Brazil: Rio, Iguazu Falls and the Amazon

Brazil is the size of a continent. Plan one or two regions and travel between them by air.

Where to go

• Rio de Janeiro: the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the Sugarloaf and Corcovado viewpoints, and the music and street life of the city.
• Iguazu Falls: a huge system of waterfalls on the border with Argentina. You can see them from both sides.
• The Amazon: river lodges and boat trips near Manaus.
• The Pantanal: wetlands famous for wildlife, including jaguars and caimans.
• Salvador and the northeast: Afro-Brazilian culture, music, food and long beaches.
• Paraty and Ilha Grande: a colonial town and green islands south of Rio.
• Florianopolis and the south: beaches and surf.

When to go

• Rio: December to March is hot and humid. April to October is milder and drier. Carnival, in February or March, is huge and prices jump, so book far ahead.
• The Pantanal: the dry season, roughly June to September, is best for wildlife.
• The Amazon: high-water and low-water seasons offer different experiences.
• Iguazu: good all year. Water flow changes with the season.

Entry basics

Visa rules for visitors vary by nationality and have changed in recent years, with an online e-visa for some. Check the official Brazilian government website for your passport. Some regions also recommend yellow fever vaccination, so ask a travel clinic.

Getting around

• Brazil is huge, so use domestic flights for long hops. Book early, and compare several airlines.
• Long-distance buses are comfortable and cheaper, but can take many hours.
• In cities, use ride apps and the metro. Avoid hailing taxis from the street at night.
• Portuguese is spoken, not Spanish. A few words like "obrigado" (thank you) go a long way, and a translation app helps.

Safety, simply

• Keep phones and jewelry out of sight on streets and beaches.
• Use ride apps at night rather than walking in unfamiliar areas.
• Bring only the cash and cards you need for the day, and leave the rest locked in your room.
• Stay on the busy, well-lit parts of beaches and avoid empty ones.
• Ask your hotel which areas to avoid. Local advice is the best source.

Save money

Prices vary. Beach areas in peak season are costly. Eat at a "por quilo" restaurant, where you pay by the weight of food you pile onto your plate, and look for set lunches. Choose small guesthouses, called pousadas. See Stay for less beyond hotels.