The Brazil Travel Site

Brazil’s Regions: Planning Your Trip

THE SOUTHEAST

Most flights to Brazil land in either São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, and it’s here in the Southeast Region, where most travelers begin their journeys in Brazil. Italian immigrants and rich coffee barons built the city of São Paulo into a rich Mecca of commerce and culture. In the late 1800s, hoards of Italian immigrants flowed into the city to work in the coffee trade and the boom brought with it a wealth of architecture, monuments, parks, and city centers. Two spectacular examples include the Theatro Municipal and the Sala São Paulo downtown. The city is also known for its incredible food, and its best restaurants are located in or near the Jardins area and in immigrant communities like Liberdade, the Japanese district. Many visitors drive from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro along the coast, taking in some of the most beautiful beaches in the country along the way. Stops should include Ilhabela, the various beaches around Ubatuba, the historical town of Paraty, and the semi-deserted island of Ilha Grande. To the north of Rio, there’s Cabo Frio with its long stretch of blue water and white sand and Buzios, with so many beaches and islands nearby.

A visit to the city of Rio de Janeiro should include a tour of the royal monuments and museums in the downtown area, such as the Theatro Municipal and Palácio da Ilha Fiscal. Also obligatory is a visit to the Morro do Corcovado (Cristo) monument, a ride in the gondola to Pão de Açúcar, a stroll around the Jardim Botânico, and an afternoon walk along the Copacabana boardwalk. As you come inland from Rio to the state of Minas Gerais, stop at the Serra dos Orgãos National Park for some great hikes and adventure sports. Then, in Minas, you’ll enter the gold-rush territory and the principal attractions are the mountain towns and villages where gold rush took place. Don’t miss Tiradentes, Ouro Preto and Diamantina, three picturesque towns that processed literally tons of gold from 1700 to 1770. The sacred art and gold-leafed wooden sculpture in the churches of these towns is the most spectacular in the country.

THE SOUTH

The southern region comes as a surprise to travelers who don’t know the extent of Brazil’s cultural diversity. The most noticeable difference is that the cities become cleaner, the poverty less dramatic and the people more northern European in appearance. This is noticeable as soon as you enter Curitiba, the gateway to the south. The cities and small mountain towns from Curitiba to Porto Alegre are loaded with German immigrants and they tend to remain in separate colonies with all their cultural traditions intact. In the outskirts of Curitiba are Italian and German colonies with architecture, food and traditions according to each. In most of these colonies, Portuguese was spoken as a second language until only a few years ago. On the way out of Curitiba, you can take a spectacular train ride through the mountains to the city of Paranaguá, one of the oldest coastal colonies in the South. Besides having some interesting colonial architecture, Paranaguá serves as a platform for visiting the Superagui National Park, the Salto Morato Nature Preserve and Ilha do Mel–the first two being pristine slices of the tropical countryside and excellent areas for hiking and camping. llha do Mel is a collection of charming island villages, beaches, and historical sites. Heading south from Curitiba, German influences begin to get very definable in the mountain towns and villages. In the town of Pomerode, German is still the principal language of the inhabitants. Visitors can walk around the neighborhoods, sampling the food, culture, and crafts. In the village of Corupá near Joinville, you can also hike to literally dozens of waterfalls located deep in the mountains, beyond the many picturesque banana farms. On the coast from Joinville to Florianópolis is a string of beach towns that carry the mark of the original Portuguese settlers to the area. The area is called the Emerald Coast due to the sparkling green color of the water there. When you reach Florianópolis, a vast number of options are available–from urban beach towns to semi-deserted inlets surrounded by green mountains. A highlight here is the incredible seafood, prepared with locally harvested mussels, oysters, and fish.

THE NORTHEAST

They say the wind caresses your skin in a special way in the Northeast Region. And when you sit in a beach cabana with a cold coconut water watching the palm trees blowing in the breeze, you’ll begin to feel it. It’s the feeling of paradise. But the Northeast region is also the very heart and soul of Brazil’s culture and reflects the country’s turbulent history. In Salvador, the capital of Bahia and the heart of the Northeast region, you’ll see where slaves were publicly whipped at the Pelourinho, or whipping post. You can also train with a Capoeira school or catch a Candomblé ritual in action. The beaches of Itapuan and Flamengo characterize the very essence of Bossa Nova and the islands and beaches to the south of Salvador are where you go to relax and enjoy the tropical breeze with a cold drink and shady umbrella. Highlights include the island of Morro de São Paulo and in the quaint villages of Arraial d’Ajuda and Trancoso. Heading north from Salvador, you begin a journey along the northern coastal cities, each one with its own, unique personality. In Recife, you’ll encounter some of the oldest monuments in Brazil, from the early days of the colonization and from the Dutch Invasion of 1629. The historical town of Olinda is a living museum with a couple dozen colonial churches and a rich tradition of arts and crafts. These cities are known to have the best cultural festivals in the country and Carnaval here is an unforgettable experience. Continuing north, you’ll pass the pristine beaches and blue water around Maceió, one of the beset kept secrets of the Brazilian coastline. Natal to the north is famous for its mixture of huge white sand dunes and blue ocean. The beaches here are some of the most spectacular in the country–the highlights being the reefs at Maracajaú and the island of Fernando de Noronha, famous for its daily visits by dolphins. By the time most visitors reach Fortaleza at the top of the country, they are surprised by the urbanization they find. The fifth largest city in Brazil, Fortaleza is not always what travelers expect. But get out to the outskirts, especially way out to Jeriquaquara and you’ll be glad you came all this way.

THE CENTRAL WEST

Until recently, the Central West region was known principally for Brazil’s ultra-modern capital city, Brasilia. Today, visitors come from all over the world to visit the incredible flora and fauna of he world’s largest wetlands, the Pantanal. Spanning 250,000 square kilometers (25 million hectares), the low plains of the Paraguay River Valley flood every summer, creating a huge series of waterways, lakes and rivers. In the winter, the waters recede to create small lakes and pools and hundreds of species of birds come to feed on the fish that get trapped there. It’s one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems. There are nature lodges there that will take you out for photographic safaris and river excursions and you’re practically guaranteed to see Giant Stork, Capybara, Giant Anteaters, Red Billed Toucan, and the rare Blue Macaw. In the highlands, guarding the many rivers that feed into the Pantanal is the town of Bonito with some of the country’s most outrageous adventure sports, including fresh-water snorkeling, rappelling into silent caverns, scuba diving in underwater caves, horseback riding, and rafting. Not far to the north is the incredible Chapada dos Guimarães, with some of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil and some striking and dramatic landscapes.

THE NORTH

If you take a boat along the Amazon River, you’ll pass some of the densest jungle in the world along the largest and widest river in the world. You’ll also see a number of towns and small cities along the banks of the river. Near Manaus, a city of almost three million inhabitants right in the heart of the jungle, you’re likely to see Pink River Dolphins and Tucuxhi Dolphins (the world’s only fresh water dolphins) playing in the two distinct colors of water flowing side-by-side at the Meeting of the Waters, the beginning of the Amazon River. You’ll paddle in a canoe past some of the largest water lilies in the world and see the eyes of the giant Caiman alligators staring at you in the night. The area is still home to numerous indigenous groups and some of them allow visitations by tourists. Downstream, in the Santarém area, you’ll find the most beautiful fresh-water beaches of the region, where you can catch some sun for a day. You can also hike up to the oldest cave paintings in the Americas and see the incredible aboriginal pots and the ceramic art of the Tapijónica tradition, found in museums around the world. On the eastern edge of the Amazon Jungle is the Island of Marajó, where the bird species are as plentiful and varied as in the Southern Pantanal. You can also get a close up look at a working Buffalo ranch. Nearby, the city of Belém marks the end of the Amazon Jungle where the fresh water rivers meet the ocean. Not to be missed is the great Ver-o-Peso market with foods, crafts, and herbal cures from the jungle on sale.

Passports and Visas; The Basics

It’s important that you not only know about the visa requirements for travel to Brazil, but also the length of stay and other official things relating to your trip.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Brazil?

Americans need to have a passport and Brazilian visa to enter Brazil. You’ll need to contact the Brazilian Consolate closest to you and schedule a visit to get a visa. You’ll need:

• Your passport.
• Your tickets to and from Brazil, showing length of stay.
• Proof of financial capability if your trip is longer than two weeks.

How Long Can I Stay In Brazil?

Your visa lets you enter Brazil for a period of 90 days, which can be renewed for another 90 days. This 180 days begins when you enter and continues without stop. Leaving the country does not have any effect on the calculation of days. You can leave and re-enter the country as much as you like during this period. However, you MUST be inside the country when your first 90 days is up to renew for another 90 days, or you will lose your right to the second 90-day period.

What Does the Tourist Visa Allow Me to Do in Brazil?

The Tourist Visa is for tourism only. While you are in Brazil, you have all the rights and responsibilities of a Brazilian citizen, except that you are not allowed to work at all.

What Other Kinds of Visas Are Available?

Most common types of visas for Brazil travel include:

• Tourist Visa
• Student Visa
• Artist Visa
• Journalist Visa
• Work Visa

Note that visas other than the Tourist Visa require a Brazilian sponsor, except for the Journalist Visa, which requires a sponsor from your country of origin.

More Information

Brazilian Consolate in San Francisco
List of Consolates & Tourism Info
Brazilian Consolate in London

Why Visit Brazil, What to Do and See in Brazil

Why Visit Brazil? You’re kidding, right?
Well, for those who are just getting to know this big, beautiful South American country, here is a quick rundown of what Brazil has to offer…

Nature and Wildlife Encounters

Brazil has some of the most exotic and fascinating wildlife on the planet and you can get a close-up look when you visit Brazil’s nature hotspots. Everyone knows about the amazing plant and animal species in the Amazon Rainforest, featuring pink river dolphins, manatees and huge caiman (a type of crocodile). The pantanal area is the world’s largest wetlands and a haven for birds and land mammals. Giant anteaters, wild stork and rare blue macaws are just a few of the highlights there. Underwater animal encounters can be found all along the coast of Brazil, including Fernando de Noronha and Abrolhos and feature whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Unforgettable natural wonders include the desert dunes of the Lençõis Maranhenses and Foz de Iguaçú.
Read the rest…

The Beaches of Brazil
A Photographic Tour

Brazil’s beaches are famous for being among the most stimulating places on Earth. Check out these photos and see if you don’t agree.

Send one of our e-Greeting Cards

Key:

1. Wide beaches in Alagoas
2. On the boardwalk in Maceio
3. The beauty Redinha in Natal
4. Beaches north of Recife
5. Arraial d’Ajuda beaches
6. Santa Catarina beaches
7. Ilha Sao Francisco
8. Beaches of Pernambuco
9. The Coast of Salvador
10. Porto de Galinhas
11. Maracaipe Beach near Porto de Galinhas
12. Dunes near Natal
13. Beachfront in Fortaleza
14. Arraial d’Ajuda northern coastline
15. Praia do Frances

The Islands of Brazil
South America’s Atlantic Coast Jewels

With so much coastline, it’s no wonder that Brazil has some remarkable islands to visit and explore. They all offer tropical flora and fauna, warm Atlantic ocean water and wonderful underwater adventures for those interested in diving and snorkeling. Here is a short list of some of the more popular offerings.

Fernando de Noronha

Famous the world over, Fernando de Noronha consists of an archipelago of 21 islands, the largest of which is the namesake. It has been the property of France, England and Holland and, because it was uninhabited, was a frequent port of entry for invaders into colonial Brazil. In the 18th century, a series of battlements were built on the archipelago to help stave off further invasions.

In 1988, a large piece of the island was transformed into a national park to preserve the flora and fauna of the island. It’s possible to visit the park and the various islands to see the sparkling blue water and amazing sea life. One of the most recognized characteristics of this island is the superb scuba diving available for beginners, intermediate and advanced divers. Visibility under water remains a cool 98 feet year ‘round, and you’re likely to see sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and many other species.

You can take a hike or natural walk along the coastal paths or boat out to see thousands of dolphins swim in and out of the channels every day. You can drive a dune buggy around part of the island, visiting the many beaches and the few settlements there. There are approximately 2,000 inhabitants on the island and no more are allowed there, except by marriage to an existing resident.

Morro de São Paulo

One of the most festive islands on the Brazilian coast, Morro de São Paulo is a favorite tourist location, offering beaches full of beautiful Brazilians and beaches nearly deserted and uninhabited. Its close proximity to Salvador makes it a favorite get-away for those visiting the city. You’ll find traditional dance, festivals and food and plenty of beaches and island excursions to keep you busy for days or even weeks.

Morro de São Paulo is actually the name of the principal tourist town on one of the three main islands that make up the Archipelago of Tinhare. Like Fernando de Noronha, Morro de São Paulo was a primary target of pirates and invaders of the past centuries. The island’s principal fortress is in beautiful ruins near the entrance to the island and makes for one of the most pleasant excursions of the island.

The nightlife on the island is quite ample, especially during peak season, and locals get together with tourists to dance and drink until the sun rises. Then it’s back to the beaches to sleep it off. There are many hotels, inns and restaurants on the island, located in the village or on the three principal beaches, known as Beach One, Beach Two, and Beach Three.

Abrolhos

Located in the southern end of the state of Bahia, the archipelago of Abrolhos is a highly prized location for diving and snorkeling—said to be ranked among the ten best in the world. The water here is warm and transparent and visibility generally registers at around 90 to 100 feet. The entire group of islands (which are pieces of the outer rim of an ancient volcano) and the surrounding waters are a national aquatic park and protected wildlife area, harboring such wonders as giant rays, sea turtles and whales. You’ll also encounter a form of coral that is unique in the world.

Even if you don’t swim, a trip out to Abrolhos is worthwhile. There are plenty of sea animals you can see from the boat and areas that are only four or five feet deep. You can take a speed boat out for the day or a larger vessel for overnight adventures.

Ilha Grande

Brazil’s second largest island, Ilha Grande is also one of its most un-developed. A small and charming central village known as Abraão is your point of entry and likely resting place with numerous inns and hotels to choose from. You can walk around the town easily and visit the many different shops and restaurants, specializing in seafood, of course. When you’re ready to visit the outer reaches of the island, you can choose between hiking and boating. Hikes range from a single day to beaches in the near vicinity to multi-day trips to the outer shores. Single and multi-day boat trips are also available, including excursions for diving and snorkeling. Fortunately, some of the best beaches and diving locations are not too far from the village, so hiking is a popular option.

No cars are allowed on the island, so the entire place is tranquil and very rustic. A favorite excursion is out to the pristine beaches of Lopes Mendes, said to be one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. But the beaches you pass on the way to Lopes Mendes are just as compelling in this guide’s opinion. You get to Ilha Grande from the coastal city of Angra dos Reis on the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Ilhabela

Ilhabela is the local name for the Island of São Sebastião, off the coast of São Paulo state on the way to Rio de Janeiro about 45 kilometers from São Paulo city. The island is divided into the “inner” and “outer” experiences, the inner being more populated and touristy and where you’ll find all the hotels and restaurants and many of the beaches. There are numerous inns and beach cabanas, camp grounds, and homes to rent.

Ilhabela is a favorite location of the Paulistas (residents of São Paulo) who go there to practice boating, tanning, and beach sports on weekends. There are some very popular diving spots all around the island, including a number of shipwrecks to explore. In the middle of the island is a rustic piece of the Atlantic Forest, with animals and strange plant life to prove it. You can find wonderful trails with incredible views from the island’s peaks. In most cases, you’ll be rewarded with clear, cool waterfalls along the way.

Access to the island is via ferry boat that takes off from the city of São Sebastião several times per day.

Brazil Photo Gallery…

Here are some photos of Brazil that I think you won’t want to miss. Taken by professional photographer and videographer Geoffrey Hiller, the site offers us several photo essays on different regions of Brazil. It’s an excellent way to really see what Brazil is like. The Brazil journey is located here: hillerphoto.com.

Take your time and look over the entire series, it’s worth it.

The Road From Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro

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The Road from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro
The road between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is one of Brazil’s most traveled tourist destinations. Called the Rio-Santos road, the trip is perfect for many visitors who want to see the big cities of Brazil, some excellent beaches and tropical islands (including some that are touristy and full of beautiful people and others that are remote and deserted), and also a touch of the interior. You can rent a car and take the trip at your own pace, visiting the highlights that you set for yourself. In this article, I’ll try to answer some of the most common questions about this trip. I’ll add more as they come in, so this will be a work-in-progress.

The road between São Paulo and Rio is a popular road trip for tourists and Brazilians alike. It’s about 450 kilometers of coastline and takes you past some of the most beautiful beaches and beach towns in the country. The water gets greener and warmer the closer you get to Rio, but the beaches near São Paulo are not to be missed either — for their water sports, beautiful people and great boardwalks.

The road itself is in good shape, but it can get a bit windy along the mountain passes around the São Sebastião area, so take it slowly and carefully and enjoy the time.

While you’re in Sao Paulo, you can take the Walking Tour of Downtown Sao Paulo. Also, I’ve listed some good hotels in the Sao Paulo area in my article on The Accor Hotels. I always suggest starting in São Paulo and driving to Rio. This way, your trip will keep building and building to the end, saving the most spectacular for last. There are so many things to see and do between these great cities, that you may want to make the trip twice to get it all in. You wouldn’t be the first.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lot of violence in this region?
Outside of Rio, there is nothing excessive and even inside Rio, the problems are mostly located in the Copacabana Beach area. Of course, you should always be aware and careful. Keep a minimum amount of cash on you and no significant valuables. Split up your cash and when you drive, leave as much in the trunk as possible (your bags, valuables, and credit cards).

What are THE best places for snorkeling?
I’d say that the top snorkeling on this trip would be around Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis. It’s hard to say which of these is best, but I can say that Ilha Grande requires a bit more time and commitment. If you have the time, it’s totally worth it. If you choose Angra, then be sure to take a boat out to the islands AWAY from the mainland — so you get away from the Angra pollution. That said, there are some wonderful dives there.

The next best place would be the north coast around Ubatuba. There are some wonderful waters there and you can charter boats out for great snorkeling.

How are the roads in this area?
The BR freeways (called rodovias) are much faster and in better condition than the small roads. Also, this is a mountainous region and the roads can be difficult at times. I suggest sticking to the main estradas that will offer the smoothest ride. However, the roads in general in this area are well maintained and generally problem free. You have to get used to maneuvering in two-lanes of traffic is all.

How do Ilha Grande, Paraty, and Buzios compare?
These are all different from one another and Buzios is completely different than just about any other place on the coast. It’s a great place for adults and offers a lot of shopping, modern facilities, great hotels and lots of beaches — both crowded and secluded. You also have some economical options for hotels, so it’s not only for the spenders. A lot of Brazil’s TV stars can be seen at Buzios.

Paraty is an excellent place for tourists and provides a bit of the historical side of Brazil along with beaches and great restaurants. It’s a small town, but the best beaches are outside of town to the north or south. Don’t miss the waterfalls in Paraty, as well as the boat trips.

Ilha Grande is the most remote of the three. There are very few cars on this huge island and only one major town — called Abraao (Abraham). The town, hotels, and eating establishments are all very quaint and you can walk around town with no problem to take it all in. There are beaches all around the island and you can hike or take boats out to them. Some of these are among the prettiest in Brazil and offer great snorkeling, diving, and other fun activities. You really feel the island experience at Ilha Grande because of the lack of cars.

What is the best rental car service to use there?
Here’s a comment from one of my readers about that…”We used Unidas rent-a-car and they were great and about 50% cheaper than Hertz or Avis (12 day rental of a Chevy Meriva was $500, including insurance). It was practically new and they gave us an 800 number to call in case of problems. We booked them through Autoeurope.com.”

Is it worth going inland to Teresopolis?
Absolutely! Teresopolis has a lot to offer and is completely different than the coastal sights. The feature there is hiking and rafting and you should probably set this up ahead of time — like while you’re in Buzios or Rio — with one of the agencies that offer packages or trip planning. For most people 48 hours is enough, but if you’re really into hiking and rock climbing, you might want more.

The Magical Pink River Dolphin

Among the strangest and most enchanting creatures of the Amazon is the beautiful and intelligent Pink River Dolphin, scientific name Inia geoffrensis, or peixe boto as they are known in Brazil. You can’t miss them as they play and perform acrobatics in the waters of the Central Amazon Region. They are often seen along the Rio Negro from the Meeting of the Waters to the Anavilhanas Archipelago up river, but they are also found in Venezuala, Peru, and throughout the Amazon Region. At times they can be seen swimming alongside riverboats or hunting for fish around the still waters along the banks of the rivers, known as igarapés. They are extremely intelligent (their brain is about 40% larger than the human brain), very playful, and very communicative.

The Boto’s shocking color comes with age. A full-grown adult is bright pink, reaches almost three meters in length, and weighs up to 200 kilos. This makes it among the largest of its species, including among ocean-going dolphins. Aside from its shocking color, the Boto looks very much like its ocean-going cousins, but with a few particularities no doubt evolved to suit its fresh-water environment. In particular, its body is more flexible and “bent” than other dolphins, giving it extra maneuverability in the intricate waterways of the Amazon. Instead of a dorsal fin, it has a pronounced ridge along its back. Another difference is that the Boto usually swims alone or in pairs, a behavior attributed to its relative lack of natural predators.

The Boto’s biggest enemy is the local fisherman. Excessive fishing of the Amazon River Basin diminishes the Boto’s food supply and makes hunting difficult. Dolphins also get caught in fishing nets and drown. In a note of karmic justice, the Boto’s hunting practices frustrate the fishing methods of the locals. The Boto herds fish into shallow waters where it captures them, whereas Fishermen depend on calm conditions and fish that are not being pursued by a Boto.

Apart from its rivalry with fishermen, the Boto has enjoyed a special relationship with indigenous groups of the Amazon, who consider it taboo to hunt or eat the animal. The Boto plays a large role in native lore and is considered a magical and powerful being, not all that different from humans. Legend has it that the Boto occasionally takes on the guise of a human and hangs around the river banks looking for young women to seduce. A bastard child is usually the result. Its reputation as a lover has given it the name boto amorador (Lover Boto) among local tribes and has made it the primary scapegoat for all unwed mothers. Women are warned against swimming near the river banks and riding alone in canoes. But the Boto can also take the form of a beautiful woman who seduces the men of the region. Any man fortunate enough to encounter such a creature will forever be protected by her when in the waters of the Amazon.

These legends no doubt have a grain of truth somewhere within them. Dolphins are known to be among the few species on the planet (along with humans) that engage in sexual activity for purposes other than reproduction (i.e., for enjoyment). And the sex organs of both the male and female Boto are also said to have a striking resemblance to human sex organs.

Praia do Forte in Cabo Frio

On the coastline of the drab and unimpressive city of Cabo Frio, is one of the most stunningly beautiful stretches of white sand and blue water in the Americas. You’ll quickly see why this coastline became famous as a tourist destination. Whatever you may think of the town of Cabo Frio, that long stretch Cabo Frio beach remains an amazing piece of work by Mother Nature.

Get your butt off Copacabana!

Rio de Janeiro no longer a haven for bunda
In an absurd, but valiant attempt to disassociate the Brazilian backside from Rio de Janeiro (specifically the near-naked female derriere so ubiquitous along Brazil’s coastline), city authorities voted to prohibit the sale of postcards that are endowed with portraits of this particular Brazilian national treasure. Yes, postcards have been identified as the culprits. Authorities feel that postcards featuring sexy, scantily-clad Brazilians only encourage the association of sexual tourism with Rio “…which stigmatizes us with undignified labels,” suggests state secretary Sergio Ricardo. Of course, one need only cast one’s eyes to the sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to find an endless variety of sand-sprinkled lower halves, fanning across the sand like dunes along the waterfront. Reality is so much more interesting than postcards, anyway. But could bikinis themselves be the next target of censorship for Rio de Janeiro?

Without a doubt, sexual tourism is a problem in Rio, as it is in many of Brazil’s coastal cities. It contributes to the country’s astronomical HIV/AIDS statistics and adds a number of other problems to boot–problems that need to be addressed. But it’s probably not the public relations effort from the postcard-buying public that is to blame–or the fact that so much moon shines along with the sun at Copacabana. No, sexual tourism is the result of neither promiscuity nor exhibitionism. Rather, it comes from that special mixture of poverty, democracy, and international tourism. Remove any one of these three ingredients and sexual tourism falters. Now that’s something to write home about.