
The Brazilian beaches
Brazil is famous for its beaches. With over 7491 km of coastline... there is a special beach for everyone!
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Rio de Janeiro
Brazil is too big to see in one trip, so the best Brazil tours focus on the places that match how you like to travel. VA Expeditions designs private, tailor made Brazil vacation packages with a U.S. based team and local specialists, planned around your dates, your pace and the level of comfort you want. Maybe you picture Rio’s beaches, the waterfalls at Iguazu, wildlife in the Pantanal or the Amazon or the culture of Salvador. We will help you build a route that feels easy instead of rushed.
Brazil is the biggest geographical land area in all of South America, with a huge variety of geographical regions, culture and biodiversity.
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
Brazil is a massive country with many geographical areas, cultures and incredible biodiversity. Salvador in Bahia is famed for its carnival and its pristine, stunning beaches, the fascinating cultural heritage of its Portuguese, African and Indigenous native communities; Rio de Janeiro, is a vibrant city with something for everyone, safe beaches, s
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
Brazil is a massive country with many geographical areas, cultures and incredible biodiversity. The country also has activities abound for all the family, making it
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
Brazil is a massive country with a huge variety of geographical areas, culture and biodiversity. However, it is the beaches that are by far, the
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:Low
Buzios is Brazil's most hip and low-key resort. 150 km from Rio, the hills are spattered with private homes, designer boutiques and little pousadas, looking
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Low
Brazil is the biggest geographical area in all of South America, with a huge variety of geographical areas, culture and biodiversity. However, it is the
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:Low
Brazil is massive country with a huge variety of geographical areas, culture and biodiversity. Wether you prefer the beaches, the deep jungle or the big
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
Brazil is a massive country with a huge variety of geographical areas, culture and biodiversity. Whether you prefer the beaches, the deep jungle or the
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:Moderate
Brazil is a massive country with a huge variety of geographical areas, culture and biodiversity. The Pantanal wetlands and jungle areas cover a large part
Package type:Luxury
Physical Rating:Moderate
Discover remarkable landscapes, historic cities, and iconic landmarks across the region.
Explore monthly average temperatures across major regions to help plan your adventure.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 28°C | 28°C |
| Salvador | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C |
| Fortaleza | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 33°C | 36°C | 37°C | 36°C | 35°C | 32°C |
| Manaus | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C |
| Campo Grande | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 26°C | 25°C | 26°C | 30°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Corumba | 33°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 28°C | 27°C | 28°C | 32°C | 35°C | 35°C | 34°C | 34°C |
| Sao Paolo | 22°C | 23°C | 22°C | 20°C | 18°C | 17°C | 16°C | 17°C | 19°C | 20°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| Foz de Iguazu | 33°C | 33°C | 31°C | 27°C | 24°C | 22°C | 23°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 30°C | 32°C |
Real stories and authentic feedback from travelers who explored with VA Expeditions.
Everything you need to know before visiting Brazil: local customs, safety guidelines, currency, health advice, and practical tips.
The State Department advises against travel to informal housing developments (favelas), even on guided tours, and to areas within 160 km (100 miles) of Brazil’s land borders with several neighboring countries. That border warning doesn’t apply to Foz do Iguaçu National Park or Pantanal National Park. To stay safe:
Tell us your travel dates, interests and preferred pace. We’ll help design a private Brazil journey around you. Add a 3-day extension in Búzios, Paraty or Angra dos Reis, or ask for a fully custom itinerary.
Rio sits between mountains & sea and UNESCO recognizes that setting as the “Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea.” The World Heritage Site includes landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the Copacabana waterfront. Christ the Redeemer stands 30 m tall (38 m with its pedestal) on Corcovado, 710 m above the city and Sugarloaf rises 396 m above Guanabara Bay. Carnival fills the city each February or early March.
Best for: new travelers, sightseeing, beach recreation. Part of the trip called 11 Day – Highlights of Brazil.
Salvador is the first Brazilian capital city built in 1549. Pelourinho historic center has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985. All music, architecture and national food are affected by multiple influences, such as Portuguese, African or Indigenous.
Best for: culture, history and food. Part of the trip called 11 Day – Highlights of Brazil.
Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
The Iguazu is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The Brazilian side provides tourists with the best panoramic view and a walk towards Devil’s Throat. From Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu a flight takes around 2 hours.
Best for: waterfalls, photo enthusiasts and quick extra trip from Rio. Explore Iguazu, Brazil side.
The state of Mato Grosso includes the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland in the world. It’s famous for capybaras, caimans, giant anteaters, and possibly jaguars. According to statistics, the dry season (from May to October) is the best time for observation.
Best for: wildlife and open spaces. Explore Mato Grosso.
Brazil holds roughly 60% of the Amazon rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest on Earth. Most trips begin in Manaus, the main gateway and continue by boat or road to a rainforest lodge or river cruise. Expect tropical heat and humidity all year. River levels rise and fall with the seasons which changes whether you explore by canoe or on foot. Compared with the Pantanal, the Amazon is dense forest where wildlife is harder to spot and sightings are never guaranteed in either place.
Best for: rainforest and river lovers. Explore Amazon.
The Brazilian Beaches
With 7,491 km of pristine coastline, Brazil has everything it needs to create fantastic beach vacations in cities such as Rio de Janeiro or places like Buzios, Paraty, and Angra dos Reis that we described in our 3-day extensions.
Best for: beach lovers and people who enjoy the sun. Explore Brazilian beaches.
|
Region |
Great for |
What to know |
|
Rio de Janeiro |
First time visitors, sightseeing and beaches |
Hot and humid in summer (December through March). Carnival brings crowds in February or early March. |
|
Salvador |
Culture, history and food |
Warm and humid all year. The historic center has cobblestone streets and hills so comfortable shoes help. |
|
Iguazu Falls |
Waterfalls and photography |
About a two hour flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu. |
|
The Pantanal |
Wildlife in open landscapes |
Fly to Cuiabá (north) or Campo Grande (south), then continue by road, boat or small plane to a lodge or ranch. Transfers can take several hours. |
|
The Amazon |
Rainforest and river life |
Most trips start in Manaus about a four hour flight from Rio de Janeiro. Expect heat and humidity all year. |
Compare our Brazil tour packages by travel style. Each one shows its length and activity level.
|
If you want… |
Itinerary |
Length |
Activity level |
Focus |
|
A first trip with the big names |
11 days |
Moderate |
Salvador’s cultural heritage and beaches, plus Rio de Janeiro |
|
|
History and culture |
11 days |
Moderate |
A Traditional style itinerary with a historic theme |
|
|
A relaxed beach holiday |
12 days |
Low |
Brazil’s beaches |
|
|
Beaches, jungle and cities |
17 days |
Moderate |
A Multi Destination journey across Brazil’s contrasting landscapes |
|
|
Nature with a luxury touch |
17 days |
Moderate |
A Luxury nature journey |
|
|
A trip the whole family can enjoy |
10 days |
Moderate |
Activities for all ages |
|
|
A short beach add-on |
3 days |
Low |
A resort town on the coast near Rio de Janeiro |
Activity levels: Low means relaxed sightseeing with little walking. Moderate means longer days on foot with some stairs or uneven ground. High means sustained physical activity such as long hikes.
|
Route |
Suggested time |
How it works |
|
Rio de Janeiro + Salvador |
10 to 11 days |
Fly between the two cities. This is the route of the 11 Day – Highlights of Brazil. |
|
Rio de Janeiro + Iguazu Falls |
5 to 7 days |
Fly from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu in about two hours. Plan at least two nights at the falls. |
|
Rio de Janeiro + the Pantanal |
8 to 10 days |
Fly to Cuiabá or Campo Grande, then continue by road or boat. Plan at least three nights in the Pantanal. |
|
Rio de Janeiro + the Amazon |
8 to 10 days |
Fly to Manaus in about four hours, then continue by boat or road. Plan at least three nights in the rainforest. |
|
Beaches, nature and cities |
12 to 17 days |
A longer mix of coast, rainforest and cities like Brazil’s Natural Delights (17 days). |
Don’t see your combination? Share your ideas and we will design a personalized itinerary.
Brazil is large enough that no single month is best for the whole country. Choose your dates based on where you’re going and what you want to do.
|
Region |
Months and what to expect |
Trade-offs |
|
Rio de Janeiro |
Warm all year, roughly 25–30°C. December through March is the hottest and busiest stretch. |
Heavy summer rains (November through March, peaking in December and January) can bring flooding and landslides. Carnival crowds fill hotels in February or early March. |
|
Salvador |
Warm and humid all year, roughly 26–30°C. |
Hot afternoons, so plan sightseeing for the morning and evening. |
|
Iguazu Falls |
Open all year. The falls are fullest in the rainy season, roughly November through March. |
More water means bigger falls, but also heavier showers. |
|
The Pantanal |
The dry season, roughly May through October, is the most popular time to visit. Animals gather near water. |
In the rainy season, large areas flood and roads can be hard to travel. |
|
The Amazon |
Hot and humid all year. Roughly December through June is high water and roughly July through November is low water. |
High water means canoe trips through flooded forest. Low water opens up forest trails. Timing varies by year. |
|
Visa (U.S. citizens) |
An e-visa is required for tourism since April 10, 2025. Apply only through Brazil’s government-authorized portal at brazil.vfsevisa.com. Processing times vary, so apply well before you travel and recheck the requirements before departure. |
|
Passport |
Valid for at least one month at the time of entry, with at least one blank page per stamp |
|
Vaccinations |
None are required to enter Brazil. The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travelers 9 months and older going to many parts of Brazil, and the right advice depends on your route and health. Get it at least 10 days before you travel, since local supplies are limited. Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for most travelers. See a travel clinic four to six weeks before departure. |
|
Safety |
The U.S. State Department rates Brazil Level 2, “Exercise increased caution,” because of crime and kidnapping. See the safety guidance below. |
|
Flights |
Flight inclusions differ by itinerary. Your quote lists exactly which flights, if any, are included. |
|
Insurance |
Strongly recommended, including medical evacuation coverage. Ask your insurer about evacuation, medical and trip-cancellation cover. |
|
Money |
The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but carry some cash for small vendors and rural areas. Tell your bank before you go. |
|
Language |
Portuguese |
|
Time zones |
Brazil has four time zones and doesn’t use daylight saving time. Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador are on Brasília time (UTC−3). |
|
Electricity |
Type N plugs, at 127 V or 220 V depending on the region |
|
Water |
Tap water isn’t safe to drink in many areas. Choose sealed bottled water. |
Last verified: October 29, 2026. Sources:U.S. State Department, Brazil,CDC Travelers’ Health, Brazil andBrazil e-visa portal.
Everything you need to know before and during your travel experience in Brazil.
No vaccine is required to enter Brazil, but the CDC recommends several for travelers. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many regions, so the advice depends on your route and your health. See a travel clinic four to six weeks before you leave, and get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.
We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.
In the Pantanal, it is easier to spot animals because of the open wetland. The Amazon consists of rainforest so you need to explore it by river or trails. There is no guarantee to see animals in either place.
Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.
Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.
We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.
The official currency in Brasil is the Brazilean Real (BRL). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.
As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations, intensifying our support for social projects, reinforcing our commitment to the development of our country, and adding community-based responsible experiences as we are also committed to support their recovery. In partnership with local NGOs, we launched our Sustainability and Reforestation seal, where for each apartment booked with us in the Amazon, a tree seedling will be planted in the forest. Our idea is to develop an increasingly conscientious tourism and help preserve this spectacular biome.
The U.S. State Department rates Brazil Level 2, “Exercise increased caution,” because of crime and kidnapping, and some areas carry “Do not travel” warnings. Don’t resist a robbery, avoid public buses and unregistered taxis, watch your drinks, and avoid walking on beaches after dark. Read the full advisory before you go.
For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: + 55 21 99735-7446
All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: + 55 21 99735-7446. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com
This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.
Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your hotel.
Yes. Since April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens need an e-visa for tourism. Apply only on Brazil’s government authorized portal at brazil.vfsevisa.com, apply well before you travel, and recheck the requirements before departure.
We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. Depending on your destination, at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.
Yes. Tell us your dates, interests and pace, and we’ll design the trip around you, including 3-day extensions in Búzios, Paraty or Angra dos Reis.
We offer itineraries for 10, 11, 12 and 17 days along with an extension of 3 days for beach activities. A duration of 10 to 12 days is enough to combine visits to Rio de Janeiro and other places like Iguazu Falls or Salvador.
The popular destinations include Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Iguazu Falls. If you are a wildlife lover then Pantanal or Amazon can be added to your destination list for additional experience.
As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.
Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.
We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.
Both sides provide different experiences; Brazil side exhibits the widest views, while the Argentine side allows you to get closer to the falls. Please ask our team to make arrangements at both sides of the Falls and check our Argentine Side page for more information.
Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.
Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.
This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.
It is through travel that we want to give each individual the opportunity to reconnect and positively transform themselves, positively develop traditional Brazilian communities and promote Brazil as a responsible tourism destination.
This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.
The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.
For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.
In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.
It depends on the itinerary. Your quote lists exactly which flights, if any, are included.
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