Planning a trip to Brazil can feel overwhelming at first—after all, the country is vast, diverse, and packed with must-see destinations. But with the right steps, you can build an itinerary that fits your interests, time, and budget while making the most of everything Brazil has to offer.
Whether you’re heading to the beaches, the Amazon, colonial towns, or modern cities, this guide walks you through exactly how to plan your trip to Brazil, from documents to daily logistics.
1. Check Visa and Entry Requirements
Do you need a visa?
- Many countries (like the EU, UK, and some Latin American nations) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia will require a visa as of 2025 (check updates close to your departure).
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (and required from some countries).
Documents to have:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of onward or return ticket
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Check official sources or the Brazilian consulate for your country for up-to-date rules.
2. Choose the Best Time to Visit
Brazil is a year-round destination, but timing depends on the region and activity:
- December to March: Hot and festive (great for beach, Carnival, and New Year)
- June to September: Dry season in the Amazon and Pantanal (ideal for wildlife)
- April to May / October to November: Fewer crowds and lower prices
See what festivals or events are happening in your desired area—Carnival, Festa Junina, and Reveillon are big!
3. Decide Where to Go in Brazil
Popular regions and what they offer:
- Rio de Janeiro: Iconic beaches, Christ the Redeemer, vibrant city life
- São Paulo: Culture, gastronomy, and nightlife
- Salvador & Bahia: Afro-Brazilian culture, music, and colonial towns
- Amazon (Manaus, Tefé): Jungle tours, wildlife, river cruises
- Pantanal: Best for jaguar and bird watching
- Northeast (Jericoacoara, Recife, Natal): Beautiful beaches and sun year-round
- Chapadas (Diamantina, Veadeiros): Hiking, waterfalls, and nature
- Iguaçu Falls: One of the world’s largest and most powerful waterfalls
Choose 1–3 regions if you have 2 weeks or less to avoid travel fatigue.
4. Book Flights and Accommodation Early
Flights:
- Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak
- Major airports: São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Brasília (BSB), Salvador (SSA)
- For remote areas (like the Amazon or Pantanal), book domestic flights in advance
Accommodation:
- Pousadas: Local guesthouses, charming and often affordable
- Hostels: Great for budget and solo travelers
- Hotels: Widely available in urban centers
- Airbnb: A good option in most cities and beach towns
- Eco-lodges: Ideal for the Amazon, Pantanal, and Chapadas
Book early for Carnival, New Year, and holiday seasons.
5. Plan Internal Transportation
Brazil is huge, and transportation varies:
- Domestic flights: Fastest for long distances (e.g., Rio to Manaus)
- Long-distance buses: Affordable and extensive (good for regional travel)
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber and 99 are common in cities
- Car rentals: Great for Chapadas, beaches, and rural areas (must be comfortable driving in Brazilian conditions)
- Boats and ferries: Used in the Amazon and island areas
Use apps like Rome2Rio to plan multi-leg trips.
6. Create a Daily Itinerary
Structure your days with a mix of:
- Cultural activities (museums, historical centers)
- Nature and outdoor experiences (beaches, hiking, boat tours)
- Free time for local exploration
Sample itinerary (10 days):
- Days 1–3: Rio de Janeiro (city and beaches)
- Days 4–6: Amazon lodge from Manaus
- Days 7–10: Salvador and nearby islands
Leave room for flexibility—Brazil moves at its own pace.
7. Budgeting for Brazil
Brazil can suit all travel styles:
| Type of Expense | Budget ($) | Mid-Range ($) | Luxury ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily budget | 30–50 | 80–150 | 200+ |
| Hostel/Pousada | 10–25 | 40–80 | 120+ |
| Meals | 5–10 | 10–25 | 30–60 |
| Transport (local) | 1–5 | 5–15 | 20+ |
Tip: Use “por quilo” restaurants, public transport, and group tours to save.
8. Learn Basic Portuguese
English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, so learn:
- “Olá” = Hello
- “Por favor” = Please
- “Obrigado/Obrigada” = Thank you
- “Quanto custa?” = How much?
- “Onde fica…?” = Where is…?
Apps like Duolingo, Google Translate, and phrasebooks are helpful.
9. Health, Safety, and Insurance
- Use insect repellent, especially in the Amazon and coastal areas
- Drink filtered or bottled water
- Buy travel insurance with medical and trip protection
- Avoid isolated areas at night, and don’t flash valuables
- Use ride apps instead of hailing taxis on the street
In case of emergency:
- Police: 190
- Ambulance: 192
- Fire Department: 193
10. Respect Local Culture and Environment
- Dress modestly in churches and rural towns
- Don’t litter, especially in natural areas
- Support local artisans and guides
- Be mindful of wildlife and ecosystems
Traveling responsibly makes your trip more meaningful—and benefits the places you visit.
Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to Brazil is an exciting process—and with a little research and flexibility, it’s easy to create a journey that blends adventure, culture, and relaxation. From Amazon boat rides to samba nights, Brazil offers something for every kind of traveler.
Start early, stay open-minded, and embrace the rhythm of the country—you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
✈️ I’m Miles Carter, a travel writer and explorer passionate about discovering stories that maps can’t show.🌍 From bustling cities to quiet mountain trails, I bring you practical tips, unique experiences, and honest travel advice to help you explore the world with purpose.📍 This blog is your compass to smarter, deeper, and more meaningful travel.
Let’s wander beyond the obvious.