Welcome to Brazil One of the world’s most captivating places, Brazil is a country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests and wild, rhythm-filled metropolises. Brazil’s attractions extend from frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, thundering waterfalls, and coral-fringed […]
Welcome to Brazil
Lencois Maranhenses National Park
Lençois Maranhenses National Park is a vast area of undulating, swept sand dunes between which rainwater lakes form at certain times of the year. The result is midnight blue lakes offset by brilliant white dunes, and the option to explore them on foot, on four legs or on wheels. If you can carve out the time to travel to the north-east and spend a few days exploring here, do. You won’t regret it.
Olinda
Boasting an abundance of history, culture, and breathtaking views, the colorful colonial town of Olinda is an essential stop for anyone traveling through the north of Brazil. Infrequently visited by the international crowd, it pays to come prepared to get the most out of your stay.
Rio De Janeiro
Some cities need no introduction, and even fewer cities live up to their reputation the way Rio de Janeiro does, in both the best sense how visitors experience sheer exhilaration being there and the harsh reality of its social and economic strains. Situated in arguably the world’s most dramatic urban setting, it has apartment complexes that hang on huge granite peaks which rise smack in the middle of the city, and adding to the drama, its stunning beaches seem to stretch forever
Foz Do Iguacu
Foz do Iguaçu, located near the borders with Paraguay and Argentina, has about 260,000 inhabitants and is the prime destination for tourists visiting Iguaçu Falls. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the falls are a very popular visitor attraction. There is, however, more to see in Foz do Iguaçu than the falls. The Culture Trip explores the best things to do and see in the area.
When to go and weather
High Season (Dec-Mar)
- Brazil’s high season coincides with the northern hemisphere winter.
- It’s a hot, festive time – expect higher prices and minimum stays (typically four nights) during Carnaval.
- It’s particularly busy in Rio and popular beach destinations all along the coast.
Shoulder Season (Apr & Oct)
- The weather is warm and dry along the coast, though it can be chilly in the south.
- Prices and crowds are average, though Easter week draws crowds and high prices.
Low Season (May-Sep)
- Aside from July, which is a school-holiday month, you’ll find lower prices and mild temperatures in the south.
- July to September is good months to visit the Amazon or Pantanal.
Sample Itinerary – 7 Days
You can take in some spectacular scenery and get a taste of Brazil’s staggering diversity. With a few key flights, you can maximize your time here. Start off in the Cidade Maravilhosa, aka Rio de Janeiro. Spend two days taking in grand views from the forested mountaintops overlooking the city, leaving time for relaxing on Ipanema Beach, biking along Copacabana Beach and strolling through the historic center. One night, take in a samba club in Lapa. On days three and four, fly up to Salvador for a heady dose of Afro-Brazilian culture. Check out the brightly painted colonial buildings of the Pelourinho, take in a dazzling dance performance of the Balé Folclórico da Bahia and feast on seafood at Pelô Bistrô. On your fifth day, make a day trip out to Morro de São Paulo for a slice of tropical, car-free paradise. Beat the sunrise for an early-morning flight down to Foz do Iguaçu (via São Paulo). Spend the first day exploring the Brazilian side of the majestic waterfalls. On your last day, cross to the Argentine side for a walk through the rainforest and a boat trip near the thundering falls
Fast Facts
Capital: Brasília
Currency: Brazilian real
Language: Portuguese, English
Recommendations: Rio De Janeiro, Olinda