Brazil Holiday Packages

Brazil is bold, colourful and full of life – where rainforest meets rhythm, and laid-back beach towns sit alongside mega cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It’s the only country where you can spot jaguars in the Pantanal, dance through the streets during Carnival, and enjoy a sizzling Brazilian barbecue all in one trip. Head to the tropical Amazon rainforest for an unmatched adventure holiday including cruising the Amazon, going fishing or on a nature hike. From its stunning landscapes to its rich mix of cultures, Brazil offers something for every kind of traveller.

Planning a trip to Brazil? Thompsons Holidays’ Brazil holiday packages are the best way to explore this unforgettable destination.

Why Book a Brazil Holiday Package?

When you book a Brazil holiday with Thompsons Holidays, you’re not just going on holiday – you’re signing up for an adventure packed with rich culture, iconic landmarks, and incredible food.

Brazilian Barbecue: Taste proper churrasco – succulent meats grilled over open flames and served rodizio-style. Come hungry.
Historic Cities: Walk the cobbled streets of Paraty, Salvador, and Ouro Preto and soak up centuries of Portuguese, African, and Indigenous influence.
Beach and Island Life: Think turquoise waters, white sands and no crowds. Ilha Grande, Boipeba, and Fernando de Noronha are island escapes worth bragging about.
Brazilian Chocolate & Coffee: Don’t leave without sampling locally produced chocolate and sipping strong, aromatic coffee. Brazil’s flavours are addictive.
Culture & Celebration: Whether it’s Carnival in Rio, the June festivals in the Northeast, or a football match at Maracanã, Brazil knows how to throw a party.

Whatever you’d like to do in Brazil, whether it’s to see remarkable wildlife in the Amazon, soak up the sun on beautiful beaches, enjoy unrivalled cuisine and spectacular sights, you can do it here with one of our incredible holiday packages.

Things to do in Brazil

It’s no wonder that Brazil is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. The country is beautiful, colourful, vibrant, fun and exciting, with a diverse range of activities to cater to all tastes and ages. Whether you’re keen on an adventure in the Amazon rainforest or would prefer to explore vibrant Rio and Brazil’s charming smaller towns, you’re in for a treat.

The beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro are legendary places to soak up the glorious Brazilian sun – but there are actually more than 1,500 beaches in the country promising an unforgettable beach holiday. And, with so many other exciting things to do and places to see, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The shopping is superb, the food is fabulous, the people are warm and friendly. What’s not to love?

Things to do in Brazil

Visit the magnificent Iguassu Falls.
See incredible wildlife in the Pantanal.
Enjoy a Churrasco, a traditional Brazilian barbecue.
Explore the Amazon on a cruise.
Take a step back in time in 17th Century Ouro Preto.
Head for charming Paraty for a beach break.
Learn to dance the Samba.
Try your hand at hang-gliding over the city of Rio.
Stroll through Salvador’s historic cobbled streets.
Go hiking, river rafting and cliff climbing in Chapada Diamantina National Park.
Sample the famous Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha.
Go diving from the island of Fernando de Noronha.
Savour the vibrant nightlife in São Paulo.
Watch a football match at the Maracanã.

Exotic, enticing, enthralling and vibrant, Brazil is the ideal destination for a holiday. Take your pick of what type of package you’re looking for and let Thompsons Holidays put together the quintessential Brazil travel package.

Know before you go...

When is the best time to visit?

September and October are the best months to visit.

Summer: January to March;
Autumn: April to June;
Winter: July to September;
Spring: October to December.

Getting there

Flight duration from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo direct: 10 hours, 30 minutes. Johannesburg to Rio de Janeiro: 13 hours, 20 minutes with one stopover.
There are reasonably regular flights from South Africa to Brazil.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Brazil.
Visa free entry into Brazil is for a maximum of 90 days.
Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from Brazil.

What time is it in Brazil?

Brazil is 5 hours behind South Africa.

Money matters

The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).
Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are prevalent.
Cash is king in Brazil, so use cash, especially in smaller towns.
Tipping is customary in Brazil. At hotels, tip porters, room service, maids and bellboys.

Languages & phrases

The official language is Portuguese.
English is not widely spoken. It’s a good idea to learn a few phrases in Portuguese so that you can communicate easier.

Brush up on basic Portuguese phrases for Brazil, like:

Olá! – Hello!
Por favor – Please
Obrigado/Obrigada – Thank you (male/female)
Quanto custa? – How much is it?

Culture & Religion

Catholicism is the main religion in Brazil.
When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).

Health information

It is generally safe to drink tap water in Brazil, but the taste isn’t great. Bottled or filtered water is readily available.
Many public restrooms charge a small fee for use, so keep change on hand for this.
Smoking is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, bars and indoor work places as well as on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.
Some areas may require Yellow Fever vaccinations. Mosquito repellent is a must in tropical regions.

FAQs

Is Brazil a good holiday destination?
Absolutely. It’s packed with culture, scenery, food, and fun.

What month is best to go to Brazil?
May to September is the best time to visit Brazil for fewer crowds and good weather.

Is Brazil safe for tourists right now?
Brazil is safe in many areas but, like any large country, it’s smart to stay informed and be cautious, especially in cities.

Do you need a visa to go to Brazil?
No, South African passport holders do not need a visa to visit Brazil.

How many days are enough for Brazil?
We recommend at least 10–14 days to see the highlights, or longer if you’re adding islands or the Amazon.

What do I need to know before I go to Brazil?
Brush up on some basic Portuguese phrases and plan for internal flights if covering a lot of ground.

Do's and Don’ts in Brazil?
Do try the food, be friendly, and respect local customs. Don’t assume everyone speaks English or wander alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

What do I need when travelling to Brazil?
A valid passport and comprehensive travel insurance.

How long is the flight to Brazil?
Roughly 11–14 hours, depending on your route.

Is food expensive in Brazil?
Not necessarily. Local eateries, comida a quilo (buffets by weight), and street food are very affordable – and delicious!

Is there a direct flight from South Africa to Brazil?
There are limited direct options, but flights with one stop (in Europe or the Middle East) are widely available.

With expert travel consultants, tailored Brazil holiday packages, and support every step of the way, we’ll help you uncover the best of Brazil – from tropical islands to colourful carnivals. Whether it’s the food, the music, or the natural beauty that draws you in, one thing’s certain: Brazil leaves a lasting impression. Build your trip with Thompsons Holidays today.

Travel tips

What must I pack?

Make the most of your Brazil holiday with these local tips:
Pack for all seasons. You’ll find tropical heat, coastal breezes and even chilly mountain towns.
Stay alert in big cities. Rio and São Paulo are exciting but busy – leave valuables in the hotel safe and stick to well-lit areas.
Try it all. Whether it’s street food, a samba class or a capoeira show, say yes to new experiences.
Use transport apps. Uber works well in most cities and is often safer than flagging taxis.
Learn a little Portuguese. Even just greetings and numbers will go a long way.

Getting around

Brazilian cities and towns have very good transport systems with buses the main form of transport, along with the subway. Taxis are relatively expensive.
Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport infrastructure – it depends where you are going.

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?

Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.
Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.

Safety tips

Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.

What do I do in an emergency?