Brazil Vacations

Brazil has a beautiful mixture of cultures from around the world, with the strongest influences from Africa, Europe, and Indigenous Amazonian peoples. Regardless of ethnicity and where they live, a few common themes stand out, especially in Brazilians’ love of family, food, and music. Get to know the people of the cities and the Amazon on Goway’s Brazil Complete itinerary.

Most families are quite close and your new Brazilian friends may prefer to invite you to their home rather than miss out on a meal with their family to eat at a restaurant with you. Home cooking is considered to be better than restaurants, and it usually is. The quality can be world-class and you’re more likely to be served local dishes that you won’t find in other regions or cities.

Brazil pulsates with rhythms that have gone global, like samba and bossa nova. Pay attention to the music played in restaurants, on beaches and in people’s homes as you walk by and you’ll hear up to a dozen more styles. Sertanejo is country music popular with young people and axé is heavily influenced by Caribbean rhythms.

Perhaps the most iconic expression of Brazilian culture is the exuberant Carnival—a celebration that captures the essence of Brazil's lively spirit and exemplifies the nation's unique cultural identity. Cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador become epicentres of revelry. Samba-filled parties, colourful costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere flood the streets, and the festivities continue for days on end.

One of the most captivating aspects of Brazilian culture is its devotion to beach life. The long stretches of pristine coastline provide the perfect backdrop for this cultural phenomenon. Whether strolling along the golden sands or settling into a beachside seat, you'll immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Everyone comes together to revel in the sun and sea. Sunbathers bask in the warmth, swimmers embrace the refreshing waves, and people-watchers are treated to a colourful spectacle as they observe the diverse crowd passing by. Experience the best of Río’s famed Copacabana on Goway’s Copacabana Palace trip.

What is the visiting etiquette in Brazil?

If you enjoy getting to know locals when you travel, you may find yourself juggling invitations to several homes. It’s polite to arrive 20-30 minutes after the time you were invited for to ensure your host has enough time to prepare. There are flower sellers on street corners throughout major cities and smaller cities will have markets that sell bouquets, which are a safer gift than bringing drinks. Evangelical Christian denominations are growing rapidly in Brazil, and many forbid alcohol. If you want to bring a nice bottle of rum or wine, check first that it would be welcome.

What is Brazil best known for?

Brazil’s contributions to global music can’t be overstated but the country’s natural beauty catches more headlines. It’s hard to escape the fame of the Amazon, considering its global environmental importance. However, only about one in six international tourists go to the rainforest.

The most popular destinations are beaches, with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro topping the list, especially during Carnival. When you’re in Rio, don’t miss hiking up to the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer. On Brazil’s border with Argentina, you’ll find one of the natural wonders of the world, the spectacular Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.

What are some Brazilian traditions?

The most popular Brazilian traditions for international travellers are the festivals and parades during Carnival. The parties start early and end late, especially in major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador. Make sure you dress for the occasion by asking locals what they plan to wear to the celebrations and leave expensive items in your hotel safe to avoid being targeted by pickpockets.

Other important traditions are dance performances, athletic events and the art of capoeira, a martial art that blends dance with athletic prowess. Look for performances and matches when you travel and try to see one of each. If you’re lucky, you may get to watch a football match between Brazil’s beloved rivals: São Paulo’s Crorinthians and Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengos.

Many Brazilians are deeply religious, with the majority following Catholicism, Protestant evangelical denominations, Candomblé or traditional Indigenous Amazonian faiths. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion that includes African traditions influenced by Catholicism and Indigenous traditions.

What are Brazilians like socially?

Brazilians are talkative and friendly. They are also enthusiastically hospitable and love inviting friends and family to their homes. Brazilians go out for concerts and often choose restaurants based on the musicians who will play live there. Travellers should accept invitations to home cooked meals and to concerts for a true taste of Brazilian social life.

The climate in Brazil calls for casual clothing. As you interact with the welcoming locals, shaking hands is a standard greeting among men, while a friendly double-cheek kiss is a customary practice in informal settings.

What language(s) do Brazilians speak?

The official language of Brazil is Brazilian Portuguese. However, more than 200 Indigenous languages are still spoken in Brazil. Many of these languages have fewer than 40,000 speakers and are at risk of being lost entirely. The Memorial of Indigenous People Museum in Brasilia has a poignant display showing the languages already lost.

Brazil is a year-round destination regardless of the season, and Brazil tours offer a range of experiences based on your preferences. The warmest months, from November to March, with temperatures averaging between 27°C and 33°C, are perfect for experiencing iconic events like New Year's celebrations and Carnival. But Brazil's vast expanse results in a diverse climate. The southern regions have more noticeable seasonal temperature variations compared to the north and the Amazon. Southern Brazil enjoys delightful beach weather from October to April, while the other months are cooler but not cold. Conversely, the northern coast and the Amazon region maintain consistently high temperatures year-round.
The northeast coast experiences some rain in June and July, primarily as afternoon showers. When planning a trip to the Amazon, consider the high and low water seasons. Also, consider whether you'll be on an Amazon cruise or staying in a rainforest lodge for the best experience.

Brazil boasts the world's largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal. The prime time to visit is from April to October when the weather is much cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C. However, the wetter months in the Pantanal provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to spot jaguars, hyacinth macaws, and capybaras.

When is the ideal time to visit Brazil?

While Brazil's summer lasts from November to March, and winter runs from June to September, the optimal time to explore the country varies by region. In general, the shoulder season, from September to November, offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to experience Brazil's cities and attractions. If you’re going for the parties and people watching on the beaches of Rio and São Paulo, check the dates for Carnival and plan to go in February and March.

When is Brazil 's peak tourist season?

The best time to hit the southern beaches are austral summer from December through March. However, the northern regions of Brazil are equatorial and don’t have a marked summer and winter, so the beaches in places like Salvador are perfect year-round. If you’re heading into the Amazon, consider the rainy season, when roads may be underwater but travel by boat is easier.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Brazil?

October and November have lower prices as there are fewer national holidays and the main tourist season for travellers from the northern hemisphere is over.

How long should I plan to visit Brazil?

Plan a week for each region or city that you want to visit. Popular cities like São Paulo and Salvador can easily fill a week with fascinating neighborhoods, beaches, events and museums. Add on a day trip or two and your week will be packed with outings.

A trip into the Amazon rainforest or hiking destinations like Chapada Diamantina also deserve at least a week. However, you can see the spectacular Iguassu Falls in only two or three days, making it the perfect addition to a week in the cities or jungles.

How to plan a trip to Brazil?

With over 3 million square miles of diverse landscapes, Brazil is larger than the United States, unless you include Alaska. For your Brazil vacation, you’ll have to decide on how many places you want to see. A week is sufficient for famous Rio de Janeiro, as long as you only want to see the city and its beaches, perhaps with a day trip nearby. If you want to experience the Amazon rainforest, Brazil’s uncrowded Atlantic forests, or the Afro-Brazilian culture of the north, count at least a week per destination.

How much does a Brazil vacation cost?

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries in South America, though it’s still inexpensive compared to most of Europe. You should plan on about $2,000 USD per week, not including international airfare. Budget hostels cost around $20, simple hotels about $50 and luxurious accommodations can soar far past $100 per night. Plan on $100 for day tours, depending on the activity. If you’re eating at markets or cooking for yourself, a daily food budget of $20 is reasonable, though eating three meals a day in restaurants can easily run you over $100 per day.

Where should I go the first time in Brazil?

Your first Brazil vacation should include one or two major cities and somewhere tropical like Iguassu Falls or the Amazon. If you love cities, parties and beaches, you can’t miss Rio de Janeiro with its famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Get the best of both Río and Iguassu with Goway’s Wonders of Brazil itinerary. Rio is one of the best destinations in the world for Carnaval—many say it’s the best by far. If you’re after rare wildlife spotting in the Amazon Rainforest, book a flight to Manaus, Brazil’s centre for trips into the jungle on a river cruise or to stay in an eco-lodge.

This vast landmass is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, making it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Brazil also boasts of the canyons and caves of the Chapada Diamantina, which are perfect for trekking and swimming, and the colourful old gold-mining towns in the mountains of Minas Gerais.

Is Brazil friendly to foreigners?

Brazilians are famously hospitable and making friends almost guarantees an invitation to their home to meet the family and share some home cooking. This is equally true in cities and rural villages, where a dinner among friends can easily blend into a long night of dancing as soon as dinner is over, and the music is turned up.

Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?

On April 10, 2025, Brazil will begin to require an e-visa from citizens of Canada, the United States and Australia. Many other nationalities, including most Europeans, receive a 90-day visa for free on arrival. The new e-visa will cost $80 and must be obtained from Brazil’s online visa platform before boarding your flight to Brazil. This new visa requirement was planned for April 10, 2024, and was then postponed, so check the website above when planning your trip to see if the beginning date was changed again.

Is Brazil LGBTQ+ friendly?

Rio de Janeiro has been a top destination for LGBTQ+ travellers for decades, especially during the weeks around Carnaval. Other big cities like São Paulo and Salvador also have thriving LGBTQ+ communities, though this is more difficult to find in small cities and rural areas. Throughout the country, LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, restaurants and tour companies display rainbow stickers on their doors and websites.

What currency does Brazil use?

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real BRL, with the symbol R$ before the numbers. Real is pronounced “ray-ow” and the plural of real is reais, which sounds like “ray-ice.” It is common to use debit and credit cards to pay in Brazil and most Brazilians use the national payment system Pix, which works like Venmo or Paypal. Cash is still preferred at markets and by artisans.

Do I need to tip in Brazil?

It’s common to tip 10% in restaurants, unless it’s self service. Tipping is not expected at small, family-run restaurants or places that only accept cash.

Can I drink the tap water in Brazil?

The tap water is not safe to drink in many places in Brazil. Always ask staff at your hotel or accommodation if you can drink the tap water. Bring a water bottle with a filter so you don’t have to buy disposable bottles. Not all Brazilian cities have recycling facilities for plastic, so be sure you’re not contributing to plastic dumped near the ocean or the rainforest.

The sensory experience of Brazil is second to none, with the tantalizing aroma of street food sizzling on every corner. Brazilian cuisine tantalizes the taste buds, creating a sensory symphony that resonates with those who have the privilege of experiencing this enchanting country.

Brazilian cuisine reflects the nation's cultural diversity, making every bite an adventure for the palate. It is a unique and flavorful blend of European and Indigenous, with many ingredients that come from the Amazon Rainforest. The ubiquitous farofa is one of several popular foods made with cassava, also called manioc, and yuca, which is native to the Amazon rainforest.

What is Brazil's traditional cuisine?

Feijoada, a hearty and filling black bean stew with pork, symbolizes comfort food, while coxinha chicken croquettes showcase savoury delights. Churrasco, the art of grilling meats, is a carnivore's dream. For a sweet treat, try brigadeiro, chocolate truffles rolled in sprinkles.

Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, packs a punch with sugarcane liquor, lime, and sugar, while fresh coconut water is a popular, refreshing choice. Embrace the açaí bowl craze for a healthy and delicious snack.

What is the dining etiquette in Brazil?

Brazilians can be quite formal in restaurants, where white table cloths and eating with your fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand are the norm. Manners like keeping your hands above and your elbows off the table are expected. Self service restaurants, where you pay for the weight of your plate, are less formal and a great way to sample a bite of many different dishes.

What is the drinking etiquette in Brazil?

It’s polite to accept a drink when offered, though you can ask for a fruit juice without alcohol if you prefer. The national drink is a caipirinha, made with cachaça, which comes from sugar cane juice. At bars, most Brazilians enjoy mixed drinks made with cachaça or rum and fruit juices or cola. Beer is starting to catch on, but still lags far behind the national love of cachaça.

Does Brazil cater to dietary restrictions?

With the ubiquity of manioc and rice, travellers with a gluten intolerance may have few difficulties. However, vegetarians and vegans will find their best options in big cities. Especially in the state of Matto Grosso, where the main industry is cattle and beef is eaten daily.

What do meals typically cost in Brazil?

One of the most popular types of restaurants in Brazil sells food by weight, in kilos, and is called a restaurant por quilo, or will have the English words “self-service” in the description. These restaurants are a good deal, if you know how to gauge what certain foods weigh, and you can get a wide variety of dishes for $10-$20 per plate. You should expect to pay $50-100 per person in fine dining restaurants, though the quality of food will be worth it!