Hello everyone.

Preamble:

Sooner or later, you’ve got to take the plunge! I thought lockdown would be the perfect time to start this travel journal, but between working from home and gardening, I just didn’t have the time (or the motivation). Plus, long-haul trips weren’t really on the cards back then... But then I stumbled upon my photos and thought, "I’ve got to share my latest adventure in Brazil—you guessed it!"

First, a little flashback: some of you (yes, really, in DMs!) pointed out the big gaps in my travel journals—India in 2019, Vietnam in 2018, so many missed opportunities!

Truth is, for India, I traveled with a private guide and honestly didn’t have much to add to the tons of well-documented journals already out there. Plus, I still haven’t decided if I love or hate India... So, how do you share your feelings when you’re not even sure yourself? As for Vietnam, I had plenty to say—even though the itinerary was pretty classic—but I’ll admit the vibe on this part of the forum at the time kinda put me off for a while... And time flies, and memories fade... Anyway, just wanted to clear that up for my (many or few) readers. *Tudo bem*, let’s get started!!

I’ll repost here the comments I gave in reply to Camidav – see their post https://voyageforum.com/forum/partir-10-jours-bresil-en-autonomie-d10702249/. As we’ve said several times, 10 days is short for Brazil! But it’s still enough for a “little introduction.” My very recent experience (April 2025) with a 2½-week itinerary might give you some ideas. To start, here’s the route: - - Saturday, March 29: departure from Lisbon and arrival in São Paulo with LATAM - - 2 nights in São Paulo - - Monday, March 31: bus from São Paulo to Paraty - - Monday 31, Tuesday 1st, and Wednesday, April 2: 3 nights in Paraty - - Thursday, April 3: bus from Paraty to Angra dos Reis, then ferry > Ilha Grande - - Thursday 3, Friday 4, and Saturday, April 5: 3 nights in Abraão, on Ilha Grande - - Sunday, April 6: speedboat > Conceição de Jacareí, then bus > Rio de Janeiro - - Sunday 6, Monday 7, Tuesday 8, and Wednesday, April 9: 4 nights in Rio - - Thursday, April 10: flight with LATAM from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu - - Thursday, April 10: one night in Foz do Iguaçu - - Friday, April 11: visit to Iguaçu Falls on the Brazilian side, then crossing the border to Puerto Iguazu - - Friday 11 and Saturday, April 12: 2 nights in Puerto Iguazu - - Saturday, April 12: visit to the falls on the Argentine side - - Sunday, April 13: return to Brazil, LATAM flight > São Paulo - - Sunday 13 and Monday, April 14: 2 nights in São Paulo - - Tuesday, April 15: flight from São Paulo > Lisbon with LATAM, arriving Wednesday the 16th. So, it’s clear I’m writing this now from Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), and the end of the trip is near: back to São Paulo and then the flight to Lisbon. I’ll of course share more about all this in the following messages.

Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?

How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?

If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.

Hello,

We’re thinking about our next destination for June 2026, and northern Brazil seems like a great option for that time of year.

We were considering a 15-day trip from Fortaleza to São Luís (or the other way around), but I’m worried it might not offer enough variety in terms of sights and landscapes. We were thinking of doing a trek in Lençóis Park, visiting Jericoacoara, the Parnaíba Delta, etc.).

The other option would be to take a domestic flight and add the Salvador de Bahia region and Chapada Diamantina, but that would require about 3 weeks.

Do you think exploring the coast between Fortaleza and São Luís is enough for a trip if we don’t kitesurf? Or is it better to combine this part of the country with another region (Salvador? The Amazon?)?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Have a great day

Hi, We’re considering a discovery trip to Brazil in summer 2025 for a maximum of 3 weeks, transport included. Since the must-see sites are very far apart, we’ve selected the ones that seemed the most spectacular and have little or no equivalent elsewhere in the world. Here’s what we’re thinking: Outbound: 1 day Paris → São Paulo Iguaçu: 2 days Transfer: 1 day via São Paulo or Rio and São Luís Lençóis National Park: 3 days Transfer: 1 day via São Luís Salvador de Bahia: 2 days Transfer: 1 day via Rio Rio: 4 days Return: 1 day What do you think? I was thinking of adding a stop that’s easily accessible without flying from one of the places above. Ilha Grande? Tinharé Island? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your tips! Virginie

Looking for a female travel companion for a cycling trip (arriving by plane in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and cycling toward Montevideo, Uruguay, returning by plane to France from Buenos Aires, Argentina) – 1,500 km

Hello everyone! I’m planning a cycling trip across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, with a departure set for late October, November, or December. I’m looking for a travel companion to share this long-distance adventure with.

Experience: I already have solid experience in bicycle touring in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, I maintain excellent physical condition by cycling an average of 250 km over 3 days per week (4 hours a day at 20 km/h).

The trip & the pace:

Daily pace: Between 50 and 80 km per day, to make steady progress while taking time to explore. Accommodation: Flexible and authentic. We’ll alternate between wild camping, campsites, Warmshowers, small guesthouses, and budget hotels depending on opportunities and the weather.

Looking forward to reading your message and planning this amazing journey together!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning my trip to Brazil in March 2025 (finally!) and I’d love to hear your thoughts on Ilha Grande and Paraty. We’ll be arriving from Rio and departing from Paraty (heading to São Paulo). How can we best organize these transfers—can we book the different transports on the spot? How much time is ideal to stay in these two places to enjoy them without doing long hikes? Do you have an estimated budget? Thanks for your feedback! Dominique

Hi everyone, On August 15th, we’ll be flying from São Paulo to Salvador de Bahia (which airline should we choose?) to spend about ten days there. Since we haven’t had a vacation in two years, we’d like to avoid spending too much time on the road and instead discover some picturesque spots that aren’t too crowded with tourists... Any tips? We’re already planning to spend 2-3 days in Salvador, and then what? I think two other nearby destinations where we could wander around would be ideal: Praia do Forte, Itaparica, Loreto de São Paulo, Cachoeira, or any other must-see places? Thanks for your help

Hello,

As part of a 10-month trip to explore and discover South America, we’d like to start our journey in northern Brazil since the timing is perfect for traveling up the Amazon. We’re traveling as a family of five with three kids aged 6, 9, and 18.

Our plan is to leave from Manaus and reach Yurimaguas in Peru via the Amazon, mostly by boat. Since we have plenty of time, we can take breaks to explore the different stops along the way that are worth it. The idea is to eventually head to Colombia via Ecuador later on.

So far, we’ve identified the following stops: - Manaus - Tabatinga - Iquitos - Sumiria Reserve (we’d like to stay there for a week) - Yurimaguas.

We’re thinking of traveling in a cabin/hammock for the longest leg (Manaus to Tabatinga) and just in hammocks for the shorter trips (max 3 days).

I have a few questions: 1. From a safety perspective, is the area we’re planning to cross safe, considering we’ll be with our three kids, the youngest being 6? 2. Isn’t this route a bit too ambitious for our kids? 3. We’re considering adding the Santarém/Manaus leg. Is Santarém a city worth adding to the itinerary? 4. Among the planned stops, which ones deserve a special visit? 5. Do the boat trips always include meals on board, or should we be careful when booking? 6. What would be a reasonable estimate for the duration of this trip to fully enjoy it?

I’ve read quite a bit—like trying to board early to get the best hammock spots, and that travel times can vary depending on currents, stops, and potential technical issues. But that’s not a problem since we have all the time in the world! :)

We’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled in this area before!

Thanks so much in advance for your help in planning our trip.

Rémy, Céline, Antoine, Sacha, and Paul

Hey everyone, currently in Brazil. We're on a world trip and we'd like to buy a truck to continue our journey. Ideally, we're looking for something equipped and not too expensive. The question is: where can we find a cheap, good second-hand small truck? Also, how complicated is the paperwork for the registration, etc.?

Thanks for your replies! Cheers

hi,

We’re planning a trip to Brazil in March 2026, just the two of us, for 10 days without using an agency. Rio, the falls, and Bahia too. How can we get around there? Train? Car rental? Plane? Are the roads easy to drive on? Is Rio safe to explore on our own? We’d love any travel journals with ideas for places to see, as well as books to help us plan the whole trip. Thanks in advance for all your tips! See you soon, cheers

Hello everyone!

A group of friends and I are heading to Brazil in March 2019 and we’d love to attend the Carnival parade. I could really use your help because I’m struggling to find reviews for online ticket sellers for Carnival. I came across rio-carnival—is this a reliable agency? Do you have other agencies to recommend or experiences to share? Any advice is welcome.

Thanks! 🙂 Marine

Good evening, We're leaving from January 26 to February 7 with our two kids, aged 23 and 27. I'm hoping to visit Iguazu, Rio, Ilha Grande, or Cabo Frio. I have a few questions. - Should we visit Rio with a guide, considering we want to explore favelas and hike to reach the main sites? And how many days should we plan for it? - How many days for Ilha Grande, and is the weather favorable during this period? Is it a must-see? - What do you think of Cabo Frio? In terms of organization, is it better to visit Iguazu at the beginning, middle, or end of our stay, departing from São Paulo or Rio? We haven’t bought our flight tickets yet, so I can arrange to arrive or depart from Rio/São Paulo. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and opinions!

I’ve seen some info about this route, but not nearly enough, so I thought I’d share what I did for anyone interested.

Cayenne - Saint-Georges: From Cayenne’s bus station, the TIG No. 8 bus goes to Saint-Georges. It’s a minibus run by a contractor you can call ahead to reserve a seat. I managed to get a spot the same day. It was parked on the other side of the river, across from the main bus stops. Price: 40 €, departures at 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM except Sundays, depending on driver availability.

Saint-Georges - Oiapoque: Once in Saint-Georges, cross the river by canoe for 10 €. The canoe made a first stop on the opposite bank, then a second in the center of Oiapoque. To enter Brazil, you’ll need to get your passport stamped. This can be done at the federal police station, less than 1 km from the dock, heading into Oiapoque.

Oiapoque - Macapá: From Oiapoque, there are buses or taxis. Not knowing when the next bus would come, I didn’t want to wait, so I went back to the dock and took a 4x4, a kind of shared taxi, for 250 reals. I left around 4 PM and arrived at 2 AM in Macapá. If I had to do it again, I’d take the bus—apparently, it has reclining seats and travels overnight to arrive the next morning.

Macapá - Santana You need to get to Santana to take the ferry to Belém—tricky on a Sunday... After waiting for a bus that was taking forever, I took a *carretera pirata* (unofficial taxi) on the advice of a local Brazilian. It took me to Santana for 10 reals (vs. 5 for the bus). The ride takes about 15 minutes from Macapá to Santana’s port. You can do this the same morning.

Santana - Belém I bought tickets directly at the port when I arrived from one of the many agencies. I slept in a no-frills little hotel right by the port, run by a charming elderly couple, and boarded the next day at 9 AM. You’ll need a hammock to sleep if you’re not taking a cabin. The fare is 250 reals—it’s listed as 300, but they gave me a "discount" without me even asking. The trip takes 24 hours to Belém. There’s a small snack bar for those who didn’t have time to pack food.

Article on the topic (in French): https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/guyane/macapa-belem-au-fil-de-l-amazone-1302076.html

Hope this helps someone avoid some of the hassle I went through!

Hi there,

I’m heading to Brazil soon—Rio, Iguazu, Paraty, Ilha Grande.

Two things are worrying me: - Mosquitoes and the nasty diseases they carry: are there a lot of mosquitoes and risks in these areas in May? - Safety: what’s the current situation in the tourist areas I mentioned?

Thanks for any info!

Virginie

As we’ve said many times, 10 days is pretty short for Brazil! But it’s still enough for a “little introduction.” My very recent experience (April 2025) with a 2½-week itinerary might give you some ideas.

Hi there. On my itinerary from São Luís to Jericoacoara, I’ll be passing through the Lençóis. Is there any point stopping there this time of year? Apparently, the lagoons are dry, but aside from the lagoons, is the surrounding landscape still interesting enough to warrant a 1- or 2-day stop? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Brazil in July/August. The thing is, I don’t know where I could find a beach with high temperatures (24 °C / 27 °C) and a favorable climate (not too much rain) during that time. I’d like to enjoy the beach and maybe spot some marine wildlife. I don’t surf. Any ideas or personal experiences you can share?

We’re just back from a 2-week tour of the Northeast; we booked our flight tickets ourselves and landed in Fortaleza. From there, we used an agency to handle our circuit all the way to São Luís. It was an incredible adventure—flawless organization, no hiccups, and landscapes that felt like another planet. We rarely use agencies, but we don’t regret it at all. Given all the 4x4s, buggies, and boats we took, it would’ve been impossible to do it on our own, at least for the full route we covered. Our wishes were respected, the accommodations matched our requests, and we had a fantastic French-speaking guide for the last 5 days. If you’d like more details, just ask!

Hi everyone,

I’d love to get your thoughts on the itinerary we’re planning for this summer (August) with our three older teens. We’ve booked our round-trip flight from Lyon to Rio. Originally, we were thinking of heading down to Paraty / Ilha Grande... but after checking, the water temperature seems a bit too cool, so we’d prefer to go to Bahia state for a bit more warmth. Our interests: discovering the people and cities, enjoying the beach and relaxation, a few short hikes, etc.

What do you think of this itinerary? Too much time lost in transit?

Day Stop J1 Flight J2 Early morning arrival in Rio J3 Rio J4 Rio J5 Rio J6 Flight to Foz do Iguaçu J7 Foz do Iguaçu J8 Foz do Iguaçu J9 Flight to Salvador J10 Salvador J11 Salvador J12 Ilha de Tinharé: Morro de São Paulo J13 Ilha de Tinharé: Morro de São Paulo J14 Ilha de Tinharé: Morro de São Paulo J15 Ilha de Boipeba J16 Ilha de Boipeba J17 Ilha de Boipeba J18 Ilha de Boipeba to Salvador J19 Salvador to Rio J20 Flight J21 Arrival in France Thanks so much for your help!!!! Flo

Hi there! I’m heading out in August for a two-day trek in the Vale do Pati. Do I need proper hiking boots, or will trail-running shoes do the job? Thanks in advance for your feedback! 😊😃

Hi everyone, Our travel plans to Brazil in October are moving forward. Now we're looking for the best way to put it all together. Starting from Montpellier, probably connecting through CDG, arriving in Salvador de Bahia, stopping in Belo Horizonte, then a flight to Rio, and the return trip. How can we manage to finalize such a circular flight? Thanks in advance for your tips. Best, Serge

Hi everyone,

Next April, I’m planning a trip (the 1st) to Brazil. I’ll have 12 days there (not counting the 13th day for the return). I’ll arrive on 22/04 in the early evening in Rio de Janeiro. The return flight is from São Paulo on 04/05 in the afternoon. I know 12 days is very little for such a big country, which is why I’ll focus on a relatively small area: the southeast (though "small" is relative!). I’ve started mapping out the main stops for my trip, which would be: - Rio de Janeiro: 4 to 5 days? - Ilha Grande and maybe Paraty: 2 to 3 days - Iguazu Falls: Brazilian and Argentinian sides: 2 days - São Paulo: 1 to 2 days

What do you think? Is this reasonable? There are about 250/260 km between Rio and Paraty. I’d like to make the trip by rental car. What do you think? A car is definitely much more practical and faster than the bus. 12/13 days is short—I can’t afford to lose too much time in transit. To get to Ilha Grande, I understand there’s a ferry that shuttles between the mainland and the island. From which city can you take the ferry? Mangaratiba? Conceição de Jacareí? Angra dos Reis? If I arrive by rental car, where can I park it? I think cars are banned on the island, right? That’s where I’m at with my planning. So many questions! 😕 A big thank you to anyone who takes the time to read my post and shares their valuable tips! 🙂

Hello, Here’s our account of our two weeks in Brazil’s Northeast from March 25 to April 9, 2017. We’re two couples in our fifties. Our itinerary: São Paulo, São Luís, Lençóis Maranhenses Park, the Parnaíba Delta, Jericoacoara, Icaraí de Amontada, Pipa, Olinda, and back to São Paulo. Our budget came to 1400 € per person, excluding international flights.

For food, in a restaurant, a fish or meat dish for two people served with rice, black beans in sauce, and cassava flour costs an average of 80 BRL. You can eat more cheaply on the street, in self-service spots, or in ‘per kilo’ restaurants. At all the pousadas, breakfast was included: it was always very good, hearty, and doubled as our midday meal. Bottled water (1.5 liters): between 2 and 4 BRL Caipirinha: between 5 and 10 BRL

For organization, we used a local guide, Danielisson, to arrange the "Route of Emotions" from São Luís to Jericoacoara (Days 3 to 7). He’s reliable, speaks French very well, and is passionate about his country. The organization was flawless. We highly recommend him. For the rest of the trip, we used cars with drivers or taxis instead of public transport. With four of us, it wasn’t too expensive and was much simpler. We don’t regret not renting a car at all—many roads are unpaved or in very poor condition. Danielisson Pereira: danielissonpereira@yahoo.co.uk Skype: danielissonpereira (Facebook) Phone: 55 (98) 991634424 / 981721946

Weather-wise, March-April is the rainy season, so it’s the low season. Downsides: occasional heavy storms, not everything is open (hotels, restaurants, shops…), but upsides: hardly any tourists and lower prices. Temperature-wise: between 25-30°C year-round, 24/7. Health-wise: a few mosquitoes, nothing serious, but bring protection. Day 1: International flight from Lyon to Paris to São Paulo. We went through São Paulo because my husband was there for work. Hotel: Monreale Hotel: 20 minutes from the airport (free shuttle). For those extending a business trip with a vacation, you can leave your luggage at the hotel for free with no time constraints. Day 2: São Luís Flight from São Paulo to São Luís (3.5 hours). We arrived in São Luís in the rain. It felt very strange—the city was deserted. It was Sunday, so everything was closed (don’t count on a currency exchange office or travel agency being open). We struggled to find a restaurant for the evening. Half a day is more than enough to explore the city, but we really liked all the colorful colonial houses. Flight São Paulo/São Luís: 118 € Taxi from airport to pousada: 50 BRL for 4 Pousada Portas da Amazônia: 33 € per room



Day 3: Journey to Atins Shared minibus to Barreirinhas (about 4 hours—paved road) where we left our big bags, then a private boat down the Preguiças River to Atins. Stop at Vassouras, where we discovered our first lagoons and enjoyed excellent fish prepared by locals, then at Mandacaru to climb the lighthouse for a 360-degree view. Atins is a small fishing village lost in the sand. During our visit in the low season, almost everything was closed, so it was very quiet.



Day 4: Trek in Lençóis Maranhenses Park At 4 AM, we set off for a two-day trek in the Lençóis Park. One hour by 4x4 to reach the starting point. The sun was just rising. At first, there was some vegetation, but then it was just white sand and lagoons, which, contrary to what we thought, were already quite full for the season. As we went on, the landscapes got more and more beautiful. We never got tired of it. The weather was a bit cloudy but no rain, which was ideal to avoid the heat. We took occasional dips in the clear freshwater. Around noon, we arrived at Baixa Grande oasis. Rest and overnight in hammocks with a local family.

Day 5: Trek in Lençóis Maranhenses Park We left the oasis at 5 AM. Compared to the day before, we walked higher up, along the dune ridges, and it was even more stunning. Plus, the sun was shining. It was simply magical. Around noon, we climbed the last dune—on the other side, there was no more sand, just vegetation. A 4x4 was waiting to take us back to Barreirinhas (17 km). A few notes on the trek: - The 6-7 hours of walking are easy. The sand is hard, nothing like walking on a beach. We wore sandals or sneakers. We often got our feet wet crossing lagoons: at first, we took off our shoes, but later, we crossed fully dressed. Everything dries in 5 minutes! - Even with clouds, we got sunburned, so it’s best to wear long sleeves and pants (in addition to a cap, sunscreen, lip balm, water…). - It’s impossible to navigate the desert alone. With the wind, the dunes change shape and position regularly. A guide is essential.



Day 6: Parnaíba Delta A Jeep took us to Tutoia, where we boarded a boat for the Parnaíba Delta. Nothing exceptional. Normally, you can see red ibises at sunset, but we weren’t lucky—they were in their breeding season, so we couldn’t get close. We slept on Canary Island, next to a pretty fishing village.



Day 7: Journey to Jericoacoara Boat to Tatus port, then a car to Jericoacoara (via Parnaíba and Camocim). From Camocim onward, it’s a sandy track. We arrived in Jericoacoara in the late afternoon—it was a brutal return to civilization 😅: tourists, shops, restaurants, pousadas, and that’s during the low season! Pousada Capim Verde: 120 BRL (basic rooms but well-located and cheap)



Day 8: Buggy tour Classic buggy tour (offered by all Jeri agencies) to Lagoa do Paraíso. Unfortunately, it rained a lot, and we cut our ride short. That was the only day slightly "ruined" by the weather. Buggy: 270 BRL

Day 9: Icaraí de Amontada To find some "peace," we headed to Icaraí de Amontada. On the way, alternating wind farms and coconut plantations. Icaraizinho is a village with a stunning beach (as long as you look toward the coconut trees, not the wind turbines). Little wind at this time of year, so no tourists. Pousada Pais Tropical (run by French owners): very nice, right on the beach. Taxi Jericoacoara–Icaraí de Amontada: 340 BRL Day 10: Transfer day to Pipa Taxi Icaraí–Fortaleza: 350 BRL Flight Fortaleza–Natal: 37 € per person Taxi Natal–Pipa: 180 BRL Pousada in Pipa: Aconchego, run by French owners. Great welcome, quiet, perfectly located in the city center.

Day 11: Pipa – Dolphin Beach Skeptical, we set off in the morning before high tide (afterward, it’s hard to pass) to try and see dolphins. And we saw them! Mothers with their calves swimming in the waves, appearing where and when you least expect them. They’re not afraid of humans and pop up just a few meters away. It’s unforgettable. No need to take a boat tour—they come to the same spot and stay for 5-10 minutes. For those who don’t want to swim (there were waves and surf when we were there), the dolphins are visible from the beach.

Day 12: Pipa – Tibau do Sul via the beaches A lovely hike where you go from one beach to another until Tibau do Sul: 2 hours of brisk walking! We stayed a while by the lagoon before taking a shuttle back to Pipa. Shuttle: 2.5 BRL per person



Day 13: Pipa – Dolphin Beach We wanted more—it was too good, and we saw them all day long.

Day 14: Recife A taxi took us to Olinda, where we’d booked a pousada. In the afternoon, we took the bus to Recife: some pretty facades, but nothing unforgettable. Taxi Pipa–Olinda: 400 BRL Bus Olinda–Recife: about 4 BRL per person per trip (45 min) Pousada Villa Olinda (in Olinda): 99 BRL—very well located

Day 15: Olinda All day walking around Olinda, a small town with colorful houses and many churches. In the late evening, we flew to São Paulo. Uber Olinda–Recife airport: 32 BRL Flight Recife–São Paulo: 123 €



Day 16: São Paulo The hotel in Guarulhos is about an hour by public transport from downtown São Paulo. Short on time, we didn’t see much of the city. We went to Avenida Paulista: it was a Sunday, with lots of cultural and sports events, and the avenue was closed to cars. It was nice. Then we walked down to Ibirapuera Park, but it was marathon day, and we couldn’t get in. Bus Guarulhos–first metro station: 4.70 BRL Metro ticket: 3.8 BRL

Conclusion: With this second trip to Brazil, we discovered another side of the country—a poorer region with fewer infrastructures than the Rio area. The trek in Lençóis Maranhenses Park was the highlight of the trip—landscapes you won’t see anywhere else in the world, worth the trip on their own. We also won’t forget swimming with the dolphins in Pipa.

I'm planning a trip to Brazil as winter approaches, around late October to early November 2026. I don’t have exact dates since I recently retired, so I can stay until mid-December if needed. I’m looking for a travel companion (male or female) for this journey—think relaxed mode, pousadas with locals, parks, seaside, culture, and music.

I’ve already explored the north, like Recife and Fortaleza. What I found most challenging was communicating with locals since I don’t speak Portuguese, and not everyone speaks English. I’m trying to learn now, but the accent isn’t easy!!!! This country is huge, and I’d love to discover the south. The idea is to arrive in São Paulo (without staying long—I’m not a big fan of large cities) and take a flight to Iguazu, then a bus to Paraty and Ilha Grande to enjoy the spots. After that, a bit of Rio is unavoidable, but I’d like to explore off-the-beaten-path places with a guide. To finish, Salvador de Bahia, with a focus on Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba. Maybe a return via Salvador—TAP offers that route. Nothing’s set in stone; we can discuss everything together.

I just got back from Madagascar, where I spent the winter (a place I know well), and I’ve got quite a few trips under my belt. Feel free to email me so we can chat, then we can call or meet—I’m based in Toulouse and can host you.

patricia.wagner31@sfr.fr Have a great day! Vejo você em breve

hi there I’m thinking of heading to northeastern Brazil in January or February—I don’t really have a choice with the dates. Apparently, it rains a lot during that time. Is it really a big issue for traveling? Are these tropical downpours—heavy but brief—or more of a continuous rain? I’m especially curious about the stops in Lençóis, Atins, and Parnaíba. For Lençóis, I know the lagoons are almost empty at this time of year. I’ll also be passing through São Luís, Jericoacoara, Fortaleza, Olinda/Recife, and Salvador da Bahia, and before heading back to Europe, I’ll visit the Iguaçu Falls. What do you think? Thanks in advance for your reply. Best regards

Hi there!

I’m heading to Morro de São Paulo in the first half of September.

I’ll spend a day in Bahia and then take the fast ferry to Morro from the Terminal Turístico Náutico. I’ve heard this ferry can be canceled depending on sea conditions. Locals from Bahia, can you tell me if cancellations are common in early September or if it’s usually not a big deal?

After Morro, I’ll spend a few days in Boipeba.

My question is about the return trip to Bahia to catch my flight home.

Is it better to go back through Morro to take the ferry in the opposite direction, or can I leave directly from Boipeba to Bahia?

I want to avoid long trips and bus rides.

If there’s no way around a road trip, I could take a taxi, Uber, or something similar.

Obrigado pela ajuda for helping me optimize my route: Bahia → Morro / Boipeba → Bahia! :)

Hi everyone, We’re a group of 3 friends traveling from Salvador de Bahia to Belém in November for a month. To plan our route, I’d love some tips on the must-see spots. We’ll be traveling by bus and are mostly looking for nature, as well as pretty towns and villages. Your advice will help us avoid missing too many great places. Thanks in advance to all of you! Thierry

Hi everyone, My partner and I are planning a trip to Brazil in October for 15 to 20 days. I spent some time in Brazil years ago while collaborating with the University of Lavras (MG). Now, I’d love to introduce my partner to the country. My initial plan is Rio (4 days), Bahia—which I’ve never visited—(4 days), Belo Horizonte to catch up with old friends and explore the surrounding areas (Tiradentes and Ouro Preto), then... and back. I’m really counting on your advice to help shape this trip. We’re not backpackers anymore! Thanks in advance. Best regards, Serge Rambal - Montpellier

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Brazil in October and decided to go through an agency to organize our itinerary. I asked two agencies to put together a circuit with transfers, hotels, organized visits, and one domestic flight. I don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese. 6 nights in Rio 3 nights on Ilha Grande 3 nights in Paraty Domestic flight to Salvador for 3 nights 3 nights in Morro de São Paulo 1 night in Salvador before flying back to France. For this itinerary, I’m going with Tourlane, but I’m still waiting on the second quote from Comptoir des Voyages. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the itinerary and especially on these agencies—thanks for any feedback! 😊