🇧🇷 Brazil

Beaches, rainforest, colonial towns and the world's biggest party.

Brazil is bigger than the continental United States, and it feels like several countries in one. Most first trips start in Rio de Janeiro, with its beaches and mountains, then add São Paulo for food and nightlife, Salvador for Afro-Brazilian culture and music, or the Iguaçu Falls on the border with Argentina. Farther out are the Amazon around Manaus, the clear rivers of Bonito and the dunes and beaches of the northeast.

Distances are long, so plan on flying between regions. Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish, and a few words go a long way. Expect late dinners, long lunches and a beach culture that runs on caipirinhas and conversation.

Language: Portuguese
Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
Known for: Beaches, Carnival, the Amazon, Iguaçu Falls, churrasco, samba
Seasons: Reversed from the US: summer is December to March

Cities in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro · Beaches, mountains and samba, all in one city
Belo Horizonte · Bar food capital and gateway to Minas Gerais
Bonito · Crystal-clear rivers for snorkeling and caves
Brasília · The planned capital and its modernist architecture
Búzios · Beach town with dozens of coves, east of Rio
Florianópolis · An island of 40-plus beaches in the south
Fortaleza · Warm-water beaches and seafood in the northeast
Foz do Iguaçu · The Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls
Jericoacoara · Dunes, lagoons and kitesurfing on the northeast coast
Manaus · The gateway to the Amazon
Natal · Dunes and beaches on Brazil's northeastern tip
Ouro Preto · Baroque churches in a colonial gold-mining town
Paraty · Colonial streets and bay islands between Rio and São Paulo
Porto Alegre · Gaúcho culture and churrasco in the far south
Recife · Canals and beaches, next door to colonial Olinda
Salvador · Afro-Brazilian culture, music and the old Pelourinho
São Paulo · South America's biggest city, for food, art and nightlife