Where to go

Brazil

The vibrant heart of the continent

It's difficult to know where to start with a country as vast and as diverse as Brazil. Although many know of Rio's glorious setting and it's infamous beaches, what is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest country in the world, has so much more to offer. There are few places which can combine such awe-inspiring landscapes, such vibrant cities, such exotic wildlife and such open and welcoming people, all at once.

With a coastline which stretches from rugged sandy bays in the south, to wide tropical beaches in the North, with cities ranging from the winding sound-filled streets of Salvador to the wide avenues of Sao Paulo, and with natural destinations ranging from the dense depths of the Amazon Rainforest to the open wetlands of the Pantanal, each area reveals a different side to this captivating country. It is a land where everything seems larger than life, from the expansive landscapes, to the infectiously happy people and the extravagant Carnival processions which take over the country every year in February.

While you can combine parts of Brazil with almost any other country in South America, it is a destination in its own right and you could spend weeks visiting all of its four corners. As is true of all of South America, it’s worth bearing in mind that distances are immense and often getting from place to place can take two or three internal flights. We would therefore recommend settling on a couple of main areas that you want to visit in the interior and combine that with a few days on the beach at the end. For more inspiration, have a read through our guides to each of the main areas and get in touch if you would like to talk to us about putting together your ideal itinerary..

Further reading...

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    Where to go in Brazil map
    Where to go in Brazil map

    At a glance…Brazil

  • Population: 201 million+
  • Location: Central South America
  • Recommended time to go: 3 to 14 nights
  • Time to visit: Year round
  • Go here for: Beaches, culture, activities
  • Top destinations in Brazil:

    Our top five hotel recommendations for Brazil:

    1. Anavilhanas Lodge - view from the air

      Anavilhanas Lodge

      One of the most luxurious and comfortable lodges in the Amazon, Anavilhanas sits at the edge of the largest inland archipelago in the world and the Anavilhanas National Park. Located at the banks of the River Negro the lodge provides a variety of excursions exploring the flora and fauna of the... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      4
    2. Barra Mansa - view from air

      Barra Mansa

      A family-run lodge in the heart of the southern Pantanal, Barra Mansa is one of the more difficult lodges to reach in the Pantanal but for that reason it is one of the most rewarding. Set on the banks of the Rio Negro, Barra Mansa’s remote waterside location makes it one of the best places for... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    3. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas - Falls view

      Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

      Owned and managed by the superb Belmond chain, Hotel das Cataratas is the only alternative to the Melia Hotel that has views to the falls themselves. Being on the Brazilian side means that, arguably, the views themselves are even better than from the Argentine side and so, it is logical, that the... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      5
    4. Caiman Ecological Refuge - Swimming Pool

      Caiman Ecological Refuge

      A model for ecotourism and conservation projects, and set within the boundaries of a 53 000-hectare ranch, the Caiman Ecological Refuge offers some of the best opportunities to view wildlife and, of course, the elusive Jaguar, in the Southern Pantanal. Comfortable accommodation, delicious home-... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      5
    5. Casa do Amarelindo - Bedroom

      Casa do Amarelindo

      The Casa do Amarelindo is a small luxury boutique hotel right in the heart of the Pelourinho district of Salvador, with views of the Baía de Todos os Santos. The owners put a great deal of care and attention into the running of this hotel and the experience they want their guests to have, which is... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4