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Brazil (Southeast)
This is where you find the country's most famous and busy cities. You can enjoy the views in Rio de Janeiro or relax on the famous Copacabana beach.
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Summary
Did you know?
Lightning Capital – São Paulo gets hit by lightning strikes so often during summer storms that the night sky flashes like a giant disco ball.
Overview
Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Party, Rainforest, Diving/Snorkeling, Surfing
Expenses
0-50€, <100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm, 100-150mm
Safety
Medium
Continent
South America
Currency
Real
Languages
Portuguese
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to travel to Southeast Brazil is from April to November. During these cooler and drier months, the weather is perfect for exploring cities and hiking in the mountains.
The summer months (December to March) are very hot and bring heavy, fast tropical rain, but this is also the most popular time for beachgoers and Carnival.
If you are heading to the historic towns of Minas Gerais, the dry winter (June to August) offers cool nights and clear days.
For the coastal areas around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) give you warm beach weather without the massive summer crowds.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: December to March
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 6 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: 12 to 18 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 3 hours.
Intensity: Heavy, sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
Duration: Quick downpours that flood streets fast but usually clear up for a warm evening.
Off-Peak Season: April to November
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: 4 to 8 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 hour.
Intensity: Light rain or drizzle.
Duration: Very short. Days are mostly clear, sunny, and much less humid.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: December-March
Budget Vacation ($50-80/day)
Accommodation: $15-25/night (hostels).
Food: $10-20/day (street food, daily specials).
Activities: $5-15/day (public beaches, city parks).
Transportation: $10-15/day (subways, local buses).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water).
Mid-Range Vacation ($120-200/day)
Accommodation: $60-100/night (standard hotels).
Food: $30-50/day (local restaurants, cafes).
Activities: $30-50/day (museums, guided walking tours).
Transportation: $15-25/day (ride-sharing apps).
Other Costs: $10/day (snacks, tips).
Luxury Vacation ($400-800+/day)
Accommodation: $250-500+/night (luxury beachfront hotels, boutique farm stays).
Food: $100-180/day (fine dining, premium steakhouses).
Activities: $100-200+/day (private boat charters, helicopter flights).
Transportation: $80-150/day (private drivers).
Other Costs: $30+/day (premium cocktails, souvenirs).
Off-Peak Season: April-November
Budget Vacation ($40-70/day)
Accommodation: $15-20/night (discounted hostels).
Food: $10-15/day (bakeries, cheap diners).
Activities: $5-10/day (free walking tours, hiking).
Transportation: $10-15/day (subways).
Other Costs: $5/day (coffee).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90-160/day)
Accommodation: $50-80/night (discounted hotels).
Food: $25-40/day (indoor dining).
Activities: $20-40/day (indoor cultural tours).
Transportation: $15-25/day (ride-sharing).
Other Costs: $10/day (light jackets).
Luxury Vacation ($300-600+/day)
Accommodation: $180-350+/night (high-end city hotels).
Food: $80-140/day (gourmet menus).
Activities: $80-150/day (private cultural guides).
Transportation: $60-120/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $20/day (spa treatments).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Rio de Janeiro
- The most famous city in Brazil. It is known for its dramatic mountains, iconic beaches like Copacabana, and a vibrant, energetic lifestyle.
2. São Paulo
- The massive financial and cultural heart of South America. It is famous for world-class food, endless nightlife, and incredible museums.
3. Ouro Preto
- A beautifully preserved colonial town in the mountains of Minas Gerais. It is built on steep hills and filled with baroque churches from the gold rush era.
4. Paraty
- A stunning historic coastal town south of Rio. It features white colonial buildings, cobblestone streets that flood during high tide, and a jungle backdrop.
Rio de Janeiro
Did you know?
Snake Island – Ilha da Queimada Grande is packed with thousands of venomous golden lancehead vipers, and humans are strictly banned from visiting.
Islands
1. Ilha Grande
- A large, tropical, car-free island near Rio de Janeiro. It is famous for jungle hiking trails and completely wild, pristine beaches.
2. Ilhabela
- An upscale island getaway near São Paulo. It is known for sailing, high-end beach clubs, and dozens of waterfalls hidden in the Atlantic rainforest.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Ilha Grande
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Tijuca National Park
- A massive tropical rainforest right in the middle of Rio de Janeiro. It is full of waterfalls, monkeys, and spectacular city viewpoints.
2. Serra dos Órgãos
- A dramatic mountain range near Rio with sharp, jagged stone peaks that look like organ pipes. It is a top destination for serious trekking.
3. Capitólio
- A region in Minas Gerais famous for its huge green water lake surrounded by towering rock canyons and waterfalls.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Christ the Redeemer
- The massive Art Deco statue standing at the top of Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, offering incredible views over the city.
2. Inhotim
- The largest open-air contemporary art museum in the world, located in Minas Gerais. Huge art installations are hidden inside a massive botanical garden.
3. Paulista Avenue
- The bustling main street of São Paulo. It is closed to cars on Sundays, turning into a massive pedestrian space full of musicians, artists, and markets.
Unique Experiences
1. Experiencing Carnival
- Watching or joining the massive Samba parades in Rio de Janeiro, or following the giant street block parties (blocos) in São Paulo.
2. Visiting a Coffee Farm
- Staying at a historic coffee plantation in rural Minas Gerais or São Paulo to see how premium Brazilian coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.
3. Hang Gliding
- Jumping off the Pedra Bonita mountain in Rio de Janeiro and flying silently over the jungle and city before landing on the beach.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Serra dos Órgãos
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Copacabana Palace
Location: Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
An iconic, legendary Art Deco luxury landmark that has defined elite beachfront hospitality in South America since 1923, offering timeless glamour, a legendary pool, and Michelin-starred dining.
Restaurants / Bars
D.O.M.
Location: Jardins, São Paulo, Brazil
A globally acclaimed culinary pioneer helmed by Chef Alex Atala, renowned for transforming wild Brazilian ingredients from the Amazon and beyond into avant-garde masterpieces of modern gastronomy.
Tours to do
1. The Green Coast (Costa Verde)
- A beautiful coastal drive between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, passing by jungle-covered mountains, hidden beaches, and the historic town of Paraty.
Best Time: April to November.
Average Cost: $700 – $1,200 per person
2. The Royal Road (Estrada Real)
- Following the historic colonial routes in Minas Gerais used to transport gold and diamonds in the 1700s. It connects small, beautiful mountain towns.
Best Time: May to September.
Average Cost: $600 – $1,000 per person
Paraty
How to get around
1. Domestic Aviation
- Extremely easy and well-connected. The "Ponte Aérea" (air bridge) between Rio and São Paulo has flights every few minutes.
2. Intercity Buses
- The most common way to travel between cities. You can easily book very comfortable sleeper buses for trips like Rio to São Paulo or Belo Horizonte.
3. Subways and Ride-Sharing
- São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have good subway systems. Uber and local apps like 99 are very cheap and widely used for getting around safely.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Underground Salt Dome – Deep beneath the coastal waters, massive layers of ancient salt trap huge pools of oil hidden beneath the ocean floor.
What to eat
1. Pão de Queijo
- A famous snack from Minas Gerais. It is a small, warm, and chewy bread roll made from cassava flour and local cheese. It is naturally gluten-free and eaten for breakfast.
2. Feijoada
- Considered the national dish of Brazil. It is a heavy, rich stew of black beans and various cuts of pork, usually served on Saturdays with rice, orange slices, and farofa.
3. Coxinha
- The most popular street food snack. It is a teardrop-shaped dough filled with shredded, seasoned chicken, which is then breaded and deep-fried until crunchy.
4. Caipirinha
- Brazil's national cocktail. It is made by muddling fresh limes with sugar, then filling the glass with ice and Cachaça, a strong sugarcane liquor.
Pão de Queijo
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airports: São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG), Brasília International Airport (BSB)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €500 to €900.
- Cheapest Months: March, May, and October.
- Peak Prices: December to March (summer and carnival season).
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and Carnival (February or March).
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer (June to August).
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,000 to $1,800.
- Cheapest Months: February and October.
- Peak Prices: Summer and Christmas holidays.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: February and October.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Most travelers need a visa to enter Brazil, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while citizens of some EU countries can enter visa-free.
2. Visa-Free Countries
- Citizens of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and several other South American countries can enter Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply at a Brazilian embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Commonly issued as tourist visas (valid for up to 90 days) or business visas.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from a few days to a few weeks, so it's advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Tourist visas usually allow stays of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extensions.
7. Health Requirements
- Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended if traveling to certain regions. Travel insurance is also advisable.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink in many areas. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 127V or 220V, depending on the region. Plug types C and N (two round pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, with 10-15% being standard for good service in restaurants.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Vivo, TIM, and Claro. They can be purchased at stores, offering various prepaid data plans.
6. Driving Side
- In Brazil, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Soapstone Carvings
- In the historic towns of Minas Gerais, local artisans carve detailed pots, boxes, and sculptures out of soft, smooth soapstone.
2. Cachaça
- The Southeast is the best place to buy premium, aged Cachaça. It is sold in beautiful glass bottles directly from small historic farms in Minas Gerais and Rio.
3. Havaianas
- While sold globally, you can buy exclusive patterns and custom-made pairs in the massive flagship stores located in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Cachaça
Location
Reviews
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