South America
Samba and beaches in Rio, the world's greatest waterfalls at Iguazu, the Amazon and the Pantanal's wildlife, colonial towns and a culture of music, football and warmth.
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, and it takes up almost half of South America. It was colonised by the Portuguese from 1500, became an independent empire in 1822 and a republic in 1889, and it is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. Its people are a mix of Indigenous, European, African and Asian ancestry, with more people of African descent than any country outside Nigeria, and this blend gives Brazil its music, food, religion and character.
For visitors, the diversity is enormous. There are more than 7,000 km of coastline, with famous beaches and colonial ports; the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest; the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland; the great falls of Iguazu; deserts of white dunes, and mountain towns built on gold. Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most spectacular cities, São Paulo is the greatest megacity in the southern hemisphere, and Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture.
The country rewards planning. Distances are huge, so flying is essential, and seasons and safety vary by region. Crime is a real concern in big cities, and a few sensible precautions make a big difference. But the welcome is warm, the food and music are joyful, and Brazil remains one of the most exciting places to travel.
Where to go
Ordered roughly by how strongly we would recommend each for a first visit. Rio, Iguazu and Salvador are the classic three; the Amazon and the Pantanal are the great nature stops; and the rest add beaches, colonial towns and a megacity.
Rio de Janeiro State, south-east Brazil
Brazil's most famous city: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Tijuca rainforest, Santa Teresa, samba and Carnival.
Don't miss Sunset from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, as the city lights come on around the bay.
Explore Destination — Rio de JaneiroParaná, on the border with Argentina
One of the world's great waterfalls: a UNESCO-listed complex of cascades on the Iguazu River, seen from panoramic Brazilian walkways and the closer, more varied Argentine trails.
Don't miss Standing on the platform above the Devil's Throat, wrapped in mist and rainbows as the river plunges into the abyss.
Explore Destination — Iguazu FallsBahia, north-east Brazil
A UNESCO-listed colonial city on a bay, with the Pelourinho, the Elevador Lacerda, Afro-Brazilian traditions, capoeira, candomblé, beaches and unique Bahian food.
Don't miss Night falling over the Pelourinho, with drums echoing off the pastel facades and baianas selling acarajé.
Explore Destination — SalvadorAmazonas State, northern Brazil
Manaus and the Rio Negro: the Meeting of the Waters, jungle lodges, the Anavilhanas archipelago, pink river dolphins, giant water lilies and the Teatro Amazonas.
Don't miss Gliding by canoe through flooded forest at dawn, with monkeys calling and the river black as coffee.
Explore Destination — The Amazon and ManausMato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, central-west Brazil
One of the world's best places for wildlife: jaguars at Porto Jofre, caimans, capybaras, giant otters and hundreds of bird species, seen by boat, safari truck and horseback.
Don't miss A jaguar padding along the riverbank in the golden light of late afternoon, from a small boat on the Cuiabá River.
Explore Destination — The PantanalCosta Verde, Rio de Janeiro State
A UNESCO-listed colonial town on a bay, with cobbled streets, cachaça distilleries and schooner trips, plus the traffic-free island of Ilha Grande with jungle trails and beaches.
Don't miss A schooner cruise around the bay, with swims off deserted islands and cachaça in hand.
Explore Destination — Paraty and Ilha GrandeSão Paulo State, south-east Brazil
Brazil's financial and cultural capital: Avenida Paulista and MASP, Ibirapuera Park, the Municipal Market, Beco do Batman, Liberdade and a spectacular food and nightlife scene.
Don't miss A mortadella sandwich in the Mercado Municipal, followed by an evening among the murals of Vila Madalena.
Explore Destination — São PauloPernambuco, Atlantic Ocean archipelago
A UNESCO-listed island 350 km off the north-east coast, with turquoise bays, marine life, snorkelling, diving and a low-key, high-price resort atmosphere.
Don't miss The Baía do Sancho at sunrise, reached down a cliff-side ladder to an empty crescent of sand.
Explore Destination — Fernando de NoronhaMaranhão, north-east Brazil
A national park of about 1,500 square kilometres of dunes and seasonal lagoons on Brazil's north coast, explored from Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro by 4x4, boat and on foot.
Don't miss Wading through a warm, clear lagoon between dunes at sunset, with not another person in sight.
Explore Destination — Lençóis MaranhensesMinas Gerais, south-east Brazil
One of Brazil's first UNESCO sites: a colonial mining town with baroque churches, museums, cobbled hills and mineiro food, with historic Mariana and other colonial towns nearby.
Don't miss The interior of the Church of São Francisco de Assis, with its ceiling by Ataíde and sculptures by Aleijadinho.
Explore Destination — Ouro Preto and Minas GeraisExperiences
The experiences that recur across the country and make a Brazilian trip feel like one.
The statue on Corcovado Mountain, with its outstretched arms above Rio, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the view over the city and bay is unforgettable. See Rio de Janeiro.
Tip Go early or late for clear views, and check the cloud before you go up.
A curtain of 275 waterfalls on the border with Argentina, with walkways to the edge of the Devil's Throat. See Iguazu Falls.
Tip See both the Brazilian and Argentine sides.
The Pantanal is the best place in the world to see wild jaguars, as well as giant otters, caimans and hundreds of bird species. See the Pantanal.
Tip Go in the dry season, from June to October.
Carnival, held in February or March before Lent, is a spectacle of parades, street parties and samba schools in Rio, Salvador and Recife.
Tip Book accommodation many months ahead, and consider street blocos as an alternative to the stadium.
Football is a religion, and a match at the Maracanã or another stadium is an experience of songs, drums and passion.
Tip Go with a local or a tour, and avoid wearing team colours in rival areas.
Rivers, flooded forest and jungle lodges near Manaus give a glimpse of the world's largest rainforest. See the Amazon.
Tip Choose a reputable lodge, and go with a local guide.
Music and dance are everywhere, from Lapa's samba clubs to Salvador's capoeira circles. See Salvador.
Tip Learn a few steps, and join in.
Food and drink
Brazilian cooking is as varied as the country: feijoada in Rio, moqueca and acarajé in Bahia, churrasco in the south, river fish in the Amazon, and tropical fruit everywhere. Meals are social, and lunch is the main event.
Small, chewy cheese rolls made from cassava flour, a staple snack from Minas Gerais and sold everywhere.
Where to try it Bakeries and cafés, especially in Minas Gerais.
A sweet ball of condensed milk, cocoa and butter rolled in chocolate sprinkles, served at every birthday party.
Where to try it Bakeries and sweet shops across the country.
Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar-cane spirit), lime and sugar, crushed and served over ice.
Where to try it Beach kiosks and bars in Rio.
A purple Amazonian berry blended into a thick, cold bowl with banana and granola. In the Amazon, it is eaten savoury with fish.
Where to try it Juice bars across the country, and the Amazon.
Before you go
The essentials, current for 2026. Brazil is easy to enjoy but needs preparation on visas, health and safety.
Excludes international flights. Figures are typical rather than absolute — cities and peak season run higher.
When to go
Brazil is huge, and the climate differs by region. Rio and the coast are best from April to October, the Amazon and Pantanal depend on the water level, and the north-east is warm all year.
Hot and humid on the coast, with Carnival and New Year. It is the rainy season in the Amazon and the Pantanal, and the peak season for Rio and the beaches.
Warm and less crowded, with lower prices. The Amazon is at high water, and Lençóis Maranhenses' lagoons start to fill.
Dry and mild in the south and Pantanal, the best time for wildlife. Lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses are full.
Warm and increasingly sunny. Fernando de Noronha has its best visibility.
Worth planning around: Carnival week if you dislike crowds and high prices, and the peak of the Amazon rainy season if you want to trek.
Trip length
Brazil's size means that trips need to be focused. Ten days covers Rio and one other region, and three weeks allows a mix of city, nature and beach.
Getting around
Distances make flying essential for most trips. Domestic flights are frequent and often cheap, and buses cover shorter routes well.
Sample route
Rio de Janeiro, the colonial coast at Paraty, Iguazu Falls and Salvador, with two flights. Covers four of the ten destinations in this guide.
Culture
Brazilians are warm, expressive and informal, and social life revolves around family, food, music and football. People stand close, touch when talking, and use first names. Time is flexible, and things start late. Religion, both Catholic and Afro-Brazilian, is a strong part of everyday life.
A handshake or kiss on the cheek, depending on region, and eye contact are normal. Take time to say hello.
Social events start late, and punctuality is relaxed, though business meetings are more punctual.
Beachwear is for the beach. In restaurants, churches and cities, cover up.
Churches and candomblé ceremonies are places of worship. Ask before photographing.
Keep phones, jewellery and cameras out of sight in cities.
Refusing food or drink can seem rude. A small taste is polite.
Travel tips
The things that most often catch visitors out in Brazil, several of which are specific to how the country works.
FAQ
Millions visit safely every year, but street crime is a real problem in big cities. Take precautions, use ride-hailing apps, keep valuables hidden, and follow local advice.
Two weeks for a first trip, focusing on Rio, Iguazu and one other region.
It depends where. April to October suits Rio and the Pantanal, while the north-east is warm all year.
Citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, and many other nationalities do not. Check the official site.
Some, in tourist areas. Portuguese is the language, and learning basic phrases helps.
It is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon, Pantanal and Iguazu. Check with a travel clinic.
Rio for beaches and scenery, and Salvador for Afro-Brazilian culture and history. Ideally see both.
The full travel guide covers routes, budgets, regional differences and how to string these ten destinations into a trip that actually works.
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