Brazil doesn’t just sit quietly on the map – it grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the party. From sun-warmed beaches to tangled rainforest, wild rivers to energetic city blocks, Brazil is an adventure wrapped in colour, curiosity, and seriously good vibes. Whether you’re sipping a cold caipirinha on Copacabana beach or kayaking through Amazonian waterways, this is a place that grips you at every turn.
Here’s your Brazil travel guide, stuffed with practical tips, wild adventures, and insider know-how. You’ll leave knowing exactly when is the best time to visit Brazil, what to do in Brazil, and why your next trip has to be with The Dragon Trip.
Is Brazil good for solo group travel?
Absolutely – Brazil was made for adventure. While classic solo travel spots like Southeast Asia and Europe have their highlights, Brazil offers something wilder, warmer, and way more unforgettable. Solo group travel in Brazil? That’s where the magic happens.
Hassle-free planning: From samba-filled cities to the greenest jungle trails, Brazil’s got a lot going on. A group tour means no stress over logistics – your route’s mapped, activities sorted, and all you need to do is show up.
New friends, unforgettable places: Sunset views from Sugarloaf Mountain, boat parties in Paraty, and capoeira classes in Salvador – with a bunch of new mates by your side. Brazil group tours are about making real connections in incredible places.
Safety in numbers: Brazil is best explored with local know-how and a solid group. You’ll have a local Adventure Leader who knows the ropes and a group to stick with, perfect for city nights or beach hikes.
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
The best time to visit Brazil is from May to September. This is Brazil’s dry season, a sweet spot of blue skies, cool evenings, and perfect wildlife conditions. If jaguars are on your bucket list (yes, really), this is when the Pantanal wetlands become nature’s main stage. It’s also the perfect window for urban wandering, beach chilling, and rainforest exploring without the drippy heat. It’s quieter too, so more room on the trails, in the bars, and by the waterfalls. A dream.
What to do and see in Brazil
Brazil offers a list of adventures. One day, you’re gazing up at Christ the Redeemer, the next you’re gliding down a river surrounded by howler monkeys. Here are just a few reasons to book that trip.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a city that dances. Catch epic views from Sugarloaf Mountain, sip cocktails on Ipanema Beach, then dive into samba nights that roll on till sunrise. Don’t forget the food – grilled meats, cheesy pão de queijo (cheese bread), and that fresh mango juice.
São Paulo
Messy, massive, and totally magnetic. Stroll Avenida Paulista, soak in murals at Beco do Batman, then escape to Liberdade, the biggest Japanese community outside Japan. It’s art, food, music, and street life all thrown into one big pot.
Iguaçu National Park
Water roars. Mist rises. And your jaw drops. Walkways take you right up to Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat), and boat rides offer a face-full of waterfall. Dramatic? Absolutely. Worth it? Every soaked second.
Explore more with our 13-Day Brazil & Argentina Tour or go big with our 33-Day South America Combo.
How much time should I spend in Brazil?
You could spend months exploring Brazil and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. But not everyone’s got unlimited time (or annual leave), so here’s the lowdown. A week gets you a spicy taster of Rio’s beaches, São Paulo’s chaos, and the roar of Iguaçu Falls. If you’ve got 10 days, add rainforest hikes or beach-hopping in Ilha Grande. Two weeks give you time to explore Pantanal wetlands, Amazon rivers, and cities with room to breathe. Go for three weeks, and you’ll truly soak it all in, from samba streets to sleepy surf towns. Wherever you go, our Brazil group tours are your ticket to stress-free adventure.
How to get around Brazil?
To travel around Brazil, we’ve got you covered with short flights for maximising time, and a mix of public and private transport on all our trips. Long-distance coaches are reliable, and short flights are handy for hopping between regions. In cities, stick to Uber or official taxis for safety and ease.
How much money do I need per day in Brazil?
Your budget in Brazil really comes down to how you travel, whether you’re all about beachside caipirinhas and fancy steakhouses or happy with street food and simple guesthouses. Either way, you can experience the best of Brazil without blowing the bank.
Here’s a ballpark guide to daily costs in Brazil:
Meals: £9–£17 per day – think pão de queijo (cheese bread) for breakfast, a plate of feijoada (stew) for lunch, and fresh seafood by the beach.
Transportation: Local buses, metro rides, and the occasional taxi or rideshare might cost around £3–£10 per day.
Activities/Attractions: Budget £5–£15 per day for things like Christ the Redeemer entry, boat trips, and samba shows.
A budget traveller could spend around £16–£42per day, covering food, transport, and some activities. On a Brazil group tour, you’ll find the big logistics are taken care of, making it an easy and cost-effective way to explore.
Is Brazil safe to visit?
Yes, Brazil is safe to travel, especially on a group tour with The Dragon Trip. Like anywhere, there are areas to steer clear of (don’t go wandering into favelas solo, and avoid isolated beaches at night). But stick with your group, keep your bag zipped, and follow your Adventure Leader’s tips, and you’ll be golden.
Top Tips for travel in Brazil
Brazil is a great place for solo travel, but its always important to stay savvy of your surroundings. Thinking of travelling to Brazil? Here are five smart, simple tips to keep your trip stress-free and unforgettable:
- Stay aware in busy spots like Copacabana and Paulista Avenue – keep your valuables secure in zipped bags or front pockets.
- Use only official taxis or trusted rideshare apps – always double-check the plate number and driver details before hopping in.
- Leave flashy jewellery and expensive gear at home to blend in and explore without drawing unnecessary attention.
- Stick with friends after dark and avoid wandering alone – especially in quiet or dimly lit areas, just to be safe.
- Curious about visiting favelas? Only go with certified guides, and always follow local advice on where and when to visit. We recommend avoiding these trips as they can be unpredictable.
Month-by-Month Guide to Travelling Brazil
What is happening each month in Brazil? Let’s take a look…
January
January in Brazil is steamy, sweaty, and absolutely popping. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches hum with sun-seekers, volleyball matches, and the clink of ice in caipirinhas. If you’re here for Réveillon (New Year’s celebrations), expect fireworks exploding over the ocean, all-white outfits dancing in the sand, and a midnight swim with thousands of strangers-turned-friends. Over in the Amazon, the rivers are swollen, perfect for kayaking through flooded forests. Meanwhile, Iguaçu Falls is a thunderous wall of water. It’s sweaty, it’s loud, and it’s glorious. You’ve been warned.
February
Carnival explodes across the country in February. Samba in the streets, sequins everywhere, and Rio turns into one giant dance floor. For nature-lovers, the Pantanal starts drying out, and the Amazon is perfect for boat trips. Iguaçu Falls is thundering at full force, though trails can get muddy with all that summer rain. Pack your poncho, prep your dancing shoes, and get ready for a riot of colour, chaos, and culture.
March
Things settle a bit as March rolls in. Carnival lingers in the north (hello, Olinda), and cities like São Paulo and Rio feel cooler and calmer. Waterfalls still roar at Iguaçu, and Chapada Diamantina is perfect for hikes. If you’re ready for a boat trip, the flooded forests of the Amazon make March the perfect time for exploration.
April
April brings a cooler, calmer Brazil, and it’s honestly a breath of fresh air. The sticky summer haze lifts, making it the perfect time to roam the cities without melting in your shoes. São Paulo’s Vila Madalena is alive with creativity, with Beco do Batman’s graffiti-clad alleys and tucked-away cafés serving strong coffee. Out in the wild, Pantanal wildlife is active, and the Chapada Diamantina trails are made for slow, scenic hikes.
May
Dry season kicks off in May, making it the best time to travel to Brazil if you want wildlife, warm days, and fewer mozzies. It’s your best shot at spotting jaguars in the Pantanal or getting the perfect snap at Iguaçu Falls without jostling for space.
June
Winter in June? Not exactly. Brazil cools down but keeps its sunshine. Festa Junina festivals take over villages and cities with dancing, bonfires, and mulled booze. Trekking season opens wide, great for Chapada dos Veadeiros or even southern Patagonia.
July
July gets top marks for animal lovers. Wildlife in the Pantanal and Amazon comes out to play. Praia do Rosa gets its first whales, and Búzios beaches offer winter sun with zero stress. You’ll even find ski jackets in São Paulo cafés, but it’s more chill than cold.
August
August is quiet, crisp, and wonderful. The dry season continues, ideal for boat rides in the Amazon, safari vibes in the Pantanal, and city exploring without sweat patches. Perfect for Jericoacoara (sea turtle nesting), beach hopping, and popping by Salvador for a culture hit.
September
Spring tiptoes in September with blooming flowers and migrating wildlife. Hike the canyons in Aparados da Serra, trek through coffee country in Minas Gerais, or dive into snorkelling in Fernando de Noronha.
October
October is Brazil’s under-the-radar party season. Oktoberfest in Blumenau turns German beer into Brazilian fun, while film and jazz festivals hit São Paulo. Expect warm air, longer days, and just the right kind of chaos.
November
Dry season ends in November, but not before Pantanal wildlife makes one last appearance. Rio’s samba rehearsals heat up, and Salvador lights up with Black Consciousness Month, a cultural celebration not to miss.
December
Summer is back in December, and so are the beach crowds. Spend your days beach-hopping in Rio, dancing barefoot on sand, or watching sea turtles hatch in Praia do Forte. Finish the year with fireworks, music, and the kind of party that doesn’t fit in photos.
Ready to roll?
Book your spot on one of our unforgettable group tours to South America and let Brazil blow your mind. There’s a hammock waiting, a jaguar hiding, and a street party just getting started.
Let’s make some stories worth telling.
