Frequently Asked Qustions
How long will it take to get to Brazil?
To Rio or Sao Paulo on a non-stop flight:
- From Miami : 8 hours
- From New York : 9 hours
- From Los Angeles : 12 hours
What is the best way to travel within Brazil?
Brazil is as large as the continental USA and is the largest country in South America, so getting around is primarily by air.
There is a Visit Brazil Airpass available – it requires staying on the same carrier for all flights, does not allow back-tracking, has a maximum length of 30 days and must be purchased outside of Brazil. Rates vary depending on the version: all of Brazil, just the south or just the northeastern coast, in addition to being dependent upon the number of flight coupons (one per segment) and the time of the year. All flights must be confirmed – no open dates or flights allowed. Once the Air Pass is issued, there are penalties for changes and-or cancellations.
What are the most popular places to visit?
Rio has long been the main destination – famous for its beaches, its nightlife and renowned Carnival. You’ll visit Rio if you’re doing Brazil only or if you are combining Brazil with other countries. Allow 3 to 5 days in Rio to sightsee, enjoy the nightlife, shop for precious gemstones or simply laze on the beach with the “Cariocas”, as the people of Rio are called.
After Rio, the most important places to visit are:
- Iguassu Falls
- The Amazon (Manaus is the gateway)
- Salvador, Bahia
- Belo Horizonte and Ouro Preto
- Pantanal
When is the best Time to travel in Brazil?
The seasons are reversed from the United States, so when you are freezing up here during our winter, it is their summer. In general Brazil is tropical but within that framework the weather changes from north to south and from coast to interior. Only the southern states experience any major seasonal changes and can experience cool weather.
Rio’s summer season (December-March) is extremely humid and can have daily downpours which are welcomed as they cool things down, but the sun is never far away. Temperatures average in the 80′s but the 90′s are not unusual. In Rio’s winter (June-August) temperatures are generally in the 70′s and rain can be persistent.
The Amazon is hot and humid all year long so it boils down to “the rainiest months”. The heaviest rains are December through March, causing the river to rise, the creeks and lakes to flood and the animals to seek dry land. In their “dry season” (June through August) it still rains but not as much or as heavy and the heat is less oppressive.
The Pantanal is best visited May through September because it is the dry season as well as a major nesting and migratory season – the wildlife is more likely to be clustered together around water or nesting areas, and thus easier to see.
For more specific weather information on selected cities, click here.
Is Brazil Safe?
Rio has gotten a lot of press coverage on crime, and often a bad rap. However the last few years have seen great efforts by Rio to alleviate the problem, and there is a special multi-lingual, easily visible police “tourist force” in tourist areas such as the major beaches. As in any big city anywhere, you should use normal precautions – don’t go out alone at night, don’t venture into less desirable neighborhoods, don’t flash money, jewelry or camera equipment. Big cities pose more potential for thieves than smaller cities and countryside towns. The Brazilians created the “around the waist bag”, often called the “fanny pack” but definitely not worn in the back. This keeps your valuables in a compact place, in front of you and snug to your body, all of which make it less desirable and more difficult for would-be thieves. Best solution: leave your valuables at home or in your in-room safe at your hotel or use one of the convenient leg pouches, belts or over the shoulder pouches worn inside your clothing.
Do I need a Visa?
U.S. citizens need a U.S. passport in addition to a visa. While you can obtain it from the Consulate if you have one nearby, it is easier to use a visa service. You will need not only your passport and a completed visa application but also proof of a roundtrip air ticket (such as a letter from your Travel Agent or a photocopy of the air ticket) and one photo. In addition, your passport must be valid for 6 months after your departure from Brazil – if it is not you must first obtain a new visa. Allow a minimum of 3 weeks to obtain the visa, which are now valid for multiple entries during four years from date of issue.