Brazil, the largest country in Latin America and fifth largest country in the world is a land of great diversity, be it in culture, geography or its ecosystems. From the wilderness of the great Amazon rainforests and sun-kissed tropical beaches to the Grand Carnival celebration in Rio, the country has it all.

Entry requirements: Brasil has a reciprocal visa policy with all countries, meaning that whenever prices and restrictions are applied to Brazilian visiting a country, Brazil adopts the same measures for that country’s visitors. Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate.

Departure tax: in Latin America, airport taxes are sometimes not included in the ticket price. International airport taxes can usually be paid in either local currency or US$ Dollar. Make sure you leave sufficient U$D or local currency in cash.

International airport tax is U$D 38,00 and domestic airport tax vary from U$D 7,00 to U$D 12,00 from airport to airport.

Brazil is an all year round destination, and the best time to visit Brazil depends mostly on where you plan to go and what you plan to do. There are distinct climatic variations across all the regions of the country with the dry and wet season. However, the months from April to June are an excellent time to visit the country as the weather remains pleasant and evenings are more relaxed along with mild showers in a few parts of the country.

The Brazilian cuisine has over the years earned the reputation of being one of the most mouth-watering cuisines on the planet. Influenced by Europe and America and because of its local and immigrant population, the cuisine in Brazil gets as varied as its geography. Rice, beans and manioc are the main ingredients of most of the food items almost everywhere in the country. The national dish of the country Feijoada which is a full meal in itself comprising of beans, rice and pork, can be easily found anywhere. Coffee is the country’s national beverage and Caipirinha the country’s national drink.

Brazil is a great place when it comes to hunting for souvenirs as there are a plethora of options available from local handicrafts to Amazonian products and gemstones. The country’s biggest shopping hubs are in Rio and Sao Paulo, and one can find almost anything from designer boutiques and huge shopping malls to flea markets and artisan fairs on weekends. These cities specialize in antiques and jewellery, but when it comes to gemstones, you should probably head to Minas Gerais. Central markets or Mercado Central can be found in all cities, big or small and offer great deals on products.

The primary language in Brazil is Portuguese, which is spoken by 98% of the people in Brazil. It is the language of government, of education, of the arts and of almost every element of daily life.

Clothing tips:

Rio de Janeiro: Casual warm weather clothes. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

Salvador: Shorts, t-shirts and comfortable walking shoes/sandals/flip-flops for cobblestone streets/beach.

Foz do Iguaçu: Quick-drying clothing/waterproofs, especially if a boat trip incorporated.

Amazon: See THE AMAZON AND PANTANAL section for more advice.

Vaccinations:

This information is intended as an overview only. Please read HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS section and always consult your doctor.

Yellow fever: Travellers are strongly urged to get the yellow fever vaccine before travelling to an area of Brazil with risk of yellow fever transmission, including: Acre, Amazonas (Manaus), Amapa, Distrito Federal (Brasilia), Goias, Maranhao (Sao Luis), Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto, Belo Horizonte), Mato Grosso do Sul (Pantanal), Mato Grosso, Para (Belem), Rondonia, Roraima, Tocantins.

Vaccination against yellow fever is also recommended for travellers when visiting rural areas in the states of Bahia, Espirito Santo, Parana, Piaui, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Sao Paulo. This does not apply to the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Fortaleza or Recife.

Vaccination must take place at least 10 days prior to the date of entry to Brazil for the certificate to become valid.

Malaria: If you are visiting an area of Brazil with malaria, you will need to discuss the most suitable preventative measures with your doctor. Areas with reported cases are Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Para, Rondonia, Roraima,  Tocantins, and the western part of Maranhao. Also present in urban areas, including cities such as Boa Vista, Macapa, Manaus, Maraba, Porto Velho, and Santarem. Rare cases in Belem.

Water: Make sure you drink plenty of liquids and especially water. Drink only bottled or boiled water. When visiting remote areas iodine tablets may be useful.

Sun protection: Use sun-block and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays.

Recommendations

Eat: Brazil’s national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew made of black beans, pork and beef.

Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue popular in the south. Excellent seafood in coastal areas.

In the northeast, Bahian cuisine is an infusion of African, Indian and Portuguese. Your travel consultant can provide a number of popular restaurant and other recommendations for your destination(s).

Drink: Caipirinha cocktail made with cachaça. Coffee is of high quality, sweet and strong.

Some Notable Events

Feb 2 Celebration of Yemanja (the Goddess of the Sea). Gifts for Yemanja usually include flowers and objects of female vanity (perfume, lipsticks, mirrors). These are gathered in large baskets and taken out to the sea by local fishermen.

Afterwards a mass street party ensues.

Feb/Mar (annual dates vary according to Lent) Carnival: The most famous celebrations are in Rio de Janeiro though Carnival is celebrated all over the country.

June The Boi-Bumba Folkloric Festival in the Amazonian town of Parintins sees thousands of people flock to the musical parades at the Bumbodromo.

Late July Buzios Jazz and Blues Festival: Lasts four days with many free events in the town.

Browse Brazil Tour Packages