My expectations of Brazil were those of radiant sunshine, partly covered bodies, and endless dancing. I, on the other hand, was greeted by a Nation where everyone seems to have perfect ball control, pouring rain, an overcast sky, and the belief that I am Argentinian. Maybe because I persistently spoke Spanish to Brazilians – ‘Eu nao falo portugues’. Having just translated this phrase, I have come to realise that I did not even say that correctly.
Once the sky cleared Brazil proved to be everything you know it to be, sunny, mesmerizing, unsafe at times, and often Caipirinha fuelled. I may have had one too many at times.
Brazil is often a holiday rather than a backpacking destination, known for its endless beaches, Carnival, and bustling metropolitan cities. The country has so much more to offer, from surfing, diving, natural waterslides, sandboarding white dunes, European towns, Caipirinha boat parties, famous waterfalls, to a World Wonder.
Unless you have all the time in the world, you might want to choose between the North or South. Exploring all of Brazil, which covers half of South America, would take a huge chunk out of your time travelling. Wondering if to head to the North or South of Brazil, what to do, safety, the best time to visit, and what on Earth a Caipirinha is? Read the ultimate guide to Brazil and find out.
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO IN BRAZIL
Brazil Highlights.
Do you only want to cover the highlights of Brazil? Then head to Foz do Iguaçu for the famous Iguazu Falls; the country’s vibrant, most populated city São Paulo for Japanese food and museums; Ilha Grande for snorkelling and relaxing island beach time; and Rio de Janeiro for Christ de Redeemer, Ipanema beach, and a favela tour.
Adrenaline Junky or Adventurous?
Brazil is a surf hot spot. In the North you can find that perfect wave in Pipa, and in the South in Floripa. You can also slide down a waterfall in Paraty, or take a boat through the Amazon sleeping in a hammock on deck. Don’t fancy being eaten alive by mosquitoes? There are endless opportunities to dive into the depths of the ocean.
Don’t Want To Be A Cliché Tourist?
Head to Lençóis Maranhenses for endless white dunes or Jijoca de Jericoacoara for a dip in the magically blue Caribbean Sea in North Brazil. For an alternative city break head to Manaus, in the middle of the Amazon; Northern, Portuguese colonial town Salvador, or the German-influenced town Gramado in the South.
Festivals.
Every ultimate guide to Brazil would be incomplete without mentioning Carnaval. February is the month when streets turn into a 24/7 party in the shape of blocos. The most famous carnivals take place in Rio, Salvador, and Recife.
Brazil also has its own Oktoberfest in the state of Santa Catarina, and over a long weekend in August, Paraty celebrates its liquor at the festival de Cachaça.
GOOD TO KNOW
North or South Of Brazil.
Choosing between a visit to the North or South of Brazil can be difficult. The North has a more relaxed Caribbean vibe. There you can visit the Amazon, incredible Caribbean beaches, and colourful European Colonial Cities. The South on the other hand is more popular with tourists and has bustling metropolises, beautiful beaches, and Iguazu Falls.
How Much Time To Spend In Brazil.
I spent one month in Brazil, as my time was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. To cover the main tourist highlights, two weeks are enough. Backpackers can easily get lost in time here, but two to four months depending on how much time you have should satisfy your appetite.
Where To Enter Brazil.
Brazil can be entered from Ciudad del Este Paraguay or Puerto Iguazu Argentina to Foz do Iguaçu, or from Punta de Diablo Uruguay to border town Chuy.
Best Time To Visit.
Arguably the best time is February for Carnival, although prices will skyrocket during this time. Off-season is during winter from May to September with prices being lower and temperatures more bearable. The most rain can be expected during the summer. I visited from mid-February to mid-March and during the first two weeks it rained every day. Although locals were surprised by how bad the weather was.
Safety.
Brazil is notorious for being unsafe and unfortunately from my experience and many tales told by fellow travellers, I recommend you purchase a solid travel insurance. Phones are often stolen out of people’s hands, and never leave belongings unattended. Be aware that occasionally possessions are stolen from hostels during the night.
Transport.
Brazil is easy to travel by bus, although distances can be far. Night buses are safe but keep anything valuable on your body. Buses tend to be freezing – be prepared with a hoody, and something to cover your legs with. The journey also includes plenty of stops even during the night, resulting in common delays. The country is well connected by plane. Uber is commonly used and there are designated areas for pick-ups at airports and bus terminals.
Anyone fancy a train journey through the Amazon? Take the Serra Verde Express from Curitiba to Morretes. I believe neither towns have much to offer, but I guess we are in it for the journey. Alternatively, you can slip in a hammock on the deck of a boat and travel through the Amazon.
ATMs.
My go-to bank was Bradesco. Its ATMs are prominent, and you can withdraw up to R$ 1,040 for free.
Plugs.
There are two different plug types, both are European. The types are Type C and N.
Visa.
Brazil can be entered for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa as a European, US, and Australian National. Entry stamps will be granted upon arrival. Please check your immigration guidelines before entering the country. Airlines need you to be able to prove that you have either a bus or flight ticket out of the country.
Did I do a good job of creating an ultimate guide to Brazil? Also, did I mention that I love caipirinhas? No clue what they are? Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail made with Cachaça, sugar, and lime.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
