Rio de Janeiro is a lively city, day or night.

Jennie has traveled extensively throughout Latin America from Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Belize, to Guatemala and Argentina. Brazil was an obvious choice for her next Latin America travel adventure. Jennie is a fun and free spirited traveler and Brazil provided her with a great travel tale to share.

Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu falls and on to Sao Paulo her trip was full of city tours, beach days, and exploring some of the world’s greatest waterfalls. However the highlights of Jennie’s trip to Brazil were in the city of Rio de Janeiro, here are some trip ideas and advice about what to do and see in this lively city.

Rio de Janeiro held some of the best moments of Jennie’s adventure, from walking along the Copacabana beach to seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio de Janeiro was the perfect place for her and probably any traveler for that matter.

The Corcovado sits in the center of the city and at its summit is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands at 130 feet tall; it is no wonder this was one of the highlights of Jennie’s trip. Jennie enjoyed getting to see views of the city from above, as well as taking pictures with the impressive statue. She advises that it is typically crowded, as many tours arrive at the summit at the same time. Travelers shouldn’t expect to get pictures without other tourists in the frame, there just isn’t the space. However even with the crowds Jennie says it is well worth the journey. Check out Jennie under the massive Christ the Redeemer statue!

Jennie with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

If you want more great views of the city, but with less crowds Jennie suggests taking a tour to Sugar Loaf Mountain.  She explained the in’s and out’s of the tour, “we passed the Sambodrome, went into the Metropolitan Cathedral, and passed through the various districts of Rio de Janeiro. However the highlight was the view from Sugarloaf Mountain, which is incredible. I would highly recommend everyone take this tour.” The Sugar Loaf tour allowed Jennie to get some great panoramic pictures of the city. If you want to get a better view of the Copacabana beach and in general have more time to take pictures she suggests taking the Sugar Loaf tour because it is less crowded and you can spend more time without feeling rushed.

Jennie took this great picture from the cable car on the way up Sugarloaf Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro is also home to the Copacabana beach, perfect for locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy the fabulous tropical Brazil weather.  Jennie’s favorite day in the city included a stop here, “In the morning we hit Copacabana beach to catch up on our tans and to watch the locals play foot volley; foot volley is basically volleyball but you cannot use your hands.” Take a day to relax at the Copacabana as it is one of Brazil’s best beach scenes and a great way to interact with the locals and indulge in the beach culture. Jennie also advises travelers to beware, swimsuits are different on the beaches of Brazil so don’t be surprised to see women and men in less clothing than your typical beach.

Jennie captured some locals playing foot volley on the Copacabana Beach.

Jennie also has a few more pointers for those planning a trip to Brazil. The first is to learn some Portuguese before going. Learning the local language will enhance your experience by being able to interact with the locals better. Check out some Portuguese phrases for your trip.

Most importantly indulge in the culture and delicious cuisine to really experience Rio de Janeiro. The city boasts some of the best Brazilian cuisine, which Jennie enjoyed; “we went to a local churrasqueria to eat some Brazilian food, the Brazilian way: as much meat as you can eat served to you at your table.”  Here are some more great ideas on where to eat in Rio de Janeiro.

If you are going to spend some time in Rio de Janeiro take some of Jennie’s advice and make the most out of your Brazil vacation.

Here are some of changes we’ve made:

Tab navigation. Each of our tour pages has detailed information about itinerary, prices, hotels, and additional services – all organized into tabs for easier browsing. Now you can see all the tour information without having to navigate back and forth between different pages. See how this works by visiting our Rio de Janeiro tour page.

Detailed destination pages. If you’re seeking to customize your Brazil vacation package, we’ve made it easier to learn more about all our main Brazil destinations. Each destination page features an overview, what do to there, when to visit, testimonials from past clients, and a selection of great value hotels. For added convenience, we also link to all our tours and packages that include that destination.

New content. All our tours have been rewritten for clarity and accuracy in an easy-to-read bullet point format. Our tour descriptions are detailed and comprehensive – we tell you exactly what you’ll do on your tour; no surprises!

Tours and Packages

Visit our Brazil Tour Packages page to see how we’ve put together best value travel packages to the most important destinations in Brazil. Our Discover Brazil special, for example, is a comprehensive travel package that covers the best of Brazil’s highlights, including Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Iguazu Falls, Salvador de Bahia, and the Amazon. If you’re interested in seeing the best of South America, our World Wonders package allows travelers to embark on a tour through 3 amazing Latin American countries, from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Iguazu, Buenos Aires in Argentina, to Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked relaxation on the tropical beaches in a place like Buzios, jungle and river exploration in the Amazon with a base in Manaus, culture and history-infused urban adventures in Salvador de Bahia, or a combination of any of the above, our travel experts at Brazil For Less are here to help make your dream vacation come true.

Our tours are tailored to suit your needs and preferences and if you want to add a visit to other South American countries, including Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Chile, you can do that as well.

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The magnificent coastline of Manaus, Brazil

Manaus located in the northern region of Brazil, in the heart of the lush Amazon Jungle is a city within one of nature’s most spectacular environments. Manaus is mostly used as a starting point for Amazon Jungle tours. Within the city many different options are available for accommodations; however it is outside of the city in the jungle where some of the most spectacular Jungle retreats can be found.

Ariau Amazon Towers:

The spectacular treetop hotel, Ariau Amazon Towers

Located two hours outside of the city of Manaus, by boat, you will find one of the most spectacular hotels in the entire Amazon. The Ariau Amazon Towers puts guests up in the air, literally, as it is the largest treetop hotel in the world. With 268 rooms connected by a system of walkways  of approximately five miles in total, this extensive treetop maze is set 30 feet above the ground putting guests eye-level with monkeys, macaws, and other jungle inhabitants. Apart from the up close and personal views and interactions with wildlife guests also have views of the Rio Negro and Rio Amazonas, truly creating an ‘at one with nature’ experience.

There a wide variety of rooms offered at the Ariau Amazon Towers, from the standard room to the private tree houses, accommodations include air conditioning, hot water, mini bars, and private bathrooms. Suites and Private Tree houses provide private balconies, and more spacious accommodations. The hotel also has four bars, two open-air restaurants serving Brazilian cuisine, two treetop swimming pools, and a gym. The Ariau Amazon Towers is the perfect location for jungle activities, and will ensure you have the ultimate Amazon experience.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge:

The luxurious Anavilhanas Lodge

Nestled far into the Amazon, 112 miles outside of the city of Manaus, the Anavilhanas Jungle lodge, sits across from the Anavilhanas National Park, and provides a retreat amidst the wonders of the forest. Described by National Geographic as one of the most authentic and unique hotels in Brazil, and for good reason, Anavilhanas provides 20 luxurious suites all equipped with the top amenities and decorated to perfection. The 16 two-room cottages are all equipped with air conditioning, hot showers, mini bars, and a private balcony with hammock. The four exclusive bungalows provide privacy as well as luxury, creating the ultimate jungle oasis. Equipped with LCD TV, work desk, air-conditioning, hot shower, mini bar, roof fan, and a private balcony with two hammocks, it provides the perfect place to escape.

The hotel also provides a library, game room, swimming pool, restaurant, and jungle activities such as dolphin feeding, piranha fishing, and various jungle hikes.

Amazon Ecopark:

The Amazon Ecopark located on the Taruma Riverbank

Only a thirty minute boat ride outside of Manaus travelers will find a jungle retreat located on the Taruma Riverbank. With 20 rustic bungalows divided into 64 apartments, the Amazon Ecopark provides absolute comfort, an oasis on the white-sand beaches of the Rio Negro. Each room comes with the modern amenities of air conditioning and hot water and are decorated with rustic décor, including thatched roofs, wide screened windows, and private porches.

Guests can explore the Amazon with the many jungle adventures provided by the hotel, such as hikes, canoeing, and wild life activities.

Get up close and personal with nature, on your Amazon Jungle vacation, by choosing one of these top class retreats for your Amazon accommodations. Let your Brazil vacation lead you to discover the mysteries of the Amazon Jungle.

Start planning your fully customized Amazon tour  by contacting one of our expert travel advisors at Brazil For Less. 

In addition to its cultural offerings, Salvador de Bahia also features 50 kilometers of fabulous beaches.

Salvador de Bahia has always had an important place in Brazilian history. The first Portuguese sailors and settlers to colonize the coast in the early 16^th century made this town into the capital of colonial Brazil. Salvador served as a sea port and as the center of the sugar industry and the African slave trade for the Portuguese Empire. The capital was moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1763, but at the time of the American Revolution, Salvador was one of the largest cities in the New World.

Visitors to Salvador de Bahia today will find a vibrant city, one of the wealthiest and most populous in Brazil. The city’s history as a center of political and economic power, as well as its role in the slave trade, still give shape to Salvador’s present. The African influence in particular is visible everywhere – in food, music, religion, and celebrations – to the extent that the city is indisputably considered the epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Pelourinho in Salvador de Bahia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Visitors to Pelourinho, the historical center of Salvador, will find examples of colonial architectural jewels that act as reminders that, after Lisbon, this was once the most important city in the Portuguese Empire. The square and surrounding cobblestoned streets are filled with former administrative palaces, restored mansions, and gold-ornamented churches. The district was named after the numerous pillories, or wooden posts, that were erected in the public square and where escaped slaves and other criminals were tied to receive public lashings.

Elevador Lacerda, built in 1873, connects the lower and upper sectors of the city. The port and the Mercado Modelo are in the background. Travelers can visit the market’s underground tunnels, which are said to be haunted by slaves who were held in chains during the slave trade.

Carnival in Salvador de Bahia is one of the best in Brazil, almost rivaling the world-famous Rio de Janeiro carnival. Salvador’s celebration distinguishes itself for its emphasis on music and the scale of its street festivals. Trucks known as “trio elétricos,” measuring over 60-feet in length trucks, are equipped with booming sound systems and carry dancers, musicians, and singers through circuits that traverse 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) through Salvador’s neighborhoods. Artists perform samba, but also afoxé, a folkloric music and dance that reflect the region’s African traditions in rhythm and dress.

The Bahian Carnival surges through Salvador’s streets in a mass celebration.

Salvador’s West African roots are also visible in various other cultural practices. Capoeira, a martial art with roots in the 16^th century that combines music and dance, is practiced in public spaces all over Brazil, but Salvador boasts some of the original modern schools.

Candomblé is a religion with roots in present-day Nigeria. Faced with forcible conversion to Catholicism, enslaved Africans maintained their religious practices by adapting them to Catholic ones. Worship of native deities, known as orixás, continued under the guise of devotion to Catholic saints.

Finally, Bahian cuisine also features a heavy African influence. For example, many dishes use azeite-de-dende, or palm tree oil, as a base ingredient particularly with seafood.

Brazil will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, both of which will have venues in Salvador de Bahia. Find more excuses to visit this and other Brazil destinations by visiting our Brazil For Less page.

In the years that followed, Búzios became the go-to beach retreat for the rich and famous in South America and around the world. Mick Jagger and his entourage famously made an appearance in 1976, riding through Buzios’ dusty dirt roads in a black limousine.

Today, the dirt roads are paved, and visitors to Búzios on a Brazil vacation will find a world class sea resort that offers the best in boutique shopping, dining, fine arts, ecological attractions, and varied nightlife.  First class amenities set amidst a spectacular beach setting – not for nothing is this charming town known as the Brazilian Saint Tropez and listed among one of Brazil’s top beaches. In recognition of Bardot’s lasting influence, Búzios has a beachfront promenade, known as Orla Bardot, dedicated to the French actress, as well as a bronze statue, a theater, and a café or two.

The tranquil waters of Praia do Armacao with a slice of the Orla Bardot visible on the right.

Búzios’ Beaches

For a vacation in Brazil’s tropical paradise, the key word is praia, which means beach in Portuguese, and the beach is certainly the main attraction on a Búzios tour. Located 105 miles (170 kilometers) northeast of Rio de Janeiro, the town is on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. As a result of this geographical attribute, it has 5 miles of undulating coast formed into natural coves and stretches of semi-secluded beaches surrounded by Atlantic forest. Only a 2-hour drive from Rio, Búzios is the ideal weekend getaway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

A unique characteristic of Búzios beaches is that they receive equatorial currents from the north as well as Antarctic currents from the south. This means that beach-goers are sure to find something to suit their taste in one of the 20 beaches on the peninsula.

The north-facing beaches feature tranquil, crystalline warm waters, while those facing south have larger swells and colder waters. The colder, southern beaches have consistent wind and excellent conditions for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing, whereas the gentler northern beaches are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Buzios has two dozen beaches, each with its own unique character and all of them worth a visit.

Among Búzios most popular beaches are Praia da Armação and Ossos, which bookend the center of town; Azeda, accessible via a short hike from the center; Ferradura and Ferradurinha, which offer clear and tranquil waters and swimming pool conditions ideal for kayaking and romantic beach picnics; João Fernandes, with an excellent offering of bars, seafood, and beach parties; and Geribá, which is the go-to spot for surfers and also the site of fabulous New Year’s Eve parties.

Multiple methods exist for exploring Búzios beaches. The quickest is a 3-hour tour in the open air trolley, which starts from the center of town and stops at the 12 of Búzios’ most beautiful beaches as well as 2 lookout points with panoramic views of the peninsula. Visitors with a bit more time to spare have the option taking a guided catamaran tour along the beaches and surrounding islands, with stops for swimming and diving.  Finally, for travelers with their own agenda, a water taxi departs from the main dock and, for about $1 USD per ride, shuttles passengers between the northern beaches.

Búzios Centro

The center of Búzios, with restaurants, shopping, and cultural offerings, is concentrated on a few streets within close proximity to coast. Rua das Pedras, or Stone Street, is the focal point of Buzios’ commerce during both the day and night hours. There are multiple areas, including cafés and tree-shaded benches, ideally suited for people-watching, meeting locals and fellow travelers, and strolling.

Buzios center is the perfect place to relax under the Brazilian sun.

Also in the center of Búzios is the previously mentioned Orla Bardot, which runs between the beaches of Canto and Armação. On this stretch of avenue lined with trees and dotted with gardens and benches, travelers can find the statue of Brigitte Bardot. Sculpted by the artist Christina Motta, the life-size bronze statue of the actress wears a blouse that models the now-ubiquitous Bardot neckline. She sits on her suitcase, sun hat dangling from one hand, and gazes into the distance, no doubt appreciating one of the countless beautiful sunsets that grace this scenic Brazilian town.

Brigitte’s statue on the Orla Bardot. Travelers pose for pictures while sitting on her knees, as a result of which they have become worn.

A visit to Búzios is a must as part of a Brazilian beach vacation To start planning your fully customized Brazil vacation, contact one of our expert travel advisors at Brazil For Less.

Throughout the festival, music and dance literally invade all parts of the city and its inhabitants. Day and night, people gather in the streets to show off their samba moves, musical talents, complicated costumes, and more than anything, to have fun and share their culture and cheerfulness with the rest of the world.

Samba is at the heart of the Rio Carnival. This typical Brazilian dance and music originated in the Afro-Brazilian community in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th century, and is now one of the core elements of the Brazilian culture. The term samba derives from the Angolan word “semba” which referred to a type of ritual music in African countries.

During Carnival, all the best samba schools of Rio participate in a contest, the Samba Parade, the highlight of the entire week. Each school represents a specific neighborhood, with its own dances, music, and costumes. They practice for months before the Carnival to make sure they put on the best show in the Sambodromo, a gigantic hall where the parade takes place every year.

Other noteworthy events are the Carnival Balls, which are held in all the most popular venues in the city. The most famous (and expensive) one takes place at the Copacabana Palace, a 5-star luxury resort. If you’re on a budget, there are many other balls to attend, with tickets ranging from $70 to $150. Everyone dresses up in shiny party costumes and come to the ball to dance the night away. There are balls scheduled every night during the length of the Carnival. Check out the official Rio Carnival 2012 website to find the detailed program.

Of course, there are also ways to partake in the festivities without spending too much money. It can be expensive to purchase tickets to the Samba Parade or to the various balls. However, it’s free to enjoy the hundreds of bands and parties that take to the streets every day. Some parties are held in specific places, such as the city’s parks, and others are processions of dancers and merrymakers that just follow bands as they play. The largest street party takes place in Cinelandia Square. And even if you don’t have a ticket to the parade, it’s worth taking a look outside the Sambodromo on parade days as the street is generally packed with people that just want to join in on the fun.

June is one of the busiest months of the year in terms of cultural events in Brazil, and probably one of the best times to immerse yourself in the rich Brazilian culture, and soak up the sun in some of its most picturesque beach towns. Read this guide to Brazil’s cultural calendar in June and start planning your exciting Brazil vacation. Although this is a time when temperatures can drop, as it coincides with the South American winter, the country enjoys a mild and pleasant climate year round. Just pack a light sweater for the chillier nights and you’re ready to go!

June is a month of many religious celebrations in Brazil, which are generally held with great excitement and always involve massive festivities. Most of the population is fervently catholic and the country almost seems to come to a halt to celebrate Christianity. The main commemoration, Corpus Christi, celebrating the Holy Sacrament during the Last Supper between Jesus Christ and his disciples, is one of the most important days in the Catholic calendar, and will be held on June 23^rd this year.

This is a national holiday, so be prepared for most shops and some restaurants to be closed. Some of the most impressive festivities are held in Sao Paulo. Streets are covered with colorful carpets made of wooden shavings and other materials representing scenes of the Last Supper, and the city gives way to the joyful and moving “March for Jesus,” a parade that moves to the sounds of live Christian bands leading the way on decorated trucks.

Known as the Festas Juninas (June parties), a tradition imported from Portugal under colonial times, the celebrations of Saint Anthony (June 12^th), Saint John the Baptist (June 24^th), and Saint Peter (29^th) punctuate the month and are observed throughout the country with festivities including live music, food, and of course Catholic ceremonies.

If you’re not so much into religious celebrations, don’t worry; Brazil holds many other noteworthy events in June that will make for unforgettable sights and memories. If you are traveling to Brazil with your other half, this is the perfect moment to show them your love on Brazil’s Valentine’s Day, known as the Dia dos Namorados, on June 12^th. The day is celebrated widely all over Brazil with lavish parties on the same day as Saint Anthony’s day, who is the saint patron of marriage. Another curious tradition which has made its way through the centuries is for single girls to pray to Saint Anthony on this day so he will find them a husband.

Every year in June, Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most avant-garde city, is home to the world’s largest and most exciting Gay Pride Parade (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transvestites and Transexual Pride Parade, or LGBT). This year, the 15^th edition of the parade will overcome the entire city on June 26^th with over 4 million people are expected to attend.

Be prepared to be shocked and dazzled as you find yourself taken in the whirl of music, costumes, and partying. Gigantic theme-decorated trucks ride throughout the city with thousands of followers dancing to the sounds of loud music and slogans. The slogan for 2011 will be “Love one another. Enough with homophobia”. The first parade was held in 1997 with a mere 2,000 participants, and is today one of the most long-awaited festivities in the country. And if you can’t make it to Brazil in June, Rio de Janeiro will be housing its own edition of the Gay Pride Parade on November 14, 2011. Book your Rio de Janeiro tour now and take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Just like most countries in the world, the majority of countries in Latin America require travelers to have a passport valid up until at least 6 months after they enter the country. So before you even start booking your trip to South America, make sure you have a passport and that it is valid for this duration of time. It can take up to 6 weeks to get a new passport, so don’t wait until the last minute (although there are some emergency procedures for specific cases).

Now, for country specific regulations:

Peru

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa to visit Peru. Touristic stays of up to 183 days are allowed in Peru. You will generally be given a 90-day stamp upon arrival at the international airport, but if you wish to stay longer and travel in the country, you can just ask the immigration officer for a 6-month stamp.

The airport in Lima—so far the only international airport in Peru—charges an international tax of approximately $30 USD upon departure from the country. However, most international airlines now include this fee in the flight ticket, but if it is not included when you purchase your flight, you’ll be required to pay it before you leave.

Argentina

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to visit Argentina, and touristic stays of up to 3 months are allowed in Argentina. Touristic stamps are valid for several entries in the country within their period of validity, making it easier to travel cross country on your Argentina vacation. But, be aware that all citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia will be charged a reciprocity fee upon entry in Argentina. As of 2011, the tax amounts to $100 USD for Australians, $70 USD for Canadians, and $140 USD for Americans.

Brazil

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to visit Brazil. Make sure to contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country in order to obtain your visa prior to travel. Check out the list of Brazilian embassies and consulates in the world and find the one closest to your home. Procedures take approximately 2-3 weeks, so it is important to submit your visa application about 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. But don’t do it too early either because your visa is only valid 90 days after its issuance.

US citizens need to fill in an e-application form, print it, and make an appointment with the Brazilian embassy using the online scheduling system. You’ll need to bring the form with a passport, picture, and travel documents. Find here the online application form for Brazil visas. Disregard the security warning that will pop up when you click on the link as this is a secure site and the error message only comes from the Brazil channel which is not automatically recognized by international internet browsers yet.

Nationals of the United States will need to pay a $140 USD reciprocity fee to enter Brazil; the fee is $65 USD for Canadians. Citizens of European Union countries are exempts from any visa requirements and entrance fees.

Chile

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa for touristic stays up to 3 months in Chile. However, if you are from the USA, Canada, or Australia, you will need to pay a reciprocity fee of respectively $131, $132, and $61 USD.

For more information about visa and passport requirements and to start planning your exciting trip to South America, contact one of our expert travel advisors.