Brazil Visitor Info

Discover what San Paulo and Brazil have to offer.

Visiting Brazil: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Overview & Geography 🌎

Brazil is massive—spanning approximately 8.5 million km², it occupies nearly half of South America, and borders every country on the continent except Chile and Ecuador

Located in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, Brazil stretches about 4,398 km north to south and 4,320 km east to west
Its varied terrain includes the Amazon Basin (vast rainforest and rivers), the Central Highlands (Planalto Central), coastal lowlands, thousands of tropical beaches, and mountain ranges
Major rivers like the Amazon and Paraná dominate the landscape, crucial for ecosystems and geography

Seasons & What to Do When ⏳

Brazil’s climate is as diverse as its landscape, with regional differences across seasons. Here’s what to expect and enjoy:

Summer (Dec–Feb) ⛱️

Coastal cities (Rio, São Paulo): Hot and humid, ideal for beaches and Carnival in February
Carnival: A once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with samba, parades, and street parties
Pantanal: Start of wet season—great for wildlife spotting, especially aquatic creatures

Autumn / Shoulder Season (Mar–May & Oct–Nov) 🍂

Less crowded beaches and pleasant weather.
Pantanal: Dry season begins, excellent for wildlife viewing
Iguazu Falls: Vibrant falls with high water flow—superb for dramatic views

Winter (Jun–Aug) ❄️

Amazon Basin: Dry season—best time for rainforest treks
South Brazil (e.g., Curitiba): Cooler temperatures (15–22 °C), occasional near-freezing in higher elevations

Spring (Sep–Nov) 🌸

Rio & coast: Warmer temperatures return; great time for outdoor sightseeing.
Central Brazil & Amazon: Transition season—still good for exploring before rains intensify
Pantanal: Still dry; ideal for spotting wildlife

Geography Adventure Highlights 🏞️

Amazon Rainforest: World’s largest tropical rainforest, accessed via cities like Manaus
Iguazu Falls: One of Latin America’s greatest natural wonders, easily reachable and highly dramatic
Pantanal Wetlands: Prime area for wildlife—including jaguars—via eco-friendly safaris or boat tours
Colonial towns: Head to Paraty, Ouro Preto, Tiradentes in Minas Gerais for rich history, UNESCO charm, and cuisine
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: Remote marine paradise with limited visitor access for conservation
Urban & cultural gems: Explore Rio’s iconic beaches, Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, and Salvador’s vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture

Language & Currency Basics 💬💰

Language

Official language: Brazilian Portuguese, spoken by ~99% of the population
Minority languages: Over 200 indigenous languages—some like Nheengatu are official in certain regions. German and Italian dialects also persist in parts of the south
Tourist zones: English is not widely spoken outside major cities—learning basic Portuguese phrases is highly recommended

Currency

Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL); symbol “R$” or “$”
Cards vs cash: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are common in cities, but cash is essential for markets, taxis, rural areas
ATM tips: Use bank-located ATMs, beware of fees, set realistic withdrawal limits, carry smaller bills