Where Should I Go For the First Time in Brazil? A Beginner’s Guide for Visiting

If you're looking for beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and some of the best parties in the world, then Brazil is the place for you! If you're wondering "where should I go for the first time in Brazil?" then you've also come to the right place!

While working on cruise ships, we made a lot of Brazilian friends, and have visited over a dozen times to various areas around the country. There is a ton to know about visiting Brazil, and it can really be hard to find the best place to visit for your first time in Brazil. That's why we're here to tell you everything you need you know!

Our complete guide will cover the best places to visit, foods to try, how to get around, and a bunch of tips for having the perfect trip for your first time in Brazil. Let's dive right in!

📍 Where is Brazil?

Brazil is the biggest country in South America, and takes up a large part of its east coast. The country starts just above the equator line, and goes all the way down to the south of South America, next to Uruguay and Argentina. Actually, Brazil borders almost every country on the continent, with the exception of just Chile and Ecuador!

Brazil covers an area of 8.5 million square kilometers, and owns 60% of the Amazon rainforest! Due to its massive area, it gives this country a huge variety when it comes to landscapes, food, and culture.

First Time in Brazil Entry Requirements

Before booking that ticket or hopping on that plane, it's important to know the requirements for entering! For your first time in Brazil, here are some of the things you'll need to know.

🛂 Do You Need a Visa to Go to Brazil?

US passport holders used to be required to obtain a visa in order to visit Brazil, but now it is no longer necessary! All you need to enter the country is your passport, and you can stay for a period of up to 90 days.

Other countries who are exempt from needing a tourist visa in Brazil include Andorra. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Those with passports from the Mercosur region do not need to bring their passport to visit Brazil, and only need to bring their ID card with them. The countries that are included in Mercosur are Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Where Should I Go For the First Time in Brazil?

Now that you know the basics for traveling to Brazil for the first time, let's get to the fun part! Where should you go for the first time in Brazil? Here are some of the top spots!

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1️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #1: Rio de Janeiro

Our number one pick for the best places to visit for someone's first time in Brazil is definitely Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro is one of our favorite cities, and it has so much to offer for all types of travelers. You can find beautiful beaches, do incredible hikes, see colorful street art, and even visit one of the seven wonders of the world.

In addition, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous spots for the biggest carnival in the world, and one of the top cities to celebrate New Years Eve.

We've been to Rio de Janeiro 3 times already, and never get sick of this outstanding city! Want to learn more about all of the great things to see and do? Make sure to take a look at our Rio de Janeiro travel guide.

2️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #2: Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is the center of business in Brazil, and is one of the most popular and well-connected cities in the country. Not only that, but it's actually one of the most well-connected airports in Brazil and in South America.

Sao Paulo makes the perfect spot to start or end your trip around Brazil, and is great to visit for a day or two. Head to the colorful area of Beco do Batman, get epic views at the top of the skyscrapers, or have a wild night out at the bars and clubs. This city is vibrant, fun, and a great addition for your first time in Brazil.

Want to learn more about Sao Paulo? Check out our Sao Paulo travel guide!

3️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #3: Iguazu Falls

When it comes to nature, this is definitely the top of the list for the best places to visit in Brazil.

Iguazu Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world, and are shared by both Brazil and Argentina. There are two sides to enjoy the falls from, which are both gorgeous in their own way, and deserve a visit. 

In order to get here you can take a short flight to Foz do Iguassu airport, or take an overnight bus from Curitiba like we did.

Want to learn more about the amazing Iguazu Falls? Make sure to check out our complete guide:

4️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #4: Florianopolis

Florianopolis is another one our favorites places to visit in the south of Brazil. This island is so much more than we could have imagined. It is full of tropical beaches, beautiful views, and exclusive parties.

We suggest saving at least 4 days to visit Florianopolis, as there are so many things to do! This city has a small airport, and can also be reached by bus from Porto Alegre, Curitiba, and other big cities in the area.

Want to learn more about Florianopolis? Make sure to read our full guide!

5️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #5: Paraty

Located half way between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a true hidden gem of a destination. Full of lush jungle, waterfalls, and a wide collection of tropical islands, Paraty has it all for the nature lovers out there.

The Old Town is full of color and charm, and you can also visit a number of cacacharias (factories for Brazil's national beverage). Paraty is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and can be easily reached by bus in just 4-5 hours from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

Want to learn more about Paraty? Check out our full travel guide we've written!

6️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #6: Salvador

Salvador may just be the most colorful and vibrant city in all of Brazil, and it is certainly one of our favorite places in the country.

Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, incredible culture, or amazing markets, Salvador really has something for everyone. Not only that, but they are home to the best carnival in Brazil!

Want to learn more about what Salvador has to offer? Don't miss out on our full Salvador travel guide:

7️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #7: Recife

Just up the coast from Salvador, there is another colorful seaside town called Recife. It's a great place to visit if you're looking to explore the north east of Brazil, and it also is home to one of the best carnival celebrations in Brazil.

8️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #8: Natal

Located all the way in the north of the country, Natal is a place I've been to three times already since my friend lives there. I feel like Natal really doesn't get the recognition it deserves, as there are so many incredible places around it!

Whether you're looking for some of the best beaches in Brazil, or for some adventurous activities, Natal is for those that want to experience a great part of Brazil that is not touristic.

Want to learn more about Brazil? We have a full guide we've written:

9️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #9: Fernando de Noronha

Fernando do Noronha is a true hidden gem of the world, and has some of the most pristine beaches you'll ever see!

While it's not super affordable or easy to get there, this definitely is a place on our bucket list. If you have the time and money, then you can definitely add this to your itinerary for your first time in Brazil, or save it for your next trip.

🔟 Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #10: Jericoacoara

Jericoacoara is known as the Maldives of Brazil, and is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the country! Tucked between sand dunes, this adorable town is home to some stunning landscapes, and the most gorgeous waters in Brazil.

Want to learn a bit more? We've written a full guide for everything you need to know:

1️⃣1️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #11: Fortaleza

Fortaleza was once just a big city in Brazil, and overlooked by many. However, the city is in the works of big things, and they are aiming to become the "Dubai of Brazil". In the meantime, you can enjoy the incredible carnival celebrations, and visiting the city as the gateway to Jericoacoara.

1️⃣2️⃣ Top Places to Visit For Your First Time in Brazil #12: Manaus

We had to save the most unique place in Brazil for last. Manaus is the gateway city to the Amazon, which Brazil owns 60% of!

This is the area of the country where you'll experience the deep rainforest, and some of the most incredible adventures you can possibly think so. Check  below to see some of the epic things you can do while in Manaus.

The Best Things to Do for Your First Time in Brazil

Now that you know the best places to visit for your first time in Brazil, let's look at some of the bucket list activities to try.

🏝 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #1: Visit the Beaches

Brazil is known to have some of the best beaches in South America, and has almost 7,500 km of beaches along its coast! From north to south you can find incredible beaches, so make sure to save some time to explore the stunning beaches of Brazil.

🏄🏻‍♀️ The Best Things to Do in Brazil #2: Learn How to Surf

While the beaches aren't just stunning, they also have plenty of waves! This means that surfing is plentiful in Brazil, and classes are super affordable.

Being one of the top surfing destinations around the world, we definitely recommend trying a surfing class during your trip to Brazil! Some great places you can learn to surf are Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, and Pipa.

🪂 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #3: Go Paragliding

One of the best ways to enjoy the incredible coast line of Brazil is by soaring above it. Unlike my flight in Tenerife, paragliding in Brazil is a bit different. They have motors, which allows them to stay in the air longer!

You can paraglide at a lot of different beach destinations, but here are a few that we found for you:

⛵️ The Best Things to Do in Brazil #4: Take a Boat Tour

There is seriously nothing better than experiencing a place on the water, and with the impressive coast of Brazil, taking a boat tour is super easy! Many places have the option of joining a tour, or chartering your own boat. Depending on the size of your group will of course depend on the option best for you.

Here are some cool boat trips we suggest:

🥩 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #5: Eat at a Brazilian Steakhouse

If you are a meat eater, then you'll love Brazilian cuisine! One of the best things to do in Brazil is to eat at a typical Brazilian steakhouse. They are unlike steakhouses around the rest of the world, as they have gauchos (waiters) who walk around the restaurant offering to slice different cuts of meat onto your plate. 

This all-you-can-eat style restaurant isn't like a typical buffet with mediocre food, that's sitting out for hours. This food is super high quality, and is replenished regularly.

Before beginning your experience, you will have the opportunity to go to the buffet for your appetizers, soups, sushi, and salad options. The first course in itself is enough to fill someone up! But make sure to save some room, because the meat is the best part.

All the meats are slow cooked on skewers for several hours in giant ovens, locking in all of the juice. There are usually between 10-15 different cuts of beef, sausage, chicken, lamb, and any meat you could think of. Our favorite cut of, meat is picanha, which is an absolute must-try!

Brazilian steakhouses are pricier than other restaurants (which is only normal for the amount of food you get), but they are still so much more affordable than the Brazilian Steakhouses found in other areas of the world. Give yourself a few hours, and try not to have too crazy of a night drinking after this.

🍃 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #6: Sail Through the Amazon

The Amazon is one of the most impressive places on the Earth, and 60% of it belongs to Brazil! Unlike a lot of other rainforests around the world, you can actually sign up for multiple-day tours where you can fully immerse yourself in the Amazonian experience. 

Here are a few we've found for you:

🎉 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #7: Party All Night

If it's one things Brazilians know how to do, it's to party. Brazil is a nightlife-lover's paradise, and the bars and clubs typically are open until the sun rises. Even if you're not a huge party lover, it's definitely a must to check out the nightlife in Brazil, and save yourself  enough energy to party through the entire night in true Brazilian fashion.

🎭 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #8: Experience Carnival

We already shared that Brazilians are experts at partying, so it should be no surprise that they have one of the best festivals in the world! 

Each year the country has carnival celebrations throughout the country, and there are so many great ones to choose from. I have personally been to carnival in Brazil 3 times, and it's one of my top reasons to keep visiting Brazil. 

Want to to learn more about how it works? Check out our full guide about Carnival in Brazil:

🎆 The Best Things to Do in Brazil #9: Celebrate the New Year in Rio de Janeiro

New Years Eve is one of the biggest celebrations across the globe, and one of the best ones is right in Rio de Janeiro. Each year the coastal city puts on an incredible firework show across several beaches, and it is definitely something to add to the bucket list. It truly was like any other firework show we have seen, and is totally worth the hype it gets.

What is the Food Culture of Brazil?

The cuisine actually varies quite a bit throughout the country! We loved trying the different food around Brazil, but it definitely isn't the best for vegetarians, or those looking for a super healthy diet.

Brazil has a lot of tropical fruits and fried food as snacks, and for meals they have a lot of meats with thick sauces, stews, beans, and rice.

🍖 Traditional Foods in Brazil to Try

There are so many different foods to try in Brazil! We may just have to write a full article about it. However, here are some of the things we definitely think you need to try around the country:

• Churrasco: a Brazilian cooking method with giant skewers of different meats that are sliced table side
• Farofa: a staple in Brazilian cuisine, this is a dry mix of toasted manioc flour and butter, often with some added ingredients like garlic or spices, that is used as an accompaniment to almost any savory dish.
• Pao de Quejo: small balls of bread baked with cheese
• Quiero de Coalho: light cows-milk cheese that is put onto a skewer and grilled.
• Coxinha: tear drop shaped croquettes of shredded chicken that are deep fried
• Pastel: fried pastries with meat (similar to big empanadas)
• Acai: a frozen treat made of berries from the Amazon
• Coconuts: you can get them for much cheaper than anywhere else in Brazil! 
• Moqueca: seafood stew from Bahia, normally served for multiple people
• Mandioca: a root vegetable which is similar to a potato and cooked in various ways.
• Carne do Sol: shredded sun-dried beef
• Beijinho: small balls of shredded coconut, butter, and condensed milk
• Tapioca: tortilla-like flatbreads that are made from a gummy starch 
• Caldo de Feijão: a hearty bean soup

For drinks, the liquor of Brazil is cachaca, which is a clear liquor made from sugar cane. It is the main ingredient of the Caipirinha, the official drink of Brazil.

Other Things to Know for Your First Time in Brazil

You are almost ready for your trip to Brazil. But, wait! Here are a few other things to keep in mind when organizing the trip for your first time in Brazil.

☀️ What is the Weather Like in Brazil Year Round?

Being such a huge country, the weather does vary a bit from one place to another. However, the one thing that you can expect almost everywhere is a lot of sun and humidity. Most of Brazil has tropical weather, with the exception of Sao Paulo, Curitiba, and some of the mountainous areas inland.

The hottest and most humid months in Brazil are the summer months, which are from December to March. July and August are the coldest months, but most places experience more of "spring weather" during this time, rather than what you would think winter is like.

📆 What is the Best Month to Go to Brazil?

The best time to visit Brazil for the most fun parties and the high season is from December to February, which is when most Brazilians take their vacations. This is perfect for your first time in Brazil, so that you can really experience the wildness of the country.

The two best times of the year to visit Brazil for the most epic parties and celebrations are for Carnival (typically in February), or for the new year.

If you'd like a more relaxed trip, then March, October, or November are great months to visit Brazil, as the crowds die down a bit, the weather is more mild, and the prices are lower.

🧳 What Should You Pack to Go to Brazil?

Brazilians are quite relaxed, and you'll find people in casual clothing pretty much everywhere other than in the nightclubs of Sao Paulo. You'll also find people live in their flip flops, whether it's for errands or even hiking!

When packing for Brazil, think of general beach attire, and don't be afraid to bring those super colorful and vibrant pieces of clothing you have. If you have something you'd like to wear but it's a little over the top or provocative, then Brazil is the place you can get away wearing it.

🎒 Packing List for Your First Time in Brazil

Here is our general packing list for visiting Brazil:

• Sunscreen
• Aloe
• Towel
• Bathing Suits (Brazilians tend to wear thongs)
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature well)
• Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
• Sneakers (for the great hikes)
• Water Shoes (for visiting waterfalls)
• Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
• Colorful, vibrant, and light clothing
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens for everyday use (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the landscapes closer up (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
• Drone (We love our Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's small and shoots vertical)
• Action Camera (we use the Go Pro Hero 12 because it's small & waterproof)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
• Insta 360 X3 with the extra long selfie stick for drone-looking shots
  
• Case Mate waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Case Mate Waterproof Phone Pouch)
• Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
• Hard Drive (to back up your photos and videos in case something bad happens)

🤔 Is Brazil Worth Going to?

Brazil is absolutely worth going to! The country has so much to offer, and is really great for those that love tropical weather, vibrant culture, and partying.

If you are a timid, nervous, or paranoid traveler, Brazil may not be a great choice for you. It's a country that is amazing for those adventurous souls, who are very open-minded and carefree.

⏳ How Many Days Can You Spend in Brazil?

Brazil is a massive country! Collectively, we have spent a couple of months in Brazil. You can easily spend a month seeing the highlights, but can also squeeze some of the hot spots in a 2-week trip.

If you want to explore the country more completely, we would suggest going for a couple of months.

Tips for Your First Time in Brazil

Now you know pretty much all you need to know for your first time in Brazil! Here are some final tips to take away before your trip:

• Check vaccine and visa requirements from your country.
• Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights around Brazil.
• Leave expensive jewelry at home.
• Keep valuables hidden in a bag that can be securely closed.
• Learn a bit of Portuguese.
• Check cover charges and gratuities added to bills.
• Take money out straight from the ATM, in a secure environment.
• Carry cash on you for street food, souvenirs on the beach, and excursions.
• Double check neighborhoods when booking your accommodation.

So are you ready for an incredible first time in Brazil? This country is definitely one that will surprise you, and show you a damn good time. Want more details of certain places? We have a ton of Brazilian travel guides that we have for you to check out.

Looking to plan the most epic trip of your life? Well, Scratch Your Mapa now offers travel planning services to help you save both time and money. We're dedicated to helping people explore the most incredible spots, and getting them there for the best price possible. Simply take a look at the travel planning packages that we offer, or shoot us an email for your free consultation!

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