Brasil
BEST OF BRAZIL
General Information
Brazil, a captivating mosaic of beauty and diversity, offers visitors an array of unforgettable experiences. Home to vast rainforests, sun-kissed beaches, towering mountains, and dynamic cities, Brazil’s unique landscapes host an astonishing array of flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the remarkable variety of butterflies, birds, marine life, and numerous other species found here.
From the famous Amazon rainforest and the iconic Amazon River to its rich history, Brazil’s allure is evident in its archaeological sites and architectural gems, such as Ouro Preto and Salvador. Marvel at Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and the magnificent Iguazu Falls, or explore hidden treasures like Chapada Diamantina, Lençóis Maranhenses, and Fernando de Noronha. Experience Brazil, where nature, culture, and history intertwine.
Interesting facts
- Breathtaking natural wonders: Amazon Rainforest, Iguazu Falls, and Pantanal.
- World-famous beaches: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Jericoacoara.
- Vibrant cities: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador.
- Rich cultural heritage: colonial architecture, indigenous communities, and African influences.
- Incredible wildlife: unique flora, fauna, and marine life.
- Delicious cuisine: feijoada, churrasco, and acarajé.
- Festivals and events: Carnival, Reveillon, and Parintins Folklore Festival.
- Warm and welcoming people: experience Brazilian hospitality and friendliness.
- Architectural masterpieces: Oscar Niemeyer’s modernist buildings and colonial-era towns.
- Adventure and outdoor activities: hiking, surfing, diving, and wildlife safaris.
Capital | Brasília |
Surface | 8,515,767 Km2 |
Parts | Amazon Rainforest, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Caatinga, Pampas, Coastal regions |
Population | 214.3 millions |
Languages | Portuguese (official), indigenous languages, and other minority languages |
Religion | Predominantly Catholic |
Government | Federal presidential constitutional republic |
Currency | Brazilian Real (BRL – R$) |
Current weather | www.weather.com |
News | www.globo.com |
Tourism | www.visitbrasil.com |
Time zone | -2 to -5 GMT (multiple time zones) |
Electric power | 127/220 V, 60 Hz. Most 4 and 5 * hotels offer dual voltage. |
When preparing for your trip to Brazil, consider packing the following items in addition to clothes appropriate for each city’s typical temperature range:
- Warm clothing for nights
- Raincoat or waterproof poncho
- Windbreaker
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Small carrying case
- Camera, extra batteries, film, memory card
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Copy of your passport
People react differently to changes in altitude, so we offer these recommendations that you may find helpful:
- Rest for a couple of hours right after you arrive.
- Drink plenty of fluids, like Gatorade or Powerade.
- Hotels provide you free of charge an herbal tea called mate de coca, a traditional beverage that helps the body acclimate faster.
- Don’t overeat and try to eat more carbohydrates.
- Walk at a measured pace.
- Plan your itinerary so you will gradually ascend to the highest altitudes.
We invite you to read these frequent inquiries
The national currency is the Brazilian Real (R$).
The US dollar is accepted by some businesses, at the current exchange rate. Euros (€) must be exchanged for Brazilian Real or US dollars, at the current exchange rate.
Money exchange: Travelers can exchange euros, dollars, and other foreign currencies at authorized exchange houses, hotels, and banks. Changing money in the street is not recommended.
ATMs: Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are located in banks, shopping malls, and stores in Brazil’s main cities. They give Brazilian Real and US dollars and accept different types of cards (Visa, American Express, and MasterCard).
No vaccinations are mandatory for entering the country.
However, if you are planning to travel to the Brazilian Amazon or other remote regions, vaccinations are recommended:
- Yellow fever vaccination: This vaccination should be received 10 days before visiting the jungle or remote areas.
- Consult your physician regarding other vaccinations such as hepatitis, typhoid, and tetanus, and consider malaria prophylaxis if you plan to stay in the jungle for a prolonged period.
Brazil has diverse climatic conditions, ranging from tropical to subtropical. The Amazon region is hot and humid, while the coastal regions have a more temperate climate. The highlands can be cooler, especially in the southern part of the country during winter.
- January 1st – New Year’s Day
- Moveable date (February or March) – Carnival
- April 21st – Tiradentes’ Day
- May 1st – Labor Day
- September 7th – Independence Day
- October 12th – Our Lady of Aparecida
- November 2nd – All Souls’ Day
- November 15th – Proclamation of the Republic
- December 25th – Christmas Day
The world’s leading car hire companies operate in Brazil.
For visiting regions with rugged terrain, the most frequently requested vehicles are four-wheel drive SUVs.
To drive in Brazil, you must carry with you:
- Driving license
- Copy of passport
- Vehicle documentation (DPVAT – Compulsory Insurance for Personal Injury by Land Vehicles, Certificate of Roadworthiness, and Ownership Card)
- Vehicle hire contract, if the car is rented
- International driving license valid for one year.