South America
Welcome Kit
Brazil
Home of lush jungles, mighty rivers and magnificent beaches.
Come to enjoy its sun, its rhythm and its cuisine full of flavor.
Surprise yourself with this cheerful and colorful destination.
The queen of festivals in South America.
Highlights
This country occupies almost half of the continent and almost the entire tropical zone of the southern hemisphere, with its vast rainforests with its exotic plants and wildlife. Its coastline of 7,400 kilometers on the Atlantic offers golden beaches where anyone can lie down to enjoy life and a good caipirinha.
Their history and traditions cannot be ignored due to the great cultural baggage they have.
Portugal’s influence is evident in Brazil’s colonial architecture, decorative arts, convents and, obviously, language.
To sum up, going to one of its great cities, getting to know its customs and traditions, visiting at least a minimal portion of its thick Amazon jungle or visiting any beach in this vibrant country, is an unforgettable experience that you simply have to enjoy.
General Facts
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, as well as being the third largest in the Americas. With 8.515.770 km2. the country occupies an extensive area along the east coast of South America and covers much of the continent, sharing land borders with Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Thus, it has a common border with all South American countries, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile.
Brazil’s size, relief, climate and natural resources make it a geographically diverse country.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport.
Most countries in America and
Western Europe do not require a visa.
Insurance information.
Best Time to Go
The Best time to travel to Brazil for foreigners is in great part determined by the weather depending on where you will go and what you would like to do. Brazil’s climate at this time is generally warm, however in regions such as the south and southeast storms begin and temperatures are lower.
Summer time. Busy season.
Best time for the beach and excursions.
Low Season (may-sep)
The coldest and rainy season.
Best time to explore the Amazon and Pantanal.
Clothing
This depends on which part of Brazil you will visit and at what time of year you will travel.
If the trip to Brazil is in summer, in general, it will be hot and therefore the recommendation is to bring light clothes, cotton, comfortable clothes. It is recommended to bring a light coat, since it ́s common that at night it ́s a little cooler and you want to use a coat of this type. It is not superfluous, either, to wear a jean or sports equipment. But in general, you’ll wear shorts, skirts, T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts.
If the trip to Brazil is in winter, then the subject varies and the area you are traveling to begin to come into play. If you go to the northeast or north, summer clothes will be useful. On the other hand, if you travel south or even to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you’ll need to wear little
warmer clothes. In Porto Alegre, for example, winter makes itself felt and a winter coat, jacket, leather jacket or similar is obligatory.
Healthcare
Packing
Brazil flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
The Brazilian currency is the Real.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Brazil: 2 voltages, 127v (110v) and 220v.
Outlets have 3 holes, while the plug can have two or three round plugs.
This plug model is relatively new in Brazil, so in many cases the old outlets (one round hole and two flat plugs) coexist with the new ones.
Local Taxes
Foodie
The Brazilian gastronomy is a perfect reflection of the cultural mixtures that sowed the history of the territory. The typical Brazilian cuisine was influenced by the different ethnic groups that make up its culture: indigenous, African and Portuguese, which gives it great richness and variety. To the traditions that arrive from the colonial epoch are added younger fusions, that incorporate Spanish, German, Italian, Arab and Japanese customs, brought by immigrants to the different regions of the country.
Among the main dishes, we can mention the following:
Feijoada
It is considered the national dish of Brazil, which with small variations is eaten in all corners of the country, and is even one of the most traditional meals of Portugal. The dish consists of a stew of black beans with pork meat, such as ribs, loin, bacon and smoked sausage, served with rice, cassava flour and orange.
Vatapá
It is a typical dish of the region of Bahia, a delight that can be tasted in the best restaurants or in the street stalls of Salvador de Bahia. Vatapá’s recipe consists of making a kind of purée by putting cooked prawns, bread previously soaked in coconut milk, peanuts, onion, ginger, salt, pepper and cilantro in the mixer, and it is heated very slowly. The result is exquisite and is served with rice, cassava flour and chicken, although there are other varieties with corvina, shrimp, tuna or cod.
Acarayé
It is a dish of African origin, very typical also in Bahia, which will seduce you with its irresistible smell. Basically, it is a bun made with a paste of beans, prawns, onion, salt and pepper to taste which after passing through the mixer, is fried in vegetable oil and stuffed with cooked prawns and onions.
Picanha
It is the cut of veal typical of Brazil more international and tasty. This piece is obtained from the back of the loin of the cow, with a triangular shape and a large layer of fat that helps to give more flavor.
Moquecas
It is a stew made from mixtures of seafood and fish. For its preparation is used onions, peppers, tomatoes, coriander leaves, palm oil and coconut milk.
Tacacá
It is a broth that is consumed hot. It is made from yucca broth and some jambú leaves, to which shrimp are added. This dish is sold in the streets.
Brigadeiros
It is a sweet; a typical sweet from Brazil, its appearance is similar to that of chocolate truffles.
It is made with chocolate, butter, condensed milk and decorated with chocolate.
Foodie Advice >>
Get suggestions from foodies around South America. Click to read more!
Activities
Climbing the Pan de Azúcar Hill
To get the best view of Rio de Janeiro you will have to get to the top of the famous hill.
Located in the quiet neighborhood of Urca, it offers the possibility of climbing the first 220 meters but if climbing is not your thing, you can always buy a ticket and take the cable car: first take you to the neighboring hill, the Urca, and then to Pan de Azúcar. Whatever you choose, it’s worth it just for the 360 degree panoramic view over Rio, Niteroi, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic.
Visit Iguazu National Park
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in this virgin jungle, home to jaguars, anteaters and toucans, you will find the impressive Iguazú Falls, a series of semi-circular waterfalls where the water falls more than 80 meters high, in an ancient lava flow, a natural border between Brazil and Argentina.
A visit to this place requires at least one full day, as there are many things to do: start by taking the train near the entrance to start the walk that will take you to the longest part of the waterfalls, and then follow one of the paths to the smaller waterfalls. There is an option to see the waterfalls from a boat, which will take you very close to the action, in addition to observing the paths between nature, the forest and the animals.
Visit Paraty city
The colonial city of Paraty is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days and is conveniently close to a bus ride away to Angra dos Reis. Stroll through the cobblestone streets in the historic district, and admire the Portuguese colonial architecture. Motorized vehicles are forbidden in the village, so you’ll have to take great care of the horses and wagons.
Enjoy the Rio Carnival
There’s nothing more Brazilian than carnival. The biggest party in the world takes place in Brazil, specifically in the city of Rio, the mecca for lovers of nightlife and the party that never ends. You can celebrate all night and all day, since, in addition to Carnival, there are other small events that you can see in the city, even if you are tired of the party and music.