The one place to go to find out the top travel tips for Brazil
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to travelling Brazil like a seasoned traveler, crafted by the knowledgeable team at 1Cover. We reveal insider tips and hidden gems that only locals know. In this blog, we uncover the one thing you should and shouldn't do in all the major cities throughout Brazil. So, buckle up as we delve into the heart of Brazil. Enjoy!
Unlike the rest of South America, Portuguese is the main language spoken in Brazil. Most people will not know any English so learning some basic phrases will get you a long way. It will also allow you connect with locals and fully experience Brazil and its culture!
Be mindful of your surroundings for a smooth and enjoyable experience! One thing you shouldn’t do is wander around the streets with your phone in your back pocket. In crowded areas, pickpocketing can be a concern. To steer clear of the occasional credit card mishap, opt for contactless payments (tap & go) over card insertions, especially in non-mainstream shops. And when the opportunity arises, go old-school with cash.
Avoid wander into unfamiliar neighbourhoods after dark. Staying in well-travelled areas, will reduce the risk of encountering potentially unsafe situations and allow you to make the most of your visit to this beautiful country.
Wherever you end up in Brazil, make sure you try to find a local churrascaria restaurant or Brazilian BBQ steakhouse. Waiters come to your tables with skewers of freshly grilled BBQ meat from picanha (sirloins) to linguiça (sausage) and grilled veggies with rice and beans. It is the ultimate authentical Brazilian experience, especially for meat eaters. Also, don't forget to savour one essential Brazilian food– Feijoada. This hearty black bean stew, often featuring pork, is a must-try for food enthusiasts. Complement your meal with one of Brazil's most beloved soft drinks – Guarana Antarctica. This unique and refreshing soda made from the guaraná fruit is a true Brazilian favourite.
Rio De Janeiro is a vibrant city is known for its gorgeous beaches and free-living lifestyle. It was the state capital of Brazil for nearly 200 years and played a crucial role the Brazilian War of independence making it a city steeped in history. The culture, history and beautiful natural landscape make it a an utterly unique place to visit.
The Christ the Reemer statue that overlooks the city is known around the world and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ and while it itself is only 125ft (38m) tall, its location makes it omnipresecent throughout the city.
While no trip to Rio de Janeiro is complete without a visit to iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, sometimes you just want to kick back and embrace the city's relaxed vibe. If that’s you, there's one thing that you should certainly do: sip on coconut water straight from the fruit at the iconic Ipanema Beach.
As you sink your toes into the soft, golden sands, and take in the breathtaking view of the iconic Two Brothers mountains, the vibrant atmosphere at Ipanema provides the perfect backdrop for pure relaxation.
Here's a pro tip: if you're a fan of coconut meat, don't let that delicious part go to waste. Once you've enjoyed the hydrating water, just go over to a beachside kiosk and ask them to crack open the coconut for you. Voilà! Now you've got the perfect beach snack.
Carnival is held every year on the Friday before Ash Wednesday right before Lent starts. It happens all over Brazil, but Rio De Janeiro is the most iconic and it is one of the biggest parties in the world! The first one was held in 1723 and it has remained and evolved throughout the years to become the iconic party it is today! Parades are held though the city with Samba dancing, live music, and incredible colourful costumes. The party rages for nearly a week with parties and excitement day and night!
If you miss carnival, head to Lapa, the heart of Rio’s parry district or Pedro De Sal for a samba night at the “birthplace of Samba” to see just how the Brazilians party.
São Paulo, Brazil's bustling metropolis, is not only a hub for business and culture but also a canvas for one of the world's most vibrant street art scenes. One thing you should do in São Paulo is head to the bohemian neighbourhood of Vila Madalena, where every alley and wall seems to come alive with colours, shapes, and messages.
Take a stroll through Beco do Batman, or "Batman's Alley," a famous hotspot for street art that has been continuously transformed by local and international artists. As you walk through this open-air gallery, you'll be immersed in São Paulo's urban culture and artistic identity.
These streets are a constantly evolving gallery of urban expression. You'll find striking murals, thought-provoking graffiti, and intricate stencils around every corner, each telling a unique story or conveying a powerful message, serving as a platform for social and political commentary.
Brazil is known for many things, and one of those is soccer. If you are a fan, this is the place to go. To many Brazilians, it is more than a sport, it is part of their culture and identity, where else would you want to go to learn more about the sport than from a country so passionate about it!
Salvador is a vibrant and culturally rich city located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. It's renowned for its Afro-Brazilian culture, historic architecture, lively music and dance scene, and beautiful beaches. The city's history is deeply intertwined with Brazil's colonial past, and you can explore this heritage in its well-preserved architecture, especially in the Pelourinho Historic District, where pastel-hued colonial buildings line cobblestone streets.
One thing you should do if in Salvador is to immerse yourself in the culture by participating in a local capoeira session. This Brazilian martial art combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, and it's a unique way to connect with the city's rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. As you move to the rhythms of capoeira and learn its intricate, graceful movements, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity that defines Salvador. It's an experience that not only keeps you active but also allows you to tap into the vibrant spirit of the city
With such immense afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador has some of the best food in Brazil! Indulge in the flavors of Bahian cuisine by dining at local restaurants and street food stalls. Try traditional dishes such as moqueca (fish stew), acarajé (fried bean balls), and bobó de camarão (shrimp stew), accompanied by refreshing caipirinhas or local fruit juices.
The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest is part of the Amazon River Basin, which supports the world’s largest rainforest, which accounts for more than half the total volume of rainforests in the world. It is sometimes known as the lungs of the world and absorbs a quarter of the CO2 absorbed by all the land on Earth! Despite facing ongoing deforestation, Brazil continues to make impressive strides in reducing its impact on climate change and preserving the Amazon!
The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest and a globally significant ecological wonder. Situated in the northern region of Brazil, it stretches across several South American countries. This lush, dense rainforest is teeming with an incredible variety of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
When visiting the Amazon Rainforest, one unique thing you should do is to witness one of nature’s most captivating phenomena, the “Encontro das Águas" (meeting of the waters). This is when the dark coloured waters of the ‘Negro’ river meet the sandy, slit-laden flow of the ‘Solimões’ river. What's remarkable is that for several kilometres, these two rivers run side by side without mixing. The distinct colours and temperatures of the waters create a stark contrast, resulting in a stunning natural phenomenon that resembles a massive water colour painting. It's like seeing two worlds converge, each with its unique ecosystem.
While the Amazon Rainforest is known for its vast river systems, it's important to exercise caution when considering swimming. Many of these waters are home to potentially dangerous creatures like piranhas and caimans. Always consult with your local guides before taking a dip, and if you do decide to swim, stick to designated and safe areas to ensure your safety.
With all that info, you're ready to start your Brazillian adventure! Pack your curiosity, sunscreen, a hearty appetite, and of course your 1Cover Travel Insurance. It's the one thing you need when one thing goes wrong.
Find out more insider tips about other destinations: read our "One Thing" series here.
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Grace wrote this article. She has spent the past few years travelling to over 20 countries and is always looking for her next adventure. Learn more about Grace.
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