Brazil

What is the best itinerary for Brazil?

Brazil is a huge and incredibly diverse country, so there are plenty of amazing routes to choose from. For a first trip, a two- to three-week journey through the state of Rio de Janeiro is a great option. Along the way, you’ll experience not only the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, but also the charming colonial town of Paraty, the lively coastal towns of Búzios and Cabo Frio, and the paradise beaches of Ilha Grande. In this article we share our ultimate route, including tips for destinations, sights, places to stay and our favourite hotspots.

Looking for a more diverse itinerary that takes you through several states of Brazil? Our 21-day journey through the captivating country might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a tailor-made trip, so you can easily adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences.

What are the most beautiful places in Brazil?

There are so many special places in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is iconic, as are the Amazon and the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu, but the spectacular dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses are every bit as breathtaking. In our article, discover even more of the most beautiful places to visit in Brazil.

Read our article about the most beautiful places in Brazil.

What are the best airlines for flying to Brazil?

The easiest way to fly to Brazil is often on a direct flight from a major European airport to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Depending on your departure city, there are also plenty of flights with a stopover, for example in Madrid or Lisbon. These can sometimes be cheaper, although the journey will take longer.

You can book flights to Brazil with various airlines and travel providers. We recommend airlines such as KLM, Air Europa and TAP Air Portugal. You can also use a flight comparison website such as Skyscanner to find the best deal for your flight to Brazil.

What is the best way to get around Brazil?

Brazil is a huge country, so flying is often the most convenient way to travel between destinations. Domestic flights can be relatively affordable, especially when booked well in advance. For domestic routes, it’s worth checking airlines such as GOL, LATAM and Azul. To compare prices and find the best options, use a flight comparison website such as Skyscanner or other comparison websites.

You can travel around Brazil by bus, but we generally wouldn’t recommend it for longer journeys. Public transport isn’t always straightforward, and travelling by bus can take considerably longer than flying.

Renting a car is a great option if you want to explore more of Brazil at your own pace. We recommend Sunnycars for car rental in Brazil, especially because of their convenient all-inclusive insurance.

Uber and taxis are also easy to use in Brazil and are generally affordable.

Is Brazil a safe country to travel to?

The short answer is: yes, but with a few precautions.

Brazil is a large country with a diverse population and significant regional differences. Crime levels also vary between different parts of the country. In larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador, it’s important to stay alert and we recommend leaving valuable belongings at your accommodation whenever possible.

We didn’t necessarily feel unsafe in these cities, but we were always very aware of our surroundings. We avoided walking around late at night and would take an Uber instead. When we wanted to use our camera, we would look for a safe spot, even during the day, such as a restaurant terrace. In our experience, it’s mainly about using common sense and staying extra alert whenever you’re unsure.

Not all parts of Brazil feel unsafe either. In particular, we found the islands and coastal towns to feel much more relaxed, with a vibe that reminded us of travelling in Asia. The locals are also incredibly friendly. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice, for example at your hotel, to find out which areas are best to visit and which ones to avoid.