Things to do in Brazil: Top Attractions and Experiences

Quick answer

Brazil is best visited from March to May or September to November when Rio de Janeiro temperatures hover around 25°C and the Pantanal is dry enough for jaguar spotting. Prioritise the Christ the Redeemer statue early in the morning, the Iguazu Falls walkway for sunset views, and the historic Pelourinho district in Salvador for Tuesday evening percussion rehearsals.

Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

Located atop Corcovado Mountain at 710 metres, this Art Deco statue provides views over Guanabara Bay and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Take the Trem do Corcovado from the Cosme Velho station; tickets cost approximately R$90 in low season and R$122.50 in high season (roughly $18-$25 USD), which includes the return train and entrance. Book the earliest 8:00 slot to avoid the humidity and heavy crowds that arrive by 10:30.

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)

This granite peak sits at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. A two-stage cable car leaves from Praça General Tibúrcio at Urca. Tickets are roughly R$185 ($37 USD). Visit at 16:30 to see the sunset behind the Serra dos Órgãos mountains. The first hill, Morro da Urca, has several food stalls and is less crowded than the summit.

Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)

Linking the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods, these 215 steps are covered in over 2,000 tiles from 60 countries. It is free to visit. Go between 9:00 and 11:00 for the best light on the ceramics. Skippable if you are not interested in street art or have mobility issues, as the steps are steep and often congested.

Jardim Botânico

Founded in 1808, this 140-hectare park features an alley of 134 royal palms and the Orchidarium. Entry is approximately R$73 ($15 USD). It is located in the Jardim Botânico district, reachable via the 538 or 584 bus lines. Allow three hours to walk the main trails. The park is significantly cooler than the beach areas during midday heat.

Foz do Iguaçu

Iguazu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu)

The Brazilian side offers the best panoramic perspective of the 275 waterfalls. Entrance to the Iguaçu National Park is R$97 ($20 USD) for international visitors. Take the 'Cataratas' bus from the city centre terminal (TTU) for R$5. The walkway leads to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta do Diabo) lookout. Allow five hours. Mid-morning is best for rainbows caused by the sun's position.

Parque das Aves

Located directly opposite the National Park entrance, this sanctuary houses rescued toucans, macaws, and flamingos in walk-through aviaries. Tickets are R$80 ($16 USD). It takes roughly two hours to complete the circuit. This is a practical addition to an Iguazu Falls day as it requires no extra transport.

Salvador and the Northeast

Pelourinho District

The historic centre of Salvador is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture and the São Francisco Church with its gold-leaf interior. The church entry is R$5. Visit on a Tuesday evening for the 'Terça da Benção' when Olodum drummers perform in the streets. Allow a full day to explore the squares and the Elevador Lacerda, which connects the upper and lower cities for R$0.15.

Farol da Barra

This lighthouse sits at the entrance of the Bay of All Saints. It houses the Nautical Museum of Bahia. Entry is R$15 ($3 USD). The surrounding beach is a primary swimming spot for locals. Arrive at 17:00 to sit on the grassy knoll behind the fort for the sunset. Skippable if you are visiting Rio's beaches, as the coastal scenery is similar.

The Amazon and North

Teatro Amazonas (Manaus)

This Renaissance-style opera house was built in 1896 during the rubber boom using Italian marble and English steel. Guided tours run hourly for R$20 ($4 USD) and last 45 minutes. It is located at Largo de São Sebastião. Check the schedule for free evening rehearsals or performances by the Amazonas Philharmonic.

Meeting of the Waters (Encontro das Águas)

The confluence of the dark Rio Negro and the sandy-coloured Amazon River (Rio Solimões) runs side-by-side without mixing for 6km. Boat tours depart from the Manaus Port (Porto de Manaus) and usually cost between R$150 and R$300 ($30-$60 USD) including lunch. Allow six hours for a full river circuit.

São Paulo

Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)

Located on Avenida Paulista, the museum is suspended by four red pillars. It holds the most significant collection of European art in the Southern Hemisphere. Tickets are R$70 ($14 USD), but entry is free on Tuesdays. The Trianon-Masp metro station (Line 2) is directly outside. Allow three hours.

Ibirapuera Park

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Roberto Burle Marx, this park is the city's central green space. It contains the Afro-Brazil Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Entry to the park is free. Rent a bicycle near Gate 3 for R$10 per hour. Skippable if you have a short layover, as it requires at least four hours to appreciate the museums and grounds.

Common mistakes

• Underestimating travel times: Flying from Rio to Manaus takes four hours; bus journeys between major hubs like São Paulo and Florianópolis can take over 12 hours. Always check flight durations before booking ground transport.
• Ignoring the Monday closures: Many museums and historic sites, including MASP and some Amazonian attractions, close on Mondays. Plan your itinerary around Tuesday-Sunday operation.
• Overpacking for the Amazon: Humidity is high and small riverboats have strict luggage limits. Use dry bags for electronics and stick to lightweight synthetic clothing.
• Only visiting the beach in Rio: The city's northern and central zones contain significant historical sites like the Valongo Wharf and the Municipal Theatre that many tourists miss.
• Forgetting the yellow fever vaccine: While not mandatory for all entries, it is highly recommended for the Amazon, Pantanal, and rural Minas Gerais. Check the official site before you go for updated health requirements.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner transforms this guide into a bespoke itinerary by calculating transit times between districts like Copacabana and Ipanema, or cities like Salvador and Manaus. It provides real-time weather alerts to help you decide when to visit the Iguazu Falls and generates cost estimates based on current BRL to USD exchange rates. You will also receive a packing list tailored to the contrast between the humid Amazon basin and the cooler evening temperatures of the southern highlands.

What is the best month to visit the Amazon?

July and August are the best months to visit the Amazon as rainfall decreases, making forest trails accessible, though river levels remain high enough for boat navigation into flooded forest areas.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

Visa requirements frequently change for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens. Check the Brazilian Consulate website or the VFS Global portal for current electronic visa (e-visa) status before booking flights.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Brazil?

Use ATMs inside bank branches (such as Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, or Itaú) during daylight hours. Avoid street-side machines at night to reduce the risk of card skimming or theft.