Brazil Travel Guide
Brazil is the largest country in all of South America and the fifth largest in the world. It’s a place where diversity reigns supreme: from metropolises such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which, as everyone knows, is home to the world’s most famous carnival, to the unspoiled nature of the Amazon rainforest, throwing in dreamy beaches, colonial cities, an unbridled passion for soccer, and incredible people—in short, there’s something for everyone!
I visited Brazil during my backpacking trip through Latin America, and in this guide you’ll find plenty of useful tips to plan your trip to Brazil as best you can, as always with an eye on the budget.
Quick menu
- Why visit Brazil
- When to visit Brazil
- Documents and vaccinations to enter Brazil
- What to do and see in Brazil
- Possible itineraries in Brazil
- How to get around Brazil
- Backpacking Brazil: costs
- Backpacking Brazil: safety
On the streets of Paraty.
Why visit Brazil
- The beaches and nature. Brazil has more than 2,000 beaches along its coast and over 1,000 islands. There are beaches for all tastes, more or less crowded and more or less isolated, and finding one that suits you won’t be difficult at all. On top of that, the country has 62 national parks and hundreds of conservation areas, including places like the Amazon rainforest and the famous Iguazu Falls. It’s the most biodiverse country in the world.
- The culture and the people. Over hundreds of years, different cultures and ethnic groups have come together to form what the Brazilian people are today. A diversity that shows in unique celebrations and traditions, bossa nova, capoeira, the cult of soccer and a carnival like no other in the world, just to name a few. Plus, anyone who has been to Brazil can tell you how friendly and exuberant its people are.
- The climate, mostly tropical, is great almost all year round, with only a few areas where the rain really makes itself felt and others, like Rio de Janeiro, where temperatures are pleasant and rain is scarce all year. In short, the sheer size of the country means there’s always a destination in Brazil where the sun is shining.
When to visit Brazil
When discussing climate, it’s good to consider that the country can be divided into at least three distinct climatic regions.
South and southeast: Broadly speaking, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Porto Alegre. Here, it can be “cold” from June to September, with temperatures that, in any case, rarely drop below 15-20 degrees during the day. Along the coast, the climate is more temperate than inland; obviously, the further south you go, the colder it gets. Rainfall is most frequent during December-February but can occur throughout the year.
North and northeast: it’s basically never cold, with average temperatures hovering between 25 and 30 degrees throughout the year. The months from August to February are generally the driest, and those between March and July are the rainiest.
Amazon rainforest and Pantanal
It’s hot and humid throughout the year, but rainfall is concentrated between December and March, and temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees, even in the middle of winter. The best time to visit these regions is from May to October, that is, during the dry season, when animals are drawn to the few bodies of water; July and August are by far the best, as temperatures are the lowest of the year.
In short, pinning down the best time to go to Brazil is really tough and depends a lot on the region you want to visit. In any case, the period from late August to late October is definitely a good compromise in most of the country.
Florianópolis on a rainy day.
Documents and vaccinations to enter Brazil
With an Italian passport, you get a free 90-day tourist visa from the moment you enter the country (the rules change depending on your nationality, so check yours).
The visa can be renewed for another 90 days by applying to the federal police. In any case, you can’t stay in the country for more than 180 days in a 12-month period. If you want to renew your visa, I’ll point you to this step-by-step guide.
Brazil doesn’t require any mandatory vaccinations, but hepatitis A and B are recommended. As for yellow fever, although it isn’t required, it’s highly recommended, especially if you decide to visit at-risk areas.
For up-to-date information on visas and everything else, I recommend checking your own government’s official travel advice (for example, the UK’s Foreign travel advice).
What to do and see in Brazil
Obviously, with such a large country, the possible tourist destinations are countless, and someone could easily spend years traveling around Brazil. In this section, you’ll find the main places I recommend visiting, based on my personal experience, what I heard from other travelers and research I’ve done.
In this guide, prices are given in the local currency, the “Brazilian real,” often abbreviated as “BRL.” The exchange rate is about 1€ = 5.6 BRL. For the current rate, I recommend taking a look at this page.
I usually start the list of destinations with the capital, since it’s often the only international airport, but in Brazil there are plenty of airports to fly into, and those in the south, especially Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, are often the cheapest. That’s why I’ll start right from the south of the country.
N.b. Several times throughout the guide you’ll find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the AllTrails app, you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to Organic Maps, which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.
Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is the twin city of Puerto Iguazu, but much larger and more developed. The city was born and grew as an access point to the nearby Iguazu Falls, which Brazil shares with Argentina, but it also offers other interesting activities.
In case it wasn’t clear, there are two sides to Iguazu Falls: the Argentine side and the Brazilian side, which are quite distinct and have to be visited separately. Made up of some 275 individual waterfalls, together they form what is considered one of the seven wonders of nature.
What is the difference between the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguazu Falls?
The Argentine side, with its system of footbridges, takes you “inside” the falls and lets you feel their power up close, while the Brazilian side gives you a panoramic view of the falls. Both sides have their charm, and if you can, I recommend visiting both. However, if you have to choose for time or budget reasons, I recommend the Argentine side.
You can visit both sides on two separate days using Foz do Iguaçu as a base and crossing the border by taking a bus from the Foz do Iguaçu terminal to the Puerto Iguazu terminal, 5 BRL. From there, buses to the falls leave about every 20 minutes starting at 7 in the morning, 150 ARS round trip (January 2018).
Iguazu Falls (Argentine side).
What to do and see in Foz do Iguaçu
Obviously, the waterfalls are the main attraction, but below I’ve also listed other activities you can do in and around Foz do Iguaçu.
How to visit Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side)
The cheapest way to reach the falls is on one of the many public buses that leave about every 10 minutes from the bus terminal and make numerous stops along the way (ask your hostel/hotel which one is closest), 3.45 BRL one way. It’s the same bus that goes past the airport and Parque das Aves. The entrance to the falls is the last stop, about half an hour away. The ticket costs 134 BRL for foreigners (121 BRL for Brazilian and Mercosur citizens, updated October 2026) and you can also pay by card, at the entrance or online on the official website.
Here is a map of the park. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, you board a bus and get off at the “Trilha Das Cataratas” stop, where practically everyone gets off anyway. From here, there’s a walking trail to follow with various viewpoints over the Argentine side of the falls, until you end up practically right under the main falls. The trail ends at a picnic area with restaurants and shops; here you can board the bus again to return to the entrance. Even going very slowly, 2 hours is more than enough; the trail is really short. The park is open from 8:00 to 17:00 in winter and from 8:00 to 18:00 in summer.
Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side).
Itaipu Dam
This is the second largest dam in the world in terms of hydroelectric production. Halfway between Paraguay and Brazil, it can be visited from both sides, but I recommend the Paraguayan one, as the tour is free (it’s basically offered by the government to boost tourism) and can be incorporated into a short trip to Paraguay as described in my guide, perhaps along with the beautiful Jesuit ruins of Trinidad.
If you don’t feel like crossing the border or don’t have the time, you can join the tour from the Brazilian side; it costs 63 BRL (updated October 2026) and it’s basically a panoramic tour of the dam. There are direct buses that leave from the bus terminal.
Parque das Aves
The park (Google Maps) is located just outside the entrance to the falls (go back to the main road and it’s exactly on the other side) and can easily be visited on the same day.
It’s a walking route through giant cages set in the jungle that are home to about 900 birds of 180 different species, as well as some reptiles and butterflies. All the animals can be seen from literally a few meters away, and all in all I recommend it. Here too, 2 hours is more than enough. Admission costs 110 BRL (updated October 2026). The park is open every day from 8:30 to 16:30 (updated October 2026).
A toucan just a few steps away inside Parque das Aves.
Marco das Três Fronteiras and Buddhist temple
These are two sites that aren’t particularly exciting, in my opinion, but if you have time on your hands, they’re worth a look.
The Marco das Três Fronteiras (Google Maps) is simply the place where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet in the middle of the river. Each country has its own little monument, and Brazil has just renovated its own; there’s a nice view of the river, but that’s basically it.
At the Buddhist temple (Google Maps), on the other hand, the main attraction is a big golden statue of a seated Buddha. Both sites can be reached by public transportation and are really close to the city center.
Where to sleep in Foz do Iguaçu?
Tetris Container Hostel is a really unusual hostel because, as the name suggests, it’s built from recycled containers. The hostel is clean and well-maintained, with excellent common areas, including a swimming pool. Breakfast is included.
How to reach Foz do Iguaçu?
There are frequent buses to and from Puerto Iguazu and Ciudad del Este, where you can continue your trip to Argentina or Paraguay respectively. Foz do Iguaçu is also connected to all the major cities in southern Brazil, Florianópolis, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, just to name a few. If booked in advance, domestic flights in Brazil are cheap, so I recommend taking a look.
Pantanal
Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world, a vast floodplain subject to periodic flooding. It’s one of the largest freshwater ecosystems globally, and the chance of observing wildlife is higher than in the Amazon rainforest, especially during the dry season when jaguar sightings are relatively frequent, making it the best place in the world for that purpose.
Given its size, there are several access points. The two most popular are Cuiabá for the north and Campo Grande for the south. Once you arrive in either of these towns, relying on a local agency is advisable. The most popular format is the all-inclusive packages, including a transfer to a lodge (fazendas) where you spend a couple of nights participating in guided activities to explore the Pantanal. Unfortunately, I haven’t personally visited the area, so I don’t have any recommendations, but my advice is to listen to the offers you’ll most likely get as soon as you arrive at the airport or bus station, or in one of the many local agencies / accommodations, take notes and check the reviews on Tripadvisor.
Here’s what you might see with a bit of luck.
How to reach the Pantanal?
From the south, there are numerous direct buses to Campo Grande, 22 hours from Rio, 16 hours from São Paulo and about 10 from Foz do Iguaçu.
Coming from Paraguay, you can cross the border at Pedro Juan Caballero, while from Bolivia you can take a train from Santa Cruz to Puerto Suarez, cross the border into Corumbá and from there take a bus to Campo Grande.
As for Cuiabá, the most likely connections are from Campo Grande itself, 12 hours, and Brasilia, about 20 hours. Both Campo Grande and Cuiabá are well served by daily local flights, which are really affordable.
Florianópolis
Florianópolis is a really unusual city, as it’s literally split in two. Half is on the mainland and the other half is on the giant Catarina Island, not far from the coast and connected to it by three bridges.
The city has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, thanks mainly to the fantastic beaches on the island, the good surfing conditions and the fact that the city is nowhere near as chaotic as other Brazilian metropolises.
Catarina Island can be divided into three areas: the north, which is heavily developed and where you’ll find the main resorts and luxury hotels. The center of the island, where, on the west side just past the bridge, you’ll find downtown Florianópolis. There’s no reason to spend time here except to catch the bus. On the east side, on the other hand, there are Lagoa da Conceição and Barra Da Lagoa; here the atmosphere is much more relaxed and you’ll find most of the hostels. Finally, the south of the island is sparsely developed and almost uninhabited; many of the beaches can only be reached by jungle trails.
What to do and see in Florianópolis
There are 42 beaches, some great for surfing, others for swimming, some isolated, others practically deserted; in short, options for all tastes. There are also plenty of trails crossing the island, suitable for longer or shorter treks, including one of about two hours to “Lagoinha do Leste” beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the country (All Trails).
For windsurfers, Lagoa da Conceição offers excellent conditions and is a world-renowned destination. There’s also a lively nightlife.
The only note I’d make is that being so far south, from June to September, it’s not really hot, and since it’s a beach destination, it may be better to go somewhere else. I was there in May and got lucky with nice warm days, but it’s already considered low season, and the hostels were semi-deserted. January and February are the hottest months, but also the most expensive and crowded.
Sunset in Florianópolis.
Where to sleep in Florianópolis?
I slept in a hostel in Barra da Lagoa by the sea. The village is small, but there are a couple of supermarkets and beaches within walking distance without necessarily having to take the bus. The island has many options, from party hostels, mainly in Lagoa da Conceição, to eco hostels. Take a look here.
How to reach Florianópolis?
From Foz do Iguaçu it’s about 16 hours by bus, from Porto Alegre about 6 hours, from São Paulo 12 hours. Of course, there are also buses to other major Brazilian cities. As always, it’s also worth looking at domestic flights for long distances.
N.b. Urban transport in the city and on the island operates similarly to the subway; once inside the system, you can travel anywhere by changing lines at various stations, and the ticket costs 3.10 BRL. The city bus station is just outside the bus terminal on the right. Each hostel can provide precise instructions on which line to take to reach a particular part of the island.
São Paulo
One word to describe São Paulo is “giant.” We’re talking about a city with 11 million inhabitants and more than 20 in its metropolitan area. The city isn’t particularly touristy and is often overshadowed by other cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. Still, São Paulo is undoubtedly one of the most energetic cities in the world, and it undoubtedly has a lot to offer.
What to do and see in São Paulo
As always, in big cities, many free walking tours are offered that cover the main tourist areas. There are many museums and parks, but for many travelers, the main attraction remains the Vila Olímpia (Google Maps) and Vila Madalena (Google Maps) neighborhoods. Here we find the center of São Paulo’s nightlife and most hostels.
The city isn’t just about the nightlife, however: the historic center (Google Maps), which went through a period of decay in the past, is recovering thanks to projects and investments, and although it’s not particularly impressive, it’s definitely worth a walk. Here, you’ll find many of the baroque and neoclassical buildings in the city.
Avenida Paulista (Google Maps) is probably the symbol of São Paulo, a bit like Fifth Avenue in New York City. Walking along Avenida Paulista and its surroundings, filled with restaurants, hotels, bars, and stores, is definitely a good way to spend half a day.
Chaotic São Paulo.
Where to sleep in São Paulo?
I preferred the Vila Mariana neighborhood as it was cheaper and close to a local friend. The hostel I stayed in is Tapera Hostel. It’s nice and clean. The neighborhood is safe, and the hostel is a short walk from the metro. If you’re looking for hostels that are more “social” and frequented by travelers, I recommend the area around Vila Madalena.
How to reach São Paulo?
From São Paulo’s three bus terminals, it’s possible to reach virtually all major cities in Brazil and even some international destinations. All terminals are directly connected to the metro. It’s also worth looking at possible domestic flights as they’re often cheaper than buses.
Paraty
It’s a pretty little colonial coastal town about halfway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Founded by the Portuguese in 1667, it still preserves its cobblestone streets and numerous colonial buildings. Beautiful beaches and paradise islands also surround the town; in short, a great compromise between nature and culture!
What to do and see in Paraty
The historic center of the city is easy to explore on foot, also because vehicles aren’t allowed anyway. It’s especially pretty in the evening, when people pour into the streets and the various stalls open up.
The waterfalls
There are numerous waterfalls in the forest surrounding Paraty. Many local accommodations and agencies offer a jeep tour. As always, I preferred the do-it-yourself option. You can actually reach Cachoeira do Tobogã and Poço do Tarzan by bus and then take a short walk through the forest.
Tobogã (Google Maps) is probably the most famous waterfall in Paraty and, for this reason, very crowded, especially on weekends. Watch the video (in Italian, but you can turn on the subtitles) to see what you can do at this waterfall!
The bus to take is the one to Penha. It leaves from the bus station (Google Maps) and drops you off exactly at the beginning of the short path (you’ll find a church here) that leads to the waterfalls. On the other side of the road is a Cachaça (a sugarcane-based liquor) distillery where a tour with a final tasting is offered (Google Maps).
Trindade
It’s a town not far from Paraty where you’ll find some of the best beaches.
Praia do Rancho (Google Maps) is the main beach with bars and restaurants; I advise continuing to Praia do Meio (Google Maps) or Praia do Cachadaço (Google Maps) along the path that goes through the jungle for some stretches.
At the end of the trail, after crossing all the beaches just mentioned (about 45 minutes), there’s a natural pool formed by giant rocks on one side and a forest overlooking the sea on the other. It’s a really nice place to relax and swim without the strong ocean currents (Google Maps).
Buses to Trindade leave about every hour from the Paraty bus station.
The natural pools of Trindade.
Boat tours
There are plenty of options here. You can rent smaller or larger boats privately or by tour. You visit islands (more than 300 in the surrounding area) and isolated beaches that can only be reached by boat. Tours offer different itineraries and activities, including diving.
I joined a couple of guys I had met a few days earlier who, through the hostel, had booked a tour with a “party boat” of sorts. I simply followed them in the morning, and after talking to the captain, I closed the deal for 100 BRL… with unlimited caipirinha!
Basically, if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, my advice is to go directly to the harbor, negotiate with the captains of the many boats that leave every morning and choose whatever convinces you most.
Where to sleep in Paraty?
Girassol Hostel by Katita is recommended. Clean and cheap hostel, excellent location.
How to reach Paraty?
From Rio de Janeiro, it’s about 4½ hours with several daily departures, with Costa Verde. From São Paulo it’s 6-7 hours with Reunidas Paulista.
From Ilha Grande, the cheapest way is the ferry that leaves every day at 10:00 from Vila do Abraão to Angra dos Reis (about an hour and a half, 15 BRL). From the pier, the stop for the intercity bus to Paraty isn’t far (about an hour and a half, 15 BRL). If you miss the ferry, there are plenty of speed boats that shuttle back and forth very frequently, but they’re obviously more expensive, about 40 BRL. In any case, I recommend asking your accommodation for the schedules, because they change frequently.
The more expensive but also more practical and faster alternative is to use easytransfer; it costs 85 BRL for the Paraty – Ilha Grande route and includes a minivan transfer with pick-up directly at your accommodation plus the speed boat to Ilha Grande, or vice versa.
The streets of Paraty.
Ilha Grande
As the name implies, it’s a large island (almost 200 km²) located about 150 km south of Rio de Janeiro. The island was used as a quarantine station for years and housed a maximum security prison, only closed in 1994. Thanks largely to this, the island has not seen any kind of urban development and still retains one of the most pristine Atlantic forests in the country.
There are no roads or private vehicles on the island, and almost 90 percent of its land is within a protected area; the largest settlement with a population of not even 2,000 people is Vila do Abraão, where the port is located. In short, it’s an almost untouched island paradise just a stone’s throw from civilization.
What to do and see in Ilha Grande
On the island, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil; in fact, Lopes Mendes was voted by Vogue one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. But there are many others just as spectacular that can be reached on the many well-marked trails (Organic Maps) that crisscross the island, or by the boats that serve as taxis.
Lopes Mendes Beach
It can’t be reached directly by boat, but you can get to nearby Pouso (15-25 BRL) and walk through the forest for about 20 minutes. For those who want to save money at all costs (like me), you can easily walk along the well-marked path from Vila do Abraão shortly after the Che Lagarto hostel (Google Maps); it’s about 7 km.
Lopes Mendes beach.
Cachoeira Da Feiticeira Waterfall
It’s a really nice waterfall located about 4km from Vila do Abraão (Google Maps); the well-marked path starts at the end of the beach, in the opposite direction to the one leading to Lopes Mendes. From here you can reach a series of beaches nearby; I went to Praia Da Feiticeira (Google Maps), which is really beautiful. To return, you can either follow the path backward or rely on the boats that go back to Vila do Abraão.
Pico do Papagaio
Visible from Abraão, it has this name because, when observed from certain angles, it resembles the head of a parrot with a beak. At 980 meters high, it’s the second highest point on the island. Some companies offer a tour to see the sunrise from the top, but the path is easy enough to follow and is marked on Organic Maps (All Trails). However, I recommend not doing it alone and making sure you have a decent, charged flashlight, as it’s completely dark in the forest.
Starting from Vila do Abraão, it takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace, so plan it so you reach the top at sunrise; the view is nothing short of spectacular. Bring a sweatshirt, because once you get to the top it’s often windy and before the sun rises it can get cold, and don’t forget water.
These listed so far are, of course, just some of the activities and beaches on the island; there are numerous boat tours, including the one to Lagoa Azul (Google Maps) that seems to be really popular, but also numerous other beaches that aren’t within walking distance. Finally, if you’re looking for a beach near Vila do Abraão, I recommend Praia do Morcego (Google Maps).
Pico do Papagaio at sunrise.
Where to sleep in Ilha Grande?
Hostel Refúgio offers excellent value for money. The hostel is clean, breakfast is included, and the rooms have air conditioning. Recommended.
How to reach Ilha Grande?
From Paraty, the cheapest way is the intercity bus that connects Paraty to Angra dos Reis (about an hour and a half, 15 BRL). Not far from there, the ferry (15 BRL) leaves at 15:30. In any case, I recommend asking your accommodation for the schedules, because they change frequently. This is the only ferry of the day; if you miss it, there are plenty of speed boats that shuttle back and forth very frequently, but they’re obviously more expensive, about 40 BRL.
From Rio de Janeiro, the cheapest way is to take the Costa Verde bus to Mangaratiba (37.50 BRL) at 5:00 and then take the 8:00 ferry to Vila do Abraão, 15 BRL. This is the only ferry of the day; if you miss it, you can take one of the many speed boats that shuttle back and forth for 30 BRL.
The more expensive but also more practical and faster alternative is to use easytransfer; the cost is 85 BRL for the Paraty – Ilha Grande route and includes a minivan transfer with “pick up” directly at your accommodation in Paraty plus the speed boat to Ilha Grande, or vice versa. The Rio – Ilha Grande route, on the other hand, costs 95 BRL.
Planning your trip? If you still need travel insurance, you can find my guide to the best travel insurance here. Purchasing through the links in the guide supports this site at no additional cost to you.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is the second-largest city in Brazil and probably the best-known in the world, mainly for its carnival but also for its breathtaking scenery and some attractions such as the Cristo Redentor statue.
Called “Cidade Maravilhosa” – literally “marvelous city” – by locals, it’s truly unique, a city at times rich and modern, capable of hosting the Olympics, but at the same time surrounded by favelas, all set in a rather interesting geography, with rocky hills, lush forest, and beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema.
What to do and see in Rio de Janeiro
Some people could easily spend weeks exploring Rio; I was there for a week and left feeling that I hadn’t seen enough. Below, I list some of the activities I consider “must-do”, always with an eye on the budget.
Cristo Redentor
It’s undoubtedly one of the city’s symbols and one of the most visited sites. The statue itself isn’t that impressive (I imagined it to be bigger), but the view of the city is, and despite the place being extremely touristy, I think a visit is worth it.
View of Dois Irmãos from Cristo Redentor (in front), Pedra da Gávea (on the right).
How to get to Cristo Redentor?
There are three ways to reach Cristo Redentor: on foot, by minivan, or by train.
On foot – A popular trail, especially among locals, starts from Parque Lage (Google Maps), about a two-hour walk uphill. The trail is marked and easy to follow, but unfortunately, robberies against tourists are all too frequent, so it’s not recommended, and the trail was officially closed to the public in the summer of 2017 and may still be closed. In any case, this way you’d only pay the entrance fee, which varies depending on the season.
By minivan (official website) – There are three pick-up points with departures about every 15 minutes from 8:00 to 17:00. The three points are: Praca do Lido in Copacabana, next to the Largo do Machado metro stop and Città America in Barra da Tijuca. The price of the van includes the entrance fee.
By train – From the “Trem do Corcovado” station (Google Maps), easily reached by cab or metro (Largo do Machado station, from where you need to take the bus to Cosme Velho). The train leaves every 20-30 minutes and takes about 20 minutes, running daily from 8:20 to 17:00. You can’t buy the ticket directly at the station; you have to buy it at a “lotto” shop or at the post office (there’s one not far from the station) or online on this site. The cost, including entrance to the Christ, varies depending on the season.
The train is probably the nicest way to go up, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it if I were staying near the van pick-up points. Due to frequent robberies, I’d avoid the trail or walking up following the same road as the minivans. Whatever your choice, try to arrive early in the morning and avoid weekends to avoid the crowds.
Pão de Açúcar
The Pão de Açúcar is definitely another of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic sights; from here you probably get the best views of Rio de Janeiro at sunset. Going up is fairly expensive as you have to take two cable cars. The first takes you up to Morro da Urca and the second to Pão de Açúcar proper, for a total cost starting from 205 BRL (updated October 2026).
To save money, I only took the second cable car and walked up Morro da Urca; this way you only pay 140 BRL (updated October 2026). The well-marked and maintained trail starts along the Cláudio Coutinho track (on the right along the beach looking at the Morro da Urca), and it takes about half an hour to go up. If you want to save money at all costs, you can go up just to Morro da Urca, from where you still have a nice view of the city, but having arrived at this point, I recommend taking the cable car and going all the way up to Pão de Açúcar.
N.b. After watching the sunset (which I strongly recommend!) from Pão de Açúcar and returning to Morro da Urca, it was completely dark, and the access gate to the trail was closed. A guard opened it for me without any problem; just remember to bring a flashlight/cell phone, though! Otherwise, go down by cable car, paying 65 BRL (updated October 2026).
Sunset from Pão de Açúcar.
Pedra da Gávea
Nice and fun hike to one of the best vantage points over the city (All Trails). The ascent isn’t particularly challenging, even though it’s completely uphill, but there’s a short section where you have to climb the almost vertical rock face for about ten meters. For some it can be fun, but for others it’s scary, so much so that when I went, there was a man who had set up a fixed rope and would get you up safely for like 20 BRL, but I also saw people doing it in flip-flops (which I don’t recommend).
How to get to the Pedra da Gávea?
From Copacabana/Ipanema, you can take a direct bus to Praca Euvaldo and get off really close to the trailhead. I took an Uber with some other guys on the way up and then returned by bus.
Between the climb, the descent and the obligatory photos, allow at least 4-5 hours. The trail is safe, as the start is inside a fenced residential area with a checkpoint at the entrance where anyone who decides to go in has to register.
View from Pedra da Gávea, with Dois Irmãos in front.
Dois Irmãos
Another icon of Rio de Janeiro is the “Two Brothers,” two giant rock formations on the coast at the end of Ipanema. Climbing to the top of the larger one is much easier than it looks; the path is short and not too steep, and in less than an hour, you can easily reach the top, where the view is spectacular.
For many, the biggest “problem” is reaching the beginning of the trail because you must cross a pacified favela (pacified favelas are favelas with a constant police presence). The first step is to get to the entrance of the favela Vidigal (Google Maps), which is on the same bus line that goes to the Pedra da Gávea, or take a taxi/Uber; from there, moto-taxis take you to the beginning of the trail for about 10 BRL, and while the ride is fun, it’s advisable to choose a car for those who are faint of heart.
The motorcycle/car ride to the trailhead takes only a few minutes, and in less than an hour, you’ll be at the top. I then walked down along the same main road I’d ridden up on the moto-taxi a few hours earlier, to save a couple of bucks and get a closer look at the favela. Alternatively, you can take another taxi. As already mentioned, the favela is pacified and, therefore, no more “dangerous” than other areas of Rio.
These listed so far were for me the best activities/excursions done during my stay in Rio, but there’s so much more to do: I recommend spending at least a day at the beach in Copacabana or Ipanema, visiting the Museu do Amanhã (“Museum of Tomorrow,” free on Tuesdays), spectacular especially for its structure, the Escadaria Selarón (Google Maps), the steps that have now also become a symbol of Rio, the Metropolitan Cathedral de São Sebastião (Google Maps), the Botanical Garden (Google Maps), the library Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Google Maps) and the Maracanã (Google Maps). These are just a few of the many noteworthy sites in this city that could keep you busy for weeks.
Where to sleep in Rio de Janeiro?
Most travelers stay close to downtown and nightlife in Lapa/Santa Teresa. I strongly recommend the Mambembe Hostel, one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in; it’s not a party hostel but still very social, a good compromise. However, if you’re looking for a classic party hostel where staying sober isn’t an option, check out Books Hostel.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for accommodation near the beaches, then check out the hostels around Copacabana and Ipanema; there are literally hundreds of options. If you’re not interested in nightlife and beaches, I advise finding accommodation near a subway stop.
How to reach Rio de Janeiro?
Coming from Ilha Grande, the cheapest way is to take the 17:30 ferry to Mangaratiba, 15 BRL, and then the 19:40 Costa Verde bus, 33 BRL.
The more expensive alternative, but also more practical and faster, is to use easytransfer; the cost is 95 BRL for the Ilha Grande – Rio route and includes a minivan transfer directly to your accommodation in Rio plus the speed boat from Ilha Grande to Mangaratiba.
From Rio, there are direct bus and plane connections to all major cities in Brazil.
Búzios
Armação dos Búzios, often called simply Búzios, is a town located on a peninsula that’s only a 3-hour bus ride from Rio. For years it was unknown to the world, until the famous actress Brigitte Bardot visited it. The peninsula offers 23 different beaches of rare beauty.
What to do and see in Búzios
Búzios is primarily a beach destination and, as such, during the high season from November to March, which obviously also coincides with the best period for nightlife, it can get extremely crowded. The best time to visit is during April and May.
In addition to visiting the many beaches — those to the west are more suitable for swimming while those to the east are great for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing — you can join boat tours offered by many local agencies to nearby islands, go diving, or enjoy the nightlife.
One of the beaches of Búzios.
Where to sleep in Búzios?
Lagoa beach hostel is an excellent place with a pool, kitchen and breakfast included, just a stone’s throw from the sea.
How to reach Búzios?
By bus from Rio, it takes about 3 hours; the route is served by the 1001 company.
Brasilia
Brasilia is the capital of Brazil and is also the classic “foundation city,” meaning a city born from a precise political will and an urban plan. The basic structure of the city was built in only 4 years, from 1956 to 1960, and is shaped like a giant bird/airplane.
What to do and see in Brasilia
I’ll say upfront that I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the city, which is now a UNESCO site, but it’s said to be a spectacle of architecture that attracts thousands of curious tourists yearly. Some of the most spectacular buildings include the cathedral (Google Maps), the Palace of Justice (Google Maps), the Palace of Congress (Google Maps), the Templo da Boa Vontade (Google Maps), the Santuário Dom Bosco (Google Maps), the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (Google Maps), and the Cláudio Santoro Theater (Google Maps). Here you can find a complete list, while here there’s an interesting article.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia.
Where to sleep in Brasilia?
Joy Hostel & Suítes seems to be among the few hostels in the city; the reviews are great.
How to reach Brasilia?
Brasilia is centrally located and, therefore, is well served by a bus network connecting it to the rest of the country. Possible destinations include Campo Grande (Pantanal), about 20 hours away; São Paulo, 15 hours; Rio, 18 hours; and Belo Horizonte, 10 hours. It’s definitely worth taking a look at domestic flights too.
Salvador
Founded way back in 1549, Salvador was the crossroads of the slave trade for years, and it was the capital of the Portuguese colony. It preserves a beautiful historic center named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, Salvador’s carnival is said to be second only to Rio’s.
What to do and see in Salvador
The Cidade Alta, literally “high city,” is a fantastic collection of colonial buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The center, called Pelourinho, is where you’ll find Salvador’s most beautiful churches and buildings, built during the city’s golden age; Praça da Sé (Google Maps) and Terreiro de Jesus (Google Maps) are the two main squares.
I recommend ending the day by walking along the Baía de Todos os Santos (the city’s bay), perhaps taking the popular Elevador Lacerda (Google Maps), the public elevator that connects the lower part of the city to the upper part.
The historic center of Salvador.
Itacaré
Small seaside town relatively close to Salvador, with great beaches and surfing conditions, a destination for many backpackers. I haven’t personally been there, but these guys whose blog I follow speak really highly of it. Here’s the article.
Where to sleep in Salvador?
Hostel Galeria 13 is a great hostel right downtown, more expensive than the competition but really nice, with extremely friendly staff.
How to reach Salvador?
You can reach all major Brazilian cities by bus, but given the distances and the low cost, I recommend looking at domestic flights.
Recife
Recife is one of the most important cities in northern Brazil. Founded by the Dutch at the mouth of a river, it’s characterized by numerous bridges and canals, earning it the nickname of Brazilian Venice.
What to do and see in Recife
Recife’s historic city center, located in the Recife Antigo district, is a classic example of colonial-era architecture and is definitely worth a visit. I recommend exploring the area around Praça do Marco Zero (Google Maps). Here, we find the city’s most important government buildings and the port, once the busiest in all the Americas.
On the other hand, Zona Sul is the most modern part of the city. It was built along the coast and includes the Boa Viagem neighborhood, where the beach of the same name, the city’s most beautiful, is located (Google Maps). Given the modern buildings and the beautiful beach, this area is also called the Copacabana of the northeast.
The historic center of Recife.
Olinda
If you’re in Recife, Olinda is definitely worth a day trip. In addition to hosting one of Brazil’s best carnivals, it is, in fact, a UNESCO site thanks to its many buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s only 7 km from Recife, and connections are frequent.
Porto de Galinhas
It’s a small seaside town not far from Recife, with spectacular beaches and natural pools (Google Maps) formed by the proximity of the coral reef to the coast. The area is also extremely popular with locals and can get really crowded on weekends.
Porto de Galinhas is about 2 hours by bus from Recife; the company covering the route is called Cruzeiro. Departures from 4:45 to 22:30, 6.70 BRL.
N.b. The climate in the area is tropical with two distinct seasons; the rainy season from April to August is obviously to be avoided, since the main activities are beach-related. The dry season is from September to March.
Porto de Galinhas.
Where to sleep in Recife?
Zili Pernambuco – Hostel Pousada is a good hostel right in the center of Recife Antigo.
How to reach Recife?
The long-distance bus terminal is located slightly outside the center but connected by the metro. Destinations like Fortaleza (12 hours) and Salvador (about 16 hours) are possible by bus. For all others, consider domestic flights.
Fortaleza
It’s Brazil’s fifth-largest city in terms of population and, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous in the country. Many use it as a hub to reach nearby Jericoacoara and the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. It’s definitely not the most beautiful city in Brazil, but it’s still worth a visit.
What to do and see in Fortaleza
The main tourist area extends from downtown to the fish market. The waterfront on Avenida Beira Mar (Google Maps) is probably the prettiest part of the city, though nothing unmissable.
Canoa Quebrada
This small town south of Fortaleza has been a “hippie” destination for years. It has recently seen a lot of development with the construction of numerous resorts, but it still remains a good option for those traveling on a budget; the beach with the spectacular cliff behind it is fascinating and the climate is great practically all year round (the rain is concentrated between March and May), which makes it a beach destination worth considering, also given how easy it is to reach from Fortaleza, with numerous bus connections every day and only 3-4 hours away.
Jericoacoara
A small paradise in northern Brazil, a destination for lots of travelers. The fame of this place, which until twenty years ago was just a small fishing village, is well deserved. The obviously fantastic beach, the streets made only of sand and an extremely relaxed atmosphere mean that people end up staying longer than planned.
The entire area, which became a national park in 2002, now has many building and tourism-related restrictions to preserve it. Lighting in the streets is still prohibited by local law.
You can go almost anywhere by dune buggy. A popular excursion is the one to the freshwater lagoons around the village, about 30 BRL. Here you can find detailed instructions on how to reach Jericoacoara from Fortaleza.
Jericoacoara beach.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Probably one of the most incredible places in the world, the park consists of white dunes that fill with rainwater during the rainy season (May – September), forming lagoons between one dune and another – a surreal landscape!
The park can only be visited by organized tours in 4x4s. The best place from which to do this is the city of Barreirinhas or São Luís further north (3-4 hours away). You can reach the area by private transport from Jericoacoara via Parnaiba (transfer offered by some local agencies). The method of making the journey by public transport is explained here.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Manaus
Manaus is the main crossroads for visiting the Amazon rainforest. I haven’t personally visited the area, having already explored the Amazon rainforest in Peru, so I don’t have much information about it. My advice, once you arrive in the city, is to go to a few local agencies, listen to their offers and think them over, maybe checking some online reviews.
Usually, the packages offered in these situations involve staying 2-3 or more days in a lodge inside the forest, from where you can do a variety of activities, or the more expensive cruises on the Amazon River. Here are two agencies with good reviews: one and two.
How to reach Manaus?
There are no bus connections to other major cities in Brazil, but it’s possible to travel north toward Venezuela. There are frequent flights to the main cities in the country, and by boat you can reach Belém (about 5 days), Tabatinga, on the border with Colombia (one week), Iquitos in Peru and many other destinations along the river and its tributaries.
Where to sleep in Manaus?
Local Hostel Manaus seems to be the best option in town.
Caiman in the Amazon rainforest.
Possible itineraries in Brazil
To visit all the places I’ve mentioned so far probably requires at least two months, but below, I list possible itineraries of 2, 3, and 4 or more weeks. As with any country, there’s no perfect itinerary given a time frame, and the vast distances and very different climates mean certain regions can only be visited at certain times of the year. So take what follows as inspiration and modify or create the itinerary according to your interests and budget!
NB. In case you haven’t read everything so far, each stop is briefly described in the itineraries section, but you can find much more information in the what to do and see in Brazil section, including how to get between the various destinations.
15-day Brazil itinerary in the south of the country
This itinerary is designed for a trip exclusively in the south of the country, between cities, beaches and nature. The months from June to September are to be avoided, as it’s “cold” and destinations such as Ilha Grande, but above all Florianopolis, wouldn’t make sense.
N.b. Rio de Janeiro is the ideal departure and arrival airport, but São Paulo and Porto Alegre are also more than fine.
Rio de Janeiro (3 nights)
Day 1:
Recover from jet lag with a relaxing day at the beach in Copacabana or Ipanema.
Day 2:
Cristo Redentor in the morning, Lapa in the afternoon (Escadaria Selarón steps, São Sebastião Metropolitan Cathedral), Pão de Açúcar for sunset.
Day 3:
Pedra da Gávea or Dois Irmãos.
Ilha Grande (3 nights)
Day 4:
Transfer to Ilha Grande in the morning. Relax at the beach in the afternoon.
Day 5:
Day at Lopes Mendes beach.
Day 6:
Pico do Papagaio in the morning, Cachoeira Da Feiticeira Waterfall, a boat tour, or a relaxing day at the beach are all viable options.
Paraty (2 nights)
Day 7:
Transfer to Paraty in the morning. Enjoy the historic center in the evening.
Day 8:
Day trip to Trindade, waterfalls, or boat tours.
Florianópolis (3 nights)
Day 9:
Long day by bus. Unfortunately, there are no direct buses, so you must go through São Paulo. Take a bus from Paraty to São Paulo in the late morning and then an overnight bus or plane from São Paulo to Florianópolis.
Day 10:
There are 42 beaches in Florianópolis.
Day 11:
See above. In the evening, night bus to Foz do Iguaçu or a domestic flight.
Foz do Iguaçu (1 night)
Day 12:
Visit Iguazu Falls and Parque das Aves in the morning and early afternoon. Then, take a night bus to Campo Grande in the evening. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Dourados and then transfer to Bonito.
Pantanal (3 nights)
Day 13-14-15:
Time is really tight to explore the Pantanal, but by arranging something in advance or contacting a local agency, I’m sure you can get something done, although ideally, you should have a few extra days. On the last day, take a domestic flight to Rio or your departure airport.
20-day Brazil itinerary in the south of the country
With 20 days available, I recommend following the two-week itinerary just described and spending a few extra days at the various stops. Other possible destinations to add, if you think it’s necessary or have more time, are Búzios north of Rio (a beach resort with beautiful beaches) or crossing into neighboring Paraguay from Foz do Iguaçu and visiting the nearby ruins of Trinidad.
15-day itinerary in Brazil in the north of the country
This itinerary is designed for traveling exclusively in the north of the country. It’s possible to follow this itinerary year-round, although March through June/July tends to be particularly rainy in some areas. As always, my two-week itineraries have very tight time frames, and having a few extra days available would be ideal.
N.b. Salvador is probably the cheapest departure and arrival airport, but Recife, Fortaleza and Belém are also more than fine.
Salvador (2 nights)
Day 1:
Recover from the jet lag and explore the historic center.
Day 2:
Enjoy the city in the morning and take the bus to Recife in the afternoon.
Recife (5 nights)
Day 3:
Explore the historic center in the morning and Zona Sul in the evening.
Day 4:
Take a day trip to Olinda.
Day 5-6-7:
Beach and sea in Porto de Galinhas. On the last day, return to Recife and take an overnight bus to Fortaleza.
Fortaleza (4 nights)
Day 8:
Day in Fortaleza.
Day 9:
Transfer to Jericoacoara.
Day 10 – 11:
Beach and sea in Jericoacoara.
N.b. You could eliminate a few days or stops here and there to visit the nearby Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. With public transportation, it takes two days from Jericoacoara, while private transportation in a jeep takes 7 to 8 hours. Some agencies in Jericoacoara also offer complete transportation packages plus park tours, but these aren’t exactly low-cost options. Ideally, you should have a few extra days.
Manaus (3 nights)
If you decide to visit Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, consider flying from São Luís; otherwise, go back to Fortaleza and fly to Manaus.
Day 12-13-14:
3-day tour of the Amazon rainforest.
Day 15:
Return home.
20-day itinerary in Brazil in the north of the country
As you may have already guessed, 20 days, in my opinion, is ideal to follow the itinerary just described, visiting the Lençóis Maranhenses park at a relaxed pace and spending a few more days wherever you feel the need.
Itinerary of 4 weeks or more in Brazil
With four or more weeks available, you could combine the two itineraries just described; however, pay attention to the time of year, as some months in the north of the country are very rainy, and others in the south can be “cold.”
Probably the ideal time window for such a trip is from August to October.
View from the terrace of my hostel in Florianópolis.
How to get around Brazil
Buses in Brazil
Buses are by far the most common and cheapest way to get around. They are usually of an excellent standard, clean and modern, and some even provide pillows, blankets and food on board.
Each city’s bus terminal (rodoviária) has connections to all the other major cities in the region and generally to places up to 24 hours away within the country. All trips longer than 4 hours are covered by buses with on-board bathrooms.
There are different types of buses for long distances: “Leito” buses are the most comfortable and have only three rows of seats instead of 4, so the seats are extremely spacious and recline up to 160 degrees. Double-decker buses often have leito seats on the first (lower) deck and semi-leito seats on the second, which, besides being narrower (classic rows of 4), recline less.
No one company covers the whole country, so to get an idea of schedules and routes, I recommend looking at sites like brazilbustravel or busbud, but remember that not all companies are online; I always bought my tickets directly at the terminal.
Domestic flights in Brazil
The two main local companies are LATAM and Gol, which alone handle about 80 percent of domestic traffic. Another airline is Azul.
I strongly recommend taking a look at domestic flights, because if you book a bit in advance you’ll find great prices. If you plan to take several domestic flights, I suggest you do the math and consider getting an airpass; at the link you’ll find all the relevant information.
On this government site you’ll find information on all the airlines operating from a given airport, with departures and arrivals updated in real time.
Taxi in Brazil
The meter is used everywhere except for routes with a fixed price, as is often the case, especially from airports to the city center. For example, a ride from Rio’s Galeão Airport to Copacabana costs 63 BRL.
Tourists, as always, fall prey to many tricks by taxi drivers, such as extending the route for no reason. It’s always good to get an idea of how much a particular route should cost, perhaps by asking at your hostel/hotel.
In large cities, Uber works and is probably the cheapest and safest choice.
Boat transport in Brazil
The Amazon River and its many tributaries in northern Brazil are real roads which, besides connecting the cities within the region, also make it possible to reach neighboring countries such as Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.
One of the many boats sailing along the Amazon River.
Hitchhiking in Brazil
Hitchhiking in Brazil should be done with extreme care, especially around big cities. Using a sign is strongly recommended; it would also be best to do it at a gas station.
Backpacking Brazil: costs
How much does a trip to Brazil cost?
A flight from Europe to Brazil, if booked in advance, can be really cheap; there are plenty of international airports and finding something for around 500€ is totally doable. Take a look at my tips on how to search for flights.
To avoid unnecessary fees on withdrawals and card payments abroad, you can find my guide to the best travel cards here.
Cost of accommodation in Brazil
A dorm bed normally costs 20-30 BRL, and breakfast is often included. For a double room, again in a hostel, it’s about 80-100 BRL. Small family-run hotels, also known as “posada,” cost 70-100 BRL on average.
Cost of transportation in Brazil
Long-distance buses are affordable and cheap by European standards, but not as much as in countries like Bolivia and Peru. They still remain by far the cheapest option for medium to long distances, especially if you take night buses so you save a night in a hostel/hotel; as a rough guide, it’s 10-15 BRL per hour of travel.
It’s still worth taking a look at domestic flights, as they’re sometimes really cheap, unlike in many South American countries.
For other countries, my advice is almost always to buy your ticket at the terminal by bargaining; from personal experience, this isn’t the case in Brazil; here, a bit like how it works in Europe, buying online offers the same rates, and the price at the bus terminal is rarely negotiable.
Cost of food in Brazil
Food in local restaurants is fairly cheap; the menu of the day with a drink can be found for about 15 BRL, even in expensive cities like Rio. Another very cheap option is the stalls you find on the street, which usually sell typical Brazilian food. For higher-end restaurants, expect to pay at least 35-40 BRL.
Street food in Brazil.
Backpacking Brazil: safety
Is Brazil safe? Generally speaking, yes, but you have to be very careful in the big cities. With a little caution and common sense, you shouldn’t have any problems, but I met people who got robbed in broad daylight while walking up the road to Cristo Redentor in Rio (a touristy place, to say the least), and many others who had their phones and cash taken while walking the streets of Lapa, especially late at night. If something like this happens, don’t resist for any reason.
Honestly, during my almost ten days in Rio, although I walked back to the hostel late at night, sometimes even alone, I never had any problems; it’s also true, however, that I never went out with anything more than a bit of cash for which I’d never have resisted. If, however, you feel unsafe, I recommend getting around as much as possible by taxi.
That said, don’t be afraid; Brazilians, for the vast majority, are hospitable and kind people; use common sense and you won’t have any kind of problem, also because as soon as you leave the big cities, the safety situation changes radically.
Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!
Are you planning a trip to Brazil? Check out these posts:
What I pack in my backpack for a trip
Choose the perfect travel backpack
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