Brazil beyond the beach: Rio, Iguaçu, the Amazon and how to plan it all

Brazil is enormous. It's the fifth-largest country on Earth and covers nearly half of South America. One trip can take in Rio's beaches and mountains, waterfalls on the Argentine border, colonial towns, the Amazon, and some of the friendliest, most musical places you'll ever visit. The trick is choosing well, because you can't see it all at once.

Where to go in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Rio (official tourism site) is one of the world's most dramatic cities, with mountains, rainforest and ocean all in one frame. Ride up to Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset, and spend lazy afternoons on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Don't miss the colourful Selarón Steps, an evening of samba in Lapa, or the Tijuca Forest, a rainforest right inside the city.

Iguaçu Falls

Hundreds of waterfalls in Iguaçu National Park, on the border with Argentina, thundering into the Devil's Throat. The Brazilian side gives the big panoramic views, while the Argentine side has trails that get you right up close. Most people do one day on each side. Bring a rain jacket: you will get wet.

Salvador and Bahia

Salvador was Brazil's first capital, and it's the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Wander the cobbled, colourful Pelourinho old town, hear the drums and watch capoeira, and eat acarajé from street stalls. The Bahia coast beyond is lined with laid-back beach villages.

The Amazon

Fly into Manaus, then head out to a jungle lodge. Take canoe trips through flooded forest, go wildlife spotting and piranha fishing, and see the Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and sandy-coloured Solimões flow side by side without mixing.

Paraty and Ilha Grande

Between Rio and São Paulo, Paraty is a beautifully preserved colonial town on a bay full of islands and waterfalls. Nearby, car-free Ilha Grande is all hiking trails, jungle and perfect beaches.

Florianópolis

On an island in the south, "Floripa" has dozens of beaches, from surf spots to calm family bays, plus lagoons, dunes and lively nightlife.

Something extraordinary

• Lençóis Maranhenses: white sand dunes dotted with turquoise rainwater lagoons. They're at their fullest in the middle of the year.
• The Pantanal: the world's largest tropical wetland and one of the best places on Earth to see wildlife, including jaguars, especially in the dry season.
• Fernando de Noronha: a protected island paradise of marine life and spectacular beaches. Visitor numbers are limited and you'll pay environmental fees, so plan ahead.

A two-week Brazil route

Tip: Distances are huge, so domestic flights are the way to travel between regions. Leave time for connections, and don't try to cram in too many places. Three or four bases in two weeks is plenty.

What to eat and drink

• Feijoada: the national dish, a rich black bean stew with pork, served with rice, farofa and orange slices. Traditionally eaten on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Pão de queijo: warm, chewy cheese bread. You'll be hooked.
• Churrasco: Brazilian barbecue. At a rodízio, waiters bring skewers to your table until you say stop.
• Moqueca: fragrant seafood stew. The Bahian version uses coconut milk and dendê (palm) oil.
• Açaí: the frozen, thick, Amazonian original, topped with granola and fruit.
• Coxinha and pastel: classic snacks from every lanchonete (snack bar).
• Brigadeiro: chocolate fudge truffles, a staple at every party.
• Caipirinha: the national cocktail of cachaça, lime and sugar. Pace yourself.

Carnival

Brazil's Carnival takes place in the days before Lent, so the dates move each year. In 2027 it falls in early February (the main days are 6–9 February). Rio has the famous samba school parades at the Sambadrome and hundreds of free street parties (blocos). Salvador and Recife/Olinda throw equally legendary celebrations. Prices soar and hotels sell out, so book months ahead.

Staying safe

Most visits are trouble-free, but petty theft is common in big cities, so travel smart:

• Keep your phone out of sight on the street, especially near the kerb, where snatch-and-grab thefts happen. Step into a shop or café to check maps.
• Leave valuables at your accommodation and carry only what you need for the day.
• Use Uber or 99 (a local ride-hailing app) at night, rather than walking or hailing taxis on the street.
• Avoid empty beaches and streets after dark, and only visit favelas with reputable, locally run tours.
• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls, during the day.

Getting around

• Fly between regions. Distances are vast, and domestic flights connect all the major cities.
• Long-distance buses are comfortable and good value for shorter hops, such as Rio to Paraty or São Paulo.
• In cities, use the metro where there is one (Rio and São Paulo have good systems) and ride-hailing apps for everything else.

Staying connected in Brazil

You'll want data for ride-hailing apps, translation (Portuguese menus!), maps and keeping in touch. A Brazil eSIM gets you online as soon as you land in Rio or São Paulo. And if Brazil is part of a bigger South America trip, say Iguaçu's Argentine side or on to Peru, a South America eSIM keeps you connected across borders. Before you go, run through our travel connectivity checklist.

When to visit

Brazil sits in the southern hemisphere, so its summer runs from December to March.

• December to March: hot summer and peak season, with beach weather, Carnival and the highest prices. It's also the rainy season in many regions.
• April to June and August to September: often the sweet spot, with good weather, fewer crowds and better prices.
• June to September: dry season, the best time for the Pantanal's wildlife and for full lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses. The northeast coast can be rainier in the first half of the year.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

Passport holders from the United States, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, applied for online before travel. There's no visa on arrival, and airlines won't board you without one. Many other nationalities, including UK, EU and South African citizens, can visit visa-free for short stays. Always check Brazil's official visa guidance for your passport.

How long do I need in Brazil?

Two weeks lets you see three or four regions without rushing. With one week, focus on Rio plus one more place, such as Iguaçu or Paraty.

Is Brazil safe for tourists?

Millions of people visit happily every year. Petty theft is the main risk in big cities, so keep your phone and valuables out of sight, use ride-hailing apps at night, and ask locals which areas to avoid.

Will my phone work in Brazil?

Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM and work on Brazilian networks. Check yours on our compatible phones page.