Custom travel planning to Brazil

We tend to recommend Brazil to travelers who want a destination that feels big, bold, and energetic. It's seriously a great fit for everyone: active families, honeymooners, wildlife lovers, beach lovers, and travelers who have already been to Latin America and are looking for something different. If you're looking for a quiet, slow-paced destination, or a short weekend trip, Brazil probably isn't the best fit for you, however.

It depends on the region, because Brazil runs several climates at once. The coast and cities (Rio, Salvador, Fernando de Noronha) are best December through March: hot, dry, and festive, including Carnaval. The Pantanal and Amazon flip to July through October, when the dry winter concentrates wildlife and makes jaguar sightings routine. Avoid the Pantanal in the wet season (December to March), when many lodges close.

Brazil only requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive directly from a risk country, so it is usually not mandatory for entry from the US, Canada, or Europe. That said, the CDC's guidance recommends the vaccine for the Amazon, the Pantanal, and Iguaçu Falls, and neighbors like Bolivia require proof if you continue overland. Get it at least 10 days before travel; we flag this case by case for your itinerary.

Possibly. Visa requirements for Brazil vary by nationality and have changed several times in recent years. We recommend checking the latest requirements early in the planning process, as some travelers may need to complete an online visa application before departure. We'll make sure you're aware of any entry requirements well before your trip.

The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, is the single best place on Earth to see wild jaguars. The northern Pantanal, reached via Cuiabá and the Transpantaneira Road to Porto Jofre, has the highest concentration. Plan for the dry season, roughly July through October, when shrinking water draws jaguars to the riverbanks and multi-day boat safaris on the Cuiabá River produce sighting rates above 90 percent, alongside caimans, capybaras, and giant otters. Pro tip: book the Pantanal at least a year in advance, as the best lodges book up so fast!

Yes. While the falls are the same natural wonder, the experience is completely different on each side. The Brazilian side offers sweeping panoramic views that help you appreciate the scale of the falls, while the Argentine side gets you much closer to the water with extensive walkways and viewpoints. If time allows, we recommend seeing both.

It depends on what kind of trip you're looking for. Rio de Janeiro is the classic first stop, with iconic landmarks, beaches, culture, and nightlife. The Amazon is ideal for travelers interested in wildlife, rainforest experiences, and remote lodges. The Pantanal offers some of the best wildlife viewing in South America, including the chance to spot jaguars in the wild (often, people think the Amazon is the place to go, when in reality, it is the Pantanal)! Iguaçu Falls is one of the continent's most spectacular natural wonders, while Fernando de Noronha is perfect for travelers seeking beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and diving. And that's just scratching the surface. Brazil is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with colonial towns, wine regions, sand dunes, Afro-Brazilian culture, remote beaches, and countless other regions to explore. Most travelers don't see all of Brazil in one trip, so we help narrow it down based on your interests, travel style, and time available.

If you're nervous about the food in Brazil because you don't know much about it, don't be. While Brazilian cuisine isn't as internationally famous as Mexican or Peruvian food, most travelers find it approachable, flavorful, and easy to enjoy. Expect plenty of grilled meats, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, rice and beans, and regional specialties that vary across the country. One of the things we love most about Brazil is that every region feels a little different: Rio is known for its beachside dining and seafood, Bahia for bold Afro-Brazilian flavors, and the south for its barbecue traditions.