7 Reasons to Travel to Brazil with Llama Travel
Travelling to Brazil promises a wonderful taste of Latin America’s vibrancy, but you may choose to extend your stay with a visit to another nearby country to get a greater sense of the region’s cultural, historical and geographical diversity.
With Llama Travel’s choice of extensions, you could combine your holiday to Brazil with Argentina, Chile, or Peru. Whether you want to visit Machu Picchu, feel the spray of Iguazu Falls, or come face-to-face with the enigmatic Moai statues on Easter Island, the variety of experiences that you can combine with is almost endless.
Along with that choice of extensions, you can add a choice of excursions, from a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro to a half-day tour dedicated to one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.
At Llama Travel, our groups average just 11 people, with a maximum of 18, making it easier to get around and enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. Smaller groups really make a difference, whether you’re exploring the colourful streets of Rio de Janeiro or making the most of your guide’s expertise whilst visiting Iguazu Falls.
Rio is a modern city in a stunning location, with beautiful bays, hills rolling into the ocean and tropical beaches. Portuguese sailors first arrived at what is now Rio in January 1502. Thinking that the bay was the mouth of an enormous river, they named the place January River – Rio de Janeiro. However, the area was not populated until the 1550s, when the French established a garrison, and the city was not founded by the Portuguese until the following decade. The city grew rapidly, and with the discovery of gold in nearby Minas Gerais, Rio really started to prosper.
Brazil declared independence in 1822 and was a monarchy until 1889, when it became a republic. Rio remained the capital until 1960, when the capital was moved to the new city of Brasilia. Throughout this period, Rio grew rapidly as a commercial centre, and a tunnel linking the centre to Copacabana opened in 1892, as the city expanded. Many colonial buildings were torn down as the city was remodelled with grand avenues, parks and buildings.
Rio de Janeiro is now one of Latin America’s liveliest cities, famous for its vibrant samba culture and annual carnival. The nearby beaches and Tijuca National Park add a unique dimension to the colourful streets, overlooked by the famous Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain.
Due to their proximity, Argentina is perhaps the most obvious destination to combine with a holiday to Brazil. Their similarly lively cities, storied histories and gorgeous landscapes complement each other very well.
Combining Argentina with Brazil on our ‘Samba, Tango & Iguazu Falls’ tour bookends your holiday with stays in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, two of Latin America’s most celebrated cities. You can enjoy an optional Tango Dinner Show in Buenos Aires at the start of your tour and dance the Samba in Rio de Janeiro as your holiday draws to a close.
As you cross the border between the two countries, you will be able to visit Iguazu Falls, a series of over 270 waterfalls stretching over 1.5 miles through sub-tropical greenery. A trail walk includes several vantage points with amazing views over the Falls. The Devil’s Throat waterfall, where several waterways converge over a sheer drop and rainbows form amidst the spray, is a particular highlight.
If you combine your holiday to Brazil with a visit to Argentina, as you cross the border between the two countries, you will be able to visit Iguazu Falls, a series of over 270 waterfalls stretching over 1.5 miles through sub-tropical greenery. A trail walk includes several vantage points with amazing views over the Falls. The Devil’s Throat waterfall, where several waterways converge over a sheer drop and rainbows form amidst the spray, is a particular highlight.
Our holidays are designed to ensure both sides of the Falls can be experienced; the Brazilian side has more impressive panoramic vistas, while the Argentinian side gets you closer to the spray of the Falls and includes a greater network of waterways in and around the Falls.
Adding our ‘Colonial Paraty’ extension to your holiday adds another dimension to your time in Brazil. A 4-hour journey from Rio de Janeiro brings you to the charming colonial town, surrounded by lush green vegetation and sparkling blue waters.
The town itself dates back to 1597 during the Portuguese rule; the architecture of the old town - including its car-free cobbled streets - is perfectly preserved from that era. In the 17th century, the Portuguese used it to transport gold back to Portugal. With the increasing threat of pirates, they soon began bypassing Paraty, and the town began losing its importance, hence why the centre remains so intact today. Nowadays, the town centre is pedestrianised, making it a relaxing complement to lively Rio.
You can explore the maze of cobblestone streets, take a schooner boat to admire the coastline and visit one of the nearby beaches or waterfalls. Quiet cobbled streets are traversed by horse-drawn carriages and lined with pretty buildings which are characterised by brightly-coloured doors and window frames. The scenic harbour area has a great ambience with schooner boats and fishing boats bobbing on the water, and small cafes lining the streets.
One of the most unique things about Paraty is that the pavements are built a foot above the streets, which are flooded during high tide due to the town’s position below sea level. Known as ‘Brazil’s Venice’, Paraty becomes a surreal scene of photogenic buildings being reflected into the water when the tide rolls in.
As well as Paraty, you could add a stay in the Pantanal Wetlands to your holiday. The Pantanal, which covers an area estimated at 75,000 square miles, is the largest wetland on earth. It has an incredibly rich biodiversity and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Around 80% of the wetland falls within Brazil’s borders, contained in the large states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in the country’s central interior.
The Pantanal’s main tourist draw is the excellent chance of seeing a large variety of wildlife at close quarters. The skies above the Pantanal are filled with the chirp of birdsong from dawn until dusk. There are endemic and near-endemic species, such as the chestnut-billed guan. The flightless greater rhea is the largest bird in South America and can often be found roaming the open, grassy fields. There are some 10 million caimans in the Pantanal, and these silent, disconcertingly motionless creatures are seen at close quarters, both on land and in the water. This species inhabits Central and South America, growing to up to 4 metres in length. The yellow anaconda also populates the Pantanal, although these are more difficult to spot. The Brazilian tapir is the largest mammal in the Pantanal, and the second largest land mammal in South America (after the Baird’s tapir). The best time to see the tapir is at night, when it feeds on fruit trees. Land mammals seen on the open plains include peccaries, marsh deer, giant and collared anteaters, armadillos and foxes. Marmosets, howler, capuchin and night monkeys all populate the area.
Many of our in-house Travel Experts have visited Brazil themselves, and are happy to share their experiences with you when curating your holiday. Contact us at 020 7263 3000 to speak to one of them today or order a brochure here to explore our full range of holidays.
About Brazil
KEY FACTS
- When to Travel: Rio, the Iguaçu Falls and Salvador are great to visit all year round. It is best to visit the Amazon and the Pantanal between May and October
- Population: 215 million
- Area: 8,515,767 km2 (35 times the area of the UK)
- Capital City: Brasilia (population 25 million)
- Languages Spoken: Portuguese
- Time Difference: GMT – 3 hours for Rio, the Iguaçu Falls and Salvador. GMT – 4 hours for the Pantanal and Manaus
- Flying time from UK: Approximately 12 hours for a direct flight to Rio, approximately 15 hours including a change of plane
- Bordering Countries: Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
- Key Destinations: Rio de Janeiro, the Iguaçu Falls, the Pantanal, the Amazon rainforest, Salvador, Bahia coast
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, both by size (around 8.5 million square kilometres, 35 times the size of the UK) and population (around 215 million), occupying almost half of the South American continent. It is bordered by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana to the north and northeast, Colombia, Peru to the east, and Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay to the south and southwest, and boasts an extraordinarily rich natural and cultural diversity.
Brazil Highlights
Brazil Gallery
FAQs
Before You Go
A: No. British citizens do not currently require a visa to visit Brazil for tourism. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and accommodation on arrival. Entry requirements can change, so it is always worth checking the latest advice before travelling.
A: No vaccinations are compulsory for most travellers, but Yellow Fever precautions are usually recommended when visiting Brazil, particularly for areas such as the Pantanal or Amazon. Malaria precautions may also be advised for the Amazon Rainforest. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic before travel, and checking the latest health advice on TravelHealthPro before departure.
A: Lightweight clothing is suitable for most of Brazil, although conditions vary depending on where you are travelling. Coastal destinations such as Rio de Janeiro are warm year-round, while evenings can feel cooler during the winter months from June to August. In the Pantanal and Amazon, long-sleeved breathable clothing and closed shoes are recommended to help protect against insects.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, particularly in destinations such as Paraty, where cobbled streets are part of the town’s charm. A lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella is useful, as rain showers are possible throughout the year. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and insect repellent.
Electricity in Brazil is generally 110V and plug sockets are usually the two-round-pin type, so travellers from the UK should bring an adaptor.
It is also a legal requirement to carry identification in Brazil, so we recommend carrying a photocopy of your passport while out and about.
A: Brazil can be visited year-round, although the best time depends on where you are going. Rio de Janeiro is warm throughout the year, while the Pantanal is generally best visited during the dry season between May and September, when wildlife viewing is at its best.
A: Direct flights from London to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo usually take around 11 to 12 hours. Internal flights within Brazil can also be lengthy due to the country’s size, and journeys between destinations often involve connections in hubs such as São Paulo.
Practical Information
A: Brazil is a huge country with varied climates. Rio de Janeiro is hot year-round, with temperatures often between 20°C and 35°C, while the Pantanal has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Coastal destinations such as Paraty are warm and humid, and rain showers are possible throughout the year.
A: Brazilians are generally warm, friendly and sociable, and visitors are often made to feel very welcome. Casual dress is common in most places, particularly in beach destinations, although people tend to dress smarter for restaurants and evenings out. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is appreciated and can go a long way when travelling around the country.
A: Most of Brazil operates between GMT -3 and GMT -4 hours, depending on the region and time of year.
A: Brazil generally offers good value for money, especially compared with Europe. Costs vary depending on the destination, with Rio de Janeiro tending to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.
A: Portuguese is the main language spoken in Brazil. English is spoken in some hotels and tourist areas, but it is less widely spoken than in some other South American destinations. Your Llama Travel guide will help with communication during your holiday.
A: If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. Most restaurants include a 10% tip on your bill. If it is not already included on the bill, your waiter will often mention this to you. Taxi drivers in Brazil do not usually expect a tip; however they tend to round up the metered fare to the nearest Real. When staying in a lodge in the Pantanal or jungle, there is often a tipping jar in the reception/bar area, which is shared between the lodge staff and guides. Approximately BRL20 is suggested for a 3-night stay. As most guides in Brazil work on a freelance basis, you may wish to tip your guide directly. In this case, around BRL5 per day is suggested. On a full day excursion from a city in Brazil, tipping guides BRL3-5 per person is usual if you are in a group.
A: The Brazilian Real (BRL) is the local currency.
A: Yes. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and cash machines are available in most cities and airports. It is still useful to carry some cash, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are available in most urban areas, although not all machines accept international cards.
Health and Safety
A: Yes. Most visitors travel to Brazil without any problems, particularly when travelling on organised itineraries. As with any destination, it is important to use common sense, avoid displaying valuables and take taxis after dark in larger cities such as Rio.
A: Medical facilities in major cities are generally good. Your guide or hotel staff can help arrange assistance if needed. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation is essential.
A: Yes. Brazil is an excellent destination for solo travellers, particularly on group tours such as Llama Travel’s, where transport, accommodation and excursions are arranged in advance. Group travel also offers a sociable and relaxed way to experience the country.
A: Yes. Most visitors travel to Brazil without any problems, particularly when travelling on an organised itinerary. As with any destination, it is important to take sensible precautions, especially in larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro. Avoid displaying valuables such as jewellery, watches or expensive cameras, keep bags close to you, and avoid walking through quiet areas alone after dark. Taxis and ride apps are widely available and are often the best option in the evenings. With common sense and awareness, most travellers have a safe and enjoyable experience in Brazil.
Connectivity & Communication
A: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés. Local SIM cards can be purchased in Brazil, although many travellers now choose to use an eSIM provider, such as Airolo or Holafly, before departure for easier access to mobile data on arrival.
Getting Around
A: Brazil is a vast country, so travel between destinations often involves a combination of domestic flights and road journeys. Internal flights are the quickest way to travel between destinations such as Rio, Iguazu Falls and the Pantanal. Within cities, sightseeing is often done on foot and by vehicle.
A: Travelling with manageable luggage is recommended, especially if your itinerary includes internal flights or nature lodges. A small day bag is useful for excursions, particularly in the Pantanal or during boat trips.
Food & Drink
A: Brazilian cuisine is hearty, varied and full of regional influences, with Portuguese, African and Indigenous traditions all shaping the country’s food. Rice and beans are staples across much of Brazil and are often served alongside grilled meats, salads and farofa, a toasted cassava flour mixture.
Breakfasts in Brazil are usually generous, with plenty of fresh tropical fruit such as papaya, mango and pineapple, alongside juices, cakes, breads and coffee. One of the country’s best-known snacks is pão de queijo, a warm cheese bread which is particularly popular for breakfast or with coffee. Other traditional snacks include coxinha de galinha, a fried chicken croquette, and pastel de carne ou queijo, a crispy pastry filled with meat or cheese.
On the coast, seafood features heavily, particularly dishes such as moqueca, a rich fish stew cooked with coconut milk, peppers and herbs. In Rio, churrascarias, or Brazilian steakhouses, are especially popular, where waiters bring different cuts of grilled meat directly to your table.
A: We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water while travelling in Brazil.
A: Yes. Brazil is known for its caipirinhas, local beers and fresh fruit cocktails. Beer is widely available, and sugar-cane-based cachaça is the country’s national spirit.
What to See
A: Brazil offers an incredible mix of scenery, wildlife and culture. Rio de Janeiro combines beaches, mountains and iconic landmarks, Paraty offers beautifully preserved colonial architecture, and the Pantanal is one of the best wildlife destinations in South America. Many itineraries also include Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders.
A: Yes. Brazil offers a fantastic introduction to South America thanks to its variety of scenery, wildlife, beaches and culture. Travelling on an organised tour also makes exploring such a large country straightforward and stress-free.
A: Rio is one of South America’s most iconic cities, known for its spectacular setting between mountains and the sea. Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views across the city, relax on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and explore the colourful Santa Teresa district. The city is also famous for its lively atmosphere, samba culture and beach lifestyle.
A: Paraty is one of Brazil’s most attractive colonial towns, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and a picturesque harbour lined with boats. The historic centre is pedestrianised, making it a lovely place to wander, and boat trips allow you to explore nearby islands, beaches and hidden coves along the Emerald Coast.
A: The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland and one of South America’s best wildlife destinations. Excursions take place by boat, canoe, vehicle and on foot, with opportunities to spot caiman, capybara, giant otters, monkeys, macaws and hundreds of bird species. The region offers a very different experience from the Amazon, with wildlife generally easier to see due to the open landscapes.
A: Iguazu Falls are among the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world, stretching across the border between Brazil and Argentina. Walkways and viewing platforms offer dramatic views of the falls, while the surrounding rainforest is home to tropical birds and wildlife.