cities like Rio and São Paulo?

Petty theft is the main issue in both Rio and São Paulo, so staying alert makes a big difference. In Rio, avoid wearing jewelry or expensive watches, and keep your phone out of sight when not in use. Beaches can be risky for theft, so only bring essentials and small amounts of cash.

In São Paulo, steer clear of the old downtown and Cracolândia at night. Use Uber instead of hailing cabs on the street, especially after dark. If someone does try to rob you, hand things over quickly.

Favela tours are best done only with companies that work directly with local communities, never on your own. When withdrawing cash, use ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers.

In Rio, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches empty quickly after sunset, and it’s safer to leave once the crowds go. Police are more present in tourist areas now, but response times are not fast. Many visitors travel safely in both cities by staying aware, keeping valuables out of sight, and spending time in busier areas.

Ready to dive in? Rough Guides’ local travel experts live in the places you’ll visit and know them well. They’ll build a trip around your plans, sort the logistics, and give you ongoing support throughout. Learn more about our tailor made trips.