r/VisitBrazil

Hey! I am currently traveling Central and South America and me and my friend are thinking of visiting Rio in February during carnival. As we‘re a bit on a budget we were thinking of coming from the 30th to 4th of February. Obviously we would miss the main events but it just is quite expensive to stay during those days. Do you think it‘s still worth visiting at this point or postponing it to a calmer time? Is there stuff happening the week before that is worth seeing?

Thanks a lot for any help!

Hi there! First time poster here. I would love some help figuring out our Brazil itinerary, particularly with helping us pick a 3rd location to visit. We are a couple in our late 20s/early30s travelling for a wedding in Sao Paolo but decided to turn it into a longer trip!We aren’t big partiers (although enjoy going to bars etc) so are hoping to see a mix of beaches, culture and nature. We know we will be in Brazil from Dec 27th to Jan 10th and will be in Sao Paolo 27th-1st. We want 5 ish days in Rio and to visit another place but not sure where!

As an example, last year we visited Mexico and did Mexico City, Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido and thought it was perfect.

We arrive in Sao Paolo December 27th and leave Jan 1st. The wedding is on the 30th so we will have a couple days before that to explore. I’m not that excited by Sao Paolo as a city so any recommendations are welcome! It’s probably a bit longer than we’d like here, but it’s because of the wedding. Should we take a day trip?

We would then like to spend about 5 days in Rio de Janeiro and do all the classic touristy things - Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, a couple beach days, maybe a hike. Should we stay near the beaches or go further out and travel to the beaches on those days? Accommodation looks pretty expensive and we are also not big party people so are happy to get an Uber to the beach on the days we are there.

Now, here’s the big question! Where else should we visit? We’d like to add another location, ideally not with a lot a travel time from Rio or Sao Paolo, that we could visit for around 3 days. I’ve heard Ilha Grande, Paraty, Bonita, Florianapolis are all good? We want a mix of it being a great place to visit while also being handy to get to from either SP or Rio. Maybe somewhere a bit quieter than the big cities with more of a beach or nature focus? But we are open.

Thanks so much in advance! I’m finding it a bit harder than usual to research this trip for some reason so all advice is welcome. :)

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Whenever I travel, I look for alternative, non-touristy things to do in the cities I visit. So I decided to share my own recommendations for Rio de Janeiro (I live here!).

Food & Drink Spots:

* Sushi Barcellos (Botafogo) – If you like Japanese food, it’s super fresh and very cheap (it started as a fish stall at the street market). It’s located in a square, has a great vibe, and is popular with locals.

* Delirium Café (Ipanema) – Highly recommended for post-beach drinks. Best craft beers in Rio de Janeiro, and every day from 5 PM to 8 PM, draft beer is only R$ 12 (Tripel, IPA, Session IPA, Witbier, among others).

* Baixela (Copacabana) – An alternative bar/restaurant serving cheap, delicious Brazilian food.

* Labuta Mar / Déjà Vu / Isca – Alternative/hipster bars in Glória (Rua do Russel). If you want to check out the Glória Sunday street market (arrive EARLY), you can grab a drink and some bite-sized snacks at these places afterward.

* Braseiro da Gávea (Gávea) – Recommended by Dua Lipa. Very traditional spot for grilled meat and broccoli rice. Not that cheap and VERY crowded on weekends. You can grab a draft beer at the bar across the street (Brewteco) while waiting.

* Adega Pérola (Copacabana) – A traditional bar famous for draft beer and a huge display case of savory tapas.

* Bar Urca – It’s a cliché, but for good reason. Loved by everyone, it’s amazing to grab a bottle of beer and a fried pastel while sitting on the sea wall (mureta).

Activities & Outings:

* Pedra Bonita Trail – A relatively easy hike with a breathtaking view. The trailhead is in São Conrado, where you can also hang out at the beach and watch people hang gliding. Pairs perfectly with the next recommendation:

* Joatinga Beach (Praia da Joatinga) – I think it's one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio. It's a tiny beach accessed through a gated community. You need to arrive early and at low tide, otherwise it gets super crowded and the tide washes away the sand.

* Jardim Oceânico & Ilha da Gigóia – So you can say you actually experienced Barra da Tijuca.

* On Saturdays – General Glicério Street Market (an outdoor market featuring a live chorinho band of older musicians) + Janela Livraria (bookstore) + Parque Guinle.

* On Saturdays – Feira da Lavradio (antique market) + explore local antique shops + Solar dos Abacaxis + Mercado Central for food and drinks (there’s also Labuta there, but it gets EXTREMELY crowded on Saturdays).

(Bio to be updated accordingly)

Hi All!

Hope all is well, just setting up this post for people who wants to join, looking for recommendations or would like to give suggestions to those who are traveling to Brazil in February 2027, for Carnaval and to travel around Brazil during this time,

Many thanks!

Hi everyone! 👋

My partner and I will be visiting Rio and we're looking for a day trip outside the city. We've been researching the islands and beaches around Rio, and Arraial do Cabo keeps coming up because of its beautiful water, beaches and boat tours.

However, I was told that Arraial can have a very party-oriented atmosphere, with lots of young partygoers and noisy/crowded tours. We're not really interested in partying or nightlife. We prefer beautiful scenery, nature, swimming/snorkelling, relaxing and enjoying the experience without feeling rushed or surrounded by huge crowds.

For those who have actually visited Arraial do Cabo:

• How crowded are the boat tours?
• Is it worth doing as a day trip from Rio, or would you recommend somewhere else?
• Would you recommend Arraial for a couple looking for a more relaxed experience?

We're considering Arraial because the scenery looks incredible, but we don't want to spend most of the day in a crowded party boat or bus.

Thanks in advance!

Hello! Staying at the Sheraton Rio until Tuesday and then Ipanema for a week. Any tips on fun things to do, where to eat, etc. Looking for a mix of touristy and non-touristy cool things to do while here.

Hello there, am moving with my wife and my kid to live in brazil and we still struggle to choose the best city to live in and at the affordable/cheapest Living Cost especially in term of long stays rental I ve seen many website offering places for rent but am not sure if that trustworthy or I will be scammed by someone therefore am hoping to find someone who did the same path as am doing right now and tell me where I can find some places to rent without that bunch of conditions and a safe and clean place to, for the information am working on a remote job and I wish I can have an extra money if there is a job also.

I have an international flight from GIG at 11pm. What time should I leave Ilha Grande the same day? Is 3pm plausible? This will be February 12 so right after Carnival.
Also would you rather spend 10 days in Rio or 6 days in Rio and 3 days in Ilha Grande?

I am selling a beach front house in Saquarema , surf capital of Brazil. 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, BBQ area and swimming pool. The property has been used as a hostel, Airbnb rental for tourists and vacationers. I am selling it way below market price for personal reasons

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Hello all,

Planning to visit Brazil for the first time from Canada to celebrate my 26th Birthday for the Carnival in February 2027. I'm having a hard time finding tickets to buy for the The Sambadrome Parades. Any pointers? Thanks!

Getting decent local bookings but international travelers barely convert. They view, sometimes ask a question then disappear. I have already tried improving photos, lowering prices at the start even adding extra info for first-time visitors… but it still feels like there is a trust gap. So how u make someone from us visiting Brazil for the first time!

Hi everyone! Just arrived in Salvador with family, here until Wednesday. After that I’m solo until my flight home Sunday night (22h).
Two options I’m torn between:
1. Stay in Salvador the whole time, explore solo (Pelourinho, Rio Vermelho, maybe a day trip to Praia do Forte or Morro de São Paulo for a beach fix).
2. Go to Itacaré: ferry + 6h bus each way, arrive Wed evening, 2 full days there (Thu/Fri), then either rush back Sunday (risky with a 22h flight) or come back Saturday (safer, but only ~1.5-2 days on the beach for 12h of travel).

Everyone says both places are amazing so I can’t decide. I love good beaches but I’m also a bit nervous about the safety reputation of Salvador solo (probably overblown?). Is Itacaré worth 12h of transit for such a short stay, or should I just find a closer beach and enjoy Salvador properly? Would love to hear from anyone who’s done either as a solo traveler

Hi! I’m travelling through Bahia in September and am trying to figure out the most efficient way to get from **Chapada Diamantina (likely Lençóis) to Itacaré**.
I’m a **solo traveller**, so a private transfer seems quite expensive. I’ve seen bus options involving multiple connections and a very long journey, but I’m wondering if there are better options such as **shared transfers, tourist transfers, or other travellers looking to split a car**.
I’m planning to travel around **26 September 2026**.
Any recommendations or recent experience with this route would be much appreciated!