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Star Rating : 3 - 5
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Language

The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, which is spoken all over the country. English is not prolifically spoken, even in the tourism and business industries, with many taxi drivers struggling to understand English-speaking foreigners. Spanish-speaking tourists should fare well as the language is close enough to Portuguese for Brazilian locals to understand.

Currency

Brazil’s official currency is the Brazilian real, which is divided into 100 centavos. Most credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants and stores, with Visa being the most popular. ATMs are widely available throughout all regions of the country. Currency exchange can be made at all banks, travel agents, hotels and cambios (exchange offices).

Visas

Visas are required by nationals of all countries except nationals of those countries which have been granted an exemption, including citizens of the United Kingdom. United Kingdom nationals are permitted to enter the country without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days. All travellers to the country need to be in possession of a passport which is valid for at least six months after leaving the country.

Climate

Brazil’s climate is temperate year-round. The country doesn’t experience extreme temperatures, with both summer and winter remaining relatively mild. Summer spans December to February and coincides with Brazilian school holidays and the Carnaval. During this period, temperatures rise to highs of 30°C in the north and up to 35°C in the south. Winter is at its peak in June and August, but the mercury tends not to drop lower than 15°C.

Main Airports

The largest international airport in the country is São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. This airport receives traffic from all over the world, including from North America, Europe and the Emirates. From here, connections can be made to other airports in the country, including Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport and Brasilia International Airport.

Flight Options

The national airlines and main carriers in the country are TAM Airlines and GOL Airlines. British Airways and TAM Airlines fly into São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport from London-Heathrow. The average time of a direct flight between London and Sao Paulo is about 12 hours.

Travel Advice

There aren’t many low-budget airlines which make the trip from London, but tourists can look out for seasonal deals. High season runs from December to March, with prices escalating especially during February when the annual Carnaval takes place. This is also when the crowds are at their peak. The best time to go is after Carnaval or during the winter period between August and November.

Other Transport Options

It is possible to take a bus into the country from one of its neighbours. The main routes are from the capitals of Buenos Aires, Asunción, Montevideo, Santiago de Chile to Brazil’s busiest city, Sao Paulo. Such journeys can take up to a few days.

Overview

There are several domestic airports which make internal air travel a convenient option. Both the inner and inter-city bus networks are extensive, but the train lines are generally only used for scenic journeys through the Brazilian countryside. Hiring a car is relatively simple and while the roads in the large city centres are well-maintained, the same cannot be said about roads on the outskirts.

Air

There are several international and domestic airports in Brazil and the country boasts one of the largest domestic flight networks in the world. The domestic flight service between airports is reliable, with the Gol and TAM airlines servicing most of the traffic. Flights can be taken to almost any city in the country, with major routes between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo and the capital of Brasilia.

Bus

The network of buses in the country is extensive and the buses are of a good quality. Both inter and inner-city bus services are available. Long distance buses, especially premium services, provide the most comfortable rides but all journeys of more than four hours are covered by buses which have a toilet and provide refreshments. The inner-city buses are just as extensive, with most cities hosting various local bus companies. Tickets are well priced but timetables and bus markings can be confusing.

Train

The train line in Brazil is not nearly as extensive as the bus network but there are a few lines which may be of use to tourists. While the rail network cannot be relied upon for navigating within or between cities, there are a few scenic routes. The Serra Verde Express runs between Curitiba and Paranagua, a 150km journey through the Serra do Mor Mountains.

Car

With over 1.6 million kilometres, the road network in Brazil is extensive. Roads in the major cities are in a good condition but roads tend to deteriorate towards the more remote areas of the country. Most of the international car rental companies are spoken for, including Budget, Avis, Hertz and Europcar. Rentals can be organised at all of the international and domestic airports.

The capital of Brazil, Brasilia, is often overlooked by travellers but is certainly a gem which is worth exploring. An architectural masterpiece, Brasilia was largely designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer. Several buildings in the city are UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Brasilia basket-shaped cathedral and the city’s national congress.

Perhaps the country’s most famous city, Rio de Janeiro is also one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the country. Boasting gorgeous beaches, historical landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and a lively nightlife, this Brazilian city has a great deal of charm and should not be missed.

The most cosmopolitan of all Brazilian cities, Sao Paulo is home to a wide range of cultures, nationalities and ethnicities. This city is also one of the richest and tourists will notice many a manicured hand and spotlessly clean street. That said, Sao Paulo is a fascinating place and the diversity of its residents offers tourists an interesting adventure.

Situated right at the epicentre of the Amazon Rainforest, Manaus serves not only as the region’s commercial hub, but as one of the country’s best cultural centres. From stunning examples of 16th century colonial architecture to one of the most famous opera houses in the country, Manus is the place to go for those wanting to take in Brazil’s history and art.

Florianopolis is a lesser known destination but is definitely worth a visit. This city is a delightful balance between modern metropolis and colonial settlement. Tourists can enjoy the perfect beaches and trendy cafés while admiring the colonial fortresses and quaint side street craft markets.

One of the most famous landmarks in the country, Christ the Redeemer has become a national icon. The statue of Jesus Christ is located at the top of Corcovado Mountain and is not only a spectacular landmark, but provides the best spot from which to take in a breathtaking view of Rio de Janeiro below. Standing at almost 40 meters high, this statue literally can’t be missed.

The Teatro Amazonas is a well-known opera house in Manaus, a city located in the beautiful Amazon Rainforest. This extraordinary structure is something to behold, with the exterior covered in almost 40,000 ceramic tiles and the interior decorated with the finest Parisian furnishings. The opera house still produces live performances, which are a wonderful treat after taking in the extraordinary building’s design.

Nestled right in between Brazil and Argentina, Iguaçu Fallsis a natural wonder. A large waterfall system consisting of almost 300 separate waterfalls, the Iguacu Falls is an impressive sight. One of the well-photographed falls is Devil’s Throat, which is an 82-metre high, U-shaped spectacle. Tourists can reach the falls from Brazil, Argentina or Paraguay.

Sugarloaf Mountain is the perfect place from which to admire the beauty of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Located at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay, the mountain is named after its shape, which resembles a sugarloaf. A cable car can be taken to the top of the 390 metre granite landmark. The best time to ascend the mountain is at sunset when the city is at its best.

It is no secret that the best nightlife and entertainment can be found in the exciting city of Rio de Janeiro. In this city, the party doesn’t end until the sun comes up. Rio is famous for its plethora of dance halls which play thumping tunes until the break of dawn. There are also many bars and pubs for those traveller who are simply looking to knock back a few drinks.

The highlight for many travellers to the region is the opportunity to dance along to traditional Brazilian rhythms. Whether it’s a modern club where the local students come to shake things up or a more formal establishment where the city’s elderly residents show everyone how it’s really done, there is something for every taste and dance ability.

Without a doubt the most entertaining event in all of the country, the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro is simply a fantastic party. While the carnival is celebrated country wide, the parade and festivities in Rio are by far the best. From vibrant costumes and street fiestas to local food and musical extravaganzas, this event really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

There are also a few tamer activities which provide a great deal of entertainment nonetheless. Rio has a strong culture of drama and plays host to many top-notch theatres. Putting on everything from musicals and cabarets to Shakespearean ballads, there is bound to be something for everyone at all times of the year.

Brazil’s cuisine varies starkly from region to region and travellers will find the journey from city to city as exciting for the taste buds as for the eyes. While there are a range of international options available for those who aren’t feeling adventurous, there also are a few local dishes which should be given a try. While most meals are reasonably priced, it is not unusual to find exorbitant prices for average meals at one of the country’s many resorts.

The national dish, feijoada, can be found all over the country. Made from pork, black beans and dried beef, this hearty stew is usually served on rice and topped with sliced oranges. Tourists should be warned that this is quite a heavy dish and eating too much of it on the first go could lead to a sleepless night.

Brazil is also known for its excellent selection of seafood dishes, which can be found in any one of the country’s northeastern coastal towns. Moqueca (a seafood stew made with palm oil and coconut milk) and vatapá (paste made from shrimps, fish oil, manioc paste and coconut milk) are particularly delightful meals.

There are a wide range of snack options which are great for a quick lunch or a sneaky treat between meals. Most notable are empadas (small pies filled with chicken or meat), coxinhas (deep-fried chicken) and pastel (a thin fried savoury pastry).

Brazil is also home to many delicious drinks which are well worth a try. Local beers chopp and Brahma are popular options, while cachaca, traditional whiskey, is a Brazilian favourite. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, sucos are refreshing fruit juices served at informal juice bars around the country.

    Beach

    Brazil has no shortage of beaches, all which would be a fine choice for any traveller looking for a bit of sun and sand. There are, however, a few locations that standout. The small island of Fernando de Noronha in the northeast of Brazil has some stellar options, including Praia do Sancho and Baía dos Porcos.

    Romance

    Rio de Janeiro is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but one of the most romantic. From the breathtaking views of the city from Sugarloaf Mountain and drinks at the famous Copacabana Beach to a romantic day on the secluded beach of Recreio, there is no end to the romantic activities Rio has to offer.

    Family

    A vacation to Brazil can be just as exciting for children as it is for adults. There are many cities which are family friendly including Fortaleza, which is home to the Fortaleza beach park, a great water park on the country’s northeastern coast. While many activities in Rio de Janeiro are not child friendly, the Rio Zoo is not one of them. Home to many different animals, the zoo offers a fun and informative visit.

    Adventure

    Brazil’s abundance of naturally beautiful sites is not only great for aesthetic reasons but for adventure activities as well. Travellers looking for adrenaline pumping excursions should look into scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo, hiking in Tijuca National Park or river rafting along the Paraibuna River.

    *Terms & Conditions sample rates displaying above are for the travel period from 17 August 2013 till 24 August 2013. (Sample air/hotel packages above include accommodation plus roundtrip air for travel during the noted time period. Sample air/hotel package prices are per person, based upon double occupancy. Sample air/hotel package prices include taxes and fees. Airfares are based on lowest available fare for sample travel dates and are subject to change. Air/Hotel package prices vary by date, departure city, and availability. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and minimum stay may apply.