Brazil 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Rio de Janeiro

Morning:

  • Arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (Galeão)
  • Check-in at a hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema (recommended areas for tourists)
  • Breakfast at the hotel or local café

Activities:

  1. Visit Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue: Take a train from Cosme Velho station or book a helicopter tour. (Remember, it’s best to go in the morning to avoid crowds.)
  2. Relax at Copacabana Beach or Ipanema Beach
  3. Lunch at a beachfront restaurant (try local dishes like feijoada and moqueca)

Afternoon:

  1. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain: Take a cable car from Praia Vermelha to the top. Enjoy the panoramic view of Rio.
  2. Explore Lapa Neighborhood: Visit the Selaron Steps and enjoy live music at one of the samba bars in Lapa.
  3. Dinner at a local churrascaria (Brazilian barbecue restaurant)

Things to Know:

  • Brazil uses real as its currency.
  • Portuguese is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
  • Rio de Janeiro is safe if you exercise caution and avoid deserted areas at night.

Day 2: Discovering São Paulo

Morning:

  • Depart from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo by plane (direct flights are available)
  • Check-in at a hotel in Paulista Avenue or Jardim Paulista (central areas for tourists)
  • Breakfast at the hotel or local café

Activities:

  1. Visit the Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP): One of Brazil’s most important art museums.
  2. Explore Ibirapuera Park: A large urban park with several cultural institutions, lakes, and walking paths.
  3. Lunch at a local restaurant in Jardim Paulista or Pinheiros districts

Afternoon:

  1. Visit the São Paulo Cathedral and walk around the historic center of São Paulo
  2. Shopping at Mercado Municipal or shop for designer goods in the Oscar Freire Street
  3. Dinner at a traditional Brazilian restaurant (try dishes like pão de queijo and moqueca)

Things to Know:

  • São Paulo is known for its excellent dining options, both high-end and budget-friendly.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially during the festivals like Carnival and New Year’s Eve.
  • English is less commonly spoken in São Paulo compared to Rio de Janeiro.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of many countries need a visa to enter Brazil. Check the Brazilian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date information.

Transportation:

  • In both cities, taxis and Uber are widely available. Buses are also an affordable option in São Paulo. Consider getting a local SIM card with data for navigation purposes.