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Travel advice for Brazil
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 12.02.2013
Brazil might not have a monopoly on exhibitionism, but it comes pretty damn close. There’s no other country on the planet where the unbridled pursuit of pleasure is such a national obsession, transcending race, class and religion. Brazilian bacchanal reaches its apogee during Carnaval, when the entire country enters a collective state of alcohol-fuelled frenzy. Rio is home to the most glitzy and outrageous celebration of them all, an X-rated theatre of the absurd and the greatest spectacle of flesh, fetish and fantasy you are ever likely to see. For this four-day blowout before Lent the streets of the Cidade Maravilhosa are overrun with Amazonian-sized plumed headdresses, enormous floppy carrots, cavorting frogs, drag queens and head-to-toe gilded supermodels clad in impossibly tiny tassels, sequins and strategically applied body paint, challenging the ban on complete nudity.
The centrepiece of Carnaval is the parade of the sixteen samba schools (a neighbourhood association, there’s nothing academic about it) down the kilometre-long parade strip of the colossal Sambódromo (a specially constructed parade stadium). Samba schools often hail from the poorest communities and spend nearly the entire year preparing a flamboyant allegory of their chosen theme, which is dramatized through a highly choreographed display of impassioned songs, wild dances, gigantic papier-mâché figures, lavish costumes and pulsating percussion.
It doesn’t take long for such organized celebrations to erupt with infectious delirium as the whole city voraciously indulges in sensual pleasure at every turn – Rio’s denizens, also known as cariocas, have never been known for their temperance. The neighbourhood blocos, or parades, are the most accessible, authentic and impromptu way to immerse yourself in the city’s sexually charged atmosphere. This is a freewheeling fantasy land in which trucks are converted to moving stage sets with bands and loudspeakers and anything goes. Even the most rigid of hips will gyrate freely, and as the night unravels, the more you’ll have to try to forget in the manhã.
9 days / from2042 USD
Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more
Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1700 USD
Blissful Brazil
Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2683 USD
Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls
Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1370 USD
Extraordinary Brazil - Paraty & Iguaçu
Combine adventure and nature in Paraty with the stunning Iguaçu waterfalls. Your trip starts in the colonial town Paraty, Costa Verde's main attraction. Jeep rides, beaches, and a lot of culture are part of the program. Afterwards, fly to Foz do Iguaçu and see the falls from both Argentina & Brazil.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2950 USD
Jaguars in North Pantanal
Spend a week in a lodge in North Pantanal with boat tours, walking trails, horseback riding and an unforgettable Jaguar expedition. Experienced wildlife guides are available in the lodge to explain more of the fascinating fauna and flora around you.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2700 USD
Pure Wildlife - North Pantanal & Amazonia
Discover the world's largest continental flood area - the Pantanal, one of the richest places in biodiversity. Continue your wildlife trip to the Amazon River. Your lodges throughout the trip are located right in nature, with easy access to lodge trails around.
view tour ⤍6 days / from3533 USD
Brazilian Folk Art: Immersion in the Ceramic Valley
This is an unforgettable and intense journey of learning, exchanging and discovering alongside a cultural mediator and the ceramics’ masters the empowerment of the communities. Campo Buriti is a small community with 700 inhabitants where women make the famous clay dolls.
view tour ⤍14 days / from1933 USD
An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7500 USD
Luxury Holidays in South America
Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.
view tour ⤍5 days / from2813 USD
Secrets and Spices of the Amazon
Have you ever imagined tasting the delights of Amazonian cuisine? Uncover the secrets and spices of this unique region that has yet to be discovered by the world and go on a journey that aims at bringing about positive impacts.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2500 USD
Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu
A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
view tour ⤍3 days / from590 USD
Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina
Imagine two nights in this breathtaking destination, coupled with an exhilarating full-day excursion to witness the majestic Iguazu Falls, both in Argentina and Brazil. Experience the power of nature up close, with private services ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1920 USD
North Pantanal in 5 Days
Spend the first night in Cuiaba before heading to the Pantanal. Over the next two days, indulge in exciting daily activities, ranging from boat trips to horseback riding and hikes. All lodges include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
view tour ⤍Carnival starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Tickets for the Sambódromo can cost anywhere from US$200 for the bleachers to over US$1000 for a covered box.
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 12.02.2013
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil