By Gabi ·
· 4 min read
BEST TIME
Sep to Nov, Mar to May
CURRENCY
Brazilian real (R$)
VISA
UK: visa-free up to 90 days
GETTING AROUND
Uber, flights + boats
LANGUAGE
Portuguese
SAFETY
Safe with care
01
Brazil is huge, but for Rio and the coast here's how the year breaks down.
Summer (December to March)
Hot, humid and lively, with Carnival in February or March. Beach season at its busiest.
Autumn (April to May)
Warm, drier and quieter, a great time for beaches and hiking.
Winter (June to August)
Mild in Rio and ideal for sightseeing, though the sea is cooler.
Spring (September to November)
Warming up, with fewer crowds before the summer rush.
02
Brazil is mid-range on price, and costs jump around Carnival and New Year.
Food: per-kilo restaurants, street food and fresh juice are good value.
Transport: Uber is cheap in the cities, and domestic flights save time.
Accommodation: prices rise sharply during Carnival, so book early.
Extras: boat trips and tours to Ilha Grande are worth budgeting for.
03
Brazil is an incredible place to travel, and most visits are trouble-free, but petty crime is common in the big cities. A bit of street smarts goes a long way.
Keep your phone out of sight on the street and on the beach.
Take Uber at night rather than walking.
Leave valuables and jewellery at your accommodation.
On our trip you're with a group and a guide the whole way.
04
UK passport holders can visit Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days. Brazil has changed its visa rules for some nationalities recently, so always check before you book.
Your passport should be valid for your whole stay, and 6 months is safest.
Check gov.uk for the latest entry requirements.
Other nationalities vary, so check your own government's advice.
05
Getting around Brazil takes a mix of transport.
Uber is the easiest and safest way around Rio and São Paulo.
Domestic flights cover the long distances between regions.
Buses and boats connect Rio with Paraty and Ilha Grande.
The Rio metro is useful for getting between the main areas.
06
Pack for beach days, city nights and the odd tropical downpour.
Swimsuits, a cover-up and flip flops.
Light, breathable clothes for hot, humid days.
A light rain jacket.
A small cross-body bag you can keep close.
Insect repellent and high-factor sun cream.
A Brazilian flag bikini is optional, but highly encouraged.
The complete Brazil packing list
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STRAIGHT FROM THE TRIP
07
Is Brazil safe for solo female travellers?
When is Rio Carnival?
Do I need a visa for Brazil?
RATHER NOT PLAN IT YOURSELF?
Brazil with the girls
Women-only group trip with a local guide. From £1295pp.
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