Final Up to date on September 14, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Dive into Brazil’s vibrant seashores, wild jungles and islands with this all-encompassing Brazil itinerary that can present you the very best of Brazil in 2 weeks!
Brazil is the biggest nation in South America, encompassing round half of the continent’s land space and inhabitants. Unfold out over a big landmass, the nation packs in very numerous landscapes and experiences: from the impenetrable rainforests of the Amazon to the wetlands of Pantanal and sultry seashores of Rio.
Brazil can be house to the world’s greatest Carnival celebrations. Time your journey to coincide with the Rio Carnival like I did, and also you’ll be experiencing Brazil at its greatest. I certain didn’t need to go away Brazil after Carnival ended! 2 weeks in Brazil are barely sufficient time to scrape the floor of what the large nation has to supply, however for these with restricted time, this Brazil itinerary packs in the very best elements of the nation.
2 Weeks in Brazil Itinerary
Easy methods to Get to Brazil
U.S., EU, Canada, Australia residents don’t want a visa to journey Brazil and may keep as much as 90 days. There are direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from New York JFK Airport on LATAM for beneath $1000 return. Most main airports within the US fly to Rio de Janeiro and flights are normally round US$800-1200 return. You too can discover flights from most elements of Europe and UK to Rio de Janeiro for round 600 euros return.
Easy methods to Get Round Brazil
Brazil is a large nation and most of it’s impenetrable forests — which makes flying an inevitable a part of touring right here, significantly if 2 weeks in Brazil (or much less!) are all you’ve obtained. Fortunately airfares for home flights in Brazil are reasonably priced. For instance, a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu is US$100 every approach.
Trains are virtually non-existent in Brazil, as is in the remainder of South America. Buses are fairly comfy in Brazil however distances are lengthy (at the least 5 hours to get to any vacation spot). A few of the hottest bus corporations embody Cometa, 1001 and Kaissara. Comets has top quality seats that rival these of airways (with seats that flip into beds.) Extra particulars on bus journey in Brazil right here.
Is it Secure to Journey Brazil?
Security in Brazil is a priority for a lot of, rightfully so. Cities resembling Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, for instance, have areas that may be extra vulnerable to crime. Petty theft, together with pickpocketing and bag snatching, can happen in crowded vacationer areas, public transportation, and widespread points of interest. Whereas the vast majority of vacationers have protected and satisfying experiences in Brazil, incidents of violent crime, together with armed theft and assault, can happen.
It’s vital to train warning, significantly in areas with larger crime charges, and keep away from displaying wealth or valuables that will appeal to consideration. Following common sense security precautions, resembling touring in teams and staying knowledgeable about native security recommendation, can contribute to a safer journey expertise. Brazilians are very heat individuals and can be very happy to get to know you. Studying some Portuguese phrases can go a good distance in Brazil.
Journey Brazil Independently or on Guided Tour?
Touring Brazil independently might be difficult, particularly for the reason that nation may be very massive and distances between cities are massive. The nation doesn’t have nice tourism infrastructure in place, making it powerful to discover the extra distant and rural areas like the Pantanal. In the event you solely have 2 weeks in Brazil, then it’s greatest to ebook a guided tour, that approach you get to see extra inside a short while.
I traveled with G Adventures on the Wonders of Brazil journey. Our native information was wonderful and led us on an thrilling journey in Brazil. In the event you just like the itinerary under and would like to journey with a bunch, take a look at the journey particulars. G Adventures is a Canadian journey tour operator I’ve labored with many instances and may extremely suggest!
When to Journey Brazil
The perfect time to go to Rio is between December and March, when the climate is heat and sunny sufficient to hit the seashores. The town’s seductive samba beat and unbelievable panoramic views final year-round, however arrive in February to expertise Carnival.
Brazil is an all yr spherical vacation spot made up of a number of climatic extremes, none of that are extreme sufficient to keep away from touring to any a part of the nation. Throughout Brazil the warmest months are November to March: summer season within the southern hemisphere. The Pantanal’s driest months are between April and October, however like within the Amazon, its wetter months provide distinct wildlife recognizing alternatives and experiences.
I traveled Brazil in February to have fun Carnival in Rio and it was SO a lot enjoyable being a part of the world’s greatest occasion! Easter (April) is one other good time to journey Brazil, when the cobbled streets of Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais are coated in carpets of intricate patterns of flowers and different pure supplies. Lodge costs are normally booked up throughout these peak journey durations, so make sure to ebook your resort approach prematurely.
Journey Insurance coverage in Brazil
I at all times suggest vacationers to purchase journey insurance coverage, whether or not you’re touring for a yr or every week. It’s significantly vital have journey insurance coverage that covers COVID-19 for those who’re touring throughout the pandemic.
Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Check with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Value of Journey in Brazil
Brazil makes use of the Brazilian Actual (BRL). The present trade charge is round USD1 to 4.99 BRL. As in comparison with the opposite nations in South America, Brazil is comparatively costly with costs corresponding to Argentina. A meal in a median diner is round 40 BRL and a nicer meal for 2 in a restaurant is normally round 200 BRL. It’s typically fairly low cost to drink in Brazil; you may normally discover a caipirinha for simply 3.50 BRL.
What to Eat in Brazil
Earlier than my journey to Brazil, all I’d heard of Brazilian meals was their succulent meat and the rodizio (all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse).
Listed below are a few of the most conventional Brazilian meals and drinks:
- Churrasco: Brazil has at all times fought with Argentina for the title of South America’s barbecue champion. In Brazil, you need to go to a rodizio at the least as soon as: waiters can be serving up thick items of barbecued meat from skewers. You simply want to inform them when to cease!
- Feijoada: If Brazil had a nationwide dish, this might be it. It’s a pot of black beans cooked with chunks of meat, though the really conventional feijoadas are made with pig’s ears, trotters and different elements. It’s served with fried kale blended with bacon bits, rice, farofa and a slice of orange to taste.
- Açaí: This renown super-food originated in Brazil, discovered particularly in coastal cities. Strive it plain as sorbet, or ask for banana, strawberry or granola. Açaí will also be discovered as a smoothie, a juice, in powder and even added right into a fundamental meal utilizing its uncooked, berry type.
- Coxinhas: This hearty snack is a heap of shredded hen wrapped up in a gooey, heat dough earlier than being battered and fried.
- Pão de Queijo: That is a lot extra than simply cheese bread. Made with cassava flour so it’s completely gluten-free, these little puffs are crispy on the surface, squidgy on the within and stuffed with tacky taste.
- Cachaça: Courting again to the 1500s, this Brazilian liquor is constructed from fermented sugarcane juice, and is greatest often called the fiery kick in caipirinhas – Brazil’s nationwide cocktail.
Brazil Itinerary Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro
Most vacationers, together with myself, fly into Rio de Janeiro. Whereas it’s now not the capital of Brazil (which moved to Brasilia in 1960), Rio de Janeiro is likely one of the most vibrant and culturally-rich cities on this planet. It gives just about all the pieces you might need in a single place – superior views, white-sand bays, and buzzing nightlife.
By day, head to Copacabana Seaside and Ipanema Seaside for the solar and surf or view Brazil’s historic relics and fantastic artwork at Museu Histórico Nacional. Search for from nearly any avenue in Rio and also you’ll see Christ the Redeemer, the open-armed statue of Jesus Christ that sits atop Corcovado Mountain. You possibly can attain this peak and revel in an unforgettable view of your entire metropolis by taking a narrow-gauge practice. By night time, you’ll discover the year-round occasion on the samba golf equipment in Lapa, an eclectic bohemian district and nightlife centre.
Don’t miss the Escadaria Selarón, 125 meters of steps coated in vibrant tile which have been reworked right into a world-known piece of artwork. Subsequent to the steps is the Santa Teresa neighborhood, a famend gathering place for intellectuals, teachers, artists and politician. In the event you’re excited about visiting favelas (slums), I like to recommend going to the Santa Marta favela in Botafogo, which appeared in Michael Jackson’s MTV.
- Really useful nights: At the very least 3 nights (however you too can go away Rio for the tip of your journey)
- READ: My expertise celebrating Carnival in Rio
The place to Keep in Rio de Janeiro
There are many motels with improbable views and rooftop swimming swimming pools overlooking the seashore in Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Lots of them are surprisingly reasonably priced for those who’re not touring throughout the holidays. I can’t emphasise sufficient how vital it’s to ebook your resort in Rio de Janeiro approach forward of time, as they get booked up (and costs get jacked up) at peak journey season.
Luxurious: Rio Othon Palace
Rio Othon Palace is true on Copacabana seashore, with spectacular views of the bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s additionally obtained an attractive rooftop pool and a well-liked restaurant and bar on its thirtieth ground. Examine the costs right here.
Mid Vary: Orla Copacabana Lodge
A less expensive resort in the identical location is Orla Copacabana Lodge, additionally overlooking the seashore and steps from eating places, bars and points of interest. There’s a metro station simply 900m away and costs are as little as $59 for a double room. Examine the most recent costs.
Price range: Rio Seaside Hostel
For a finances possibility, take a look at Rio Seaside Hostel which is clear, funky and really reasonably priced. It’s situated within the Botafogo district and round an 18-minute stroll from the seashore. It’s good for solo vacationers who want to join with different vacationers. E-book right here.
Brazil Itinerary Days 4-6: Paraty & Ilha Grande
Journey by bus from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty, a colonial city with improbable structure and coastal vibes. Laid-back Paraty provides you the prospect to decelerate and calm down, after partying too onerous in Rio de Janeiro. The city has loads of bohemian markets, recent seafood eating places and loads of attraction. Learn this information to Paraty.
If that doesn’t sound tranquil sufficient – its cobbled streets are closed to vehicles, and this widespread vacation retreat has lured artists and writers from Brazil and worldwide. Wander across the historic centre, go to Santa Rita church and its surrounding homes, chill on the seashore in Barra do Corumbê or kayak the Jabaquara Mangroves. You too can take a ship cruise across the bay or a day journey to Trindade.
In your second day, make sure to make a day journey to Ilha Grande. The island stays largely undeveloped because it was closed by the Brazilian authorities for greater than a century to free motion or settlement as a result of it housed jail. The island is now a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, identified for its scenic magnificence, unspoilt tropical seashores, luxuriant vegetation and rugged panorama. Right here’s
The place to Keep in Paraty
Luxurious: Pousada do Principe
high-end place to remain is Pousada do Principe, a colonial-style heritage resort that’s actually charming and historic on the similar time. It’s situated within the Paraty centro (previous city) and just some minutes’ stroll from the seashore. Examine for costs right here.
Mid Vary: Pousada Villa del Sol
I stayed at Pousada Villa del Sol, the preferred lodging possibility in Paraty. It’s well-priced and nicely situated, simply 800m from the Praia do Pontal seashore however somewhat farther from the previous city. It has a relaxed, informal seashore resort really feel, with a swimming pool. Examine the most recent costs right here.
Brazil Itinerary Days 6-9: São Paulo & Foz do Iguaçu
From Paraty, it’s a 4-hour bus experience to the São Paulo Airport. You probably have greater than 2 weeks in Brazil, I counsel allocating just a few additional days for São Paulo. Sadly I didn’t have sufficient time to discover town. São Paulo has the worst popularity of all of the cities in Brazil amongst foreigners, as a result of stage of crime, air pollution, local weather and overcrowding, however I do know some associates who really prefer it.
After a fast flight, you’ll arrive on the spectacular Iguassu Falls, lauded as one of many pure wonders of the world. Go to the Brazilian aspect of the falls and meander alongside its boardwalks to get the very best panoramic view. You’ll in all probability see plenty of coatis (an endemic South American animal that resembles the raccoon) on the way in which. Put together to get moist as you may stroll all the way in which up near the big falls.
There’s a superb chook park on the town, Parque das Aves, that I like to recommend visiting for an opportunity to see Brazil’s wealthy birdlife. I additionally took the prospect to jump over to the Argentinian aspect of the falls for a day journey — bear in mind to convey your passport for the border crossing! You’ll discover that the views are very completely different and nicely price seeing on each side. You possibly can even take a jet boat to go proper beneath the falls within the water on the Argentinian aspect.
The place to Keep at Foz do Iguaçu
Luxurious: Nadai Consolation Lodge
Nadai Consolation Lodge is an reasonably priced, four-star resort with massive spacious rooms, all-white zen design and a very good spa (nice to calm down in after an entire day of exploring the falls). There’s additionally an attractive pool and massive outside lounge space. Examine the most recent costs right here.
Mid Vary: Foz Plaza Lodge
I stayed at Foz Plaza Lodge , a contemporary three-star resort proper within the metropolis centre. It’s low cost, comparatively comfy and has a great location. In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing fuss-free, then that is it. E-book right here.
Brazil Itinerary Days 9-12: Bonito
Rise early because it’s an early flight to Campo Grande, then a 5-hour automotive journey to Bonito. This charming small city is an ecotourism hub within the Mato Grosso do Sul state. The world surrounding Bonito is thought for crystal-clear rivers such because the Rio da Prata, a snorkeling vacation spot abounding with fish.
The Abismo Anhumas is a large, stalactite-covered cavern that provides abseiling and diving in an underground lake. Flocks of macaws nest within the deep, ocher-colored melancholy Buraco das Araras. It’s extremely really helpful to make your reservations prematurely even when touring within the low interval. This snorkeling journey within the Rio da Prata has wonderful evaluations.
- Really useful nights: 3 nights (1 night time can be spent on the bus)
- Foz do Iguaçu to Bonito: Fly to Campo Grande, which is then 5 hours by bus. E-book your flight right here!
The place to Keep in Bonito
Luxurious: Zagaia Eco Resort
Zagaia Eco Resort is likely one of the greatest resorts in Bonito — it’s unfold out over a giant inexperienced area and is improbable for households with youngsters. It options 3 swimming swimming pools and a pair of eating places serving Brazilian specialities. Examine for the most recent costs right here.
Mid Vary: Pousada Arte de Natureza
I stayed at Pousada Arte de Natureza and completely cherished it. It’s obtained a really pure picket design, with a seashore resort really feel. There are two beautiful outside swimming pools with three synthetic waterfalls, an out of doors spa and a bar. It’s additionally in Bonito metropolis centre, with easy accessibility to eating places. Examine the most recent costs right here.
Price range: Che Lagarto Hostel
A less expensive possibility is the Che Lagarto Hostel, that appears good and clear. It’s obtained a swimming pool and inside strolling distance from Bonito centre. Rooms are very low cost, at round $25 per night time. Examine the costs right here.
Brazil Itinerary Days 12-14: Pantanal
From Bonito, I headed straight into the Pantanal, the world’s largest seasonal wetland, and Brazil’s wildlife capital. Prepare for the spotlight of this Brazil itinerary! Virtually 700 species of birds might be discovered right here, together with 80 mammals – however you’ll have to have a information to level out capybaras, monkeys and hyacinth macaws.
Porto Jofre can be the very best place on this planet to see jaguars. I sadly didn’t see any jaguar, and would suggest staying extra nights and deeper to hitch a Pantanal jaguar safari. Learn this information to jaguar recognizing in Pantanal from my associates Dave and Becca who did a self-driving safari and noticed just a few jaguars!
The place to Keep within the Pantanal
Poconé: Pouso Alegre Lodge
We stayed at Pouso Alegre Lodge and extremely suggest them. The rooms have been easy however comfy and there was loads of actions on the lodge. The fee per night time was $190 per night time for two individuals sharing, full board.
Porto Jofre: Pousada Porto Jofre Puma lodge
Dave and Becca stayed at Pousada Porto Jofre Puma Lodge. The fee for the keep there may be $390 per night time for two individuals sharing. That included a full day river safari for each full day spent in Porto Jofre and full board meals.
Brazil Itinerary Day 14: Rio de Janeiro
From the Pantanal, it’s just a few hours’ drive to Campo Grande Airport the place you may fly again to Rio de Janeiro. I counsel leaving a day or two in Rio de Janeiro on the finish of your journey to be sure to arrive again in time in your flight house.
I hope that you just discover this 2-week Brazil itinerary helpful, let me know within the feedback under!
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