Brazil is a country of contrast, from the busy streets and beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the unique, fragile beauty of the Amazon Rainforest.
Our top picks on where to go on your trip across Brazil include:
Ilha Grande: If you're looking for escapism then Ilha Grande should be top of your list. This tropical island has no cars or ATMs so don't expect 21st Century convenience, but what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in pristine beaches and untouched rainforests. The island’s Lopes Mendes beach, a secluded cove of turquoise waters, has deservedly won a place on many a ‘world’s best beaches’ poll. Miles of jungle trails snake around Ilha Grande promising the opportunity for hours of exploration if your legs are up to the challenge. The island’s chequered history is also worth investigating; visit the Museu do Carcere at the site of the former penal reform centre to discover the Ilha Grande’s not so tourist friendly past!
Bahia: Sitting in the centre of Brazil’s east coast, Salvador da Bahia was Brazil’s capital city from 1549 to 1763 and is now the capital of the Bahia region. Salvador’s historic centre has been given Unesco world heritage status and remains a well preserved colonial jewel, with pastel painted buildings and renaissance churches lining its stone streets. The African heritage of many of the city’s residents is well preserved through religion, food, music and dance (the city is a hotspot for the dance and martial arts hybrid Capoeira). Porto da Barra, a long stretch of sandy beach lined by historic fortresses, is a popular meeting point for locals on the edge of the city. Outside of Salvador, the beautiful beaches in the wider Bahia region are worth a visit for secluded sunbathing. It is well worth venturing further in land to visit the Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, a showcase of breath-taking vistas over the Sincora mountain range.
The Amazon: Over half of the colossal amazon rainforest is located in Brazil. Housing a population of over 5000 different animal species, the Amazon is one of the world’s most diverse eco systems as well as being one of the most beautiful. The easiest way to explore the rainforest is via boat, with the city of Manaus – the gateway to the Amazon River – the best place to find a river boat tour into the heart of the jungle for any budget or timescale. Most tour operators will give the option to sleep on the riverboat itself or, if you are feeling adventurous, leave the boat behind and make a jungle lodge your home for a few nights. Follow your tour guide into the vegetation to hike amongst the native animals; alternatively, canoe down the river alongside pink river dolphins to view the wildlife from the water.
Iguaçu Falls: Another of Brazil’s world heritage sites, Iguaçu Falls is a must visit for anyone in search of natural spectacle. Marking the line between Brazil and neighbouring Argentina, Iguaçu is an ever-popular tourist spot for those on both sides of the border. The falls consist of 275 individual drops, which throw large clouds of spray onto the surrounding forests. This spray creates a humid microclimate, the perfect home for a range of rare and endangered plant species. Take a full day to explore the falls and the extensive Iguaçu National Park, where you can follow one of the many hiking trails to search for capuchin monkeys, giant otters and soaring vultures. For added adrenalin, take a helicopter ride over the falls and experience a true bird’s eye view of the remarkable gorge.
Remember that before you set off to Brazil, get your travel insurance policy to cover you for any unforeseen problems that you may encounter during your trip.
Below is some more information about our products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.
Before the pandemic around 150,000 UK tourists travelled to Brazil each year. The vast majority of these journeys were trouble-free, despite this sometimes problems can arise.
This can range from travel delays, cancellations and lost luggage through to more serious medical treatment.
Brazil's public healthcare is normally very busy and doesn't always meet the standard that you can expect in the UK, but happily the country does have good private healthcare facilities which are available to tourists. However, this can be expensive so make sure that you have travel insurance in place to protect you.
Travel in South America does put you at a higher risk of certain diseases like malaria – which is particularly prevalent if travelling into the Amazon so make sure you take malaria tablets. Necessary vaccinations and boosters may also be needed to protect against MMR, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Rabies and Yellow Fever.
Brazil does have a higher rate of crime than the UK, pickpocketing and tourist scams do happen in popular areas, so make sure that you keep your personal possessions out of sight and secure.
Should you lose your possessions or have them taken then travel insurance can help to cover their loss and in some cases provide replacements.
Our Single Trip, Annual and Backpacker policies can help keep you protected whether you’re heading to Brazil for any type of trip.
Across our Single Trip and Annual policies, you can choose from our Bronze, Silver or Gold levels of cover. Depending on the level of cover you choose, you’ll be protected for:
*Not available with Bronze level cover.
**Only available with Gold level cover.
You can also purchase add-ons to ensure you’re covered for activities you’re taking part in.
Zica virus is still prevalent in Brazil, this particularly impacts pregnant women or women looking to beome pregnant. Consult your doctor 2 months before you travel for their advice.
Should you become ill whilst on holiday in Brazil then travellers are entitled to emergency medical treatment in public hospitals; however public hospitals are often crowded in larger cities.
Find out more about travelling whilst pregnant.
Brazil's official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in the larger cities, particularly Rio de Janeiro. Having said that having some basic level of Portuguese will endear you to the locals and help you to get by.
The crime rate particularly in larger cities and tourist hotspots is high so ensure that you protect yourself from pickpocketing by locking your valuables away and keeping them out of sight.
