South America · 31 Places · Best December to March (summer, beach season)
Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 31 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The iconic 98-foot Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ atop Corcovado Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Offering panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, this monument is Brazil's most recognizable symbol and a must-visit attraction.
Take a cable car to the summit of this iconic granite peak rising 396 meters above Guanabara Bay. The two-stage cable car journey offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Rio's beaches, mountains, and cityscape, especially stunning at sunset.
One of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, Iguazu consists of 275 cascades stretching nearly 2 miles across the border with Argentina. The Brazilian side offers panoramic views of the falls, while walkways bring you close to the thundering Devil's Throat.
The world's largest tropical rainforest covering over 2 million square miles offers unparalleled biodiversity and adventure. Take guided tours from Manaus to spot pink dolphins, sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds while staying in jungle lodges or on river cruises.
Rio's most famous 4km stretch of golden sand is lined with high-rise hotels, beach kiosks, and the iconic wave-patterned promenade. Join locals playing volleyball, surfing, or sipping caipirinhas while watching spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic.
Made famous by the bossa nova song 'The Girl from Ipanema,' this sophisticated beach attracts a trendy crowd. The beach is divided into distinct sections, each with its own vibe, from LGBT-friendly areas to family zones and surfer spots.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Rio's most iconic luxury hotel has been the choice of celebrities and royalty since 1923. The elegant beachfront property features palatial rooms, a renowned spa, and the Michelin-starred Mee restaurant overlooking Copacabana Beach.
Check rates on Booking.comExcellent beachfront location on Copacabana offers great value with modern rooms, rooftop pool, and ocean views. The hotel provides comfortable accommodation with easy access to Rio's attractions and beaches at reasonable prices.
Check rates on Booking.comModern hostel with private room options right on Copacabana Beach offers unbeatable location at budget prices. Social atmosphere, coworking spaces, and regular events make it popular with digital nomads and backpackers.
Check rates on Booking.comPhilippe Starck-designed luxury overlooking Ipanema Beach combines contemporary Brazilian style with world-class service. The rooftop pool and Fasano Al Mare restaurant offer stunning ocean views and exceptional Italian-Brazilian cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Chef Alex Atala's flagship restaurant pioneered using Amazonian ingredients in haute cuisine. Ranked among World's 50 Best Restaurants, D.O.M. offers tasting menus showcasing Brazil's biodiversity with indigenous ingredients and modern techniques.
Chef Claude Troisgros blends French techniques with Brazilian ingredients in this beloved Rio bistro. Excellent wine list and consistently high-quality dishes make it a local favorite for relaxed upscale dining.
Rio's most famous sandwich shop serves massive late-night sandwiches since 1953. The signature 'Cervantes Special' with steak, pineapple, cheese, and ham draws crowds until 4 AM.
Salvador's most famous acarajé vendor serves crispy black-eyed pea fritters filled with vatapá, shrimp, and spicy sauce. Found at her stall in Rio Vermelho, a local institution for over 30 years.
Rio's most opulent café since 1894 features Belle Époque mirrors, stained glass, and marble. Afternoon tea service includes pastries and sandwiches in this architectural masterpiece in Centro.
Michelin-starred restaurant at Copacabana Palace offers exquisite Asian cuisine with Brazilian influences. Elegant dining room overlooking the pool serves artfully presented dishes combining Japanese, Thai, and Chinese techniques.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12-25 (hostel dorm or budget guesthouse) | $40-70 (mid-range hotel or nice pousada, private room) | $150-400+ (luxury hotels, beachfront resorts, boutique pousadas) |
| Food (per day) | $15-25 (street food, self-catering, local restaurants, supermarket snacks) | $40-55 (mix of casual and mid-range restaurants, breakfast included at hotel) | $100-150 (fine dining, hotel restaurants, upscale cafes) |
| Transportation | $5-8 (local buses, metro, occasional rideshare) | $15-20 (mix of public transport, rideshares, occasional taxis) | $30-50 (taxis, private drivers, domestic flights) |
| Activities | $8-12 (free attractions, beaches, occasional paid entry) | $15-30 (paid attractions, guided tours, activities) | $50-120+ (private tours, adventure activities, exclusive experiences) |
| Daily total | $40-60 | $100-150 | $300-600+ |
Do not physically resist robbery attempts
Avoid walking on beaches after dark
Do not display expensive jewelry or watches
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Keep copies of passport and documents separate
Avoid informal housing developments (favelas) even on guided tours
Be cautious accepting food or drinks from strangers
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival; Brazil's emergency numbers are 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), and 193 (fire).
Yellow fever vaccination is required before visiting the Amazon, Pantanal, or forested interior regions; mosquito repellent with DEET is essential.
In Rio de Janeiro, avoid using your phone on the street; use it inside cafes or restaurants to prevent express theft, which is common throughout urban Brazil.
Brazil requires vigilance in urban areas, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where petty theft, pickpocketing, and express robbery (arrastão) are common. The interior and smaller cities are generally much safer. Following basic security awareness allows most visitors to enjoy Brazil without incident. Emergency services: police at 190, medical at 192.
The best time to visit Brazil is December to March (summer, beach season). Brazil's vast size means dramatically different climates across regions. The Southeast (Rio, São Paulo) has a tropical-subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (December-March) and mild winters. Th
E-visa required from April 10, 2025. Fee $80.90, valid 10 years, multiple entries. Apply at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/. Processing takes up to 5 business days. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL) (BRL). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Brazil: Portuguese (official), Spanish (understood in border regions). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Brazil include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls, Amazon Rainforest, and Copacabana Beach. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Each region has its own character — coastal, alpine, vineyard, capital. Pick a starting point.
Bahia is Brazil's most culturally rich state, blending African, Indigenous, and Portuguese heritage in a vibrant tapestry of music, cuisine, and traditions. Home to Salvador, one of the Western Hemisphere's oldest cities, Bahia offers stunning Atlantic coastline, Afro-Brazilian culture, and colonial architecture. The state's diverse landscape spans mangroves, forests, and the dramatic Chapada Diamantina highlands.
Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's most iconic state, home to the legendary city of Rio with its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and vibrant culture. The state blends natural wonders like Tijuca National Forest and Guanabara Bay with UNESCO-recognized landscapes and world-famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
