A single visit to Brazil will not be sufficient to satisfy the most intrepid traveler's appetite!
Apart from Brazil being the 5th largest country in the world (about the size of the U.S.), it has so much to offer that you will need several trips just to merely appreciate it.
Brazil is the home of the largest rainforest in the world and the mighty Amazon, the largest river on the planet (carrying 20% of the entire world’s freshwater along its winding 3,976 miles).
Another immense eco-system is the Pantanal’s, the largest freshwater wetland on the planet with the greatest concentration of fauna in the Americas, offering a wide range of exhilarating safaris throughout the year.
Brazil is also the birthplace of the romantic Bosa Nova and the sensual Samba, and although many countries around the world celebrate Carnival, none will ever top the extravaganza of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or Salvador, Bahia.
Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the thousands of miles of Atlantic coastline with tropical beaches of pristine white sand...
Overview:
Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, abolished slavery in 1888, and became a republic in 1889.
General Facts:
Size (land area): 8,459,417 sq km (3,266,199 sq mi), it is the 5th largest country in the world, and slightly smaller than the USA
Population: 201,103,330 people divided into the following ethnic groups: white 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified 0.7%
Border Countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay & Venezuela
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m; highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m (9,822 f)
Religion: Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4%
Languages: Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note - less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages
Entry Requirements:
Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and a visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. The U.S. Government cannot assist travelers who arrive in Brazil without proper documentation.
Citizens of other nationalities should contact the Brazilian Consulate for updated entry information.
Proof of yellow fever immunization is required by Brazilian officials for travelers coming from infected areas.
When planning your visit to Brazil, keep in mind the immense size of this country. It spreads north and south of the Equator, offering not just “Winter” and “Summer” at the same time, but also several microclimates, making it possible to enjoy pleasant weather somewhere in Brazil, all year round.
Carnival in Brazil
If you would like to participate in the famous Carnival, take note of the following dates*
2017: 26th of February
2018: 11th of February
2019: 3rd of March
2020: 23rd of February
2021: 14th of February
*Note that different hotels have different mandatory entry dates and minimum night(s) stay, during Carnival as well as New Year’s.
Rio de Janeiro
The climate of this vibrant city is tropical. It tends to rain the most from November through April (Brazilian Summer).
During the summer months maximum high temperature will range between 34-38ºC (89-100ºF) with peak humidity levels around January and February.
During the winter months (May through October), the maximum temperature will average 20ºC (70ºF).
The busy tourism season in Rio is usually during the summer (November to March), however, it is also the warmest and the rainiest season as well as the most expensive time to travel. Avoid the crowds and enjoy more agreeable weather during the “edges” of the peak season, by traveling during March-May or September - November. Or, if you do not mind the possibility of a few days with lower temperatures, you will enjoy the drier and cooler season of May - September.
Amazon Region (Manaus)
The weather at the Brazilian rainforest is usually hot and humid throughout the year with very small changes in the temperatures. The average temperature in the tropics is between 28-31ºC (80-90ºF), with excessive heat waves being very rare. However, the high humidity may be bothersome to people unaccustomed to hot and humid weather.
There is no true dry season in the Amazon basin, as the rainfalls vary substantially. Cold weather is very rare and only occasionally in the most southern part of the Amazon.
Excessively high temperatures are virtually non-existent, as temperatures above 37ºC/100 ºF are truly rare, although the humidity can be unpleasant to some people.
Belem (at the mouth of the Amazon) and Manaus (at the very heart) are very representative of the climate patterns of the Amazon.
The rainiest months are December through May where you may expect up to 2 or 3 times more rain than the rest of the year.
Northeast Brazil (Bahia, Recife & Fortaleza)
The coast of Northeast Brazil stretches 3,000 km (1,900 miles), and although the northern part tends to be wetter, the entire region is known for its agreeable weather literally all year round. The humidity is lower than in the Amazon region and the constant breeze blowing from the Atlantic Ocean makes the area a paradise for a beach vacation.
The temperature will range between 28-31ºC (80-90ºF) throughout the year, however, rainfall may be 2 or 3 times more during March-August, reaching a peak of 20cm (11 inches) of rain during June.
Southern Brazil (Florianopolis, Porto Alegre)
This region (mostly along the Atlantic Coast) features a more temperate weather pattern, with four seasons, and cold winters.
Maximum temperatures during the summer months (November - March) may reach up to 33ºC (91ºF), while in winter (June - August) they may drop to as low as 9ºC (48ºF). You should also note that winter tends to be rainier than summer.
The perfect time to travel to this area is during off peaks (March-May and September - November).
10 Days / 9 Nights • Daily arrivals in Rio de Janeiro; all Year-Round
A journey by Private Car & Guide
Featuring: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls & Florianopolis
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the most visited city in the southern hemisphere! Enjoy its breathtaking natural settings, monuments, music, and world-famous beaches. Then travel to the Iguassu Falls, one of nature’s most exquisite creations, for a concert of thundering waters, tropical birds and howling monkeys. And now to Florianopolis to discover the region of South Brazil with its rich European culture and white-sand beaches.
A sophisticated Resort in an ecological sanctuary in the midst of the Atlantic Forest, one of the largest bio-diversities in the planet. Located in a secluded peninsula, with it’s own private airstrip, the Kiaroa offers 28 luxury suites and bungalows, SPA and gourmet gastronomy.
In the heart of Salvador’s historical center, a step away from the Jorge Amado Museum, from the celebrated Lacerda Elevator and the Praca da Se overlooking All Saints Bay.
Ponta dos Ganchos Resort is located on a privately-owned peninsula that juts out from the southern Brazilian coast between picturesque fishing villages, making it one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Brazil.
Superbly positioned overlooking the sea, this glamorous Orient-Express landmark in Rio has been welcoming the rich and famous since its Art Deco doors swung open in 1923. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced here and the Rolling Stones tuned up in its grand salon before their concert on the beach.