Brazil Backpacking

Brazil is an enormous country. Its population and land mass make it larger than the rest of South America put together. It also stands out being the only country in the region to speak Portuguese, not Spanish.

The breadth of experiences, landscapes and adventures you can enjoy is second to none. From the wild rainforest jungle of the Amazon to the colourful party atmosphere of Rio, and much more in between, it’s hard to pick and choose which areas to focus on. This is a country which really deserves a couple of months’ exploration to fully appreciate its natural and cultural wonders. Brazil’s landscapes are varied and colourful, including rainforests and marshlands brimming with exotic wildlife, some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see, picturesque colonial gold-boom towns and a whole lot more. Brazilians renowned for their warmth and generosity, and their laid back personalities. Music and entertainment is also hugely important to the country, so kick back and enjoy a Caipriniha to the beat of a samba! There are various climatic regions in Brazil. The central area of scrubland is generally dry and arid, while to the north there is the dense tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle featuring daily downpours that you can almost set your watch by. The eastern coast enjoys a tropical beach climate. There are rainy seasons; in the north it runs from January to April, in the north east it is from April to July and in Rio and its environs, it is from November to March.

Peak season runs from December to March, when the country fills with both local and international tourists. Prices soar during this period, but it is also the most festive time in Brazil, too.

Most travellers will begin their Brazilian adventure by flying into Rio, but there are many other ways to arrive. The country has a number of airports and shares borders with every other country in South America, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile. It is possible to reach Brazil by boat from Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay or by international bus from Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Brazil’s internal bus network is excellent, but be prepared for some long journeys, as it does take a long time to travel from one place to another.

Rio de Janeiro is a feast for the senses and a place of contrasts where glittering high rise buildings and a beautiful harbour sit alongside slums – and all against the spectacular backdrop of rugged mountains and monoliths rising out of the Atlantic coast. Most famous for its iconic Carnival and Copacabana and Impanena beaches, there is so much to see and do, you could lose days in Rio. Other highlights include the Cristo Redantor (Christ the Redeemer) statue, atop Corcovado mountain (accessed by cable car) and the rocky outcrop of Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which can be reached by cog train.

Just a few hours from Rio lie a number of tranquil beach resorts which are popular weekend destinations with locals – for both relaxing and partying. The coastal route along the Costa Verde is a pleasure in itself; a seemingly endless row of tropical beaches and vegetation. Recommended spots include Buzios, Angara dos Reis, Parati and Ilha Grande.

The Amazon is the world's largest natural resource, offering an exceptional jungle experience. Fly into the glorious city of Manaus, and choose from a variety of expeditions, staying in Amazon lodges. Just a few of the activities you can enjoy are wildlife spotting (both day and night), canoeing to local villages and even fishing for piranhas.

Other highlights include the wildlife-rich marshlands of The Panatal, the vast and spectacular Iguaçu Falls and the fascinating island of Ilha de Marajó.

Thanks to a booming economy and strong currency, Brazil, has become the most expensive South American country. Although marginally cheaper than North America and most of Europe, even the most frugal traveller will need to budget for a minimum of 50 US dollars a day.