Brazil Travel Guide: What to Do

What to do in Brazil? Main activities and attractions

Brazil boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage reflected in booming cities and colonial towns. In Rio de Janeiro, don’t miss Christ the Redeemer and the historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Salvador, capital of Bahia, offers colorful streets, Afro-Brazilian culture, and Baroque churches like São Francisco. In the southern town of Ouro Preto, UNESCO World Heritage baroque facades narrate Brazil’s colonial past. For modern art lovers, São Paulo offers cutting-edge galleries such as the MASP and street art in Beco do Batman. Each region reveals layers of Brazil’s diverse identity through museums, music, and festivals.

Nature is at the heart of most Brazilian experiences. Cruise through the Amazon River for encounters with biodiversity, or hike through the dramatic landscapes of Chapada Diamantina or the canyons of Aparados da Serra. Along the coast, Fernando de Noronha and Lençóis Maranhenses offer breathtaking scenery and rare ecosystems. Surfers flock to Florianópolis while food lovers enjoy São Paulo’s cosmopolitan kitchens or Bahia’s African-inspired dishes like moqueca. Street food like pastel and tapioca are everyday pleasures, as is enjoying a caipirinha on a beach at sunset. Experiencing Brazil’s culture through its cuisine and natural marvels is essential to any journey.

Unusual and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Brazil

Beyond its famous cities and beaches, Brazil offers lesser-known experiences that reveal its diversity and charm. These locations allow travelers to connect with the territory’s unique character far from mainstream tourism.

In the far west, visit the Pantanal’s lesser-frequented northern region (Mato Grosso), ideal for jaguar spotting and bird watching in smaller eco-lodges. For adventure seekers, explore Vale do Pati in Bahia for multi-day hikes through canyons, waterfalls, and hidden valleys—completely off-grid. Near the border with Venezuela lies the Mount Roraima plateau, a surreal flat-topped mountain that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World.”

In the south, discover the European-influenced village of Pomerode, known for its German traditions and half-timbered houses—an unexpected slice of Bavaria in Brazil. On the coast of Maranhão, venture to Atins, a remote fishing village nestled near Lençóis Maranhenses, accessible only by 4×4 and known for its kitesurfing and tranquility.

Choosing these less-traveled paths in Brazil opens doors to authentic encounters, stunning nature, and a deeper understanding of the country’s diversity. It’s a worthy choice for those seeking richer, quieter, and more intimate travel stories.

When to visit Brazil? Best travel periods

Essential practical information for traveling to Brazil

📋 Formalities and visa

EU, US, and UK citizens do not need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport with at least six months of validity upon arrival is required. No specific vaccinations are mandatory, though yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon visits.

🚗 Driving rules

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. An international driving permit is recommended, especially when renting vehicles. Be cautious on roads, especially at night, as road conditions and signage vary greatly in rural areas.

🔌 Electricity

Voltage ranges between 110V and 220V depending on the region. The most common plug types are types C and N. Travelers from Europe may need an adapter. Frequency is 60 Hz.

📱 Mobile network and internet

Covers most urban and coastal areas adequately, though isolated regions like the Amazon may lack signal. Major operators include Claro, Vivo, and TIM. Buying a prepaid SIM card is easy with passport ID, and data plans start around 5-10 BRL daily.

⚠️ Safety and areas to avoid

Exercise caution in major cities like Rio and São Paulo, especially in favelas or outskirts. Avoid walking at night in isolated areas. Follow local advice and use official taxis or ride apps. Emergency number for police is 190.

🚫 Prohibitions and regulations

Possession of drugs is illegal and severely punished. Importing fresh food, seeds, or animal products without declarations is prohibited. Fines apply for littering or violating protected natural areas.

🤝 Cultural codes and behavior

Warm greetings and informal behavior are commonplace. Brazilians use physical gestures and close personal space. It is respectful to wear appropriate clothing in churches, and avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics publicly.

🕌 Respect for religious traditions

Brazil is predominantly Catholic, with syncretic Afro-Brazilian religions widely practiced. Dress modestly in religious sites and refrain from photography during ceremonies. Major events like Christmas, Carnival, and Easter are widely observed.

Sources: Foreign Office, Embassy in Brazil, Brazil National Tourism Office. Last updated: January 2025