Experience the lush rainforest of the Amazon. A trip to Brazil would not be complete without a journey to the largest tropical rainforest in the world. The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests. Manaus is a gateway city to the rainforest, offering lodging, dining and plenty of tours into the surrounding jungle by land and boat. The city also offers cultural festivals, historic landmarks, beaches, parks and nighttime activities.
Visit Southeast Brazil for a memorable vacation experience that will allow yourto experience much of what Brazil has to offer. This area is the most developed and populated segment of the country and is a tourist favorite because of its comfortable climate. A true cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro is located here and is a popular destination during Carnavale and throughout the year. It boasts a combination of pristine beaches, recreational parks, spectacular views, fine dining and endless nights of drinking and dancing. The city is nestled between a sparkling bay and a steep mountain range. There are numerous beaches for lounging, surfing or socializing. Of course, visitors are welcomed to Rio by the large statue of Christ the Redeemer on top of the mountain Corcovado. A journey to the top of this mountain is rewarded with spectacular beach views. Near Rio, Sao Paulo offers activities and nightlife more closely aligned to those found in the western world. The historic city is home to trendy clubs, restaurants and bars.
Choose the Northeast section of Brazil if you want an authentic experience with traces of Brazil's Spanish and Dutch past. This area is the least developed part of the country and most of the citizens live in primitive conditions. The main towns such as Recife have been modernized. Recife is a major port city with white-sand beaches and an active nightlife. While it may not be as cosmopolitan as Rio de Janeiro, Recife offers a diverse, spirited culture with hospitable inhabitants.
Make a day trip to the Southern part of the country which is home to the famous Iguacu Falls, a magnificent waterfall located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. The waters plunge 269 feet into the Iguacu River.
Find time to include the Western part of the country on your Brazilian vacation. Almost entirely uninhabited, the land is home to the savanna and marshland with optimum chances to see wild animals in their natural habitat. This area is know as the Pantanal.
Plan your trip for September or October if you want pleasant weather, reasonable prices and few crowds. The spring weather means you will have warm days in Iguacu and Rio with tropical heat in other parts of the country.
Another great time to travel is just after Carnavale (early to mid-March) through May. This is considered low season, so the prices are reasonable, but you can still enjoy pleasant weather.
Go during Carnavale (late February through early March) for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is a great time to travel around Brazil if you want to experience the country during it's most spirited event. Carnavale is large celebration beginning the Saturday before Lent. It is filled with parades, music, dancing and costumed performances. While this can be a memorable trip, be aware that the hotels are typically more expensive and the cities are packed with people during this time of year. If you are traveling on a budget or tend to feel overwhelmed in crowds, you might want to consider visiting another time.
Travel from December to February if you do not mind limited services. This is the time of year when schools are on break and most Brazilian families are on vacation themselves. This means that many businesses will be closed and some services will be unavailable.
Avoid the southern part of the country from June to August as it tends to be a period of continuous rain.
Fly to Brazil from North America, Europe or Asia. Cities in Brazil are well served by the airlines and visitors can fly into Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Manaus and Recife. Discounted fares are available for those wanting to save some money.
Consider taking a domestic flight once in Brazil to truly experience the country. Brazil is large and air travel is almost necessary to see its many attractions. Varig and Tam airlines offer airpasses that offer multiple flights at a package price to allow you to visit different areas of Brazil by air. These passes can be purchased with your international flight into the country or after you arrive in Brazil.
Rent a car for day trips outside of the city you choose to stay in. Be aware that drivers in Brazil tend to be aggressive. Make sure you are up to date on local laws and regulations.
Utilize an economy bus which can transport you to nearby cities. Prices are reasonable and buses are fairly comfortable. However, remember the distance in between cities is great and the roads can be rather bumpy. Be prepared for a long, bouncy ride.
Use taxis to get around within a city. This is especially important if you go out at night. It can be dangerous to walk the streets in a Brazilian city at night.
