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South America

BrazilTravel guide

Explore Brazil visa rulesCommon scams in Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It has busy cities, beaches, rainforests and a rich mix of cultures.

Why go

  1. Explore the Amazon rainforest and its rivers.

  2. See the powerful Iguaçu Falls.

  3. Experience Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Olinda or Recife.

  4. Enjoy beaches, historic towns and varied local cultures.

Best time to go: The best time depends on the region. The Amazon's main rainy months are November to March; December and January are busy holiday months, and prices rise during Carnaval and other major holidays.

Getting there

By air

  • The main international airports are São Paulo-Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão. Their airport codes are GRU and GIG.
  • Other international arrival points include Brasília, Fortaleza, Manaus, Recife and Campinas.
  • Major airports in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro can be very crowded.

By land

  • International buses connect Brazil with Buenos Aires, Asunción, Montevideo, Santiago and Lima. Some journeys can take up to three days.
  • Road crossings connect Brazil with Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Guyana.
  • The Leticia–Tabatinga crossing connects Colombia and Brazil, but there are no road connections on either side.

By sea

  • Amazon river boats connect northern Brazil with Peru, Venezuela and Colombia.
  • From French Guiana, crossing the Oyapoque River takes about 15 minutes.

Customs

  • You must show a ticket for travel out of Brazil when you enter.
  • Animals, meat, dairy products, seeds, plants, eggs, honey, fruit and other unprocessed food need a permit.
  • Check your passport stamp immediately after arrival. A final number of 1 means entry, while 2 means exit; land crossings for return visits can use 5 for entry and 6 for exit.

Getting around

  • Plane

    Flying is often the best choice for long distances. Buying well ahead can make tickets cheaper. Flights may stop several times along the way. Check your flight number with airport staff if it is missing from the departure board. Flight comparison websites often add a fee. Booking directly with the airline can cost less. LATAM and Gol offer flight passes for several journeys within Brazil. You must buy them before arrival and show proof of international return or onward travel.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Airport car rental companies are available. Check distances, road conditions and journey times before leaving. Some Amazon roads are difficult or impossible to use during the November-to-March rainy season. Avoid driving at night because of potholes, animals, dangerous driving and robbery risks. Keep doors locked, be careful with open windows and keep bags and valuables out of sight.

  • Train

    Passenger trains are limited. Some cities have urban trains, and there are short tourist routes. The Belo Horizonte–Vitória route takes about 12½ hours. Seats are limited, so buy ahead. The São Luís–Parauapebas route takes about 15 hours and passes through part of the Amazon rainforest.

  • Boat

    Boats are the main way to reach many places in the Amazon. Some towns cannot be reached by road. Options include speedboats, yachts and small wooden boats. Local river geography matters because some routes have waterfalls.

What to see and do

  • Iguaçu Falls

    See one of Brazil's great natural sights.

  • Amazon rainforest

    Explore vast forests, rivers and places reached mainly by boat.

  • Pantanal

    Watch and photograph abundant wildlife, including from boat hotels.

  • Historic towns of Minas Gerais

    Explore historic towns in an area suited to travel by car.

  • Experience Carnaval

    Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Olinda and Recife are known for their celebrations.

  • Ride the Serra Verde Express

    Take a tourist train route starting from Curitiba.

Food and drink

  • Bottled and canned drinks

    The source describes these as safe. Some people use a straw to avoid touching the outside of the container.

  • Bottled water

    Buying water from a shop costs less than buying it from an expensive hotel minibar.

  • Filtered water

    Tap water quality varies. In hostel kitchens, look for a tap with a cylindrical filter attached.

Money

Brazilian real, written R$; its currency code is BRL. One real contains 100 centavos.

  • Keep small notes for small shops and street vendors. They may struggle to change R$50, R$100 or R$200.
  • Cards are widely used in larger cities.
  • Airport and luxury hotel currency exchange usually offers poor rates. Exchange offices are hard to find outside big cities.
  • Bring your passport and immigration form if exchanging money at a major Banco do Brasil branch. Banks may charge a large fee.

Tipping: Tips are generally uncommon, and taxi drivers and bartenders do not usually expect them. Many restaurants add a 10% charge to the bill, with no further tip needed.

Typical costs

  • The source gives a budget of R$250 to R$400 a day, or about R$700 for more comfort.
  • Hostels or inns cost an average of about R$40, according to the source.
  • In 2025, the average domestic one-way flight cost about R$648.
  • Accommodation becomes more expensive during summer and major holidays. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among the most expensive cities.

Language

  • Portuguese is the official language, and Brazilian Portuguese differs from European Portuguese.
  • English may be spoken in major hotels and tourist areas, but many Brazilians do not speak it well.
  • Spanish speakers can often get by, especially in the south, although spoken Portuguese sounds quite different.
  • Indigenous languages are spoken in parts of the Amazon, while some southern communities speak German or Italian varieties.
  • Brazilian Sign Language, known locally as LIBRAS, is used by the Brazilian deaf community.
Pousada
Guesthouse.
Bebedouro
Drinking fountain.
Legendado
A film shown in its original language with subtitles.

Staying safe

  • Keep valuables out of sight and avoid displaying expensive gadgets. Avoid unfamiliar areas and going out at night.
  • If threatened with a gun or knife, hand over what the robber asks for. Do not resist.
  • Avoid slums and remote northern and central-western border areas. Armed groups pose particular risks near Venezuela, Colombia and Peru.
  • If visiting an indigenous village or favela, use a licensed, reputable tour service. The source recommends avoiding slums throughout the country.
2 common scams in Brazil, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use a thumbs-up gesture to mean yes, thanks or that everything is fine.
  • Expect lively conversation and frequent gestures in informal settings.
  • Be respectful and cooperative when dealing with law enforcement.

Don't

  • Avoid the circle-shaped “OK” hand gesture, as it can be considered obscene.
  • Avoid making a hush gesture at someone; it is considered extremely rude.
  • Do not offer a police officer a bribe.

Staying healthy

  • Drink plenty of water in hot or dry conditions. Humidity in the Midwestern states can fall below 30% from June to September.
  • Street and beach food vendors have a poor hygiene reputation, especially later in the day. Heat and humidity also affect stored food.
  • Do not assume tap water or public drinking fountains are safe. Water quality varies from place to place.
  • Yellow fever vaccination and malaria medicine may be needed for Mato Grosso or the northern Amazon regions.

Where to stay

  • Hotels range from simple, inexpensive places to luxury beach resorts. Check the services offered, as the star rating system is no longer enforced.
  • A pousada is a guesthouse. It is usually simpler than a hotel and offers fewer services.
  • Youth hostels are becoming more common.
  • In wilderness areas such as the Pantanal, fazendas are ranches with guest accommodation.

Outdoor adventures in Brazil

Brazil has rainforest trips, wetland wildlife, waterfalls and a long coastline of beaches. You can hike, surf, dive and try other water sports, with many named options around Florianópolis.

  • Amazon rainforest trips

    WildlifeAmazonas, Northnear Manaus

    Join a jungle adventure trip from Manaus. Check that the tour company has a valid Embratur tourism registration. Travel at least 100 km from Manaus for untouched rainforest and wildlife.

    • Travel near the borders with Venezuela, Colombia and Peru is risky, especially on rivers, because of armed groups.
    • Rain is frequent. The main rainy months are November to March.

  • Pantanal wildlife watching

    WildlifeCentral West

    The Pantanal has ecotourism activities. Departure towns and booking details are not given.

    • Drink plenty of water during the Central West's dry season, from June to September, when humidity can fall below 30%.

  • Iguaçu Falls

    More to doBrazil–Argentina border

    Visit the waterfalls on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Access and tour details are not given.

  • Lençóis Maranhenses dunes and lakes

    More to doMaranhão, Northeast

    Visit the park for its dunes and freshwater lakes. Access details are not given.

  • Chapada dos Veadeiros wildlife and waterfalls

    Wildlife

    Visit for wildlife and waterfalls. Routes, guides and access details are not given.

  • Chapada Imperial trails

    HikeDistrito Federalnear Brasília

    Visit Chapada Imperial, a natural park 50 km from central Brasília. Transport and guiding arrangements are not given.

  • Trilha da Boa Vista

    HikeSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Hard Around 2 hours

    Cross the bridge east from Barra da Lagoa. Turn right and follow signs marked "Trilha". The trail climbs through the mountains to Praia da Galheta.

    • The trail is described as challenging.

  • Trilha da Costa da Lagoa

    HikeSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Around 2 hours walking; optional 45-minute return boat

    Follow Rua João Henrique Gonçalves north to the trailhead. Walk through forest beside the lagoon and follow signs for "cachoeira" to reach a waterfall. Beyond it, a village has restaurants and a boat back to Ponte da Lagoa.

    • Cost: Return boat: R$10, as listed in September 2017.

  • Lagoa do Peri, Naufragados, Lagoinha do Leste and Barra da Lagoa hikes

    HikeSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    These are named hiking areas around Florianópolis. Trailheads, transport and guiding details are not given.

  • Praia Mole, Praia do Santinho and Praia dos Ingleses diving

    Scuba divingSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Scuba diving is listed at these three beaches. Operators, booking details and experience requirements are not given.

  • Barra da Lagoa, Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole surfing

    SurfingSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Head to one of these three named surfing beaches. Lessons and board hire are not described.

  • Mole Beach and Lagoa da Conceição paragliding

    ParaglidingSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Paragliding is listed at Mole Beach and Lagoa da Conceição. Operators and flight arrangements are not given.

  • Joaquina sandboarding and dune walks

    More to doSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Visit the dunes stretching north from Praia da Joaquina toward the area east of the Lagoa da Conceição bridge. Sandboarding is listed at Joaquina and Lagoa Sandboard. You can also walk among the dunes.

  • Lagoa da Conceição water sports

    More to doSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Visit Lagoa da Conceição for windsurfing, kitesurfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Lessons, operators and equipment hire are not described.

  • Recife shipwreck and reef diving

    Scuba divingPernambuco, Northeastnear Recife

    Dive off the coast around Recife. Operators, departure points and experience requirements are not given.

  • Paricatuba Waterfall

    More to doAmazonasnear Manaus

    August to February

    Reach the waterfall by boat. It is on a small tributary on the right bank of the Negro River.

  • Love Cascade forest walk

    HikeAmazonasnear Manaus

    Travel by boat, then hike through the forest to the cascade in the Guedes bayou.

  • Ipanema and Copacabana

    BeacheRio de Janeiro, Southeastnear Rio de Janeiro

    Visit these famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Transport details are not given.

  • Fortaleza beaches: Praia do Futuro, Iracema, Meireles and Caça e Pesca

    BeacheCeará, Northeastnear Fortaleza

    Visit Iracema and Meireles for city beaches and the Beira Mar waterfront walk. Praia do Futuro is about 5 km from Meireles. Its far end is called Caça e Pesca.

    • Cost: Sunbeds on the Iracema–Meireles beachfront are listed at R$3–5, with charges sometimes reaching R$30 per day.
    • The walk from Meireles to Praia do Futuro is described as unsafe. Praia do Futuro may also be unsafe during the day.
    • Praia do Futuro has strong currents and water that pulls away from shore. Caça e Pesca also has a strong current.

  • Recife beaches: Boa Viagem, Pina and Brasília Teimosa

    BeachePernambuco, Northeastnear Recife

    Visit Boa Viagem for its long beachfront walkway. Pina is north of Boa Viagem. Brasília Teimosa is a smaller beach near the port.

    • At Boa Viagem, do not swim beyond the coral reef wall. The water beyond it is more dangerous, and sharks have been reported.

  • Florianópolis beach visits

    BeacheSanta Catarina Islandnear Florianópolis

    Choose among the island's 42 beaches. Transport details are not given.

  • Other coastal beaches and Ponta Negra river beach

    BeacheNortheast, Southeast, South and Amazonas

    Other named coastal options include Jericoacoara, Boa Vista, Porto de Galinhas, Morro de São Paulo, Guarapari, Itaunas, Caraguá, Ubatuba, Ilha do Mel and Balneário Camboriú. For Ponta Negra river beach in Manaus, take bus 120 or 126 from downtown.

  • Parque da Jaqueira cycling and jogging

    CyclingPernambuco, Northeastnear Recife

    Visit Parque da Jaqueira on Avenida Rui Barbosa in the Jaqueira neighbourhood. The park has bicycle trails and is popular for jogging.

    • Cost: Free.

  • Cisne Branco sunset boat trip

    More to doRio Grande do Sul, Southnear Porto Alegre

    1 hour 30 minutes

    Board the Cisne Branco at Cais do Porto. The listed departure is 17:30, sailing toward the South Zone on Lake Guaíba.

    • Bring extra clothes in winter, around July, when wind by the lake can be very strong.

  • Capibaribe River catamaran trip

    More to doPernambuco, Northeastnear Recife

    1 hour 15 minutes

    Take a trip with Catamaran Tours from Cais das Cinco Pontas, Avenida Sul, in São José. Listed departures are 16:00 and 20:00 daily.

Airports, metros and trains in Brazil

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BVBAtlas Brasil Cantanhede International AirportBoa VistaMain international airport
  • IGUCataratas International AirportFoz do IguaçuMain international airport
  • CGHCongonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre AirportSão PauloMain international airport
  • CWBCuritiba-Afonso Pena International AirportCuritibaMain international airport
  • SSADeputado Luiz Eduardo Magalhães International AirportSalvadorMain international airport
  • MAOEduardo Gomes International AirportManausMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • Belo HorizonteBelo Horizonte Metro20 stations29.8 kmsince 1986
  • BrasíliaFederal District Metro27 stations42.4 kmsince 2001
  • FortalezaFortaleza Metro20 stations24.1 kmsince 2012
  • Porto AlegrePorto Alegre Metro22 stations43.8 kmsince 1985
  • RecifeRecife Metro28 stations39.5 kmsince 1985
  • Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Metro41 stations58 kmsince 1979
  • SalvadorSalvador Metro22 stations38 kmsince 2014
  • São PauloSão Paulo Metro103 stations116.85 kmsince 1974

Trains

Rail network
29,817 km
Electrified
432 km

People and safety in Brazil

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian96%
  • No religion8%
  • Folk religions3%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #119 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

40% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 102 of 198 countries can visit Brazil easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required99
  • Freedom of movement3
  • eVisa3
  • Visa required93

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe45 of 46 countries
  • Americas30 of 34 countries
  • Asia18 of 50 countries
  • Oceania3 of 14 countries
  • Africa6 of 54 countries

Questions

Can I get by with English?

You may find English speakers in major hotels and tourist areas, but many Brazilians do not speak it well. Knowing Brazilian Portuguese is useful for independent travel.

What money should I use?

Use Brazilian reais, written R$. Keep small notes because small shops and street vendors may not have change for large ones.

How much should I budget each day?

The source suggests R$250 to R$400 a day for budget travel and about R$700 for more comfort. Major cities and holiday periods cost more.

What is the easiest way to travel long distances?

Flying is often the best option. Brazil is very large, and travel between major cities can take a long time.

Can I drink the tap water?

Water quality varies, so do not assume it is safe. Brazilians commonly use filtered water, and shops sell bottled water.

What is a pousada?

A pousada is a guesthouse. It usually offers simpler accommodation and fewer services than a hotel.

When are hotels busiest?

December and January are the busiest months. New Year, Carnaval and Holy Week bring high prices, and some hotels require a minimum stay.

Do I need to leave tips?

Tips are generally uncommon. Many restaurants add a 10% charge, and taxi drivers and bartenders do not usually expect tips.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

People drive on the right. Road conditions and driving behaviour vary, and night driving carries extra risks.

Will my electrical appliances work?

Brazil uses both 127-volt and 220-volt electricity at 60 hertz. Voltage can vary even within a state, so check that your appliance supports the local supply.

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