With South African Airways offering direct flights to São Paulo from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, Brazil is back on the radar for South African travellers.
“Famous for football, samba, and its sprawling Amazon rainforest, venturing through this continent-sized nation can feel like stepping into an alternate universe,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.
Fortunately, with direct flights to Guarulhos International Airport operating four times a week from South Africa, local travellers are rewarded with increased opportunities to explore Brazil’s full depth and diversity.
But where to start if you’re a first-time traveller? Reader, take note. Here’s a great overview courtesy of Turner and her team of travel experts:
Start in São Paulo
São Paulo is best known for its exuberant Carnaval festival in February, just before Lent. But should you want to skip the crowds, Brazil’s largest city offers a wealth of culture and creativity to explore year-round.
This inland metropolis is brimming with graffiti murals, stylish neighbourhoods, underground bars, and a buzzing food scene. Head north to embark on a street art tour in Vila Madalena. Browse the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) and visit the free open-air gallery of Museu Aberto de Arte Urbana.
According to Turner, Sampa, the city’s affectionate nickname, is best explored at a lento (relaxed) pace like a local.
“São Paulo proves an excellent gateway to the rest of Brazil,” Turner adds. “It’s a place that rewards slow travel, so no need to rush off elsewhere too soon. You can spend a good few days wandering its tree-root-cracked sidewalks and never see the same thing twice.”
Next Stop: Rio de Janeiro
You simply can’t go to Brazil and skip Rio. Once you’ve explored São Paulo, the postcard-perfect beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema beckon. As do the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car.
“If there’s one thing you must do, it’s to get up high and admire the view, but don’t overlook the real Rio from down below”, urges Turner. “Take a samba lesson in Lapa or join a favela tour for an authentic perspective on local life. And if you simply must get that iconic cliffside photo op, it’s only a moderate trek up to Pedra do Telégrafo.”
Soccer fan? Don’t miss the chance to catch a live match at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, which hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.
The Pantanal and Paraty
Beyond the big cities, Brazil’s quieter corners are guaranteed to steal your heart. The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is a wildlife lover’s dream. Think jaguars, capybaras, giant otters, and over 600 bird species.
Further south, the colonial town of Paraty proves an underrated gem. Cobbled streets, art galleries, and a protected bay filled with secluded beaches make it the perfect escape for first-time travellers.
“Remember, Brazil is extensive,” Turner explains. “The most common way to get to further-flung places such as the Pantanal and Paraty is by air, with flights from São Paulo to either Cuiabá or Campo Grande.”
Head to the Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest remains a bucket list item for many. However, Turner urges travellers to time their visit carefully.
“The best time to go is during the drier season, between July and December, when hiking trails are more accessible,” she advises.
The most common and efficient route is to fly to Manaus, the primary gateway to the Amazon. A visit here is equally extraordinary: unparalleled natural biodiversity awaits you just beyond a breakneck jungle metropolis teeming with exotic foods, frenetic markets, and a river-driven way of life.
“You’re in the thick of it in Manaus, and that’s precisely the point,” Turner adds.
Things to know before you go:
- Download Duolingo and challenge yourself to learn a little Portuguese before you arrive. English is not widely spoken outside the main areas, so basic phrases will go a long way.
- Be smart about safety. Brazil is friendly, but petty crime can be a concern in cities. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid flashing valuables.
- Pack light, but right. Brazil’s climate ranges from steamy jungles to cooler highlands, so versatile clothing is key.
- Plan for festivals in advance. Be it Carnival, New Year’s in Rio, and São João in the northeast.
Remember that the seasons in Brazil are similar to South Africa. If you want summertime weather, you should arrive between December and March.