Planning Your Trip to Brazil: A Practical Guide

When to go, which vaccines, which itinerary, what to see: here is our practical guide and travel tips to help you plan your stay in Brazil!

At a Glance: Essential Facts Before You Go

• Best time to travel: During the austral winter, which coincides with the dry season: May to November
• EU Entry requirements: Valid passport for the full duration of the stay
• Flight duration: 11h30/12h (direct Europe–Rio de Janeiro) to around 16h with a stopover
• Time difference: The time difference between Brazil and the UK varies. It is –4h in winter and –5h in summer. Brazil also has 4 time zones. For Rio de Janeiro specifically, the difference is between –2h and –4h depending on daylight saving time. In the UK winter, it is –3h.
• Languages: Portuguese is the official language. Due to strong European immigration, Italian and German are also spoken on the margins in certain cities in southern Brazil.
• Population: 220 million
• Area: 8.5 million km², more than 16 times the size of France!
• Currency: The Brazilian Real (BRL). As of October 2024, €1 is worth approximately 6 reais.
• Plug type: Type N – an adapter is required for larger devices such as laptops.
• Country code: +55

Climate: When to Travel to Brazil?

Brazilian Climate

One important reminder before planning your trip to Brazil: in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to Europe.

In the south of the country, in Rio and Iguaçu, summer runs from December to March with very high temperatures. Winter runs from June to September with mild and pleasant conditions.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Brazil?

As the largest country in South America, Brazil has different climates depending on the region.

Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate (hot and humid). It is generally best to visit Rio in winter, between May and November, when temperatures are mild and comfortable.

The Iguaçu Falls, located in the heart of a tropical rainforest, are very humid with occasional heavy rainfall. Summer temperatures average 25°–30°C. In winter, the air becomes cooler and drier.

Planning Your Brazil Itinerary

Brazil’s Must-See Destinations

In a country that is almost the size of a continent, the highlights of Brazil are countless. Here are some of the places not to miss:

1. Rio de Janeiro, the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvellous City)
2. The Iguaçu Falls, on the border with Argentina
3. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the Nordeste
4. Manaus and the Brazilian Amazon for an eco-lodge experience
5. The Pantanal, a sublime wild ecosystem and one of the best places in the world to spot jaguars

How Long Should You Spend in Brazil?

Given the size of the country, we recommend at least 2 to 3 weeks to make the most of Brazil. For a stay of one to two weeks, it is best to focus on one region: the south, for example (Rio, the Iguaçu Falls, Ilha Grande) or the Nordeste (Salvador, Lençóis Maranhenses, the Route of Emotions).

From 3 weeks onwards, you can combine these regions with the Amazon and the Pantanal. Within a month, you can embark on a full highlights circuit of Brazil.

What Budget Do You Need for Brazil?

Your budget for Brazil depends on the type of trip you choose. Several factors come into play:

• Destinations: not all regions come at the same price. The Pantanal and the Lençóis Maranhenses in the Nordeste are noticeably more expensive. Among cities, Rio de Janeiro is also pricier than Salvador de Bahia.
• Accommodation: the price varies considerably depending on the type of lodging chosen (pousada, 2–4 star hotel, eco-lodge, homestay).
• Meals: the price range is equally wide, from around €5 for street food to more than €30 in upmarket restaurants.
• Transport: public transport and ride-hailing apps such as Uber remain very affordable (€3–6 per journey). Domestic flights within Brazil, however, tend to be more expensive.

Health and Vaccines in Brazil

Source: France Diplomatie.

Health Risks in Brazil

The main health risks in Brazil are linked to mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika…). To protect yourself, we recommend using mosquito repellent and wearing light but covering clothing – particularly in the Amazon.

Water in Brazil is generally not considered safe to drink outside certain major cities. Always opt for bottled or filtered water. Do not hesitate to check with your hotel or local guide.

Which Vaccines Are Required for Brazil?

A visit to your doctor before travelling to Brazil is advised.

No yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Brazil, except for travellers arriving from the following regions or countries: French Guiana, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. That said, the yellow fever vaccine is strongly recommended.

It is also worth checking that your diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination is up to date. Other recommended vaccinations include typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B. Your doctor may also advise a rabies vaccination or antimalarial treatment depending on your itinerary.

Pregnant women considering travel to a Zika epidemic zone are advised to postpone their trip or strictly follow mosquito-bite prevention measures.

Safety in Brazil

In Brazil’s major cities, it is important to stay alert and keep a close eye on your personal belongings. Avoid wearing jewellery or valuable watches.

During the dry season (May to October), fires can be frequent, particularly in the Amazon and the Pantanal. During the wet season (November to April), tropical rains can sometimes cause moderate flooding.

Documents You Need for Brazil

Do You Need a Visa?

For stays of less than 90 days, no visa is required to visit Brazil for EU citizens. However, you must hold a valid passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after your planned return date.

All travellers must also carry proof of an onward or return ticket out of Brazil.

Travel Insurance for Brazil

At Tierra Latina, repatriation insurance is systematically included in all our Brazil trips. However, we also recommend taking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover any type of problem (illness, accident) that could arise during your journey.

Packing Your Suitcase for Brazil

Here are the essentials to pack for your Brazil trip:

• Light, breathable clothing in cotton, linen or quick-drying synthetic fabrics
• One or two swimwear outfits
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes
• A hat or cap and sunglasses
• A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• A cotton jumper and a light jacket
• A smarter outfit for evenings out in the cities
• Clothes in bright colours — just like the Brazilians!
• A little space in your suitcase for bringing back beautiful souvenirs

Culture: Films and Books Before You Go

Documentaries and Films to Watch Before Travelling to Brazil

• The Salt of the Earth, documentary on Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado (2014)
• City of God (Cidade de Deus) by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund (2003)
• Central Station (Central do Brasil) by Walter Salles (1998)
• Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite) by José Padilha (2007)

Books to Read Before Travelling to Brazil

• I Am Rio (Je suis Rio) by Paula Anacaona
• Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado
• Brazil: Land of the Future by Stefan Zweig – a classic portrait of the country
• The Brazil Reader: History, Culture, Politics – an excellent anthology for context

On the Ground: Transport, Accommodation and Food

Getting Around Brazil

Given the size of the country, flying is the most practical option between major cities (Rio, Salvador, Manaus, Iguaçu…). Between cities and national parks, long-distance buses or shuttle services are a convenient option.

Within cities, ride-hailing apps such as Uber or the metro (in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador) are recommended. At Tierra Latina, we can also arrange transfers with a private driver throughout your trip.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Brazil?

• Rio de Janeiro: the neighbourhoods of Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema and Santa Teresa
• Salvador: the historic Pelourinho district or Barra
• Paraty and Ilha Grande: in a pousada, a charming, intimate guesthouse that offers travellers a more authentic experience close to local culture
• The Pantanal and the Amazon: in an eco-lodge, for a genuine immersion in nature

What to Eat in Brazil?

Brazilian cuisine is rich and varied, reflecting the country’s remarkable cultural diversity. Unmissable specialities to try during your stay:

• Feijoada, considered the national dish of Brazil: a hearty black bean stew slow-cooked with various cuts of pork, usually served with rice
• Churrasco, Brazilian barbecue, with different cuts of meat grilled over charcoal, often served with farofa (toasted cassava flour)
• Coxinha, teardrop-shaped fried croquettes filled with shredded chicken
• Pão de queijo, small cheese balls made from tapioca flour, crispy on the outside and soft within
• Moqueca, a Bahian fish dish cooked in coconut milk and palm oil
• Acarajé, fried black-eyed pea fritters filled with dried shrimp and vatapá (a paste of shrimp, cashews, palm oil and coconut milk)
• Tapioca, flatbreads made from cassava flour, filled with various sweet or savoury toppings
• Brigadeiro, a condensed milk, cocoa and butter dessert cooked to a caramel consistency, then rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Brazil’s most beloved birthday treat!
• Açaí, a superfood typically served as a smoothie bowl topped with granola and fresh fruit
• Caipirinha, the iconic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, cane sugar and fresh lime