How to Plan a Trip to Brazil: Frequently Asked Questions

May to June and again from September to October are great months for visiting Brazil. May to June represent the fall and edge into the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, which can still provide nice beach weather in destinations like Rio de Janeiro or allow you to visit places like the Amazon or the Pantanal.

September and October are mainly Brazil’s spring and generally great months for warm days on the beach, drier weather in the Amazon, and open floodplains along the Pantanal. By visiting during these months, you can find the best time to visit to explore ecosystems and weather influenced by the Tropic of Capricorn in the south and the Equator in the north.

Between 18 and 21 days is the perfect amount of time for a Brazil trip. Brazil is a very large country and many visitors often underestimate how long it takes to travel between destinations. Three weeks gives you enough time to visit the main points of the country to experience and discover the highlights; have a good impression of what the heritage, ecosystems, and history of Brazil mean; what traveling in the country offers; and embrace an enticing combination of culture, nature, wildlife, and beach, while still having time to explore at your pace.

From enormous mega-cities that exude the Brazilian spirit to pristine beaches famous for their white sands and gorgeous waters, there are many places to visit in Brazil. Below, we offer a list of the most popular destinations to help you narrow your choices for an itinerary that speaks to your preferences when looking at the best places to visit in Brazil:

• Rio de Janeiro
• Foz do Iguaçu
• Pantanal
• Amazon Rainforest
• Lençóis Maranhenses
• Salvador da Bahia
• Fernando de Noronha
• São Paulo
• Brasília

Alongside our Brazil travel specialists, we have compiled suggestions for the must-see places to visit and a list of things to do when on a trip to Brazil. Every custom Zicasso tour is designed around your goals, needs, preferences, and desires, but the following list is a brief guideline of the highlights you can consider when planning your trip.

Rio de Janeiro • Foz do Iguaçu • Pantanal • The Amazon • São Paulo • Salvador de Bahia • Lençóis Maranhenses • Fernando de Noronha

• Discover the magnitude of the renowned Christ the Redeemer statue and the views from Tijuca National Park
• Embrace the stunning beaches of Salvador de Bahia by relaxing on the soft white sand of the city famous for its Afro-Brazilian community
• Revel in the power and prestige of the remarkable Iguazú Falls that open the dense rainforest canopy
• Venture onto the tailored trails around the Amazon jungle with a guided trek in search of stunning birdlife and wildlife set beneath and among the trees
• Explore the world’s largest wetland to find signs of dense wildlife for an experience unlike any other in Brazil or the world
• Travel the quiet archipelago of Fernando de Noronha to enjoy the waters and islands at your pace
• Trek the stunning white-sand desert of Lençóis Maranhenses, where you can uncover clear lagoons or bask in the remote grandeur of hidden luxury hotels
• Wander through a mixture of grandeur and charm when touring the architecture of São Paulo
• Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal on a boat in search of storks, alligators, or stunning flora
• Horseback ride along the shorter beaches or inland trails of Fernando de Noronha for a different view of the enticing coastline and landscape
• Visit the famous highlights of Rio de Janeiro, like Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain
• Uncover the stunning layers of art and tradition on display across the museums, galleries, and distinctive neighborhoods of São Paulo
• Meet local communities and learn about the combination of heritage and biodiversity when touring the Amazon

To learn more about Brazil and the adventures that await you, browse our guide on the top things to do in Brazil, where we share what to expect on your vacation.

Brazil has over 4,600 miles of coastline, with some of the best beaches in South America. Its white-sand shores, turquoise waters, and tropical background will give you a quiet getaway or connect you with the heart of an energetic metropolis. Lively cocktail bars and remote mountainscapes provide spectacular scenic additions for relaxing beach vacations. Below, we list the best beaches in Brazil:

• Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
• Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
• Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
• Praia do Toque, Alagoas
• Carneiros Beach, Tamanadaré
• Praia da Lagoinha do Leste, Santa Catarina Island
• Espelho Beach, Porto Seguro

Brazilian culture is very family-oriented and the country’s tourism industry offers plenty of family-friendly activities you can enjoy, making it a great South American destination for your family vacation.

You can relax on a quiet beach while the kids make sandcastles, snorkel around bays with crystal-clear waters, or travel into the jungle on a guided game drive in search of jaguars and caiman.

From hiking to cooking classes, art museums to dance lessons, you can have an incredible family experience in Brazil that’s perfect for children of all ages.

Brazil is an unforgettable destination that’s perfect for senior travelers eager to explore the natural drama of nature and the energetic life of world-famous mega-cities.

You can witness the treasures of South American art inside world-class museums, lounge on pristine white-sand beaches at luxurious resorts, or celebrate local culture by tasting the delicious cuisine in popular restaurants.

Knowledgeable guides, luxurious accommodations, and private transportation will help cater to your preferences and interests as you discover the wonders of Brazil for senior travelers, no matter your level of activity.

From the breathtaking bays in Fernando de Noronha to the secluded beauty of the Pantanal wetlands, you can indulge in a mouthwatering meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant or lounge on a private beach connected to a luxury resort as you discover the endless romance of Brazil.

The picturesque country can be as active or as relaxing as you prefer, giving you opportunities to embrace the passion, color, and history around you.

With a wealth of history and timeless coastal allure, stunning scenery and world-class culinary traditions, you can travel as a couple, celebrate a honeymoon, and cherish your unforgettable experience in Brazil.

The success of your Brazil trip depends on the experiences you want to have and the destinations you want to visit, and by planning your trip six months in advance, you have the best opportunity to book the accommodations and tours you want to create the travel experience you prefer.

Whether eager to stay at a four-star hotel with an ocean view or book a secluded luxury lodge in an off-the-beaten-path desert location, six months in advance, especially if traveling during high season, will give you enough time to make sure the trip you always wanted comes to life.

Brazil is very safe for travelers. Unsafe conditions in Brazil are rarely, if ever, associated with tourist experiences, but can be associated with areas such as favelas or metro districts that travelers do not visit. As with the majority of popular international cities, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. As long as you keep an eye on your belongings, you will not jeopardize your safety and will keep your property safe.

The most convenient route for most travelers is to fly into Rio de Janeiro and out of São Paulo, or vice versa. Arriving in one city and departing from another takes away your need to return to the city of your arrival and spend valuable time en route instead of enjoying your trip. The busiest airports in Brazil are:

• Guarulhos International Airport, São Paulo (GRU)
• Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, Brasilia (BSB)
• Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, Rio de Janeiro/Galeão (GIG)

You can plan your next adventure to Brazil with Zicasso using our Brazil tours and vacations as inspiration by customizing the itineraries that appeal to you.

Explore tailored tours, discover areas that captivate your interest, and consider experiences that align with your travel goals. Whether planning a trip to the Pantanal in search of jaguars or lounging on the beaches of Fernando de Noronha, you can use our sample itineraries as the foundation for creating your unique trip.

To get started with Zicasso, fill out a trip request and provide details about the places you want to visit, the desired length of your trip, your group size, and traveler ages. Offer your preferences or comments on your travel style and set your budget, after which our Travel Care team will contact you to match you with a top travel specialist in Brazil who will help you plan a stress-free and perfect adventure that exceeds your expectations.

Our Brazil travel specialists provide insider tips on trips for beginners or can make your return trip to the country unforgettable with their knowledge of experiences in the region.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Brazil can immerse you deep in the untamed wilderness, allow you to uncover paradisiacal coastline, or immerse you in rhythmic daily life, with each new experience celebrating the country’s rare diversity.

From folklore to delicious cuisine, colonial towns to breathtaking wildlife, you can uncover the wonders of local culture and the untouched splendor that sweeps across rainforests and the country’s palm-studded coastline. Our Brazil tours and vacation itineraries and Brazil travel guide can help inspire the right trip for you.