About Brazil
Brazil is in South America. Its capital is Brasília, the main language is Portuguese and the currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Our guides cover 15 destinations across Brazil, including Rio De Janeiro, Iguazu Falls and Fortaleza. The most comfortable time to visit is generally May to September and November.
Must-see sights in Brazil
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Christ the Redeemer
Landmark · Rio De JaneiroA giant Art Deco statue of Jesus on Corcovado mountain overlooking the city. Take the cog train early in the morning to beat the clouds and crowds.
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Iguazu Falls
Nature · Iguazu FallsA vast system of roughly 275 waterfalls on the Argentina–Brazil border, spread along nearly 3 km of cliffs. The Brazilian side offers the best panoramic views; expect to get soaked on the walkway near the bottom.
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Praia de Iracema
Beach · FortalezaA central beach neighborhood with a promenade, bars and the old English Bridge pier. Walk the pier at sunset, and keep belongings close in crowded areas.
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Forte dos Reis Magos
Historic · NatalA star-shaped Portuguese fort from the late 1500s built at the mouth of the Potengi River, the place where Natal was founded. Time your visit for low tide, when the approach across the sand is easiest.
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Caracol State Park
Park · GramadoA forested park in neighboring Canela, known for a waterfall that drops more than 100 meters into a wooded valley. An observation tower gives a full view of the falls, while the stairway to the base is long and steep.
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Pajucara Beach
Beach · MaceioA central urban beach with calm water protected by reefs, and natural pools offshore. Rafts take visitors to the pools at low tide, so check the tide table before going.
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Gruta do Lago Azul
Nature · BonitoA limestone cave holding a deep underground lake of startling blue water. Visits are guided and limited in number, so reserve through a local agency in town, and go in the morning for the best light.
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Paulista Avenue
Neighborhood · Sao PauloThe city's signature boulevard, lined with office towers, cultural centers, bookstores, and cafes. On Sundays it is closed to cars and fills with street performers, cyclists, and families, which is the best time to stroll.
Things to do in Brazil
336 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Brazil. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.
- Day Trips & Excursions107 experiences
- Maceio 14
- Rio De Janeiro 13
- Natal 12
- Fortaleza 11
- City tours67 experiences
- Outdoor activities & Adventure59 experiences
- Bonito 11
- Natal 11
- Rio De Janeiro 7
- Maceio 6
- Art & culture33 experiences
- Rio De Janeiro 15
- Gramado 5
- Recife 2
- Sao Paulo 2
- Gastronomy & nightlife22 experiences
- Fortaleza 6
- Iguazu Falls 6
- Rio De Janeiro 5
- Gramado 4
- Zoo, Aquarium & Nature21 experiences
- Iguazu Falls 12
- Bonito 4
- Paraty 2
- Costa do Sauipe 1
- Tickets & Attraction Passes18 experiences
- Cruise & Water Tours10 experiences
Best time to visit Brazil
Based on recent weather records across 15 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Brazil are May to September and November. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Know before you go
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
- Language
- Portuguese
- Capital
- Brasília
- Calling code
- +55
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zones
- America/Sao_Paulo, America/Fortaleza, America/Bahia+3 more
Upcoming public holidays in Brazil
- All Souls' DayDia de Finados
- Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
- Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
- Christmas DayNatal
- New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
- Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Check visa requirementsGetting to Brazil
The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Brazil.
- SDU Santos Dumont Airport3 mi from Rio De Janeiro
- IGR Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport4 mi from Iguazu Falls
- FOR Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport3 mi from Fortaleza
- NAT Greater Natal International Airport11 mi from Natal
- CXJ Caxias do Sul Airport23 mi from Gramado
- MCZ Maceió-Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport11 mi from Maceio
- BYO Bonito Airport8 mi from Bonito
- CGH Congonhas-São Paulo Airport5 mi from Sao Paulo
Brazil travel FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Brazil?
Popular destinations in Brazil include Rio De Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Fortaleza and Natal. Our Brazil travel guides cover 15 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
Across our Brazil destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are May to September and November. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.
Which airports should I fly into for Brazil?
Main airports for popular Brazil destinations include Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) for Rio De Janeiro, Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR) for Iguazu Falls, Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) for Fortaleza and Greater Natal International Airport (NAT) for Natal.
What are the top things to do in Brazil?
Destina Holidays offers 336 tours and activities across Brazil. The most popular types are day trips & excursions (107), city tours (67), outdoor activities & adventure (59) and art & culture (33).
What are the must-see sights in Brazil?
Highlights include Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro, Iguazu Falls in Iguazu Falls, Praia de Iracema in Fortaleza and Forte dos Reis Magos in Natal.
How many hotels can I book in Brazil?
Destina Holidays lists 2,771 properties across our Brazil destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
What currency is used in Brazil?
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.
What language is spoken in Brazil?
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese.
What is the capital of Brazil?
The capital of Brazil is Brasília.
What time zone is Brazil in?
Our Brazil destinations span 6 time zones, including America/Sao_Paulo (UTC−3), America/Fortaleza (UTC−3), America/Bahia (UTC−3) and America/Recife (UTC−3).
Which side of the road do they drive on in Brazil?
Traffic in Brazil drives on the right. The international calling code is +55.
What are the upcoming public holidays in Brazil?
Upcoming public holidays include All Souls' Day on 2 November 2026, Republic Proclamation Day on 15 November 2026 and Black Awareness Day on 20 November 2026. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.
Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
Visa rules for Brazil depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.