Visiting Brazil

Beach in Brazil

Going to Angra dos Reis on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro is a great way to spend time when you are visiting Brazil.

Angra dos Reis is located on the Costa Verde, or Green Coast, an area to the west of Rio. It is a 2-hour-and-45-minute drive from the city, and the proximity makes it a great choice for a day trip. You can get to Angra dos Reis by car, taxi, or bus. Buses depart from Rio every hour and are run by a company called Costa Verde Transportation.

Angra dos Reis is known for the islands off its coast, and is popular as a luxury travel destination in Brazil. There are plenty of yachts off the shore, and many of the islands are frequented by the rich and famous.

People that go to Angra dos Reis on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro can explore the area’s beaches and waterfalls, participate in adventure sports, take cultural tours, and visit the historic city.

If you want to extend your day trip to Angra dos Reis, you can stay overnight or take a boat to the famous Ilha Grande, where there are also plenty of options accommodation.

Salvador

The best places to visit in Brazil are scattered throughout the country. From major cities to dense Amazonian jungles and spectacular waterfalls, the country has something to offer every visitor. Below are what I consider to be the best places to visit in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro – This famous city needs no introduction. Rio has been one of the most popular travel destinations in Brazil for years, and the city’s vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and great nightlife attract people from all over the world.

Sao Paulo – Slightly more serious than Rio, Sao Paulo is Brazil’s big business city. While some people think that it doesn’t have as much to offer as its rival, the city is full of cultural offerings and is worth a few days on any trip to Brazil.

Iguazu Falls – Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, the stunning Iguazu Falls are one of the best places to visit in Brazil. Called the “Niagra Falls of South America”, Iguazu offers visitors a chance to see beautiful natural waterfalls and dense jungle. People can also take boat rides into the falls to feel the spray on their faces.

Salvador – The city of Salvador in the state of Bahia is one of the most beloved cultural capitals of Brazil. The country’s African roots are deep here, and the music, dance, and atmosphere reflect the blending of cultures.

The Amazon – The Amazon River is one of the world’s most famous waterways. The jungle surrounding it is rich with flora and fauna of all kinds, and visitors can see everything from piranhas to jaguars.

When you plan your trip, keep in mind that the country is large and travel distances are long. If you want to go to a lot of the best places to visit in Brazil, consider getting an air pass with a Brazilian airline or international carrier like LAN.

Helicopter in Rio de Janeiro

Helicopter tours of Rio de Janeiro are a popular activity for people visiting Brazil. Helicopter tours are a great way to see the highlights of the city, from Sugar Loaf Mountain to Christ the Redeemer and more.

There are several places from which you can take a helicopter tour when you are in Rio. Two popular places for tours to leave from are the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the Morro da Urca, where cable cars stop en route to Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Rio helicopter tours generally last from 6 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on what kind of itinerary the tour has. Tours usually have a minimum of 3 people, but if you have less than that in your party, the company will pair you with others.

Some sample Rio de Janeiro helicopter tour itineraries are as follows:

- A trip around Christ the Redeemer. This tour takes 6-7 minutes and costs R$180 per person.

- Botafogo, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour also takes 6-7 minutes and costs R$180 per person.

- A trip around Christ the Redeemer, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour takes 8-9 minutes and costs R$275 per person.

- The Imperial Palace, the Maracana stadium, a trip around Christ the Redeemer, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour takes 11-12 minutes and costs R$335 per person.

- A trip around Christ the Redeemer, the botanical garden, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Rocinha favela, Niemeyer Avenue, the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour takes 12-13 minutes and costs R$360 per person.

- Downtown Rio, the Sambadrome, the Maracana stadium, a trip around Christ the Redeemer, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and a trip around Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour takes 14-15 minutes and costs R$420 per person.

- Guanabara Bay, the Fort of Santa Cruz, Icarai beach in Niteroi, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Santos Dumont Airport, downtown Rio, the Maracana stadium, the Sambadrome, a trip around Christ the Redeemer, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and a trip around Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour takes 20-21 minutes and costs R$540 per person.

- Downtown Rio, the Maracana stadium, the Sambadrome, a trip around Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca Forest, the lagoon in Barra da Tijuca, the racetrack, Barra, Sao Conrado, the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and a trip around Sugar Loaf Mountain. This tour takes 30 minutes and costs R$625 per person.

- Guanabara Bay, the Fort of Santa Cruz, Icarai beach in Niteroi, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Santos Dumont Airport, downtown Rio, the Sambadrome, the Maracana stadium, a trip around Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca Forest, the lagoon in Barra da Tijuca, the racetrack, Prainha, Recreio, and Grumari beaches, Barra, Sao Conrado, the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and a trip around Sugar Loaf Mountain. This Rio de Janeiro helicopter tour takes 60 minutes and costs R$1,050 per person.