The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Brazil Travel

Brazil is my favourite country on the planet. I’ll admit I’m a little biased — I lived in Brazil for 10 years and have visited more than 20 times. But it hasn’t always been my favourite. That changed in 2023 when I spent six months backpacking through Brazil and visited 19 of the 26 states. Somewhere between the waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina, the beaches of the Nordeste, and the energy of Rio during Carnaval, I fell completely in love with it.

People often misunderstand Brazil. It’s not just beaches, football, and samba. It’s a country of rainforests and deserts, megacities and tiny river villages, Indigenous traditions and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, world-famous festivals and hidden colonial towns. Brazil is overwhelming in the best way, and if you’re heading there for the first time, this guide will give you the confidence and inspiration to dive right in.

When to Visit Brazil

Brazil is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary a lot depending on where and when you go. Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere, so summer runs from December to February. This is peak season for both domestic and international travelers, with summer holidays as well as Carnaval happening sometime in February or March. Expect high prices, crowded beaches, and hot, humid weather, especially in the south and along the coast.

The best overall time to visit is May to October, when the weather is drier in most regions and temperatures are more comfortable. This is especially true if you’re planning on trekking, heading into the Amazon, exploring inland areas like the Pantanal, or the beaches of the Nordeste.

Understanding Brazilian Culture

Brazilian culture is vibrant, diverse, and incredibly warm. People are friendly, expressive, and often very curious about foreigners. There’s a deep sense of community, especially in smaller towns and more traditional regions.

Brazilians look and feel very different as you travel across the country. In the Amazon, there are lots of indigenous people, and in the Northeast, there are many people of African descent. As you move towards the Southeast and South of the country, you will find more European influences from colonizers and immigrants (Portuguese, Italian, German, Polish, and more). Brazil also has the largest population of Japanese people outside of Japan, and there are more people of Lebanese descent living in Brazil than there are people currently living in Lebanon. The country is predominantly Catholic, and actually has the largest population of Catholics of any country in the world.

You’ll notice huge differences from one region to the next — food, music, the people, even how people speak Portuguese. But one thing remains consistent: Brazilians’ warmth and openness. They’re incredibly friendly and welcoming, even if you don’t share a common language.

Safety in Brazil

Let’s be real, Brazil doesn’t have the safest reputation. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. It just means you need to stay alert and follow common-sense travel practices.

Big cities like Rio, São Paulo, Recife, and Salvador have higher crime rates, especially related to petty theft. Avoid flashing valuables, don’t wear jewelry that is or even looks expensive, don’t walk around with your phone out, don’t walk alone at night (just take an Uber), and always ask locals or your accommodation which areas are safe to explore. Many smaller towns, nature areas, and inland regions are very safe, often safer than major cities in Western countries. Know where you are, be cautious but open, and you’ll be fine.

Blending in is not too difficult, since Brazil is so multicultural. There are white, blonde people from the South, black people in the North, and even large East Asian and Middle Eastern populations. That said, the way you dress and how you act will tell everything. Just try to behave like the locals. However, this does not make you prone to being a target of petty theft. That’s why even Brazilians follow the same rules in big cities listed above.

That said, I’ve spent months traveling Brazil solo and never had a serious issue. I met countless locals who were protective, kind, and helped me stay safe. Take Ubers when alone or at night, avoid empty streets after dark, and don’t resist if you are robbed (it’s rare, but it can happen).

A Brief History of Brazil

Brazil’s history is complex, marked by colonization, slavery, and resistance. Before the Portuguese arrived in 1500, millions of Indigenous people lived across what is now Brazil. Colonization brought exploitation, disease, and slavery. Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery, in 1888.

After independence from Portugal in 1822, Brazil became an empire, then a republic, and more recently endured decades of military dictatorship (from 1964 to 1985). These periods shaped modern Brazil. Social inequality, land disputes, and racial dynamics remain deep-rooted challenges.

But Brazil is also a story of resilience, reinvention, and creativity. One of the world’s largest democracies, with booming cities, a thriving cultural scene, and unparalleled biodiversity.

Getting to Brazil

Most international travelers arrive by air, with major airports in São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG) serving as the main gateways. São Paulo tends to have the cheapest and most frequent flights from Europe, North America, and elsewhere in South America. If you’re coming from neighboring countries like Argentina, Chile, or Peru, you may also find good regional flights into cities like Curitiba, Porto Alegre, or Brasília.

If you’re already traveling in South America, there are also many overland options. Border crossings exist from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, and even French Guiana, but some of them are quite remote. I’ve done 5 of them, and all were very smooth. The most popular border crossing for travelers is at Foz do Iguacu, where many tourists visit the famous waterfall on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, not to mention the triple border with Paraguay.

It’s worth noting that at the border crossing between Brazil with both Uruguay and Paraguay, you can legally cross to the border towns without getting stamped in and out. Though if you are continuing the journey into the destination country, make sure you properly stamp in and out, or you will likely face problems later on. I had to specifically ask my bus driver in Uruguay to stop at the passport control so I could stamp out of Uruguay before entering Brazil, as the bus ride ended at the border town and no one else was continuing into Brazil.

Brazil for First-Timers: Visa, SIM, ATMs, and More

Visa

Brazil has visa-free access for many passport holders (like those from the EU, UK, and most of South America), but that’s not the case for everyone. E-visas are being reintroduced for Americans, Canadians, and Australians in 2025, so check the latest rules before booking your trip. The standard tourist visa is valid for 90 days and can usually be extended once. On a standard tourist visa, there is a limit of 6 months per year, which can make it a bit tricky if you really want to explore all the country has to offer.

Internet (SIM Cards & Wi-Fi)

Brazil has decent internet in most cities and towns, though speeds vary. Claro, TIM, and Vivo are the biggest mobile providers, with Claro generally having the best national coverage. However, I found Brazil to be one of the hardest countries in the world to get a local SIM. You need a CPF (Brazilian ID Number) to get one, and even with it, the process was very tedious. In very touristy places, such as Rio, there are stores that can help you get one, but they will charge a premium for it. As always, bring your passport if you want to buy a new SIM.

Brazil is one of the countries where I found Wi-Fi almost everywhere, from bus stations to malls to small restaurants. However, many times you are required to have a phone number or a CPF to sign up, which can make it tricky. Your accommodation, even if relatively remote, is likely to have easily accessible Wi-Fi.

Money & ATMs

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (R$ or BRL), and as of writing this trades at about 5.50R$ ~ $1. It is the easiest country in South America to pay by credit card, and even easier than many Western countries. You will often be able to pay street vendors on the beach with a card and often without an extra fee. However, always carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or for buses, markets, and places with card minimums. Also, make sure to always double-check what is being typed into the machine, as it’s not uncommon for people to try to type an extra zero if you aren’t paying attention.

ATMs are easy to find, especially inside banks and malls, but not all foreign cards work on every machine. Bradesco, Banco do Brasil, and Santander generally accept international cards, while Caixa and Itaú often don’t. I found Bradesco to be the best bank for international cards, often not charging a withdrawal fee. Avoid withdrawing at night, and don’t use outdoor ATMs in isolated areas; safer to use machines inside busy bank branches or shopping centers.

Brazil by Region: What to Expect

Brazil is massive, larger than the continental US – and each region feels like its own country. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect in each part of the country:

Southeast (Rio, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo)

The most populated and economically powerful region. It’s also by far the most popular region for first-time visitors. The city of Rio de Janeiro is my favourite in the world: beaches, samba, views, and energy. But the state has many other popular spots not too far away: Angra dos Reis (Ilha Grande), Paraty, Buzios, and Arraial do Cabo. It’s one of my three favourite states.

São Paulo, once again the name of the city and the state, is the opposite: the capital is a mega-metropolis of business, art, and gastronomy. There are also some nice beaches along the coast, specifically Ubatuba and the underrated Ilhabela.

Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo are more low-key. Minas Gerais is landlocked, full of rolling hills, colonial towns, and is the most famous state in terms of food. Think slow travel, cheese, and waterfalls. Espírito Santo is not my favourite, with not too much going on in Vitoria. However, you will find many more secluded beaches in this state.

South (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul)

Feels more European, culturally and geographically. This region is more conservative, cold in the winter, and people are mostly white due to German/Italian heritage. Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state, and actually, where my family is from. This is where you find Gaucho culture (think Argentinian or Uruguayan-like cowboys. Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) comes from this state. The main region to check out is the Serra Gaucha, with towns like Gramado, and amazing canyons in Aparados da Serra National Park.

The second of my favourite states is Santa Catarina. Small surf beach towns line the incredible coast of this state. It’s also one of the safest states in Brazil, and has another one of the best cities – Florianopolis, Floripa for short. This island city has so much to explore in terms of beaches and hikes, and is one of my favourite spots in the country.

The final state is Parana, which has a small coast with the main highlight being Ilha do Mel. The capital, Curitiba, is famous for innovative and sustainable urban planning. However, the biggest reason people visit this state is for the Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls.

Northeast (Bahia, Pernambuco, Ceará, etc.)

Arguably, Brazil’s most vibrant region, full of Afro-Brazilian culture, music, food, and history. This region is made up of 9 (mostly small states) and is best known for its beaches. Unfortunately, this tends to be the most dangerous area in Brazil, so take extra caution, especially in the medium-sized and capital cities such as Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza. The region is warm year-round, though in the summer it can be too hot, and March-July is the rainy season. The best time to visit is from August to December.

Bahia

The third and final of my favourite states is Bahia. This whole state is just a vibe. It’s a party 365 days of the year, with samba always echoing in the background. I like to split this state up into three parts. The Southern Coast, which consists of beaches such as Porto Seguro, Caraiva, Trancoso, and Arraial d’Ajuda. It’s popular among Brazilians, but I found it to be expensive and a bit overhyped.

The Northern Coast near Salvador hosts not only the vibrant capital but also one of my favourite surf towns in all of Brazil – Itacaré. The inland part of Bahia, namely Chapada Diamantina, is incredible. I spent over a week just exploring this national park, which has got to be my favourite in the country so far.

The Other States

The rest of the states, which combined are about the size of Bahia, all felt pretty similar to me. It alternated between big cities on the coast and small beach towns in between. There were very few tourists for the most part when I visited in the winter. Some of the highlights are Olinda, Pipa, and the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses. On the other hand, I found two of the most famous places to be quite overhyped – Jericoacoara and Maragogi.

There are also islands, which I call The Galapagos of Brazil, from which you can fly from one of the major cities in this region. Inland, there are several National Parks with stunning landscapes, such as Chapada das Mesas and Serra das Confusões, though they are quite far from the coast.

North (Amazonas, Pará, Acre, etc.)

This is the Amazon Basin — wild, wet, and remote. Manaus is your launching point for jungle tours and river cruises. This region is about nature, biodiversity, and traditional communities. Roads are rare, boats are life, and everything moves at a different pace. Manaus can also be easily reached via plane, the city has over 2 million people and is often called one of the most remote major cities in the world. However, for a true Amazon experience, you will have to embark on a boat far from the city.

If you are traveling up the coast, Belem will be the end of the road. From there, you will have to get a hammock, hop on river ferries, and embark on a journey through the Amazon River. You can either head to Macapá, the capital of Amapá, to continue your travels towards the Guianas. Amapá is not connected to the rest of Brazil by any roads.

Alternatively, head up the Amazon River towards Santarem, which is known for Alter do Chão and the beaches along the banks of the river. From there, continue to Manaus to venture further into the Amazon. The state of Amazonas is one of the largest subdivisions in the world by land area, though the majority of it is deep jungle.

The states of Roraima and Acre are even more remote. Roraima shares a border with Venezuela, which is actually the best way to visit Monte Roraima (from the movie Up). Acre is known to Brazilians as the land of the dinosaurs, as no one knows what goes on over there. It’s very secluded from the rest of the country, sharing a border with both Peru and Bolivia in the middle of the Amazon.

Central-West (Brasília, Goiás, Mato Grosso, etc.)

The only region of Brazil I haven’t visited yet. Home to Brazil’s futuristic capital, Brasília, this region also includes the Pantanal (the world’s largest tropical wetland) and many national parks. If you love wildlife and wide-open spaces, this is the place. This region is best explored in the winter, between June and October. This period is not only the dry season, but it is also much better for viewing wildlife. It makes it better for walking safaris, horseback riding, and river cruises. During the wet season, the Pantanal is flooded, and it’s hard to see animals, let alone get around.

Mato Grosso do Sul is where most of the Pantanal Tourism lives. Head out to Bonito for water adventures and deep caves. I will warn you, this is one of the more expensive areas to visit in Brazil, though having a car to drive around can help. Mato Grosso is known for hosting the biggest farms in the country. There are also great national parks such as Chapada dos Guimaraes.

Towards the coast is the state of Goias, and within it the tiny Federal District containing the capital, similar to those in the United States and Australia. Not too far away is another one of Brazil’s top national parks – Chapada dos Veadeiros. Right above it is the state of Tocantins, which is one of Brazil’s least populous states. This makes getting here quite expensive; however, it hosts another top park, Jalapao. A place for off-road adventures between lagoons, treks, and canyons.

Getting Around Brazil

Brazil is huge, and transport varies widely depending on where you’re going. Here are your main options:

Flights

Flying is often the fastest and cheapest way to cover long distances. Brazil’s main airlines — LATAM, Gol, and Azul frequently run sales, and flights between major cities can cost less than a long bus ride. Book early for the best prices. It’s not uncommon to have layovers in São Paulo or Rio.

Buses

Brazil has one of the best intercity bus systems in the world. They are comfortable, safe, and reliable, however they can get quite expensive. Major terminals (rodoviárias) connect almost every town in Brazil. For whatever reason, most of the time it’s cheaper to book online than at the bus terminal. Most routes have daily schedules, but popular ones will have multiple times per day and several companies competing. Often, there are different types of seats on each bus, and the more you pay, the better the seat you get. On long journeys, tt can be worth spending a bit extra for much more comfort.

Local Transport

Cities have extensive bus networks, but they’re often confusing to navigate. Big cities such as Rio and Sao Paulo have great metro lines which are much easier. In RIo, you can even tap your credit card to get straight on the metro. Uber and 99 (a local rideshare app) are affordable and safest, especially at night. In smaller towns, moto-taxis and shared vans are common.

Major Cultural Events and Festivals

Brazil is a country of celebration, and its calendar is full of festivals that reflect its diversity and creativity:

• Carnaval (February/March): The biggest party in the world. The date varies as it is always 47 days before Easter, or before Ash Wednesday. The main parties last from Friday-Wednesday, though in cities like Rio celebrations tend to start nearly a month before. Though it is celebrated throughout the country, the three most famous places to celebrate are Rio, Salvador, and Olinda and they each bring a different vibe. Rio is famous for its street parties (Blocos) and the parade at the Sambadrome, Salvador has the massive floats on the street with a lot of it being ticketed events, and Olinda has more of a traditional street band and dancing vibe. Most Brazilians have time off during Carnaval, so everywhere gets very busy, so book early as everything sells out.

• Festa Junina (June): A rural harvest festival with traditional music, dancing, and costumes, especially big in the Northeast.
• Parintins Folklore Festival (June, Amazon): A theatrical battle of two oxen, full of color, myth, and jungle spirit.
• New Year’s (Reveillon): Brazil does New Year’s like nowhere else — white outfits, beach parties, and fireworks.

Football (Soccer) Culture

Okay, it’s true — Brazil’s national team hasn’t been quite as dominant in recent years. However, football remains deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture. Everyone supports a team, though some fans take it far more seriously than others. Most clubs have local rivals, usually from the same city or state, and some of those rivalries are intense. Fans can really despise each other. But that tension makes the atmosphere electric, especially in stadiums packed with passionate supporters. I highly recommend catching at least one match while you’re in Brazil. Whether it’s at the legendary Maracanã or one of the modern stadiums revamped for the 2014 World Cup, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

While you can catch games across the country, including in the Nordeste, where some clubs have huge fan bases, the best cities to watch football are São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, and Rio de Janeiro. Each city has multiple major teams, so chances are there’s at least one or two home games each week. From January to March, state tournaments take place. The games aren’t super high-stakes unless it’s a rivalry match. Then, the national league (Brasileirão) runs through the end of the year. The top teams also compete in the Copa Libertadores (South America’s Champions League), and the Copa do Brasil happens throughout the year.

What are the best games to watch?

Once you’ve locked in your travel dates for one of these football cities, check each team’s schedule. If you’re flexible, it might be worth staying an extra day or two just to catch a big game.

• São Paulo: São Paulo FC, Palmeiras, and Corinthians (or when any of them host Santos)
• Porto Alegre: Internacional and Grêmio
• Belo Horizonte: Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro
• Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo, Fluminense, Vasco, and Botafogo

Start by looking for local derbies — games between teams from the same city. These are usually the most exciting (though Botafogo derbies can be a bit more tame). Then check for important fixtures, which vary depending on the time of year. From January to March, keep an eye out for state semi-finals and finals — especially if they’re rivalry matches. Around mid-year, teams enter the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil knockout stages, and the deeper they go, the more intense the games get. Toward the end of the year, the league heats up as teams battle for the title, Libertadores qualification, or to avoid relegation. Even if there’s no high-stakes match happening, it’s still worth going to soak up the vibe.

Getting tickets can be tricky. Your best bet is to go to the stadium a day or two before the match and ask around. For big games, tickets often sell out quickly since members get early access. Be careful of scams — never buy from someone on the street. I’ve done it once (in Peru), but only paid the seller after they walked me to the gate and the ticket scanned successfully. Do that at your own risk.

Brazilian Food You Have to Try

Food in Brazil is regional, hearty, and often underrated. These are just a few must-try dishes:

• Açaí: Everyone knows this one as it has spread across the world; however, it’s best straight from the source (and it’s much cheaper too)
• Feijoada: A black bean and pork stew, usually with rice, orange slices, and farofa.
• Acarajé: A spicy Afro-Brazilian snack made of black-eyed peas and fried in dendê oil, filled with shrimp, iconic in Bahia.
• Pão de Queijo: Chewy cheese bread from Minas Gerais, but found all over the country. Addictive.
• Pastel: Similar to Empanadas, deep-fried pastry served as a street snack filled with savory or sweet ingredients. Probably my favourite.
• Moqueca: A coconut milk seafood stew made with dendê oil, usually found in Bahia or Espírito Santo.
• Brigadeiro: Chocolate fudge balls that are Brazil’s favourite sweet treat.
• Tapioca: A chewy pancake made from cassava flour, stuffed with cheese, coconut, or chocolate.
• Churrasco: Brazilian BBQ. Simply the best meat in the world (okay fine, maybe just behind Uruguay and Argentina).