Expert Advice for an Amazing Trip to Brazil
Brazilians are incredibly friendly and helpful to tourists. Many people speak some English, and even if they don’t, most are accustomed to tourists and know what to expect!
Planning a trip can be stressful and time-consuming. Using a travel expert like Baboo Travel can help save you time and stress while also supporting community projects in Brazil!
1. Book Your Flights in Advance
The best time to book flights to Brazil is at least a few months in advance. Prices will generally creep up closer to your desired departure date, especially if you’re visiting during a popular event or season, such as Carnival. It’s also worth checking with specialist travel agents, as they often have access to deals that aren’t available online.
Flights to Brazil aren’t cheap, so it’s worth exploring alternative routes and comparing prices to find the most cost-effective option for you. Many airlines fly to Brazil, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines. It’s also worth considering flying into nearby border countries, such as Montevideo, Bogota or Lima, to extend your trip by land and explore other iconic South American destinations.
Whether you want to tap your feet to the samba beat as you join in the parades of Rio’s famous Carnival, or marvel at the amazing wildlife that surrounds you on an Amazon River tour, Brazil’s endless adventures are sure to make lasting impressions. The country’s culture, cuisine and party scene are also renowned.
When it comes to packing, remember to pack comfortable clothes and shoes. The weather in Brazil can be hot and humid, so it’s a good idea to bring clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton. It’s also a good idea to pack sun protection and a hat, as the sun is strong near the Equator.
Most European citizens can enter Brazil without a visa, provided they have a valid passport and return ticket. For non-Europeans, a visa is required, but this can be easily obtained at the airport on arrival. In addition, a health certificate is recommended for all travellers. As Brazil has an endemic malaria outbreak, insect repellent is recommended for all travellers as well. Lastly, travellers should bring a medical kit with them in case of any unexpected illnesses or injuries. You can buy basic medication at most pharmacies in Brazil, but it’s a good idea to carry a comprehensive medical kit with you. If you’re worried about getting ill, speak to your tour guide or local travel agency before your trip.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Brazil has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Rio De Janeiro Airport will cost about 17 euros per day, in Sao Paulo Airport - about 16 euros per day.
2. Book Your Accommodations Early
Brazil is one of South America’s most popular travel destinations, with international travelers from all over the world booking their trips to this vibrant country. Despite some bad press on crime and higher murder rates in urban areas of major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the truth is that the majority of the criminal activities that impact tourists are drug related and take place in gang territory far from tourist attractions.
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, it is important that you book your accommodations as early as possible. Not only will this ensure that you get the room you want, but it will also allow you to plan your vacation budget accordingly. In addition, you’ll be able to avoid any last-minute price increases that may occur if you wait until the last minute to make your reservation.
When you book your hotel in advance, you will know exactly how much your accommodations will cost and will be able to plan the rest of your trip accordingly. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling on a budget, as it allows you to keep your costs low and save money for other travel expenses.
Once you’ve booked your flight, the next step is to reserve your accommodation. If you’re visiting during a popular time of year, it is recommended that you book your hotel as soon as possible to ensure availability. Also, be sure to choose a cancelable reservation so that you can always change your plans if necessary.
In terms of the best places to stay in Brazil, there are many options to choose from. These range from hip and trendy city boutique hotels and design hotels to sprawling rural fazendas and cozy pousadas. You can even find some luxury hotels that cater to upscale international travelers.
Another benefit of booking your hotel in advance is that it will give the staff a chance to prepare for you. If you have any special needs or requests, it’s a good idea to let the hotel know in advance so that they can make arrangements accordingly.
3. Take a Sightseeing Tour
Brazil is a huge country, with so many things to do and see that planning your itinerary can be overwhelming. Soaring mountains, pulsing cities, and sprawling rainforests are just some of the natural wonders you can experience while visiting. With so much diversity, it’s important to consider what you really want out of your trip before you start planning.
Fortunately, there are tons of sightseeing tours that can help you make the most of your time in Brazil. From cosmopolitan Rio and the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue to awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, there are tours for every interest in Brazil. So whether you’re an art enthusiast, nature lover, or party animal, be sure to book a tour to fit your needs!
In a city like Sao Paulo, one of the best ways to get a feel for the local culture is by exploring its trendy neighbourhoods. You can start in Vila Madalena, a thriving arts and food scene that’s home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and vintage shops. If you’re feeling hungry, head to Feira Livre da Vila Madalena for some delicious street food. For a great view of the city, visit Praca do Por do Sol, where you can sit and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Recife, the main theatrical, gastronomic, and leisure center of the Northeast region, is also worth visiting. The city is renowned for its spectacular sunset views and has a variety of scenic spots, including rivers, bridges, and beaches. You can take in the stunning scenery from the famous viewpoint of Elevador Lacerda or visit the Modern Art Museum of Bahia.
Another popular destination is Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous for its crystal-blue waters and pristine beaches. This island is off the coast of Goias and can be reached via a short boat ride from the mainland. Be sure to visit Project Tamar, a non-profit organisation that protects sea turtles along the Brazilian coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to witness a turtle being released back into the wild!
Brazil is a safe place to travel, but be mindful of the fact that it shares borders with some very dangerous countries. Always follow the same precautions that you would in any other South American country when traveling to Brazil.
4. Book Your Amazon River Tour
If you want to see Brazil’s wildest rainforest and experience a topsy-turvy world where fish swim through the upper branches of trees, rasping frogs croak at night, and long-tailed monkeys swing by to play with your hair, consider booking a Brazil Amazon River cruise. Typically, you’ll board a small expedition style ship or a larger luxury river cruise vessel and make regular trips into the rainforest to hike and canoe down tributaries and visit indigenous villages. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot wildlife like pink river dolphins, black-and-white anaconda snakes, tarantulas, and colorful toucans.
Brazilian Amazon cruises offer more options for itineraries than those in Peru or Ecuador, as the country boasts the lion’s share of the magnificent rainforest. For example, some itineraries take you to Parintins, an isolated village that’s a 200-year-old rainforest town with its own local culture. In addition, you’ll often visit other Amazon communities such as Santarem or Boca de Valeria. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about indigenous medicinal plants from a shaman and go on safari to search for exotic wildlife.
A Brazil Amazon cruise is easy to combine with other activities such as a tour of Rio and Iguazu Falls. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to experience all that this extraordinary region has to offer without packing and unpacking in a different place every day.
The best time to book a Brazil Amazon River tour is during the dry season from mid-December till mid-May, when water levels are lower and it’s easier to explore the rainforest on foot and in smaller tributaries. However, if you don’t mind a little rain the wet season can be an incredible time to visit, with rainforest flowers and trees in bloom and exotic animals coming down to the water’s edge to feast.
When you’re ready to book your adventure, contact our Brazil Amazon cruise specialists and we’ll help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive luxury trip or a more adventurous exploration, we’ll work hard to find the perfect match.