Brazil tours & holidays

The climate in Brazil varies due to its size and geographical diversity. Northern regions are tropical, with hot, humid weather all year, while the southern regions are temperate, with more seasonal variations.

With so much to see and do, there’s no ‘bad’ time to visit as there’s always something going on. Summer (December to March) is the peak tourist season, marked by hot temperatures and many festivities, including the famous Rio Carnival in February/March. Coastal areas and cities like Rio de Janeiro also thrive with a festival atmosphere. Summer is wet in the Amazon and Pantanal, but you can explore waterways that are inaccessible in the drier months.

Winter is the dry season in most parts of Brazil. Temperatures are cooler, especially in the south, and it’s a good time to explore the Amazon and Pantanal due to lower water levels and wildlife visibility. Cities like São Paulo and highland areas can get chilly, but the beaches in the northeast remain inviting.

The shoulder seasons have mild weather and smaller crowds and are generally good times for sightseeing and outdoor activities across the country.

Read more about the best time to visit Brazil

Indigenous tribes inhabited the land now known as Brazil for centuries before the arrival of Portuguese settlers in the 1500s. Colonisation brought agriculture and crop growing, and sadly, extensive land clearing dispossessed much of the Indigenous population. Brazil was built on the enslavement of Indigenous peoples and millions of Black Africans who brought rich African traditions with them – many of which form part of Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry today.

By the 19th century, coffee had overtaken sugar as Brazil’s most valuable crop, bringing a new wave of migrants from Europe and boosting Brazil’s economy until the military coup of 1889 which overthrew the monarchy and established the First Brazilian Republic.

Brazil’s more recent history was characterised by widespread immigration – especially during and after World War II – including people from the Middle East, Europe and Jewish people fleeing persecution.

Today, Brazilians are known for their lust for life. The celebratory atmosphere of Carnaval isn’t a one-off – impromptu street parties, heaving nightclubs and busy dance halls display the same vibrant energy and passion all year.

Music, dance and good times are pursued by most Brazilians regardless of income, gender or age. But it doesn’t stop there. Fun is not limited to the dynamic bars and clubs of the big cities, with pastimes such as football, surfing, volleyball and capoeira (a Brazilian blend of martial arts and dance).

In contrast, the indigenous tribes in the Amazon and its surrounds live a humble, traditional way of life. Despite modern advances, many still live off the land, but sadly this is rapidly changing due to deforestation and urbanisation.

Brazil shares land borders with many countries including Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Suriname and French Guiana. Being the fifth largest country in the world, it’s home to many landscapes and ecosystems, from fertile farmlands, coastal plains and highlands to mountains, wetlands and the mighty Amazon Rainforest.

With such a large population, Brazil’s major cities are busy, crowded and chaotic. It can take some getting used to, but once you’re working with the flow of the Brazilian way of life, you’ll begin to enjoy the pace. With a widening gap between the rich and the poor, housing can vary from large mansions in upscale neighbourhoods and modern apartments in the heart of the city, to humble tin sheds in the favelas.

In some ways, Brazil’s major cities are full of contrasts, but the vibrancy of Brazilian culture permeates social barriers.

Brazil’s major cities feature a wide range of international cuisine, so it’s possible to eat a Western-style breakfast, Mexican for lunch and Italian for dinner, with a few traditional Brazilian snacks in between.

Things to try in Brazil

1. Churrasco

This traditional Brazilian barbecue is a true pleasure for meat eaters. Beef, pork, chicken, duck, lamb and fish are all skewered and cooked to perfection over hot coals, creating a smoky flavour and tender texture.

2. Seafood

Brazil’s coastline is home to a bounty of marine life, so be sure to sample some of the local seafood on the coast. Fried baby octopus, king prawns and seafood stew are popular choices.

3. Feijoada

Brazil’s national dish combines African, Indigenous and Portuguese influences. Black beans, salted meats, tomatoes and bay leaves are stewed until tender before being served with rice, collard greens and farofa (toasted manioc flour).

4. Caipirinha

This refreshing cocktail made from cachaca (a spirit derived from sugar cane), sugar, crushed ice and lime is Brazil’s national drink – and the perfect accompaniment to a beachside sunset.

5. Fruit

Brazil has plenty of tropical fruits and berries – so for a quick snack, head to the market and buy fresh bananas, limes, oranges, guava, jackfruit or acai berries.

Learn more about must-try foods in Brazil

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Brazil. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for everyday items, since credit cards aren't always an option.

You’ll find plenty of ATMs throughout Brazil so withdrawing cash shouldn't be a problem. Again, smaller villages may not have ATMs, so prepare for this before venturing from the cities.