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corcovado
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Rio de Janeiro

Explore Brazil

Overview of Brazil

Brazil is massive! The largest country in South America by a long way, the largest in all of Latin America and the 5th biggest country on the planet! Brasilia is the capital of Brazil however Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro are probably the better-known cities in Brazil. As well as being geographically vast, it is culturally vast, ethnically vast and biologically vast representing its enormous size. This wide range of geographically diverse regions also makes it one of the most biodiverse places in the world with the Amazon jungle covering a large part of the country. Brazil has borders with many countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, amongst others, in fact, it shares a border with every country in South America except Ecuador and Chile! The terrain varies from beaches, to jungle, to pampa, to mountains to scrubland and the different topical regions have their own specific climates. Brazil has 6 different climatic areas, consisting of desert, tropical, equatorial, subtropical, semi-arid and oceanic. Portuguese, is the official language of Brazil which was conquered by the Portuguese in 1500. There were many native tribes living in Brazil at the time, estimated around the 2000 mark and the country gained independence in 1822. There has been a lot of migration over the years, making it as culturally and ethnically diverse as its incredible flora and fauna. Today, Brazil is more famous for its carnivals, music and dance, beaches and of course, football!

Top Tours in Brazil

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Brazil - Sun, Sea And Sand

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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


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Brazilian Family Adventure

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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


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Brazil - Treasured Seas

Brazil - Treasured Seas

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3 Day Buzios Extension

3 Day Buzios Extension

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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


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Alternative Brazil

Alternative Brazil

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Brazil is a massive country with a fascinating history, culture and exuberant biodiversity. If you are looking to learn a little more about this fascinating


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Classic Brazil - 8 Day Itinerary

Classic Brazil - 8 Day Itinerary

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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


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Where to go in Brazil

Discover remarkable landscapes, historic cities, and iconic landmarks across the region.

Best time to visit Brazil

Explore monthly average temperatures across major regions to help plan your adventure.

📍 Rio de Janeiro
Jan30°C
Feb30°C
Mar29°C
Apr27°C
May26°C
Jun25°C
Jul25°C
Aug25°C
Sep25°C
Oct26°C
Nov28°C
Dec28°C
CityJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rio de Janeiro30°C30°C29°C27°C26°C25°C25°C25°C25°C26°C28°C28°C
Salvador30°C30°C30°C29°C27°C27°C26°C27°C28°C29°C29°C29°C
Fortaleza31°C30°C30°C30°C31°C32°C33°C36°C37°C36°C35°C32°C
Manaus30°C29°C29°C29°C30°C30°C30°C30°C30°C31°C31°C30°C
Campo Grande29°C29°C29°C28°C26°C25°C26°C30°C32°C31°C30°C30°C
Corumba33°C32°C32°C31°C28°C27°C28°C32°C35°C35°C34°C34°C
Sao Paolo22°C23°C22°C20°C18°C17°C16°C17°C19°C20°C20°C22°C
Foz de Iguazu33°C33°C31°C27°C24°C22°C23°C26°C27°C28°C30°C32°C

Traveler Experiences in Brazil

Real stories and authentic feedback from travelers who explored with VA Expeditions.

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CA
CatalinaPetreAugust 12, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Excellent experience

We have spent 10 days in Peru on a school trip and Valencia Travel was the local partner. We were very pleased with the itinerary and the support from our guides and drivers. We spent several days in Cusco, then went to a local Cacao Farm and after of course Aguas Calientes. Everyone in the group had a great time and our guide Ronaldo tried his best to ensure all needs were met.
FA
FarAway259028August 11, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Best travel guide and company for our family trip to Machu Picchu

Our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids) did the short Inka trail to Machu Picchu and our guide Carlos Caceres was the best! He made our trip to Machu Picchu very special and memorable. He was very experienced, kind, patient and always made sure we were taken care of. The trip went so smoothly because of Carlos. From making sure we got on trains to buses to trail crossings to restaurants in town, he was always on top of it. Highly recommend Valencia Travel Cusco and Carlos as your guide. We were grateful for everything.
CJ
cjhv12022August 09, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Machu pichu and Rainbow Mountain....and so much more!

Absolutely fantastic,great value for cost,wonderful sites, amazing guide,Carlos Carceras.Every aspect was 10/10.The guide was one of the best i have ever experienced,his knowledge was astounding,his organizational skills amazing and even more his care and respect gor the group was way beyond expectations. Machu Pichu and Rainbow Mountain was oit of this world!
DE
David EAugust 06, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Miguel is the man

Our guid was Miguel with Valencia travel. The guid was amazing and everything was taken care of. Food was great and learned a tone! 10/10 would recommend.
SE
Stephen EAugust 06, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Amazing experience, lifetime of memories!

The trip was incredible! The views were spectacular, the history is amazing and we could not have asked for more. The trail was challenging, but it was worth it. Our guide Miguel made sure everything went smoothly and he made the difficult journey a joy for me and my family! Highly recommend for any family looking for an adventure!
CL
clausAugust 06, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Tracking Erlebnis

Tracking Erlebnis der besonderen Art. Super Gruppe, guter Führer, zuvorkommende Träger und Mega Küche während den 4 Tagen
JP
Janelle PAugust 01, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Everyday was a wonderful adventure

We have just finished 14 days in Peru with Valencia Travel. We had Ronaldo as our guide. Everyday was a wonderful adventure, made all the better by Ronaldo’s extensive knowledge of Peru and the Inca’s and his wonderful care of our group. Ronaldo is a gifted tour guide who brought Peru to life - the culture, the history and the vibrancy of the people. Would highly recommend.
MK
Martina KJuly 31, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Fantastic

We went on a short Inka Trail hike with Valencia Travel Cusco for 2 days. Private tour - just my husband and me and our fantastic guide Nicholson. It was an amazing experience- from the first meet up to talk about the details until our trip back to Cusco. Perfectly organized. We had a wonderful time. Nicholson made sure that we enjoy every minute of this trip. He provided support , motivation and encouragement. He made sure we always felt comfortable and could enjoy the trail in our pace. We learned a lot and made great memories. Those days were the highlight of our time in Peru and Nicholson made it very special.
AS
Anna SJuly 29, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

4-days with Inka trail and Machu Picchu

Our guide Louis was the best guide ever! The sourroundings where really amazing and all the team made the Inka trail a super adventure. I got problem with the altitude and Louis made the differens to make the 4-day excursion an extraordinary experience. The last day he also guided at the stunning Machu Picchu - that was a lifetime dream coming true - and Louis made it even better.
AS
Andreas SjöblomJuly 29, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Fantastic experience with great guide

Our family hiked the Inca Trail in July 2026. We had been looking forward to this trek for a long time and had very high expectations. However, everything we experienced — from the breathtaking nature to the exceptional service provided by the tour operator — far exceeded even our wildest dreams. It was absolutely amazing! We were fortunate to have an outstanding guide, Louis, a talented chef, Julio, and a team of 10 porters supporting our family of four. The level of service we received throughout the entire journey was truly world-class. I highly recommend Valencia Travel in Cusco, and especially Guide Louis, to anyone who wants to experience this incredible adventure. Andreas, Sweden
NE
NehaJJuly 29, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Great adventure

Ruben was extra ordinary and highlight of the tour he went above and beyond There are no words to describe his generosity. Very happy to do the tour. He was the highlight. And the coach to Puno 10 hr journey was super comfortable. Flight schedule was poor. And hotel were on a good location but basic.
RO
robbR356TEJuly 28, 2026
TripAdvisor Reviews

Machu Picchu

My partner and I have had Machu Picchu on our bucket list for many years, and we were finally able to experience not only Machu Picchu but so many other incredible sights across Peru through TripADeal. Although one of our day trips was cancelled due to some poor management on TripADeal’s behalf, I want to give a massive shout-out to our guide, Ruben. He made our adventure around Peru a truly amazing experience. We were part of a large group, and while there were a few hiccups along the way, Ruben handled everything with remarkable calm, professionalism, and ease. I would definitely recommend Ruben as a guide for any expedition my friends or family may decide to embark on. We give Ruben 4.5 stars for making our Peru experience so memorable.

Travel Advice & Tips for Brazil

Everything you need to know before visiting Brazil: local customs, safety guidelines, currency, health advice, and practical tips.

Accommodation

As you would expect, Brazil has every kind of accommodation possible! Ranging from basic rooms without a bathroom (quarto), to top-end luxury resorts and mega-hotels, there is something for everyone in Brazil. The main hotel chains are all present, especially in the bigger cities. "Pousadas" are smaller usually family-run accommodations and there are many, everywhere! You can find youth hostels campsites, eco-lodges, and family-run hostels depending on what your needs are. You may want to hire an apartment if you are planning to stay in any of the bigger cities for any length of time. Avoid public holidays or book well in advance if you are staying in a popular city like Rio. Carnival throughout Brazil in February, Easter and Christmas are especially difficult times to book accommodations and prices will increase of course. The best advice will probably be to book well ahead for the type of accommodation you are looking for and for the best prices, compare, compare, compare! 

Safety

In general, the reputation of Brazil precedes it and most people think that crime is rife and Brazil is a dangerous destination to visit. While you do have to take precautions in Rio, Salvador and Recife and Sao Paolo especially, the precautions are generally the same as in any large city in the world. The important thing to remember is that if you are being robbed, do not show any resistance and you will usually not be harmed. Remember that your valuables are the focus of attention and not you! 

General common sense will reduce the risks of robbery. Avoid walking on your own in dark areas or late at night; avoid taking valuables or large amounts of cash with you. Photocopy your documents and take the copies with you and lock your originals in the hotel safe. Beaches and carnival season are notorious for pick-pockets so take the necessary precautions and never leave your belongings unattended. 

The famous "favelas" should be avoided unless on a guided tour, as sometimes the apparent wealth of a tourist can be too much temptation to the working-class citizens of Brazil.  

Health and Insurance

A decent health insurance and travel insurance policy will cover you for most eventualities. Clinics are decent in the bigger cities and more basic in more remote regions. The Amazon is super remote and adds to the difficulties when dealing with snakes biting insects and other jungle critters! Private health care is decent but expensive so take out a policy! 

There are no obligatory vaccines necessary for Brazil. It is important to know that many Mosquito-borne illnesses are rampant in the country, however. Malaria, yellow fever and dengue are common as well as Chagas disease, which can be transmitted by beetles in the jungle regions.  

In the party cities, there is a higher number of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases than is the norm. Take the necessary precautions but don't be overly paranoid! Condoms are widely available in pharmacies. 

Pharmacies are well-stocked for most types of medicines and prescriptions are very rarely asked for. 

Diarrhoea and stomach infections are common, especially in remote areas where water supplies may be contaminated. Hepatitis A is common as is giardia. Bottled water, as well as other drinks, are widely available … drink them and avoid tap water. 

LGBTQ

There are not usually any problems for minority groups in Brazil. Bigger cities are open-minded in general and Brazil is considered one of the most liberal cultures in Latin America. Many people consider themselves bisexual and there are many gay beaches in Rio, for example. More rural areas may have a slightly more conservative approach. Even though a liberal culture exists, there are still minority groups who target LGBTQ people and violent crime has been reported so proceed with caution, especially in more remote regions. 

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa to visit Brazil however their system is based on reciprocity, meaning that if your country asks Brazilians for a visa, it is likely that you will need a visa to enter Brazil. Most people will be allowed in on a visitor's visa for short visits to the country. The visitor's visa will give you 90 days. If you need to stay longer, then contact your local Brazilian consulate for more information. 

Culture

Football is massive, Carnaval is more massive! Brazilians love their fiestas and love to bring everyone else in on the act! Samba is incredibly popular music as well as dance and forms part of the basic ingredients of the Carnaval! Brazilians are very family orientated and spend a lot of time on the beach, in the countryside and include all of the family in social situations. 

Brazilians love many sports, but football has to be the most popular. Most Brazilians will have their local team, children will kick a ball around the streets as a popular pastime, but all Brazilians worship their national team. 

Capoeira is a traditional martial art and has become incredibly popular worldwide more recently. Brazilians are especially proud of this culture dating back to the 16th century originating from the African slaves. 

Beach volleyball is a popular sport on the coastal areas and most beaches will have some action! 

Sao Paolo has some incredible museums, as does Rio. The art museum in Sao Paolo is worth a visit if you are passing through Sao Paolo and want some culture. 

Money

The "Real" is the national currency in Brazil. They come in denominations of $2,$5,$10, $20,$50, $100 notes. ATMs are widely available yet generally close at 8 pm.  

The rough estimate for exchange rates is $2 reals to $1 USD. 

International credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil. There have been reported cloning of credit cards at ATMs in Rio, so make sure you have a credit card insurance, just in case! 

Money changers are widely available.  

Eating and drinking

Feijoada is the typical staple of Brazil and is their version of "rice and beans". They usually mix the black stew with pork or beef.   

Pao de queijo or cheesy bread is also a popular snack and is much more complete than it sounds! The doughy cheesy balls of bread are deep-fried and delicious at least if not that healthy! 

Salgados Are a variety of fried or baked snacks and often a grab 'n go type lunch or in-between snack. These snacks are often similar to pasties or "empanadas" and usually served with a fresh fruit juice.  

Coxinha are a shredded chicken and cheese ball, battered and fried and dangerously delicious! There are many more varieties check them all out! 

Churrascos Are the Brazilian Barbecue with all the meats galore! Especially popular in the South of Brazil they are served all over the country. 

"Por Kilo" is the locally popular ways to eat. These massive buffets are a "pay what it weighs" method of food consumption and one of the best ways to get vegetables and salads inside of you! 

Brigadeiros For the chocolate lovers! These buttery brownie doughy delights are a paradise for the sweeter-toothed amongst us!   

Acai This amazing purple berry is a slightly healthier fruit option. Acai is super nutrient-rich and often mixed with guaraná syrup and served with muesli. The fruit is from the North of Brazil but is consumed in large quantities in Rio and other big cities. 

Cachaça is the stuff that caipirinhas are made from! This alcoholic beverage is made from fermented sugar cane and is so culturally related to Brazil that it has to be tried at some point!  

Brazil FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Brazil

Everything you need to know before and during your travel experience in Brazil.

Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

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.

VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.

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.

Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature. 

The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.

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.

In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your  program.

Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaexpeditions/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaexpeditions/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaexpeditions

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaexpeditions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaexpeditions/

Part of our protocols involve procedures such as:

-Hydroalcoholic gel in all the vehicles

-Use of masks by our drivers, guides and recommendation for our clients;

-Full-time cleaning of the vehicles (doors and all the most-touched surfaces) and the hands of our staff

-Recommendation of bigger vehicles for groups to keep one seat free besides each guest

-Individual headphones for groups to keep the necessary distance.

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.

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.

We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

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.

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.

Plan Your Perfect Adventure In Brazil

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