Skip to content
Sunday's
← All destinations

South America / South America

Brazil

Rio beaches, Amazon rainforest, and Iguaçu Falls. As part of South America in South America, Brazil suits travelers drawn to nature and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Brazil

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: May – Sep

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro pairs well with nearby highlights on a South America route through Brazil.

São Paulo

São Paulo is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Brazil, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Amazon

Amazon is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Brazil, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Salvador

Salvador pairs well with nearby highlights on a South America route through Brazil.

What it is known for
facts
  • Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro
  • Amazon rainforest biodiversity around Manaus
  • Iguaçu Falls on the border with Argentina
  • Salvador's Afro-Brazilian Pelourinho district
  • Feijoada black-bean stew and caipirinha cocktails
key City
name
Rio de Janeiro
label
Most popular city
why
Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Sugarloaf cable cars, and Carnival samba make Rio the face of Brazil for most travelers.
Places to visit
  • area
    Rio de Janeiro
    attractions
    • name
      Christ the Redeemer
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Sugarloaf Mountain
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Copacabana Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Selarón Steps
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    São Paulo
    attractions
    • name
      Avenida Paulista
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      MASP Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Ibirapuera Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Mercado Municipal
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Amazon
    attractions
    • name
      Meeting of the Waters
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Anavilhanas Archipelago
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Amazon Theatre (Manaus)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Jaú National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Salvador
    attractions
    • name
      Pelourinho
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Elevador Lacerda
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      São Francisco Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Barra Lighthouse
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Brazil Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Rio de Janeiro
    • São Paulo
    • Amazon
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Rio de Janeiro
    • Full day discovering São Paulo
    • Full day discovering Amazon
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
      description
      Land in Rio de Janeiro, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Brazil trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore São Paulo
      description
      Dedicate the day to São Paulo: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Amazon and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Amazon visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Brazil
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Rio de Janeiro
    • São Paulo
    • Amazon
    • Salvador
    highlights
    • Cover Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo
    • Explore Amazon
    • Explore Salvador
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
      description
      Land in Rio de Janeiro, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Brazil trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore São Paulo
      description
      Dedicate the day to São Paulo: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Amazon
      description
      Dedicate the day to Amazon: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Salvador and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Salvador visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Brazil Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Rio de Janeiro
    • São Paulo
    • Amazon
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Rio de Janeiro
    • Coastal day in São Paulo
    • Coastal day in Amazon
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Rio de Janeiro.
    • day
      2
      title
      São Paulo coast
      description
      Spend the day on São Paulo's shoreline: Avenida Paulista, MASP Museum, Ibirapuera Park, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Amazon and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Amazon, visiting Meeting of the Waters, Anavilhanas Archipelago, Amazon Theatre (Manaus) before you depart Brazil.
  • title
    Brazil Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Rio de Janeiro
    • São Paulo
    • Amazon
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Rio de Janeiro
    • Rural stop: São Paulo
    • Rural stop: Amazon
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
      description
      Reach Rio de Janeiro, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      São Paulo countryside
      description
      Explore São Paulo at an easy pace: Avenida Paulista, MASP Museum, Ibirapuera Park with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Amazon and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Amazon, stopping at Meeting of the Waters, Anavilhanas Archipelago, Amazon Theatre (Manaus) before heading home.
  • title
    Brazil Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • São Paulo
    • Salvador
    • Rio de Janeiro
    • Amazon
    highlights
    • Must-see: Avenida Paulista
    • Must-see: MASP Museum
    • Must-see: Pelourinho
    • Must-see: Elevador Lacerda
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of São Paulo
      description
      Start in São Paulo with Avenida Paulista, MASP Museum, Ibirapuera Park, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Salvador monuments
      description
      Focus on Salvador's tourist favorites: Pelourinho, Elevador Lacerda, São Francisco Church with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Rio de Janeiro monuments
      description
      Focus on Rio de Janeiro's tourist favorites: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Amazon landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Amazon, including Meeting of the Waters, Anavilhanas Archipelago, Amazon Theatre (Manaus), before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
May through September is dry season across much of Brazil, ideal for Rio, the Pantanal wildlife, and Amazon lodges with lower water levels for trail access. The Amazon and Pantanal wildlife viewing peaks as animals congregate at shrinking waterholes.
typical Weather
Rio May-Sep: highs 24-28°C (75-82°F), lows 18-21°C (64-70°F), 40-70 mm rain. Manaus: highs 30-32°C (86-90°F), humid, 50-80 mm rain. Pantanal: highs 28-32°C (82-90°F), dry with cool mornings. Salvador: warm year-round, less rain May-Aug.
details
  • Carnival (Feb-Mar) and New Year in Rio draw huge crowds and premium prices.
  • Dec-Mar is rainy in the Pantanal and Amazon but waterfalls like Iguazu run fullest.
  • Southern Brazil (Florianopolis) is cooler Jun-Aug; beach weather returns Oct-Mar.
  • Shoulder Apr-May and Sep-Oct balance weather and rates in most regions.
most Affordable
period
Mar – May
summary
Post-Carnival shoulder and autumn months offer Brazil's best value when Rio and Salvador hotels discount after February peak and before winter domestic travel. Amazon and Pantanal shoulder periods also see lower lodge rates.
details
  • Rio hotels drop 30-40% after Carnival through Apr-May.
  • Salvador and Recife northeast packages cheaper in autumn.
  • Pantanal lodges discount in Apr-May shoulder before dry peak.
  • International flights to Sao Paulo often lowest Mar-May.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Feb
summary
Carnival, New Year on Copacabana, and austral summer peak drive Brazil's highest prices when Rio hotels sell out at multiples of normal rates. January Reveillon and February Carnival week command extreme premiums.
details
  • Carnival week Rio hotels require minimum stays at 3-5x normal rates.
  • Copacabana New Year fireworks period sells out months ahead.
  • Iguazu Falls Brazilian side premium in Jan-Feb holidays.
  • Domestic flights to northeast beaches spike Dec-Jan.
Airports & arrivals
summary
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro receive most international flights, with Brasília and Salvador as hubs.
airports
  • name
    São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport
    code
    GRU
    location
    Guarulhos, serving São Paulo
    distance From Center
    25 km (16 mi) northeast of central São Paulo
    transfer Note
    Airport buses and taxis reach Paulista Avenue
  • name
    Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport
    code
    GIG
    location
    Galeão, serving Rio
    distance From Center
    20 km (12 mi) north of Copacabana
    transfer Note
    BRT and taxis reach Zona Sul beaches
  • name
    Brasília International Airport
    code
    BSB
    location
    Brasília
    distance From Center
    11 km (7 mi) south of central Brasília
    transfer Note
    Executive buses serve the planned capital
Getting around
overview
Brazilians use intercity buses and limited rail; major cities have metro and BRT, with Uber widely available.
trains
  • name
    Trem do Corcovado
    description
    Cog railway to Christ the Redeemer in Rio.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets online or at Cosme Velho station.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Metrô Rio
      description
      Rio de Janeiro metro lines.
      ticketing
      Use RioCard or single tickets at gates.
    • name
      São Paulo Metro
      description
      São Paulo metro network.
      ticketing
      Use Bilhete Único card at turnstiles.
    public Transit
    • name
      SPTrans Buses
      kind
      public
      description
      São Paulo city buses.
      ticketing
      Pay with Bilhete Único on board.
    ride Share
    • name
      Uber
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in São Paulo, Rio, Brasília, and other cities.
      ticketing
      Book and pay via Uber app.
    Currency
    code
    BRL
    name
    Brazilian real
    symbol
    R$
    note
    Carry some brazilian real in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Brazilians are warm, physical greeters, and conversational, with regional differences between Rio, São Paulo, and the northeast. Beach culture is body-positive; churches and government buildings expect more cover. Safety awareness in cities matters for visitors.
    customs
    • Cheek kisses vary by region; one in São Paulo, two in Rio is common.
    • Carnival and football dominate social calendars; plan around major events.
    • Personal space is closer than in the U.S.; stepping back can seem cold.
    dos
    • Greet with bom dia and obrigado in service settings.
    • Use ride apps rather than hailing random street taxis in big cities at night.
    • Keep phones and wallets discreet on beaches and in crowded buses.
    • Tip 10 percent when service is not included at sit-down restaurants.
    • Dress smart casual for upscale restaurants in major cities.
    donts
    • Do not flash expensive jewelry or phones in favela borders or crowded transit.
    • Do not assume English is widely spoken outside tourist zones.
    • Do not drink tap water in many cities without confirming local advice.
    • Do not make offensive jokes about race, poverty, or regional stereotypes.
    • Do not fly drones over crowds or near airports without ANAC rules understood.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Portuguese
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Por favor
      pronunciation
      Por FAH-vor
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Obrigado
      pronunciation
      O-bri-GA-do (m) / O-bri-GA-da (f)
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Sim
      pronunciation
      Sim (seeng)
    • english
      No
      local
      Não
      pronunciation
      Não (nowng)
    • english
      How much?
      local
      Quanto custa?
      pronunciation
      Quanto custa
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      Onde fica o restaurante ou bar mais próximo?
      pronunciation
      Onde fica o restaurante ou bar mais próximo
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      Onde fica o aeroporto?
      pronunciation
      Onde fica o aeroporto
    • english
      I need help
      local
      Preciso de ajuda
      pronunciation
      Preciso de ajuda
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      Preciso de um hospital
      pronunciation
      Preciso de um hospital
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Chame a polícia
      pronunciation
      Chame a polícia
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens currently may enter Brazil visa-free for tourism and business for up to 90 days per visit, subject to reciprocity agreements that can change. Temporary residence covers work visas, investor categories, retirement with proof of income, and family reunification through the Polícia Federal. Brazil reinstated or suspended visa requirements in recent years, so verify entry rules with the Brazilian embassy before booking travel.

    Practical tips.

    • Use ride-hailing apps with verified pickup points at airports because unofficial taxi touts target arriving tourists.
    • Avoid displaying phones and jewelry on crowded beaches and metro cars in Rio and São Paulo.
    • Book Iguaçu Falls and Amazon lodge stays well ahead for July and December holiday peaks.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Brazil.

    Location map of Brazil

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Brazil ↗