We have spent around 5 months in Brazil: four in Rio de Janeiro and one on the northern coast of São Paulo.

We still have a lot left to explore; it is a huge country.

But from the places where we stayed, we were able to understand it quite well and deeply discover those regions. We will return soon to keep exploring new destinations.

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Must-visit destinations in Brazil

Brazil is huge, diverse and vibrant: endless beaches, Amazon jungle, big cities and a very strong cultural identity.

• Rio de Janeiro – Iconic beaches, Christ the Redeemer and intense urban life.

• São Paulo – Cultural and gastronomic capital of the country.

• Salvador – Colonial history, music and Afro-Brazilian heritage.

• Florianópolis – Beaches, surfing and quality of life.

• Ubatuba – Dense jungle and wild beaches on the northern coast of São Paulo state.

• Arraial do Cabo – Small coastal town known as the Brazilian Caribbean.

• Ilha Grande – Paradise island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, jungle and beaches for relaxation.

• Foz do Iguaçu – Iguazu Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.

• Lençóis Maranhenses – Unique dunes and natural lagoons.

• Fernando de Noronha – Islands, diving and protected nature.

• Manaus – Gateway to the Amazon.

• Jericoacoara – Beach, kitesurfing and spectacular sunsets.

• Recife & Olinda – Culture, beaches and historical architecture.

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What to eat in Brazil (must-try)

Brazilian cuisine is diverse, regional and very flavorful:

• Feijoada – Black bean stew with meat.

• Churrasco – Grilled meats, a southern specialty.

• Moqueca – Fish stew with coconut and dendê oil.

• Acarajé – Fried bean cake, typical of Bahia.

• Pão de queijo – Cheese bread rolls, perfect anytime.

• Coxinha – Chicken-filled croquette.

• Brigadeiro – Classic chocolate sweet.

• Caipirinha – National cocktail made with cachaça and lime.

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Practical travel info for Brazil

• Currency: Brazilian real (BRL).

• Language: Portuguese (in some places Spanish is understood if spoken slowly and clearly).

• Plugs: type C and N, 127/220V depending on region.

• Tipping: not mandatory; restaurants usually include a 10% service charge (before we knew this we used to double tip).

• Connectivity: very good in cities; variable in rural areas.

• Payments: cards widely accepted (I recommend using digital wallets for security); cash useful in markets and small towns.

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How to get around Brazil

Brazil is huge, so planning transportation is key:

• Flight – The best option for long distances.

• Long-distance bus – Cheap, but long journeys.

• Car – Useful for specific regions (beaches and natural parks).

• Urban transport – Metro in big cities (good service, simple and fast), buses and ride apps (Uber is widely used).

• Mobility apps – Very common and convenient in large cities.

• Bicycles - Widely used, good bike lane network in big cities. We wrote a very useful article about this Explore Rio by bike

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Best time to visit

• May to September – Drier and more pleasant climate in most of the country.

• December to March (summer) – Hot, rainy in some regions and high season.

• Winter – Ideal for the south and big cities.

The climate varies greatly by region: tropical, equatorial and subtropical.

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Useful tips for traveling in Brazil

• Learn some basic Portuguese.

• Use ride apps in big cities.

• Avoid paying street vendors with debit or credit cards; better use digital wallets like Belo to prevent scams.

• Take care of your belongings in very touristy areas.

• Book in advance during summer and Carnival.

• Try regional food depending on each state.

• Stay hydrated: heat and humidity can be intense.

• Avoid showing valuable items in public.

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