Brazil Holidays

Why visit Brazil

Brazil is a country of huge variety, from the dramatic hills and beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the thundering waters of Iguazu and the wildlife of the Amazon and Pantanal. Music, football and food are woven into everyday life, and the welcome is warm. It suits first time visitors who want an iconic city stay as well as adventurous travellers looking further afield.

Highlights of Brazil

• Christ the Redeemer: The iconic statue on Corcovado mountain looks over Rio, its beaches and Sugarloaf Mountain, with a scenic train or road ascent.
• Iguazu Falls: A vast system of waterfalls on the border with Argentina, explored by boardwalks, boat rides and viewing platforms in the rainforest.
• Copacabana and Ipanema: Rio's best known beaches combine sand, kiosks, people watching and a lively promenade, especially around sunset.
• The Amazon: Jungle lodges and river cruises bring rainforest wildlife, birdlife and indigenous culture within reach from Manaus.
• Salvador: Colourful colonial streets in the Pelourinho district, Afro Brazilian music, cuisine and traditions give a deeply cultural city break.

Best time to visit Brazil

Timing depends on the region. Rio and the southeast are hottest and busiest from December to March, with milder, drier weather from April to October. The Amazon is best visited in the drier months from roughly June to November. The northeast coast enjoys sunshine for much of the year. Carnival falls in February or March.

Getting there from the UK

Direct flights from London to Sao Paulo take around 11 to 12 hours, and Rio de Janeiro is also served directly at times. One stop options via Europe or other hubs are common. Sao Paulo Guarulhos and Rio Galeao are the main international gateways.

Good to know

The currency is the Brazilian real, and Portuguese is the national language, with limited English outside tourist areas. Sockets are mostly Type N, and voltage varies by region between 127 and 220 volts. Check TravelHealthPro for vaccine advice, and see the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for entry requirements.