Why Travelers Fall in Love with Brazil:
They say there’s no sin below the equator, and Brazil might just prove that true. Especially during Carnaval, there’s this wild feeling of freedom and inhibition in the air. But really, all year round, you’ll feel it—Brazil has this magic. It’s a place filled with music, sensuality, untamed nature, and super welcoming people. It’s a country that knows how to live.
Brazil is a land of endless variety—from beach towns and tropical islands to dunes, lagoons, and cities that never sleep. Seriously, the party doesn’t stop.
In the past, Brazil was considered a pricey destination compared to other South American countries. But with recent economic changes and the drop in the Real, it’s not much more expensive than the neighboring countries.
How long should you stay in Brazil? What’s the cost? Where should you stay—luxury hotels or budget hostels? I’ve got you covered in this ultimate traveler guide.
My Love Story With Brazil
Careful… you’re about to fall in love.
You’ll hear stories from other travelers about Brazil—about the beaches, the music, the wild nights, and people who came here and fell in love (some of which never left). I’m one of those people.
My love affair with Brazil started with soap operas (yes, really), and I fell in love for the language. When I was older, I decided to visit for 3 months, exploring every hidden corner, some even locals hadn’t heard of (and in some cases, for good reason).
After that trip, I decided to do my bachelor’s in Latin American studies, and during my master’s, I lived in Brazil for a semester. It was amazing! I then started my Ph.D. research on favela films in the States until I decided to quit.
So yeah, this first trip to Brazil pretty much shaped my entire life. Today, it’s like my second home.
Why does everyone fall in love with Brazil?
I always described walking on the Copacabana boardwalk like there’s a soundtrack playing in the background. Of course, I might be romanticizing it, since you can get robbed on this very same boardwalk but stay a while, and you’ll get what I’m talking about.
What You Need to Know About Brazil:
- Yes, Brazil has a reputation for being unsafe, but don’t let that stop you. I’ve been to Brazil five times, always as a solo female traveler. Once you follow some key safety tips, you can avoid most issues. Check out my safety tips here.
- The Favelas, the low-income neighborhoods, became well-known as tourist attractions after the release of City of God. But don’t get the wrong idea—the favelas you’ll see in Rio’s south (Zona Sul) are nothing like from the ones depicted in the film. In fact, the real City of God is about three hours from Rio.
The favelas located in the touristic areas of the south of Rio (Zona Sur) were “pacified” before the World Cup and are patrolled by the Pacification Police (UPP). The whole favela tour debate is a loaded one, but I’ve broken it down in my post Favela Tours: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly so you can get the full picture. - Portuguese is the official language here, given the Portuguese Empire that conquered Brazil in 1500. Brazil gained independence in 1822 in a relatively peaceful process. Portuguese and Spanish are similar, but the accent is pretty distinct. Still, learn a few basics, and you’ll be rewarded with smiles and helpful locals.
- Açai (pronounced ah-sah-ee) is a must-try. You can get it everywhere, but the further north you go, the better it tastes—purer, richer. When you order, be ready to decide between a cup (copo) or bowl (tigela).
Brazil Travel Itineraries: How to Plan a Perfect 7-Day or 4-6 Week Trip
A short trip to Brazil must being with at least 7 days. Anything less, and you’ll barely scratch the surface—probably just Rio de Janeiro and its immediate surroundings. But if you have a month or more, you can cover all the “must-see” destinations.
Brazil is massive, so expect a lot of flights or boat trips when hopping from one destination to another. For more details on how to get around, click here.
One-Week Itinerary
A 7-day trip will focus mostly on Rio and its surroundings. In Rio, you’ve got plenty to do: take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, hike to Pedra Bonita for breathtaking views, visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer, and enjoyy some live music and dancing in the evenings.
If you need a little getaway from the city, spend 3 days in Búzios (a 3-hour drive from Rio) or hop over to Ilha Grande (car + boat ride) for a laid-back escape from Rio’s bustling energy.
4-6 Week Itinerary
If you’ve got more time, consider an epic northbound journey. Start from the south at Foz do Iguaçu, make your way to Rio and its surroundings, then continue up to the northeast.
Your route could include Florianópolis, Paraty, Rio, Ilha Grande, Búzios, and Arraial do Cabo. Then keep heading north to Bahia, Pipa, and Jericoacoara. You could add even more stops if you have extra time!
Of course, Brazil has way more to offer, but these are the highlights that are relatively easy to string together. Some other spots to consider: Amazonas (if you haven’t done a jungle trip elsewhere), Lençóis Maranhenses, Jalapão, Porto Seguro, Arraial d’Ajuda, and São Paulo.
The “Must-Do” in 3 Weeks:
- Rio de Janeiro (4 nights)>
- Ilha Grande (3 nights)>
- Búzios (3 nights)>
- Pipa (3 nights)>
- Jericoacoara (4 nights)
If you’re planning to visit during Carnival, add another 10 days in Rio, Salvador, or Florianópolis to experience the festivities in full swing.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio might not be Brazil’s capital (that title goes to Brasília), but when it comes to tourism, Rio is the star of the show. With countless attractions and day trips, you could easily spend 10 days here without even scratching the surface.
I always warn people that Rio can feel like a sensory overload at first—crowded beaches and busy streets—but once you settle in, you’ll fall in love with the city’s energy.
In this city, you will find the best parties for those willing to experience Brazilian music and dance fully.
Check out my guide to the best hikes and nightlife in Rio to make the most of your trip!
Ilha Grande
If Rio feels a bit too intense, or you’re just craving some downtime on quiet beaches, hop on a boat to Ilha Grande—a small, magical island with no cars and plenty of chill vibes.
You’ll need to get to one of the ports and take a boat, but once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by pristine beaches like Lopes Mendes, which is totally worth the trip.
Búzios
Another excellent getaway close to Rio is Búzios, a town just a 3-hour drive away.
With over 35 beaches, great restaurants, and charming boutiques, Búzios has something for everyone. Plus, it’s the departure point for boat tours of Arraial do Cabo.
Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara (or “Jerí” as the locals call it) is located in the state of Ceará and has seen a tourism boom in the recent decade.
In Jerí, you’ll find endless dunes and stunning lagoons. While some have become tourist hotspots, don’t worry—there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Iguazu Falls
Foz do Iguaçu sits on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay and is home to the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls.
Tip: the Argentine side is often considered the prettier one, so make sure you visit that one.
Morro de São Paulo
Morro de São Paulo is a stunning island off the coast of Salvador, Bahia.
No cars here, but you’ll still find all the western comforts since it’s quite touristy. Expect to enjoy beautiful beaches, boat cruises, natural mud baths, and foam parties.
Itacaré
A boat ride away from Salvador, Itacaré is a surfer’s paradise. It’s known for its laid-back vibe, great waves, and beautiful beaches. If you’re into surfing, this is the spot to check out.
When Should You Travel to Brazil?
Seasons
Brazil’s got two main seasons: wet and dry, but you can enjoy the country year-round.
The wet season runs from December to March/April (post-Carnival) but it’s high season so the books things early since prices for flights and hostels can surge during this time.
While you might face some light tropical showers, a quick check of the weather is a good idea—especially if you’re heading to islands like Ilha Grande, where rainy days can mean limited options.
The dry season, from June to September, is Brazil’s winter. It’s perfect for visiting lagoon areas like Jericoacoara, where you’ll find the lagoons at their fullest. If you’re aiming for the Amazon, these months are also a solid choice.
Transportation and Getting Around in Brazil
Brazil is huge so getting around Brazil is mainly done by flights but you have to book in advace to avoid high costs.
Buses in Brazil, unlike those in Argentina, aren’t the most comfortable, so avoid them for long rides. However, a 3-hour bus ride from Rio to Búzios is manageable. Rio’s main bus station, Rodoviária, requires vigilance—keep an eye on your belongings.
Getting around in Brazil: In big cities, Uber and Cabify are your best friends for a smoother, safer ride.
Tip: If you’re traveling in a group of 3-4, it’s useful to get the WhatsApp numbers for local drivers for longer trips (like from Rio to Búzios or Ilha Grande port).
Safety Warnings and Tips
Many countries in South and Central America are considered dangerous, and Brazil has the most notorious reputation. While this may have been justified in the past, it’s not as accurate today.
When my passport was stolen, it was in an open pocket of my backpack at Rio’s central bus station, a known hotspot for pickpockets. A friend of mine had his wallet taken while he was passed out at a pool party. The key takeaway? Many issues arise from not taking basic safety precautions, so don’t let these incidents scare you.
Safety Tips
These tips apply across most places in Brazil but especially in public spots like Rio’s Lapa neighborhood:
- Avoid flashy jewelry in Rio and other major cities. That hot Copacabana pic you’re taking might be better without the bling.
- DO NOT take your phone out when walking the streets. Use it discreetly for Uber or other essentials, and do your texting in a store or café.
- After dark, opt for Uber rather than the metro or bus. It’s safer and cheaper. Don’t leave your hostel until the Uber arrives, and let them wait until you’re safely inside.
- In Rio, it’s common to drive through red lights after 10 pm, so watch out when crossing streets (though ideally, avoid walking at night).
- If someone gets too close or touches you, check that all your belongings are secure.
- Stick with your group and avoid dark alleys. Even if you need to pee, find a well-lit spot.
Female Travelers
Can you travel to Brazil as a solo female traveler? Most definetly!
- Just like in Colombia or New York, men might whistle or catcall in the streets. Ignore them.
- Avoid going out alone after dark, and steer clear of shady areas.
- Brazilian men can be aggressive, so be cautious and assertive.
- If traveling with other women, pretending to be a couple might reduce unwanted advances, especially during Carnival. However, remember Brazil isn’t universally LGBT-friendly, despite appearances.
Don’t let fear stop you! Just follow these guidelines, and you’ll be set for a fantastic trip.
Money and ATMs
Withdrawing cash in Brazil can be a bit tricky since the ATMs are a place for robberies (you might get robbed so alwys leep an eye out, stash your cash quickly, and carry a small bill just in case you;ll have to give it to the robbers.
When paying at restaurants, make sure the waiter uses a portable card reader right at your table.
For more safety tips and warnings, click here.
Where to Stay in Brazil?
Accommodation in Brazil can be a bit pricey, especially in Rio. Whether you’re backpacking or just looking for a good deal, staying in a hostel or a pousada (an inn in Portugese) is often a better option.
You won’t find many big hostel chains in Brazil, but Che Lagarto is a well-known name. While it might be on the pricier side, it’s renowned for its quality. In Ilha Grande for example, the Che Lagarto hostel is the best on the island.
If you’re traveling with a big group, consider booking an apartment through Airbnb in cities like Rio. Just be cautious about the location, as some apartments might be in favelas.
In smaller towns and more remote places (like Pipa), you can often find more affordable and flexible options by simply showing up and looking for homestays and pousadas, especially if you’re not traveling during peak seasons like Carnival or New Year’s Eve.
Useful Vocabulary
- – Beach – Praia
- – Trek – Trilha
- – View – Vista
- – Hill – Morro
- – Rock – Pedra
- – How to get to… – Como chego a…
- – How much does it cost? – Quanto custa isso?
- – My name is… – Meu nome é…
- – My name is… – Me chamo…
- – I am from… – Eu sou de…
