Brazil is often reduced to Rio, Carnival and football. The reality is far richer.
Natural wonders on every scale
Thundering waterfalls, white-sand dunes, tropical islands and the largest rainforest on the planet. Few countries offer this much variety. You can go from a jungle lodge to a surf beach to a granite mountain in a single trip.
Beaches for every mood
Rio’s Ipanema and Copacabana are lively and social. Bahia has palm-lined coastline and warm water. Fernando de Noronha offers some of the clearest water and best diving in the Atlantic. Jericoacoara mixes sand dunes, wind and sunsets.
Wildlife you can actually see
The Pantanal is arguably the best place in the world to see wild jaguars. The Amazon offers river dolphins, monkeys, macaws and sloths. Along the coast, humpback whales visit in season.
Music, dance and joy
Samba, bossa nova, forró, capoeira and funk are part of daily life, not just tourist shows. Brazilians are warm, social and quick to include you.
Food that deserves its own trip
Try feijoada (a rich black bean and pork stew), pão de queijo (cheesy bread), moqueca (a coconut-based fish stew), fresh tropical fruit, açaí and the national cocktail, the caipirinha. Barbecue houses, called churrascarias, serve meat on skewers until you say stop.
Culture and history
Colonial towns like Paraty, Ouro Preto and Salvador show the country’s Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian heritage. Cities like São Paulo have world-class museums, restaurants and nightlife.
Good for different budgets
Brazil can be done on a backpacker budget or as a luxury escape. Accommodation, food and domestic travel can be reasonable, depending on where you go.
A fair word on safety
Like many big countries, Brazil has areas to avoid. Use common sense: don’t flash valuables, use ride-hailing apps at night, and ask your hotel about neighbourhoods. Millions of visitors travel safely every year.
Planning your journey?
Speak with our team about the kind of experience you have in mind.
