Brazil is such vast country that you may easily get overwhelmed by the numerous attractions it offers. Where to go? What to do? What to see? This section of the Brazil Travel Information website provides an outline for some popular vacation choices and helpful planning information to get you started in putting together your trip.
When to Travel
High season is one week before Christmas until Carnaval (February or early March.) This is the most popular time to travel. The festivals during parts of this time period are unforgettable while all the towns and resorts are bursting with vacation travelers. The downside is that hotels are more expensive and availability is quite limitted. Visiting Brazil in September through November promises summer weather and a savings on high-season rates. All the other months are usually pleasant but carry a somewhat greater possibility of rain.
Armenian citizens require a visa to enter Brazil.
Seasons:
Summer is December through March
Winter is June through September
Climate
Since Brazil is such a vast country, temperatures vary significantly from region to region. The Amazon is hot and humid year round; while in the Pantanal, most of the rain falls December through March. Rio de Janeiro has hot and humid summers (perfect for getaways to near-by resorts) and winters are mild.
Brazil has a big variety of cultural sites, architectural wonders and natural highlights. Rio de Janeiro boasts some of the countries finest museums, and the different areas within the city add to a packed and fulfilling vacation. At the same time, Brazil maintains within its borders three major natural highlights: The Amazon, The Pantanal, and Iguazu Falls. Such varied and unique attractions bring tourists from all over the world to Brazil.
Carnival in Brasil
When arriving at Carnaval, you are greeted with delight, dazzle, and decadence. People from all around the world flock to the streets of Rio de Janiero to share in the celebration with locals known as Cariocas. Starting the Friday before Ash Wednesday, seven weeks before Easter Sunday, Rio de Janerio hosts many festivities that occur throughout the city complete with music, parades, dancing, and renowned Carnival balls.
Note: Brazilians, spell the festivity a bit differently than we do, it is spelled "carnAval" in Portugese. There are many activities that take place during Carnival. There are events that take place before the actual 4-day festival including parades and rehearsals. The various gatherings combine to create days of enchantment, energy, and enjoyment, capturing the true sense of Rio's Carnival.
The Carnival is celebrated every year on a different weekend. The official date is always 40 days before the Catholic holiday.
Another major celebration is during New Years in Rio, in which millions pack the beaches for an all night festival that is treasured for its beautiful display of fireworks that light up the Copacabana beach.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro: where sparkling waters, beautiful people, and historic neighborhoods and museums combine with the rich sounds of Samba and a thriving nightlife to give this Brazilian city its reputation as one of the most striking in the world. The Cidade Maravihosa (Marvelous City), as Brazilians call it, displays a unique blend of contrasts: a bustling metropolis amidst beautiful mountain ranges, rain forests and wetlands, tremendous wealth amidst crushing poverty, old traditions juxtaposed with desires for modernity. All of the thriving life and diversity of Rio de Janeiro is showcased between the outstretched arms of Cristo Redentor, the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city. The famous Sugarloaf Mountain also provides some of Rio's greatest views.
The beaches in Rio face the Atlantic Ocean, thus providing bigger waves and cleaner waters. Surfers and boogie boarders are welcome at one of the many beaches, and sailing is highly recommended. The Copacabana beach area, which also boasts some of the best hotels, has easy access via the Metro to the city center. Ipanema (and all the lovely girls and boys who are from it) is an urbanized beach where the bikinis are teeny-weenie and street vendors line the streets selling all kinds of local artistry and crafts. Come explore the weekly Hippy Fair (Babilonia Feira Hype), where you can hear live music and get a massage, a henna tattoo, and much more.
A great fair in Rio de Janeiro is called Fairarte, located on Rio's most historic square Praca XV, is a craft market and boasts artists showing off their work: ceramics, glass, leather works and silver; along with colorful food and drinks.
And don't forget to visit Rio's nearby attractions, such as Buziosor The Petropolis.
Cuisine
Restaurant and dining choices are endless, for the Cariocas love to eat out, savoring the taste and the ambience of every meal with no rushing or worrying. The generic food choices consist of pasta, seafood, beef and chicken, yet they are zested with local tastes and flavors. Street vending is also usually safe, not to mention a delicious and inexpensive source to many food choices.
