country
BrazilBrasil
First trip: Rio de Janeiro 4–5 nights, plus one other region by air (Iguaçu Falls 2, Salvador/Bahia 4, the Amazon from Manaus 3–4 or the Pantanal 3–4); Brazil is larger than the contiguous US, so never plan it by bus.
Brazil is continental in size: Rio to Manaus is about four hours by air, and São Paulo to Salvador about two. Trips break when they try to cover the coast, the falls and the Amazon in ten days with overnight buses. Pick Rio plus one region, fly between them, and take street safety seriously in big cities: phone and bag theft is the main risk. Portuguese is the language; English is limited outside hotels.
All regions, cities and parks in Brazil (Atlas) →
Regions
Rio (Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer); Paraty and Ilha Grande nearby
4–6 nights
The Brazilian side of the falls; Argentine side as a day trip
2–3 nights
Salvador, beaches of Bahia, Recife/Olinda and Fortaleza
4–6 nights
Jungle lodges from Manaus; wildlife in the Pantanal from Cuiabá or Campo Grande
3–5 nights
Arrive
GRU
São Paulo–Guarulhos International
Largest hub in South America; 45–90 minutes to central São Paulo by road
GIG
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
About 45–75 minutes to Copacabana or Ipanema by taxi or app
SSA
Salvador International
Gateway to Bahia
Time math
- 7 days
- Rio 5 + fly to Foz do Iguaçu 2
- 10 days
- Rio 5 + Iguaçu 2 + São Paulo 3 (or Paraty 3 by road)
- 14 days
- Rio 5 + Salvador 4 + Manaus and a jungle lodge 4, plus 1 buffer, all by air
Country rules
- Visa rules differ by passport and have changed in recent years (some nationalities now need an e-visa): check with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Brazilian consulate before booking.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
Etiquette
- Speak Portuguese or English, not Spanish, as a default; basic Portuguese greetings (bom dia, obrigado/obrigada) go a long way.
- A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills; extra tipping is optional.
- Brazilians are physically warm: handshakes, hugs and a kiss on the cheek are normal greetings.
- Carnival (February or March)
- Rio, Salvador, Recife and Olinda full; businesses close for several days.
- New Year's Eve
- Copacabana hosts huge crowds; hotels and flights sell out.
- Summer holidays (December–February)
- Beaches and domestic flights at peak demand.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 2/5
- Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$). Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted almost everywhere, even at beach kiosks.
- Locals pay with Pix (instant bank transfer); some small sellers prefer it, but cards usually work.
- Carry a little cash in small notes; use ATMs inside banks or malls in daytime.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Safety
- Emergency: 190 police, 192 ambulance (SAMU), 193 fire.
- Street crime: carry a cheap second phone or keep yours in a front pocket; do not walk on empty beaches or streets after dark.
- Only enter favelas (communities) on a tour with a reputable local operator.
- Use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis at night.
- The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to some river areas in western Amazonas State; standard Manaus lodge trips are outside these areas, but check the detail.
- Sea currents are strong on many beaches: swim where lifeguards are posted.
- Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Zika, chikungunya) occur: use repellent.
São Paulo is the main air hub for South America; Iguaçu connects overland to Argentina and Paraguay.
Sources
- UK FCDO travel advice: Brazil (official)
- Wikivoyage — Brazil (secondary)