Travel

Home > Brazil Trip Planning

Brazil Trip Planning

Brazil is such vast country that you may easily get overwhelmed by the numerous attractions it offers. Where to go? What to do? What to see? This section of the Brazil Travel Information website provides an outline for some popular vacation choices and helpful planning information to get you started in putting together your trip.

When to Travel

High season is one week before Christmas until Carnaval (February or early March.) This is the most popular time to travel. The festivals during parts of this time period are unforgettable while all the towns and resorts are bursting with vacation travelers. The downside is that hotels are more expensive and availability is quite limitted. Visiting Brazil in September through November promises summer weather and a savings on high-season rates. All the other months are usually pleasant but carry a somewhat greater possibility of rain.

Seasons:

Summer is December through March

Winter is June through September

Since Brazil is such a vast country, temperatures vary significantly from region to region. The Amazon is hot and humid year round; while in the Pantanal, most of the rain falls December through March. Rio de Janeiro has hot and humid summers (perfect for getaways to near-by resorts) and winters are mild.

The Types of Trips to Brazil

Tourism Vacation

Brazil has a big variety of cultural sites, architectural wonders and natural highlights. Rio de Janeiro boasts some of the countries finest museums, and the different areas within the city add to a packed and fulfilling vacation. At the same time, Brazil maintains within its borders three major natural highlights: The Amazon, The Pantanal, and Iguazu Falls. Such varied and unique attractions bring tourists from all over the world to Brazil.

Nature and Ecotourism

For the ecotourist, we have outlined the basics of ecotourism, safety guidelines, and regions within Brazil that the ecotourist might be interested in visiting.

Trips during Brazilian Festivals

For those who are looking for a great party, we offer pages that outline the basic needs, answer questions and provide must-do activities for visiting Rio de Janeiro during New Year's and Carnival.

Family Vacation

Brazil is both interesting and rewarding for families to travel. The natural highlights of the country are wonderful things to show children while various accommodation options are available to families. There are also some important factors to consider when traveling with children.

Group Travel

Brazil is an excellent place to explore with a group. Much like family travel, group travel involves taking care of many logistics, a process that may not be trivial. A travel agent may be very useful and actually save your group money.

The Necessities

Entry Requirements

United States, Canadian, and Australian citizens require a visa to enter Brazil. United Kingdom and South African nationals do not require a visa to visit Brazil.

Vaccinations

Some vacinations may be necessary for travelers visiting the more rustic areas of Brazil for extended periods of time. You can read more about vaccinations in this section on BrazilTravelInformation.com:

Money Matters

Credit card and ATM machines are widely available in Rio de Janeiro and other major cities. Credit Cards offer the best exchange rates. However, better prices are usually offered if you pay in cash, with prices up to 15% less expensive. It is a good idea to have several cards for some restaurants may only accept one card, i.e. Visa. Travelers checks do not do well in Brazil and you will be losing money when you cash them. ATM's are the best way to obtain cash, and ATM machines are available even in smaller towns.

What to Bring

There isn't anything specific you need to bring to Brazil; dress comfortably for all the exploring you will be doing and don't over-dress or wear flashy and expensive looking clothing or jewelry. As for sunscreen, bathing suits, and sunglasses- you can always buy those things in Brazil, you are in a civilized country.

Guidebooks

Plan your trip on BrazilTravelInformation.com and then grab a guidebook to take on your trip. Here are some good guides to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Pantanal.