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Two Week Brazil Travel Itinerary

This two week Brazil travel itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the colonial charm of Paraty, the tropical paradise of Ilha Grande, and the iconic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. Finish your journey with the awe-inspiring Iguaçu Falls and the serene beaches of Florianópolis for an unforgettable adventure.

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL). Approx. 1 USD = 5 BRL (subject to fluctuation).

Local Language

Portuguese; English proficiency varies but is higher in tourist areas.

Visa Requirements

No visa required for stays up to 90 days for UK, USA, Canadian, EU, Australian, and NZ citizens.

Expense Level

$$ (mid-range, with budget options widely available).

Plug Type

Type N, voltage 127/220V; universal adapters recommended.

Safety

Exercise caution, especially in large cities. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and use apps for safe transportation.

Vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination recommended; bring your vaccination card.

Payment

Cards widely accepted in urban areas, but carry cash for smaller towns or local vendors.

Nightlife

Vibrant nightlife with samba clubs, rooftop bars, and beach parties.

Best Months to Visit

May to September (cooler and drier); February is Carnival season.

Climate

Tropical; pack light, breathable clothing, and rain gear for tropical showers.

Water Safety

Avoid tap water; use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Tipping

Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect personal space, greet with handshakes or cheek kisses (varies regionally), and avoid discussing politics or religion.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 190, Ambulance: 192, Fire: 193.

Time Zone

GMT-3 (varies by region).

São Paulo Itinerary

Overview

This two week Brazil travel itinerary starts in São Paulo, Brazil’s sprawling cultural and financial hub, offering a mix of world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and dynamic food scenes. Its cosmopolitan charm makes it an essential stop.

São Paulo Itinerary
Sao Paulo, Brazil. Aerial view on Paulista Avenue, in Sao Paulo city

How long to stay in São Paulo:

2-3 days

How to get from the airport to São Paulo:

Fly into São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Use Uber (approx. $20 to city center) or the Airport Bus Service (R$50).

Best hotels to stay in São Paulo:

  1. Selina Madalena Hostel: Trendy hostel with a coworking space. Book here.
  2. O de Casa Hostel: Affordable option in Vila Madalena. Book here.
  3. Hotel Unique: Iconic boutique hotel with luxury amenities. Book here.
Best Hotels to Stay in Sao Paulo
Selina Madalena Hostel a trendy hostel with a coworking space

What to do in São Paulo:

  • Visit the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) (R$45).
  • Stroll through Ibirapuera Park and explore its cultural centers (free).
  • Experience street art at Beco do Batman in Vila Madalena (free).
  • Shop and dine at the Municipal Market (food costs vary).
  • Discover Japanese culture in the Liberdade neighborhood.
What to do in Sao Paulo
Experience street art at Beco do Batman in Vila Madalena

Where to eat in São Paulo:

  • Fogo de Chão: $$$, Brazilian steakhouse (4.6 Google Reviews).
  • Esquina Mocotó: $$, contemporary Brazilian cuisine (4.7 Google Reviews).
  • Padoca do Maní: $, artisanal bakery and café (4.6 Google Reviews).
Where to eat in Sao Paulo
Delicious Brazilian steak, Fogo de Chão

Modes of transport in São Paulo:

Public metro is extensive and affordable (use the Bilhete Único card). Uber is widely used for convenience.

São Paulo digital nomad rating:

4/5. Reliable internet, coworking spaces, and urban vibrancy, but traffic and noise can be downsides. São Paulo Nomadlist.

Paraty Itinerary

Overview

Paraty is a picturesque colonial town nestled between mountains and the ocean, known for its cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and proximity to stunning beaches and waterfalls.

Paraty Itinerary
Paraty, Aerial Footage of Turquoise Colour Water and Sandy Beach

How long to stay in Paraty:

2 days

How to get from São Paulo to Paraty:

Take a 6-hour bus with Reunidas Paulista or Costa Verde (approx. R$100).

Best hotels to stay in Paraty:

  1. Hostel Che Lagarto Paraty: Social and budget-friendly. Book here.
  2. Happy Hammock Eco Guesthouse: Scenic and affordable retreat. Book here.
  3. Pousada Literária: Elegant boutique stay. Book here.
Pousada Literaria
Beautiful pool view at Pousada Literaria

What to do in Paraty:

  • Take a boat tour of the bay islands (R$80).
  • Explore the Saco do Mamanguá fjord (kayak rental R$50/hour).
  • Visit Cachoeira Tobogã, a natural waterslide (free).
  • Wander the historic center and artisan shops (free).
  • Taste cachaça at local distilleries.
What to do in Paraty
Brazilian artisan shop in Paraty

Where to eat in Paraty:

  • Banana da Terra: $$$, gourmet Brazilian dishes (4.8 Google Reviews).
  • Casa do Fogo: $$, unique cachaça-infused menu (4.6 Google Reviews).
  • Quiosque São Francisco: $, beachside seafood (4.5 Google Reviews).
Where to eat in Paraty
Quiosque São Francisco, beachside seafood

Modes of transport in Paraty:

Walkable historic center; rent bikes or use local minibuses for nearby beaches.

Paraty digital nomad rating:

3.5/5. Beautiful but limited coworking spaces and connectivity. Paraty Nomadlist.

Ilha Grande Itinerary

Overview

Ilha Grande is a lush tropical island with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and a car-free environment, perfect for those seeking relaxation and adventure in a paradise-like setting.

Ilha Grande Itinerary
Ilha Grande, tropical island

How long to stay in Ilha Grande:

2 days

How to get from Paraty to Ilha Grande:

Take a 2-hour bus to Angra dos Reis with Costa Verde (approx. R$70), then a 1.5-hour ferry to Vila do Abraão (R$40).

Best hotels to stay in Ilha Grande:

  1. Che Lagarto Ilha Grande: Social and budget-friendly. Book here.
  2. Beira Mar Hostel: Affordable option with beachfront access. Book here.
  3. Pousada Naturalia: Boutique stay with ocean views. Book here.
Best hotels to stay in Ilha Grande
Beautiful view from Pousada Naturalia

What to do in Ilha Grande:

  • Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach, one of Brazil’s most stunning beaches (free).
  • Take a boat tour of Lagoa Azul (R$100).
  • Explore the Pico do Papagaio trail for panoramic island views (free).
  • Snorkel or dive at Aventureiro Beach (equipment rental R$50).
  • Visit the ruins of Lazareto and the Aqueduct (free).
Take a boat tour of Lagoa Azul
The stunning beauty of Lagoa Azul

Where to eat in Ilha Grande:

  • Restaurante Pé na Areia: $$, fresh seafood with beachfront dining (4.6 Google Reviews).
  • Lua e Mar: $$$, Brazilian specialties and seafood (4.7 Google Reviews).
  • Kebab Lounge: $, affordable Mediterranean dishes (4.5 Google Reviews).
Where to eat in Ilha Grande
Delicious food from, Restaurante Pé na Areia

Modes of transport in Ilha Grande:

Walking is the primary mode of transport; no cars are allowed. Boat taxis connect remote beaches.

Ilha Grande digital nomad rating:

3/5. Stunning scenery, but limited internet and coworking spaces. Ideal for short digital detoxes. Ilha Grande Nomadlist.

Rio de Janeiro Itinerary

Overview

Rio de Janeiro, the “Cidade Maravilhosa,” is a vibrant city famous for its beaches, Christ the Redeemer, and Carnival, blending natural beauty with urban culture.

Rio de Janeiro Itinerary
Beach view of Rio de Janeiro

How long to stay in Rio de Janeiro:

3-4 days

How to get from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro:

Take a ferry back to Angra dos Reis (R$40), then a 4-hour bus with Costa Verde to Rio (approx. R$100).

Best hotels to stay in Rio de Janeiro:

  1. Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro: Hostel with coworking space. Book here.
  2. Books Hostel: Social hostel in Santa Teresa. Book here.
  3. Mama Shelter Rio: Boutique hotel with trendy vibes. Book here.
Mama Shelter Rio
Wonderful Rooftop at Mama Shelter Rio

What to do in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain (combo ticket R$150).
  • Relax on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches (free).
  • Explore the colorful Selarón Steps and Lapa district (free).
  • Take a guided tour of the Santa Marta Favela (R$60).
  • Hike the Tijuca Forest trails (free).
What to do in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain

Where to eat in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Aprazível: $$$, Brazilian cuisine with stunning views (4.8 Google Reviews).
  • Casa do Sardo: $$, authentic Sardinian dishes (4.7 Google Reviews).
  • T.T. Burger: $, famous gourmet burgers (4.5 Google Reviews).
Where to eat in Rio de Janeiro
Delicious Seafood from Aprazível

Modes of transport in Rio de Janeiro:

Use the MetroRio card for the subway and buses. Uber and taxis are reliable. Avoid public transport late at night.

Rio de Janeiro digital nomad rating:

4.5/5. Vibrant culture, good internet, and coworking options, but some areas may feel unsafe. Rio Nomadlist.

Iguazu Falls Itinerary (Foz do Iguaçu)

Overview

Foz do Iguaçu is home to the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfall systems, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Iguazu Falls Itinerary
Iguazu Falls

How long to stay in Iguazu Falls:

2 days

How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu:

Take a 2-hour flight (LATAM or Gol Airlines, approx. R$400).

Best hotels to stay in Iguazu Falls:

  1. Tetris Container Hostel: Eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Book here.
  2. Concept Design Hostel: Chic and affordable with great facilities. Book here.
  3. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: Luxurious hotel inside the national park. Book here.
Best hotels to stay in Iguazu Falls
A stunning view of the falls from Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

What to do in Iguazu Falls:

  • Visit Iguaçu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides (entry R$70 Brazil, ARS 4000 Argentina).
  • Take a boat ride into the falls with Macuco Safari (R$300).
  • Explore the Itaipu Dam and its eco-museum (R$50).
  • Visit the Parque das Aves bird sanctuary (R$60).
  • Discover the Three Borders Landmark (R$30).
What to do in Iguazu Falls
Parque das Aves (Birds Park) at exuberant Iguazu Forest

Where to eat in Iguazu Falls:

  • Bufalo Branco Churrascaria: $$$, traditional Brazilian barbecue (4.7 Google Reviews).
  • La Mafia Trattoria: $$, Italian-inspired dishes (4.8 Google Reviews).
  • Empório Com Arte: $, cozy café with homemade dishes (4.6 Google Reviews).
Where to eat in Iguazu Falls
traditional Brazilian barbecue ,Bufalo Branco Churrascaria,

Modes of transport in Foz do Iguaçu:

Local buses are affordable and reliable. Taxis and Uber are available for convenience.

Foz do Iguaçu digital nomad rating:

3.5/5. Stunning attractions, but limited coworking spaces. Foz do Iguaçu Nomadlist.

Florianópolis Itinerary (Floripa)

Overview

Finish the two week Brazil travel itinerary in Florianópolis, or “Floripa,” a picturesque island city known for its 42 beaches, surf culture, and lively nightlife, making it a favorite among backpackers and digital nomads.

Beach view in Floripa

How long to stay in Florianópolis:

3 days

How to get from Foz do Iguaçu to Florianópolis:

Fly to Florianópolis International Airport (approx. 2 hours, R$500).

Best hotels to stay in Florianópolis:

  1. The Search House: Surf-inspired hostel. Book here.
  2. Sunset Backpackers Hostel: Affordable stay with great views. Book here.
  3. Casa Quatro Oito: Boutique and luxury retreat. Book here.
Sunset Backpackers in Florianopolis

What to do in Florianópolis:

  • Surf or relax at Praia Mole or Joaquina Beach (free).
  • Explore the Lagoa da Conceição area (free).
  • Visit the Azorean village of Ribeirão da Ilha (free).
  • Hike to Lagoinha do Leste for epic views (free).
  • Enjoy the nightlife at clubs in Jurerê Internacional.
What to do in Florianópolis
Chasing waves at Praia Mole

Where to eat in Florianópolis:

  • Ostradamus: $$$, famous for oysters (4.8 Google Reviews).
  • Box 32: $$, fresh seafood at the public market (4.6 Google Reviews).
  • Ponto de Vista Bar: $, stunning views with budget-friendly snacks (4.5 Google Reviews).
Where to eat in Florianópolis
Open Oysters on yellow plate with lemon on sea background. Delicious sea food, fresh oysters with lemon at sea shore

Modes of transport in Florianópolis:

Buses connect most areas; Uber is widely used. Renting a car is ideal for beach hopping.

Florianópolis digital nomad rating:

5/5. Excellent internet, coworking spaces, and a balanced lifestyle. Floripa Nomadlist.

What do you think?

Have tips to share, questions to ask, or your own travel stories? Leave a comment below and help shape the perfect itinerary!

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