Chrissy If you haven’t been to Brazil already, it’s time you start planning a trip ASAP. This country has plenty of rhythmic beats to dance your way around. Here you will discover plenty of jaw-dropping wonders from picturesque towns, the quiet beauty of the Amazon Rainforest, and vibrant nightlife to samba in the heart of Rio. Brazil has something for every type of traveler. Well, if you’re a beach lover, someone into culture, or an outdoor explorer, this South American destination is filled with experiences waiting to be discovered.
I am going to share with you the best places to visit in Brazil—perfect for anyone who wants who is ready to plan their ultimate Brazilian adventure.
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Why Visit Brazil?
If you’re wondering why you should visit Brazil, I have many reasons why you need to add this country to your bucket list!
Vibrant Festivals & Music
The culture and traditions here are very diverse, with a melting pot of African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences.
Brazilian culture is filled with the rich musical styles of bossa nova and Samba. Visit in February and experience one of the most popular things to do in Brazil is Carnival! Or attend any of their other Afro-Brazilian festivals like Lavaggem do Bonfim, Festa de lemanjá, and others throughout the year. If you’re planning on visiting other Latin American countries as well, check out my guide for things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Landscapes
Brazil has many natural wonders to explore, such as the Amazon River, Amazon Rainforest, Iguazu Falls, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and stunning beaches like Copacabana or Ipanema. These top Brazil tourist attractions are just a few to add to your list of where to go in Brazil.
The Weather
Love the heat? If you’re a lover of tropical weather, you can escape the cold and experience warm weather year-round in the North and Southeast regions. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures, don’t write off Brazil just yet. Southern Brazil offers more winter weather, paired with cozy mountainous towns for those who prefer to avoid a tropical climate.
Brazilian Food
Brazilian food has become one of my favorite cuisines since visiting. One of my favorite meals I suggest you try is feijoda, which is a comforting and hearty black bean stew. Other dishes you should indulge in while there are pão de queijo, delicious cheese bread, and the açai bowls. Just a warning before you dip your spoon in an açaí bowl in Brazil, they will never taste the same anywhere else. A visit to Brazil wouldn’t be complete without a trip to an authentic Brazilian steakhouse as well.
Brazilians
Another reason why you should visit Brazil is the locals. Brazilians are famous for their laid-back vibes, friendliness, and charm. It’s not a rumor, but true!
Map of Brazil with Highlights
Paraty
Paraty is a picturesque town located about 4 hours outside Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Its colonial charm makes it one of the unique places to visit in Brazil and one of the best cities in South America. Lush landscapes, rich history, and its 18th-century charm are just a few of the qualities that make Paraty so special. It reminds me a lot of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, another beautiful town worth exploring in South America.
Paraty is one of the many hidden gems in Brazil. You will find it surrounded by clear waters and lush green mountains. One of the many things to do in Paraty is to take a boat ride and explore the hidden beaches to snorkel or admire the scenery. Praia do Pontal is another spot deserving of your visit in Paraty. Here you can lie out and get sun-kissed or go for a refreshing swim. If you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants on the beach to grab some delicious fresh seafood and an ice-cold caipirinha.
Cachaça is a Brazilian liquor, and there are plenty of distilleries in this area to take a tour and do tastings. Just watch out, as a good cachaça is very smooth to drink, but it can slowly sneak up on you. While in Paraty, be sure to walk the historical center and admire the colorful doors and shop for local souvenirs.
For foodies, Paraty is for you! Satisfy your palate at one of the many restaurants, such Pousada e Restaurant Bartholomeu, Restaurant Camino Do Ouro, or Banana da Terra.
The easiest way to reach Paraty is by car from Rio or São Paulo. Along the route, you will have amazing views of the mountains and the sea. However, if you don’t feel comfortable driving on mountains, you can also book a shuttle that can pick you up directly from the hotel. Shuttle pick up from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo to take you directly to Paraty is available as well. Another way to reach Paraty is by bus. Keep in mind, it will take longer to reach your destination and cost around $25.
Ilha Grande
One of the best Brazil vacation spots to visit is the beautiful island of Ilha Grande.
Located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, getting to the island from the city of the same name is very straightforward. You’ll need to take a bus to Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí (roughly 4 hours). From there, you can take a ferry, which will take about 1.5 hours, or a speedboat, which will take about 30 minutes. However exactly you decide to get there, visiting is well worth the journey.
Filled with lush rainforest, pristine beaches, myriad wildlife, and trails, Ilha Grande has no shortage of nature and outdoor beauty to experience and explore. One of the most popular hikes on Ilha Grande goes from Abraão to Lopes Mendes. This moderate out-and-back trail is about 8.5 miles and takes roughly 5 hours to complete. The reward of reaching Lopes Mendes Beach is particularly satisfying as it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Brazil. The All Trails website and app provide details on this hike and numerous others on Ilha Grande.
A great way to get an overall view of the beaches Ilha Grande has to offer is to go on a full-day boat tour. These tours frequently include stops at several beaches and popular spots to swim and snorkel. Taking a tour that circumnavigates the entire island will give you an idea of which beaches you may like to go back to and spend more time on. Because no trip to this island is complete without a proper lazy beach day.
Contributed by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels
Gramado
Gramado, Brazil, is a place that has to be on your bucket list. Easily reachable from major cities like Florianópolis and Porto Alegre by bus or rental car, the European-style city has much to offer. If you’re a Christmas fan, Gramado runs a festival called Natal Luz (Christmas of Lights) roughly between November and January every year. You’ll see Christmas lights all throughout the town and even a Christmas parade that runs through the city center. If you’re less of a Christmas fan, there’s still a lot to do in the town. You can visit one of the many chocolate shops or visit the chocolate museum, where you’ll get plenty of free samples at the end.
For nature lovers, Caracol Park in neighboring Canela is a fun day out. There you’ll find a beautiful waterfall and some short hiking trails. Nothing too strenuous, but bring good shoes in case the weather is somewhat rainy. Getting there is easy, as rideshare apps like Uber are very affordable and you can find them everywhere.
While it’s a little further from the city, don’t skip Aparados da Serra National Park. It’s easy to visit with a day tour, where you can see the breathtaking canyon and deep waterfall with your own eyes. Do prepare for a very bumpy ride getting there and back, as they’re still working on paving the road.
Contributed by Marjolein from Spark Nomad
Iguazu Falls
The bucket list-worthy Iguazu Falls is without a doubt one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil and well-known throughout the world!
With 275 different waterfalls, it’s the world’s largest waterfall system, not to mention an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.
The park stretches across two different countries — Brazil and Argentina — and although the Brazilian side is the smaller portion, it offers a ton of jaw-dropping scenery.
The Brazilian side is also extremely easy to navigate. There’s just one path that you can follow through the park, and although it’s just one mile, it’s packed with unforgettable viewpoints.
The main event, however, is at Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), a massive, 260-foot-tall, horseshoe-shaped waterfall. The panoramic view you’ll get here will stay with you forever!
While visiting Iguazu, definitely spend some time on the Argentinian side as well, as this makes up the bulk of the park.
The Brazil side of Iguazu Falls only requires about three hours or so, so while it may be tempting to visit both sides in one day, the Argentina side is best enjoyed over several hours. So, if possible, add two full days to Iguazu Falls, so you can experience both sides at a more relaxed pace.
The easiest way to reach the town is to fly — Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian town where the falls are, has its very own airport, which has daily direct flights from other destinations in Brazil like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. To get to the actual falls, buses leave every 30 minutes or so from Terminal Transporte Urbano in Foz do Iguaçu, and will be the most affordable option, but Ubers as well as guided tours are also available.
Admission to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is currently R$117 for foreigners, and tickets can either be purchased online or at the park entrance.
Contributed by Tess from Tess The Traveler
Rio de Janeiro
Of course, one of the top cities in Brazil to visit is Rio de Janeiro. It’s a city where even the sidewalks feel like a party. Rio offers tons of exciting attractions and things to do, including some wheelchair accessible Rio activities for disabled travelers.
Getting to Rio is easy; simply fly into Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International airport.
You can start your trip slow by taking in a gorgeous sunset at Ipanema Beach, where you can sit, sip coconut water, and pretend you’re in a music video. Then you can take the cable car up to Pão de Açúcar for those iconic views of the city and Guanabara Bay, one of the natural wonders of the world. Then swing by the colorful, tiled Selarón Steps of the Santa Teresa neighborhood, followed by a trip to the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue.
Don’t forget to stop by an authentic Brazilian steakhouse for a wide variety of meats and salads. Your stomach will thank you.
And listen, if all you do is stroll along the sprawling Copacabana boardwalk, eat pão de queijo, and make eye contact with a street performer’s parrot, you’ve still done Rio right. But for an extra level of excitement, be sure to visit Rio during Carnival, the world’s largest carnival celebration, known for its lively parades, exciting street parties, and pulsing samba music. The pre-Lenten celebration kicks off on Friday and lasts through Ash Wednesday. It’s an ideal time to see Rio de Janeiro in its full splendor.
Contributed by Jenn from Sick Girl Travels
Amazon Rainforest
Making up almost a third of Brazil and spanning across 9 different countries, the Amazon rainforest is a must-visit destination on any trip to Brazil. One of the easiest and coolest ways to see it is by taking an Amazon rainforest cruise. This will allow you to go deeper into the rainforest, experience side trips on canoes to go into areas that there is no other way to reach and have the opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife that lives in the jungle. From Jaguars to Anacondas to Pink Dolphins, there are so many opportunities to spot animals at every turn.
To reach the Brazilian Amazon, you will need to fly to the city of Manaus, which is the gateway. From there, you can choose from one of the many cruise options to explore various parts of the Amazon, or you could choose to stay at a lodge. Staying at a lodge will limit you to only the area that the lodge is but will allow you to spend more time in one place.
Both lodges and cruises offer a variety of different price points and classes of service, so depending on the budget, there will be options to choose from. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to add at least 4 days to your Brazil itinerary so you have plenty of time to enjoy the area.
Contributed by Bucket List Places
Best Time to Visit Brazil
Brazil is massive, and the climate varies. If you’re not sure when to visit Brazil, it’s important to know your weather preferences and if there are any festivals you want to attend help you decide which of these Brazil travel destinations to visit.
If you’re looking for hot and humid weather year-round, then consider visiting the Amazon, Northeast, or Southeast regions. Skip visiting anytime from November to March if you don’t want the possibility of rain putting a damper on your vacation.
The South of Brazil, such as cities like Gramado or Curitiba, can drop down to 41º F (5ºC) during the winter months. So if you’re not a fan of tropical weather, June to August would be the best months to visit Brazil.
Travel Tips for Visiting Brazil
Safety
One of the top Brazil travel tips that you would follow in any major city worldwide is to always be cognizant of your surroundings and alert. However, I didn’t feel unsafe during my visit as a solo female traveler. In smaller towns, such as Paraty, I did walk around at night alone and was comfortable. As for Rio de Janeiro, it’s recommended to walk with a group at night just to be cautious. Be sure to avoid wearing flashy jewelry, expensive clothing, or even flaunting your phone around.
Getting Around
Getting around Brazil can be easy, depending on where you are. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, registered ride-sharing apps are available and I felt completely safe in them as well. In smaller towns such as Partay, shared ride apps aren’t available. However, you can get around via taxi, bus, or on foot.
Currency
The national currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real. Most credit cards are accepted in larger cities. However, cash is king, and I suggest you keep it handy, especially in more remote locations.
Language
Portuguese is the language spoken in Brazil. In most South American countries, I have found that English isn’t so commonly spoken. Be sure to learn a few travel phrases and have some translation apps ready when you experience a communication breakdown.
What to Pack
For your Brazil itinerary, there are some essentials to pack during your trip. Due to the county’s hot, sunny weather, be sure to throw some good sunscreen in your suitcase. You also want to make sure you have a good mosquito repellent due to its subtropical climate, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
If you’re going to be visiting during their rainy season between November and March, a good rain jacket is a must. Brazil is a very hot and humid region. Be sure to only pack light clothing in your suitcase. Clothing such as cotton or linen will help you stay cool when out exploring.
Brazil Visa Requirements
Visa requirements are going to vary depending on what country you are coming from. You can view the latest visa requirements here on their official website.
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FAQ Section
- Is Brazil safe for solo female travelers? As a frequent solo female traveler, I can say I felt safe traveling in Brazil. Just like visiting anywhere, always keep your guard up. Avoid drawing attention to yourself with expensive jewelry and fancy clothing. I highly recommend that anyone going solo, male or female is not travel alone at night. If you plan on making plans late in the evening, be sure to use a registered ride-share app instead of walking late at night. Also, do not visit the favelas alone. If you’re curious about seeing these areas, you can book a tour with a local to ensure you stay safe.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil? A visa is required to visit Brazil. You can view the Brazil visa requirements here.
- What’s the best way to get around? If you’re wondering how to get around Brazil, it varies depending on where you are. Major cities will have ride-sharing apps, which I recommend and felt safe using there. To get around between cities, I recommend going by bus or plane. In small towns, going by foot is the easiest and best way to explore.
Conclusion
Brazil is a wondrous country with diverse landscapes that is worth visiting at least once. However, after being lured by its pristine beaches, colonial history, lively nightlife, hospitable locals, and delicious cuisine, you will want to return sooner rather than later.
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