Brazil

Travel Guide Brazil

Brazil is renowned for its extraordinary landscapes, from endless beaches to dense rainforests and fascinating mountain regions. The variety of outdoor activities and natural spectacles in this South American country is almost endless, offering adventurers and explorers countless opportunities to experience the beauty of nature up close. Here you will find useful information, tips and inspiration to help you plan your trip and make it an unforgettable experience.

Our trips to Brazil:

Volunteering Brazil: Forest Conservation

Highlights in Brazil

The Pantanal is a fascinating ecosystem in the heart of South America and a true paradise for nature lovers. It is the largest wetland in the world and home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Jaguars, caimans, capybaras, otters and numerous species of birds are just some of the animals to be seen. As well as the wildlife, the landscape is breathtaking. Endless grasslands, rivers, lakes and swamps provide a unique backdrop for adventure and discovery.
Manaus is a fascinating city in the Amazon rainforest. Visitors can see exotic animals such as monkeys, birds and snakes in their natural habitat on guided walks through the rainforest. Canoeing on the region's rivers and lakes is also a popular way to explore the rainforest in a sustainable and respectful manner.

A popular destination, about 15 km from Manaus city centre, is the natural phenomenon of the "meeting of the waters" (Encontro das Águas), where the dark Rio Negro meets the sandy Rio Solimões, giving the two rivers different colours and temperatures.
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean has unspoilt beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery. The islands are renowned for their abundant wildlife, including dolphins, turtles and rays. To preserve this unique nature and wildlife, the archipelago has been declared a Nature Reserve and is therefore subject to strict environmental regulations. A particular highlight are the coral reefs and rich marine life around Fernando de Noronha, considered one of the best diving areas in the world.
The mountainous region of Chapada Diamantina in Bahia is a fascinating destination in Brazil. Here you can discover breathtaking landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and underground rivers. The area is also well-known for its hiking trails, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil was established in 1961 and covers an area of 65,514 hectares. The park is characterised by geological features such as red rock formations, crystal springs and waterfalls. One of the park's most famous attractions is the 80-metre-high Cachoeira do Rio Preto waterfall, which is surrounded by a deep pool. Another highlight is the Cânion 2 canyon, a narrow gorge surrounded by 20-metre-high cliffs. The national park also boasts a rich flora and fauna, including rare species such as the jaguarundi and the giant anteater. Visitors can hike and trek to explore the region's pristine nature and geological wonders.

Geography of Brazil

Brazil, the largest country in South America, covers an area of 8.5 million square kilometres and has a population of more than 213 million. It borders every other South American country except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil's coastline stretches over 7,491 km and offers breathtaking beaches and islands that attract millions of tourists annually. The country is home to stunning landscapes such as the Amazon rainforest, the Andes and the Mato Grosso highlands. The Amazon Rainforest, the largest rainforest in the world, makes up around 60 per cent of Brazil's territory.

This aerial view of Tradentes shows a settlement with white houses and their red roofs

Moreover, Brazil has many rivers, including the Amazon, the Rio Negro, the Rio Paraguay and the Rio Uruguay, which connect the country to its neighbours. The highest point in Brazil is Pico da Neblina, near the border with Venezuela, at 2,994 metres. As the fifth-largest country in the world, Brazil is home to some of the largest cities in Latin America, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília. Located on the coast, inland or in the middle of the rainforest, these cities offer different geographical features and challenges.

A cable car leads from one mountain top to the next in Rio De Janerio

The 30-metre-high Cristo Redentor statue in the south of Rio de Janeiro on Mount Corcovado

Geology Brazil

Brazil is a country with a rich geological history dating back millions of years. Most of the country is made up of crystalline rocks derived from the bedrock of the South American Plate. These rocks form the basic mountain formation of the country and are generally older than 570 million years. The most prominent mountain ranges are the Serra do Mar, Serra Geral and Serra da Mantiqueira, which stretch along the coast in southeast Brazil.

Waves crash on the rocks of Fernando De Noronha

Brazil also has large areas of sedimentary rock, formed by the erosion of surrounding mountains and deposits from rivers, lakes and the sea. One example is the sedimentary basin of the Paraná River in southern Brazil. It contains rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Another important geological formation in Brazil is the Amazon Basin, which covers almost half of the country. This region has a complex geological history spanning several epochs. The Amazon basin is characterised by flat plateaus, sandstone cliffs and curvy rivers that flow through wide river valleys.

From the coast of Brazil we look at your archipelago. In the foreground are green branches

Brazil is rich in mineral resources, including iron ore, copper, gold, diamonds and bauxite. There are also significant deposits of nickel, tin, tungsten and other metals. The oil and gas deposits off the Brazilian coast are also of great economic importance.

Travel Tipps and Trivia for Brazil

Brazil has the following four time zones:
- Brasília time (BRT): UTC-3
- Amazon time (AMT): UTC-4
- Fernando de Noronha Time (FNT): UTC-2
- Acre Time (ACT): UTC-5
The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). International credit cards are generally accepted, and there are many ATMs where cash can be withdrawn. However, the amount that can be withdrawn daily may be limited, and there have been reports of difficulties in withdrawing money. We recommend that you check with your bank before you leave to see if you can withdraw cash in Brazil. It is also common for tolls to be charged on motorways and in some cities, which must be paid in cash. Other currencies are not usually accepted and should be exchanged into Brazilian Real before travelling.
Depending on the region, electricity in Brazil is 110, 127 or 220 volts at a frequency of 60 hertz. Sockets in Brazil usually have two flat pins or three round pins. Several sockets are used in Brazil: type A, B, C and N. If you bring electronic devices from other countries, you may need to use a travel adapter to plug them into Brazilian sockets.

As the voltage can vary even within a city and different types of sockets are used, it is advisable to check with a local person for the required specifications.
Brazil has a well-developed domestic air network and many intercity bus services, but few rail services. There are subways and trams in major cities. As many roads are in poor condition, extreme caution is advised when travelling by car. You should drive defensively and avoid driving at night. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Tolls are often charged on motorways and are usually paid in cash at toll booths. The use of relatively cheap taxis is generally recommended in cities.
Here are the public holidays in Brazil:
- New Year (Ano Novo): 1 January
- Carnival (Carnaval): Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday
- Ash Wednesday (Quarta-feira de Cinzas): Easter Sunday - 46 days
- Good Friday (Sexta-feira da Paixão): Friday before Easter
- Easter Monday (Páscoa): Easter Sunday + 1 day
- Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador): 1 May
- Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi): Easter Sunday + 60 days
- Independence Day (Independência do Brasil): 7 September
- Children's Day (Dia das Crianças): 12 October
- All Saints' Day (Dia de Finados): 2 November
- Republic Day (Proclamação da República): 15 November
- Christmas (Natal): 25 December
It should be noted that some cities and states in Brazil may also have local holidays that are not recognised in other regions of the country.
Dos:

Try to speak Portuguese
Many Brazilians speak little or no English, so getting around without some Portuguese can be difficult. Even if you only have a rudimentary knowledge of Portuguese, it will be appreciated in Brazil and can help you avoid misunderstandings and integrate better into the local culture. Learn some basic Portuguese phrases, especially greetings (e.g. Olá) and essential words such as "please" (Por favor) and "thank you" (Obrigada).

Use your negotiating skills
It is common in Brazil to bargain when shopping in markets or small shops. Travellers are welcome to negotiate the price before buying. It is important to be polite and respectful. However, in larger shops or supermarkets, it is inappropriate and usually not possible to negotiate prices.

Don'ts

Do not drink tap water
In tropical countries such as Brazil, the quality of tap water is sufficient for showering and washing hands. It is usually not suitable for drinking or brushing your teeth. Many Brazilian households have a water dispenser (um gelágua) or a clay filter (filtro de barro) to provide drinking water.

Avoid walking at night
Walking in unsafe areas, lonely streets or isolated alleys, especially after dark, should be avoided for safety reasons.

Pedestrians must be alert in road traffic
It is highly advisable to look left and right before crossing the road, including at zebra crossings and traffic lights. It cannot always be assumed that pedestrians will be taken into account.

Climate in Brazil

Brazil's climate is very diverse due to the size of the country and its different geographical features. Brazil spans several climate zones, including tropical, subtropical, humid and semi-arid regions. These different climatic zones affect agriculture, the environment and the living conditions of people in Brazil.

A thin strip of clouds surrounds the mountains of Sao Bento Do Sapucai

In general, Brazil has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. Temperatures vary from region to region. The Amazon rainforest is one of the wettest areas in the world, with very high humidity and stable temperatures throughout the year, hovering around 27 °C.

During the rainy season, which lasts from November to early April in the south and southeast, and from April to July in the northeast, floods and landslides are common, and roads and bridges might become impassable. The dry season from June to September is very distinctive in some regions, especially in the northeast, where people face water shortages.

Flora and Fauna of Brazil

Wildlife of Brazil

Brazil's wildlife is very diverse and includes a wide range of species, including many endemic and threatened species that require protection. The Amazon rainforest in northern Brazil is renowned for its unique biodiversity, including primates such as capuchin, squirrel and howler monkeys, and mammals such as tapirs, jaguars and sloths.

A caiman holds its prey above the brownish water ochre surface

Brazil is also home to many bird species, including macaws, toucans and hummingbirds. The Pantanal in western Brazil is particularly well known for its birdlife. It is also home to rare animals such as the South American hippopotamus, anteater and puma.

This hummingbird with a shiny green plumage and its long, narrow beak belongs to the fauna of Brazil

Two blue macaws are in a tree hollow or tree hole (half-closed cavity).

The Brazilian coast is an essential habitat for marine mammals such as dolphins, whales and sea lions. A great variety of fish and corals can be found in the reefs along the coastal regions.

A whale comes to the surface off the coast of Brazil

Vegetation of Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest contiguous forest in the world and is home to a wide variety of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Rubber trees, Brazil nut trees and many species of orchids and bromeliads can be found here.

A radiant pink orchid with several flowers stands in front of a bush

Some palm trees resting in the blue sky in Brazil (Latin America)

In the subtropical forests of southern Brazil, trees such as the araucaria and many species of broadleaf trees grow. In the Cerrado, a tropical savannah region of Brazil, you can find many grasses, shrubs and trees such as the buriti palm and the embauba tree.

The green Amazon rainforest on a cloudy day was photographed from the water

The coastal regions of Brazil are known for their mangrove forests and sand dunes, where various plant species, such as coconut palms and bromeliads, thrive.

An orange orchid illuminated by the sun against a blurred natural background

Many crops, such as coffee, soya and sugar cane, are also grown in Brazil. Furthermore, Brazil is the world's largest producer of oranges and other citrus fruits.

Social Geography of Brazil

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, which is spoken by almost the entire population. However, within Brazil, there are a variety of regional dialects and accents. In addition, due to the country's ethnic and cultural diversity, indigenous peoples speak several languages, such as Tupi-Guarani, Aymara and Quechua. Spanish is also spoken in some regions of the country, particularly those bordering other Spanish-speaking countries.
Brazil is one of the world's largest economies and is known for its resources in agriculture, mining and energy production. Agriculture is a significant industry, and Brazil is the world's largest producer of coffee, soybeans, sugar and beef. In mining, iron ore, gold and bauxite are particularly important. Brazil also has a wide range of industries, from automobiles and aerospace to machinery, chemicals and electronics. Tourism is also an important economic factor, mainly due to the country's many natural attractions, such as beaches, the Amazon rainforest and historic cities.
Brazil is a federal presidential republic consisting of a federal government, states and municipalities. The president is directly elected by the people for a four-year term and requires an absolute majority of votes. Brazil is divided into 26 states and the Federal District of Brasília, each with its own constitution and laws.

Brazil, particularly Brasília, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other major cities, is prone to unpredictable demonstrations and occasional riots. Due to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, it is not advisable to travel to the immediate border areas.

Further up-to-date information can be found in the country portrait of Brazil published by the Federal Foreign Office.