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 may present you one of the best of Brazil in 2 weeks!
Brazil is the most important 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 various landscapes and experiences: from the impenetrable rainforests of the Amazon to the wetlands of Pantanal and sultry seashores of Rio.
Brazil can also be residence to the world’s largest 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 positive didn’t need to depart 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 one of the best elements of the nation.
2 Weeks in Brazil Itinerary
Learn how to Get to Brazil
U.S., EU, Canada, Australia residents don’t want a visa to journey Brazil and might keep as much as 90 days. There are direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from New York JFK Airport on LATAM for underneath $1000 return. Most main airports within the US fly to Rio de Janeiro and flights are often 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.
Learn how to Get Round Brazil
Brazil is a big nation and most of it’s impenetrable forests — which makes flying an inevitable a part of touring right here, notably if 2 weeks in Brazil (or much less!) are all you’ve acquired. Fortunately airfares for home flights in Brazil are inexpensive. 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 snug in Brazil however distances are lengthy (not less than 5 hours to get to any vacation spot). A few of the hottest bus corporations embrace Cometa, 1001 and Kaissara. Comets has firstclass 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 akin to 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 standard sights. Whereas the vast majority of vacationers have secure and gratifying experiences in Brazil, incidents of violent crime, together with armed theft and assault, can happen.
It’s vital to train warning, notably in areas with greater crime charges, and keep away from displaying wealth or valuables which will appeal to consideration. Following common sense security precautions, akin to touring in teams and staying knowledgeable about native security recommendation, can contribute to a safer journey expertise. Brazilians are very heat folks and might 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 will be difficult, particularly for the reason that nation could be very large and distances between cities are giant. The nation doesn’t have nice tourism infrastructure in place, making it powerful to discover the extra distant and rural areas like the Pantanal. Should 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 glorious and led us on an thrilling journey in Brazil. Should you just like the itinerary beneath and would favor to journey with a bunch, try the journey particulars. G Adventures is a Canadian journey tour operator I’ve labored with many occasions and might extremely advocate!
When to Journey Brazil
The most effective 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 time 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 largest 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 often booked up throughout these peak journey durations, so make sure you ebook your lodge approach prematurely.
Journey Insurance coverage in Brazil
I all the time advocate vacationers to purchase journey insurance coverage, whether or not you’re touring for a yr or per week. It’s notably vital have journey insurance coverage that covers COVID-19 in case you’re touring in the course of the pandemic.
Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as every other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Discuss with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Price of Journey in Brazil
Brazil makes use of the Brazilian Actual (BRL). The present change fee is round USD1 to 4.99 BRL. As in comparison with the opposite nations in South America, Brazil is comparatively costly with costs similar to Argentina. A meal in a mean diner is round 40 BRL and a nicer meal for 2 in a restaurant is often round 200 BRL. It’s typically fairly low cost to drink in Brazil; you may often 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 here are among the most conventional Brazilian meals and drinks:
- Churrasco: Brazil has all the time fought with Argentina for the title of South America’s barbecue champion. In Brazil, you must go to a rodizio not less than as soon as: waiters might 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 is able to be it. It’s a pot of black beans cooked with chunks of meat, though the actually 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 may also be discovered as a smoothie, a juice, in powder and even added right into a most important 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 skin, squidgy on the within and full of tacky taste.
- Cachaça: Relationship again to the 1500s, this Brazilian liquor is produced from fermented sugarcane juice, and is greatest often known as 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 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 every little thing you could possibly need in a single place – superior views, white-sand bays, and buzzing nightlife.
By day, head to Copacabana Seashore and Ipanema Seashore for the solar and surf or view Brazil’s historic relics and advantageous artwork at Museu Histórico Nacional. Search for from nearly any road 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 luxuriate in an unforgettable view of the whole metropolis by taking a narrow-gauge practice. By evening, 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. Should you’re occupied with visiting favelas (slums), I like to recommend going to the Santa Marta favela in Botafogo, which appeared in Michael Jackson’s MTV.
- Advisable nights: Not less than 3 nights (however you too can depart 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 unbelievable views and rooftop swimming swimming pools overlooking the seaside in Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Lots of them are surprisingly inexpensive in case you’re not touring in the course of the holidays. I can’t emphasise sufficient how vital it’s to ebook your lodge 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 seaside, with spectacular views of the bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s additionally acquired a good looking rooftop pool and a preferred restaurant and bar on its thirtieth flooring. Verify the costs right here.
Mid Vary: Orla Copacabana Lodge
A less expensive lodge in the identical location is Orla Copacabana Lodge, additionally overlooking the seaside and steps from eating places, bars and sights. There’s a metro station simply 900m away and costs are as little as $59 for a double room. Verify the most recent costs.
Price range: Rio Seashore Hostel
For a finances possibility, try Rio Seashore Hostel which is clear, funky and really inexpensive. It’s positioned within the Botafogo district and round an 18-minute stroll from the seaside. It’s good for solo vacationers who wish 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 unbelievable structure and coastal vibes. Laid-back Paraty offers 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 appeal. Learn this information to Paraty.
If that doesn’t sound tranquil sufficient – its cobbled streets are closed to vehicles, and this standard 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 seaside 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 you 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 preferred 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
A very good high-end place to remain is Pousada do Principe, a colonial-style heritage lodge that’s actually charming and historic on the similar time. It’s positioned within the Paraty centro (previous city) and only a few minutes’ stroll from the seaside. Verify 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 effectively positioned, simply 800m from the Praia do Pontal seaside however somewhat farther from the previous city. It has a relaxed, informal seaside resort really feel, with a swimming pool. Verify the most recent costs right here.
Brazil Itinerary Days 6-9: São Paulo & Foz do Iguaçu
From Paraty, it’s a 4-hour bus journey to the São Paulo Airport. When you have greater than 2 weeks in Brazil, I counsel allocating a couple of additional days for São Paulo. Sadly I didn’t have sufficient time to discover the town. São Paulo has the worst popularity of all of the cities in Brazil amongst foreigners, because of the stage of crime, air pollution, local weather and overcrowding, however I do know some buddies 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 one of the best panoramic view. You’ll in all probability see a lot 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 large falls.
There’s a wonderful fowl 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 — keep in mind to carry your passport for the border crossing! You’ll discover that the views are very totally different and effectively price seeing on each side. You possibly can even take a jet boat to go proper underneath 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 inexpensive, four-star lodge with large 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 a good looking pool and large outside lounge space. Verify the most recent costs right here.
Mid Vary: Foz Plaza Lodge
I stayed at Foz Plaza Lodge , a contemporary three-star lodge proper within the metropolis centre. It’s low cost, comparatively snug and has location. Should 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 automobile journey to Bonito. This charming small city is an ecotourism hub within the Mato Grosso do Sul state. The world surrounding Bonito is understood for crystal-clear rivers such because the Rio da Prata, a snorkeling vacation spot abounding with fish.
The Abismo Anhumas is a big, stalactite-covered cavern that provides abseiling and diving in an underground lake. Flocks of macaws nest within the deep, ocher-colored despair 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 glorious evaluations.
- Advisable nights: 3 nights (1 evening might 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 house and is unbelievable for households with children. It options 3 swimming swimming pools and a pair of eating places serving Brazilian specialities. Verify for the most recent costs right here.
Mid Vary: Pousada Arte de Natureza
I stayed at Pousada Arte de Natureza and completely beloved it. It’s acquired a really pure wood design, with a seaside resort really feel. There are two gorgeous outside swimming pools with three synthetic waterfalls, an outside spa and a bar. It’s additionally in Bonito metropolis centre, with easy accessibility to eating places. Verify 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 acquired a swimming pool and inside strolling distance from Bonito centre. Rooms are very low cost, at round $25 per evening. Verify 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! Nearly 700 species of birds will 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 also be one of the best place on this planet to see jaguars. I sadly didn’t see any jaguar, and would advocate staying extra nights and deeper to affix a Pantanal jaguar safari. Learn this information to jaguar recognizing in Pantanal from my buddies Dave and Becca who did a self-driving safari and noticed a couple of jaguars!
The place to Keep within the Pantanal
Poconé: Pouso Alegre Lodge
We stayed at Pouso Alegre Lodge and extremely advocate them. The rooms had been easy however snug and there was loads of actions on the lodge. The fee per evening was $190 per evening for two folks 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’s $390 per evening for two folks 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 a couple of 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 you arrive again in time to your flight residence.
I hope that you simply discover this 2-week Brazil itinerary helpful, let me know within the feedback beneath!
Disclaimer: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I make a small fee once you buy one thing by way of my hyperlinks, at NO additional value to you. Thanks to your help!
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