Brazil is the size of a continent, so trying to see everything on one trip doesn’t work. A strong first route combines Rio de Janeiro, the Iguaçu Falls and either Salvador or Paraty. Flights between them take one to three hours.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio mixes mountains, rainforest and ocean in one city.
- Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado: take the train through Tijuca Forest, and go early or late for fewer crowds and clearer views.
- Sugarloaf Mountain: Cable car ride at sunset.
- Copacabana and Ipanema: Walk, swim and watch the beach life. Ipanema’s sunset applause at Arpoador is a local ritual.
- Santa Teresa and Lapa: Old trams, art studios and samba bars.
Stay 3–4 nights. Keep valuables out of sight on the beach and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Iguaçu Falls
On the border of Brazil and Argentina, this is one of the largest waterfall systems in the world, with around 275 separate falls.
- Brazilian side: Panoramic views, a walkway to the base of the Devil’s Throat, and a lighter schedule (half a day).
- Argentine side: Closer, with more trails and boardwalks (a full day). The Devil’s Throat viewpoint is the highlight.
- Doing both sides gives the best experience. Check visa requirements for crossing the border.
- Boat rides to the base of the falls are exciting and soaking wet.
Stay 2 nights in Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazú. The most comfortable time is March–October; the falls are fullest from December to March.
Salvador, Bahia
Brazil’s first capital is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, with music, food and architecture to match.
- Pelourinho: Colorful colonial old town with churches and live drumming. Go in the daytime, and be careful at night.
- Food: Try acarajé (fried black-eyed pea fritters), moqueca (a coconut seafood stew), and bobó de camarão.
- Capoeira and candomblé culture are a living part of the city.
- Nearby beaches and the Itaparica island day trip are easy add-ons.
Allow 3 nights.
Paraty and the Costa Verde
A UNESCO-listed colonial town between Rio and São Paulo, with cobbled streets that flood with the tides, and a bay dotted with islands.
- Take a schooner boat trip around the bay, with swimming stops.
- Visit nearby waterfalls and cachaça distilleries.
- Add Ilha Grande for hiking and beaches.
Stay 2–3 nights. It’s about four hours from Rio by bus or shuttle.
Sample routes
| Route | Length |
|---|---|
| Rio + Iguaçu | 7 days |
| Rio + Paraty + Iguaçu | 9–10 days |
| Rio + Iguaçu + Salvador | 10–12 days |
| Rio + Paraty + Salvador + Iguaçu | 12–14 days |
Beyond the classic route
- Amazon: Manaus for jungle lodges and the Meeting of Waters.
- Pantanal: Brazil’s wetlands, the best place in the Americas to see jaguars (June–October).
- Lençóis Maranhenses: Dunes with turquoise lagoons, best from June to September.
- Fernando de Noronha: Island with spectacular diving, and strict visitor limits.
Practical tips
- Flights: Brazil’s domestic network is good. Book early for holidays and Carnival.
- Visas: Requirements for some nationalities have changed over the past few years, so check before you travel.
- Safety: Use official taxis or ride apps, keep phones discreet, and avoid carrying valuables.
- Language: Portuguese, not Spanish. Learn a few phrases and use a translation app.
- Time: Don’t overschedule. Distances are large and traffic in big cities can be heavy.
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