With its beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, vibrant cities and wealth of historical and cultural treasures Brazil holiday packages are some of the most popular in the world. There are so many exciting things to discover in Brazil, from ancient colonial towns to surreal landscapes. Discover stunning waterfalls, paradise islands and the incomparable Amazon basin. Then there are Pantanal’s incredible wetlands and the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls that shares its border with Argentina.
The capital, Rio de Janeiro, literally welcomes visitors with open arms – the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands open-armed on Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city that stretches along the shores of famous Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. Less than two hours’ drive away is beautiful Buzios, an iconic destination with more than 20 beaches. In complete contrast is Salvador, Brazil’s oldest city… and that’s before we head to the tropical Amazon rainforest for an unmatched adventure holiday including cruising the Amazon, going fishing or on a nature hike.
Why travel to Brazil
- It boasts 1,500 magnificent beaches.
- No other festival is as exciting as the Rio Carnival.
- It’s home to the Amazon Rainforest and Iguassu Falls.
- The coffee is extraordinarily good.
- The weather is glorious and sunny year-round.
- The nightlife is vibrant.
- The locals are warm and friendly.
Ever since the country hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2014, Brazil and its incredible attractions have been on our radar as one of the most exciting and beautiful places for a holiday. 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.
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.
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?
- 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?
- 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.
- Restaurants: 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Bars: In nightclubs, one is given a paper ticket that tracks one’s drinks and one pays at the end of the night.
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.
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.
- Vaccinations are not currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
What must I pack?
- Lightweight clothing in summer, warm layerable clothing for winter, beach wear depending on where you are going.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
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?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
