Brazil Travel Guide
Season • Note
Are November and December good months to visit Brazil?
November
Semi-high
season
December
High
season
Did you know?
The world’s largest inland island is the Brazilian Bananal Island (Ilha do Bananal), located between the arms of the Araguaia River in the Brazilian state of Tocantins, which covers 7 722 mi².
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Brasilia (BR) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4222 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Brasilia click here
Country Comparison
Compare Brazil to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Brazil
| Miles | Rio de Janeiro | São Paulo | Salvador | Porto Alegre | Curitiba | Belo Horizonte | Recife | Brasilia |
| Rio de Janeiro | - | 223 | 753 | 698 | 421 | 213 | 1165 | 580 |
| São Paulo | 223 | - | 904 | 529 | 210 | 304 | 1323 | 542 |
| Salvador | 753 | 904 | - | 1431 | 1109 | 600 | 419 | 657 |
| Porto Alegre | 698 | 529 | 1431 | - | 339 | 833 | 1850 | 1006 |
| Curitiba | 421 | 210 | 1109 | 339 | - | 510 | 1529 | 672 |
| Belo Horizonte | 213 | 304 | 600 | 833 | 510 | - | 1019 | 386 |
| Recife | 1165 | 1323 | 419 | 1850 | 1529 | 1019 | - | 1028 |
| Brasilia | 580 | 542 | 657 | 1006 | 672 | 386 | 1028 | - |
A Brief History of Brazil
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
9000 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementCommunities develop in the Amazon region.
1500 A.D
Landing of Pedro Á. CabralPortuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral lands in Brazil. He claims it for Portugal.
1555
France vs PortugalFrench forces occupy Rio de Janeiro harbor. Two years later, Portugal regains control and establishes the city of Rio de Janeiro.
1695
Gold minesGold is discovered in Brazil's interior.
1822
Independence from PortugalBrazil gains independence from Portugal. Pedro I, the son of Portugal's king, establishes the Brazilian empire.
1888
End of slaverySlavery is abolished in Brazil.
1889
Brazil becomes a republicThe military forces Emperor Pedro II to give up his throne. Brazil becomes a republic with a president.
1890s
Coffee growing centerSoutheastern Brazil becomes a coffee growing center. Coffee becomes the country's most important crop.
1960
New capitalBrasília is chosen to replace Rio de Janeiro as Brazil's capital.
1970s
Trans-Amazonian HighwayThe Trans-Amazonian Highway project encourages settlement in the Amazon. Native species are put in danger.
1992
Earth SummitMore than 100 world leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro for the first international Earth Summit. They discuss ways to protect the environment.
2006
President L. da SilvaPresident Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reelected.
2010
Woman president D. RousseffDilma Rousseff is elected Brazil's first woman President.
Best Ways to Experience Brazil
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreBrazilian Real (BRL)
- BRL
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- BRL
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Brazil.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Brazil
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Brazil for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- Up to 90 days per visit, but no more than 180 days per year.
Electricity
127V / 220V (60 Hz)
In Brazil the standard voltage is 127V / 220V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type C, N sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type NFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 6 / 231 Ranking | 212 559 417 white 47.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 43.1%, black 7.6%, Asian 1.1% |
Area | 6 / 230 Ranking | 3.29 mil. mi² It is approximately 89% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 109 / 196 Ranking | 75 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 71.5women 78.7 |
Median age | 89 / 157 Ranking | 33.2 Average age of population expressed in years.men 32.3women 34.1 |
Population growth | 110 / 172 Ranking | 0.65% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 52 / 131 Ranking | 93.2% Ability to read, write and count.men 93%women 93.4% |
GDP | 88 / 194 Ranking | 14 830 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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