Est. 1970
Brazil
Brazil is, right now, one of the world's most exciting travel destinations. This vast and diverse country is often described as the sexiest nation on earth and Brazilians certainly know how to have a good time - whether they're playing volleyball on the beach or dancing to the samba beat during the exhilarating Rio Carnival.
And the parties are sure to be even bigger and more intoxicating than ever when sports-mad Brazil hosts the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. A tailor made Brazil holiday is therefore the perfect chance to soak up the atmosphere and explore the country's wonderful attractions at this most exciting of times for the country.
Brazil is a big country, with big attractions to match. This is South America's most influential country, one of the world's biggest democracies and a rising economy on the global stage thanks, in a large part, to its abundant natural resources. The Amazon rainforest is its most precious resource and one of the most interesting places to travel to in Brazil, best seen on an expedition river cruise or by staying at a luxury ecolodge deep in the jungle. The spectacular Pantanal wetlands are another Brazil travel highlight, regarded as the country's top destination for watching wildlife, while thundering Iguazu Falls is a third natural attraction not to be missed.
But there's plenty more to discover in this country that covers half a continent and spans both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Historic colonial cities such as Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, Olinda in Pernambuco and Salvador in Bahia are other great tailor made travel options. Bahia is Brazil's African soul, the heartland of capoeira and Carnaval. Here, too, can be visited some of the country's best beaches - parts long and languorous, others featuring the top resorts in Brazil. As you'll see there's a tremendous wealth of activities and so much to see throughout the country - but also no better time to visit Brazil than now.
Brazil Luxury Travel
Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Brazil, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0623.
Brazil Beaches
Colonial Brazil
Iguazu Falls
Manaus & The Amazon
North Eastern Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Salvador & Bahia
Sao Paulo
South Eastern Brazil
The Pantanal
The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0623.
Weather
The Amazon basin has tropical temperatures and high humidity throughout the year and rain will make travel difficult between January and May. The coastal lands also have a hot tropical climate. The south is more temperate. Rainy seasons occur from January-April in the north, April-July in the north-east, November-March in the Rio/São Paulo area.
Festivals
Carnaval takes place throughout the country, but it is Rio that can lay claim to having the wildest, largest, and simply the best party in the world. It takes place over four days, from Friday afternoon after Shrove Tuesday, the official start date, until Ash Wednesday. A small, intimate, fête is held in Olinda for those wanting to escape Rio at this time. Bahia hosts another Carnival just after Christmas. A three day celebration of dances and medieval tournaments is held in Cavalhadas, locals re-enact Christ’s removal from the cross during Easter Week in Gor¡ás Velho. For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party head to Rio’s Copacabana beach.
Food & drink
A Rio de Janeiro favourite is feijoada (a thick stew of black beans, beef, pork, sausage, chops, pigs ears and tails). A typical Bahain dish is vatapá (shrimps, fish oil, coconut milk, bread and rice). In the northeast dried salted meat and beans are the staple diet. The national drink is caipirinha, based on the phenomenally strong whisky liqueur cachaca, mixed with sugar, ice and limes.
Etiquette
Normal European courtesies observed. Offers of tea and coffee are customary. Smoking is accepted. The Catholic Church is highly respected.
Safety
Beware of petty crime (theft, pickpocketing). Outbreaks of Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever.International airport
Brasilia International (BSB), 11 km from the city, Rio de Janiero (GIG), Sao Paulo (GRU).
Internal travel
One of the largest internal air networks in the world, although not always reliable. A Brazil Airpass saves money is offered by the three main airlines. It gives five domestic flights within a 21-day period. Rail services, have scaled down to almost nothing. However, it’s worth taking the train between Curitiba and Paranaguá for the views of the coastal mountain range. Extensive road network. Car hire available in major centres.
Visa
(UK/US) Required by all apart from UK.Vaccination
BCG, Cholera, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever3.Driving
International Driving Permit.Capital
Brasilia.Language
Portuguese.People
Highly diverse population including Portuguese and African descendants, more recent Italian and Japanese immigrants and indigenous Indian groups.Religion
Mainly Roman Catholic.Size
8,547,404.Population
190,010,647.Population density
22.23.Life expectancy
M 67.74, F 75.85.Currency
Real (R$) = 100 centavos.Finance
Most international credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted.Business hours
0900-1800 Mon-Friday.Time difference
from -2 to -5.Voltage
127/220 AC, 60 HzInternational dial code
55.The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Brazil. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0623.
Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu & Buzios tour
Brazil - Wildlife & waterfalls
Best of Brazil
The Very Best of South America Escorted Tour
Brazil: Land of the Jaguar
Best of Brazil & Argentina
Rio to Lima Adventure
Iguassu Falls
Ariau Amazon Towers Lodge
In Search of Iguassu - Rio to Buenos Aires
The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Brazil. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Brazil, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0623.
Hotel Das Cataratas, Brazil
Copacabana Palace, Brazil
Charlie Gordon - South America Specialist
To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0623
WHEN TO GO
- BEST
TIME - GOOD
TIME - SOME LIMITATIONS
Essential Experiences (8)
Recommended Itineraries (5)
South America South America
