Brazil 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Brazil

Day 1: Exploring Rio de Janeiro

Places to Go:

  1. Copacabana Beach: Known for its sandy beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks.
  2. Christ the Redeemer Statue (Corcovado): An iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  3. Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar): Offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
  4. Ipanema Beach: Famous for its beautiful people, vibrant nightlife, and surfing opportunities.

Activities:

  1. Take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
  2. Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue at sunset.
  3. Enjoy a Capoeira show in Lapa or Santa Teresa.
  4. Savor traditional Brazilian cuisine, such as Feijoada and Moqueca, in a local restaurant.

Things to Know:

  1. Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.
  2. Learn basic Portuguese phrases to interact with locals.
  3. The official currency is the Real (R$).
  4. Brazil operates on Brasília Time (BRT) which is UTC-3 during standard time and UTC-2 during daylight saving time.
  5. The voltage in Brazil is 110-127 V, 60 Hz. If you’re from a country with different electrical standards, don’t forget your adapter!

Visa Requirements:

For most countries, including the US, Canada, and EU member states, a tourist visa is required for stays over 90 days. Check your country’s specific requirements before planning your trip.

Transportation:

  1. Taxi: Easy to find, but can be expensive. Use established companies like TaxiTOP or Yellow Cab.
  2. Metro: A cheap and efficient way to get around Rio de Janeiro.
  3. Bus: Ideal for longer routes within the city.

Day 2: Historical Sites in Salvador

Places to Go:

  1. Pelourinho: The historical center of Salvador, filled with colorful colonial buildings and rich history.
  2. Museum of Afro-Bahia: Learn about the African influence on Brazilian culture.
  3. Igreja de São Francisco: A beautiful baroque church known for its intricate golden carvings.
  4. Bonfim Church: Visit this historic church and tie a ribbon to make a wish.

Activities:

  1. Take a walking tour of Pelourinho.
  2. Enjoy traditional Bahian cuisine, such as Acarajé and Moqueca de Peixe, in a local restaurant.
  3. Attend a Capoeira show or class.
  4. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Pelourinho.

Things to Know:

  1. Salvador is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight clothing.
  2. The official language is Portuguese, but you may hear some locals speaking African languages.
  3. Brazil operates on Brasília Time (BRT), which is UTC-3 during standard time and UTC-2 during daylight saving time.
  4. Salvador is known for its lively street parties called “blocos.” Check the schedule to participate in one!

Transportation:

  1. Taxi: Easy to find, but can be expensive. Use established companies like Taxi Açúcar or Yellow Cab.
  2. Bus: Ideal for longer routes within the city.
  3. Tricycle Taxis (Tuc-tucs): A fun and cheap way to get around Salvador.

Day 3: Nature in Chapada Diamantina

Places to Go:

  1. Morro do Pai Inácio: Offers stunning views of the park and a variety of hiking trails.
  2. Cachoeira da Fumaça: One of the highest waterfalls in Brazil, accessible by a challenging hike or a 4x4 jeep ride.
  3. Vale do Capão: A picturesque valley with several small towns offering accommodations and local cuisine.
  4. Polleiras Waterfall (Cachoeira Polleiras): A beautiful waterfall accessible by a short hike from the town of Lajedo Novo.

Activities:

  1. Hiking in Chapada Diamantina National Park.
  2. Exploring the numerous caves and natural pools in the area.
  3. Visiting local artisans and learning about their crafts.
  4. Enjoying traditional Brazilian music and dance in a local bar or restaurant.

Things to Know:

  1. Chapada Diamantina is remote, so plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  2. Some trails require a guide; check with local tour agencies for information.
  3. Accommodations can be basic, so pack a sleeping bag if you plan to camp.
  4. The weather is typically warm and humid, but temperatures drop significantly at night.

Transportation:

  1. Car Rental: The best way to explore Chapada Diamantina independently. Be aware that roads can be rough.
  2. Tour Agencies: Offer guided tours, transportation, and accommodations. Recommended for those less comfortable driving on rough roads.
  3. Shared Taxis (Coletivos): Cheap and efficient way to travel short distances between towns.

Day 4: Amazon Rainforest in Manaus

Places to Go:

  1. Amazon Theater (Theatro Amazonas): A beautiful opera house built during the rubber boom era.
  2. Meeting of the Waters: Where the dark waters of the Negro River meet the lighter waters of the Solimões River, creating a stunning natural phenomenon.
  3. Jungle Excursions: Explore the Amazon Rainforest with local guides and visit indigenous communities.
  4. Anavilhanas Archipelago: A vast network of islands in the heart of the Amazon River.

Activities:

  1. Take a boat tour through the Amazon Rainforest.
  2. Visit an indigenous community and learn about their culture and way of life.
  3. Go piranha fishing or birdwatching.
  4. Attend a traditional Brazilian Jungle Show in the evening.

Things to Know:

  1. Manaus is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight clothing.
  2. Mosquito repellent is essential as malaria is present in parts of the Amazon Rainforest.
  3. The official language is Portuguese, but some locals may speak indigenous languages.
  4. The city operates on Brasília Time (BRT), which is UTC-3 during standard time and UTC-2 during daylight saving time.

Transportation:

  1. Taxi: Easy to find, but can be expensive. Use established companies like Taxi Manaus or Yellow Cab.
  2. Bus: Ideal for longer routes within the city.
  3. Boat Tours: Essential for exploring the Amazon Rainforest and its tributaries.

Day 5: Relaxing in Florianópolis

Places to Go:

  1. Joaquina Beach: Known for its strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfing.
  2. Praia Mole: A more tranquil beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
  3. Lagoa da Conceição: A beautiful lagoon perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the scenery.
  4. Morro Santa Catarina: A hill offering panoramic views of Florianópolis and its beaches.

Activities:

  1. Surfing or stand-up paddleboarding at Joaquina Beach.
  2. Kayaking or paddleboarding in Lagoa da Conceição.
  3. Visit the Morro Santa Catarina lighthouse.
  4. Enjoy a seafood feast in a local restaurant.

Things to Know:

  1. Florianópolis is cooler and drier than other parts of Brazil, so pack clothing suitable for cooler temperatures.
  2. The official language is Portuguese, but you may hear some locals speaking German or Italian due to the large immigrant population.
  3. Florianópolis operates on Brasília Time (BRT), which is UTC-3 during standard time and UTC-2 during daylight saving time.
  4. The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs located in the Centro Histórico district.

Transportation:

  1. Taxi: Easy to find, but can be expensive for long distances.
  2. Bus: Ideal for traveling within the city and between its many beaches.
  3. Car Rental: A good option for those who want to explore independently. Be aware that roads can be narrow in some areas.