Brazil
"Rainforest, rhythm, and beaches that go on for days"
Brazil at a glance
- Best time to go
- Brazil is huge, so timing depends on the region. Roughly May to October is the dry season for the Pantanal, and roughly June to November is the drier period for the Amazon. Rio can be visited at any time of year, and Carnival falls in February or early March. Salvador is often suggested for September to November if you're not going for Carnival.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest ten days to two weeks for two or three regions. Brazil covers nearly half of South America, so trying to see everything in a week isn't realistic.
- Who it's for
- Beach and city lovers, wildlife seekers and festival fans who don't mind long distances.
- Might not be for you if
- You want to see everything in one short trip. If you're from the US, Canada or Australia, you also need to arrange an e-visa before flying.
Brazil is a continent pretending to be a country. Rio's mountains fall straight into the Atlantic, the Amazon swallows whole time zones, the northeast has 2,000 km of palm coastline, and the Pantanal offers the best wildlife watching in the Americas. It's loud, warm and utterly unhurried once you get in step.
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for most of the country
Dec – Mar
Hot, humid Brazilian summer. Carnival in February or March, packed beaches and peak prices.
Apr – Jun
Rain easing in the southeast, green landscapes, good value.
Jul – Sep
Dry season: best for the Amazon, Pantanal wildlife and Iguaçu.
Oct – Nov
Warm, quieter, and the sweet spot before summer crowds arrive.
Getting Around
Enormous distances mean flying between regions and using apps or buses locally.
✈️ Domestic Flights
LATAM, GOL and Azul cover the country; book early for the reasonable fares.
🚌 Long-Distance Buses
Comfortable leito services on shorter routes like Rio–São Paulo or Rio–Paraty.
🚕 Ride Apps
Uber and 99 are cheap and the safest way to move at night in big cities.
🛶 River Boats
In the Amazon, hammock boats are the local transport between river towns.
💡 Leave the good camera and jewellery in the hotel on beach days — travel light and blend in.
Suggested Itineraries
Arrive Rio
Beach walk, caipirinha, easy first night.
Corcovado
Christ the Redeemer at opening, Tijuca forest waterfall, Botanical Garden.
Sugarloaf & Centro
Historic centre, Municipal Theatre, cable car at golden hour.
Fly to Iguaçu
Brazilian side panorama walk and the Devil's Throat catwalk.
Argentine Side
Cross the border for the upper and lower circuits, bird park in the afternoon.
Paraty or Rio Beaches
Return to Rio, colonial Paraty day trip or Prainha and Grumari.
Departure
Last Ipanema swim, then Galeão.
🌙 Pace yourself, spark-chaser. A trip you actually remember beats a checklist you barely survived.
Highlights
Must See
- Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf
- Iguaçu Falls
- Salvador's Pelourinho
- Lençóis Maranhenses
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Domestic flights are the only realistic way to cover distance — a Rio–Manaus bus takes days, the flight takes four hours.
Brazil travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
It depends on where you're going. The Pantanal is best roughly from May to October, in the dry season, and the Amazon is generally drier from about June to November. Rio can be visited at any time of year, though beach weather is warmest from December to March. Salvador is often suggested for September to November unless you want to see Carnival.
Do you need a visa for Brazil?
It depends on your passport. Citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, which has been required since 10 April 2025, and airlines may refuse boarding without it. Apply only through the official Brazil e-visa portal. Citizens of many other countries, including EU member states and the UK, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
When is Carnival in Brazil?
Carnival is held before Lent, usually in February and sometimes early March, and the dates change every year. It is the busiest and most expensive time, with celebrations in Rio, Salvador and Olinda among other cities, so plan well ahead if you want to be there.
Can you visit Rio outside Carnival?
Yes. Rio can be visited at any time of year. Warmer weather starts around August to October, and you may catch samba school rehearsals as they prepare for Carnival. Rain usually comes in short, intense bursts.
Details last checked 20 September 2026.
More sparks for Brazil
Stories, films and books to keep the daydreaming going.
AI-generated editorial illustration — Unofficial AI-generated editorial illustration inspired by the destination and atmosphere of the film or series. Not an official poster or promotional image.
City of God
A powerful, unflinching look at Rio that also showcases the city's raw energy and stunning landscapes.
The Lost City of Z
by David Grann · Amazon Rainforest, Brazil