Flights and Travel Guide to Brazil

Soccer, Carnival and Samba…you got it right ! Brazil is all about living your life to the full. It is the warmth, passion and the welcoming atmosphere that makes Brazil top South African attractions. If you on a budget travel or luxury outing, the Brazilian paradise has it all that can make your holiday a dream come true.

Geography - Where am I?

Brazil is the Economic giant of South America. It is intersected by Amazon river, from one end to the other. It is the good neighbor or nearly 90% of the South American nations. Towards its north is Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French Guiana. Colombia is towards the Northwest, Bolivia and Peru are in the West and Argentina and Paraguay are in the Southwest. In the South, is Uruguay. This speaks for Brazil to be world’s fifth largest country. The only countries not in direct borders with brazil are Chile and Ecuador in South American Continent. Brazil is the biggest country of the continent and has a massive 7491 kilometers of coastline bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Hence, sun and surf is not a problem.

Climate in Brazil

Due to its massive size, Brazilian climate can not be defined in one sentence. The regions close to the sea have a mid and tropic climate with a lot of sun shine. The hilly areas are relatively colder and temperature varies dramatically from one part of the country to the other. Near the equator there is wet and dry season while down the south all four seasons can be enjoyed.

Big Cities In Brazil

The Brazilian capital is a modern cosmopolitan and planned city built in the 1950s. The capital called Brasilia is an exemplary city with modern design and wonderful architecture. it is here that the seat of Government is situated however, the tourists flock to the other two much older and bigger cities in Brazil, Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro. these two are actually listed among the world’s largest cities and Rio de Janeiro is the Cultural Capital of Brazil.  

Getting In Brazil

For a Westerner traveler, the best option is to take a direct flight to Brazil. Flights to Brazil fly from London Heathrow airport with the country’s own national carrier, TAM airlines. However, other airlines also offer indirect or scheduled flights to Brazil. If you flying from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburg, Luton, Bradford, Gatwick, Dublin or any where else, most probably you ll have a touch down in Heathrow before boarding your International Flights to Brazil. 

Flights and Airlines to Brazil

Direct flights are available to both Rio de Janeiro as well as Sao Paulo and from any of these cities you can catch onward, domestic flights to the political capital Brasilia, Salvador  or other cities. As stated earlier, among the popular airlines to Brazil, the country’s national carrier Air Tam comes first. Among other top international airlines and low cost airlines are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, TAM Linhas Aeras, GOL Flights, Azul Airline, Avianca Brazil flights, US Airwys, British Airways, Copa flights, KLM Flights, Aerolineas Argentinas flights, TACA flights, Air Europa flights, TAM Mercosure flights, PLUNA flights TAAG Angolo Airlines, EL AL Israel Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Air France, TRIP flights, Alitalia flights, Air Canada, Avianca flights, Condor flights, South African Airways, AeroSur flights, All Nippon Airways, Air Italy, Transaero Airlines and many other regional and domestic carriers as well. 

Accommodation in Brazil

Brazil is a backpacker’s heaven. For a budget travelers there are accommodations ranging from 3 to 0 stars while for luxury lovers there are International chains in all big cities. Also hotels and camping are among the options. Plus, in some small towns, you can be welcomed as a paying guest. 

Getting Around Brazil

You can hire a cab or get a bus ride. Alternatively you can catch a subway. Also cruising and boat ride are in the options thanks to Amazon river that stretches from one corner of the country to the other. The most suitable thing to do is to make arrangements like tourist bus or avail your hotel shuttles to stay safe. Cycling and biking are popular in larger cities and country side. The country, due to its massive size, has a mixed sort of infrastructure as some of the areas are more developed than others and enjoy a better infrastructure. 

Top Places To See In Brazil

In Brazil, scenic views, lush rain forest, waterfalls, musical springs, tall mountains, inspiring churches and some recent architectural wonders are worth visiting. The top tens we recommend are:

• Take a peek in the history by visiting colonial architecture at Paraty close to both Sao Paulo and Rio.
• For beach lazing or just to get amused by the scenic views and take a swim in the clear waters go to Fernando de Noronha at Pernambuco. 
• In Rio de Janeiro, take a trip to Paraty and enjoy the blessings of Atlantic rain forests. 
• For an experience of desert beaches Paraty new Rio is worth visiting.
• Take in some fresh air at the lagoons at Lencois Maranhenses near Maranhao.
• Not to forget the Iguazu Falls, a big reason why many visit Brazil.
• Go to the sand dunes at Jericoacoara Ceara.
• For a fine day, take a swim at Rio de Janeiro beach.OR for some less commercial beach visit Trancoso at Bahia.
• For ecotourism lovers, Bonito at Mato Grosso do Sul is a heaven to start with. 
• The best preserved colonial architecture is mesmerizing at Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. 

Things to Do in Brazil

Where there are so many beaches, water falls, mountains, forests and rivers …. water sports top ever thing. Hence, activities you can indulge in  can be:

• Swimming at Rio
• Snokerling or diving to see the ocean life
• River rafting at Amazon
• Kayaking
• Paratroping
• Paragliding
• Trekking in the Amazon forest
• Rock climbing
• Forest camping
• Bird watching
• Fishing

and many more….

Festivals & Events in Brazil

As Catholic Christians are a large majority, the country celebrates nearly all events and festivals of the Christian calendar. However, over time Brazil has given birth to some of its flavorsome festivals that have become its identity.

• The first and far most is Brazil Carnival celebrated in February and March. It is the biggest International event of the country and moveable to seven weeks before Easter usually. Samba dancing, music, performances and hi fashion costumes are the epic of the Brazilian Carnival that takes on streets all around the country specially Rio Carnival and Sao Paulo.
• Brazilians celebrate New Year with an array of festivals and music evenings on January 1st.
• Festa de Iemanja celebrated in Rio Jan 1 yearly
• Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios in Paraty October 1st
• NS do Rosario in Cachoeira Bahia, October
• Festa do Padre Cicero in Juazeiro do Norte Ceara November 1st and 2nd
• Christmas Day Navidad, National on December 25th 

and many more exciting events throughout the year. 

Food & Shopping in Brazil

Sea Food in Brazil is the best. However, the richness of flavor and spice varies from region to region greatly. The country’s cuisine has also absorbed an influence of its immigrant population. Brazil’s national dish is Feijoada and regional foods include Vatapa, Acaraje, Polenta and Moqueca. Brazil’s best is its coffee. 

Some of the prominent shopping arenas include:

• Barra Gurden, Rio de Janeiro
• Caricoa Shopping, Rio
• Shopping Via Sul, Ceara
• Penha Shopping, Rio
• Brasilia Shopping, Distrito Federal
• Shopping Grande Rio
• Rio Off Price
• Shopping Parque Dom Pedro, Sao Paulo
• Sopping Vitoria Espirito Santo
• Shopping D&D Sao Paulo

and many more…

Night life in Brazil

Night life in Brazil is rocking. There are endless activities, pop, rock, jazz performances and not just that but discos after disco. clubs, bars and Casinos are full on and happing in Brazil. Actually, its the thriving night scene that many youngsters prefer Brazil as a bachelor destination.

Visa / Passport Information

In short, Brazil has a reciprocal visa policy with all countries which means what ever restrictions are applicable on a Brazilian to enter your country of departure, the same apply on you to enter Brazil. Hence, the best thing to do is to contact your nearest embassy of consulate prior to travel.

Travel Safety Warnings for Brazil

A whole guide can be written on safety instructions for Brazil due to the country’s size. In a nut shell:

• Take warnings seriously and do not enter no go areas such as specified slums.
• Strictly observe the country’s age of consensual sex and alcohol
• Do not involve in drugs or criminal activities or accept to take packages
• Be aware of the Amazon flood warnings as water level can change dramatically in matter of minutes
• Keep maps at all times
• Make travel arrangements in advance
• Do not throw a burning match or cigarette butt in wildlife areas.
• Be a responsible tourist
• Respecting elders is a must part of Brazilian culture

Have a Happy Travel !!!