Many people that are visiting Brazil for only a short time want to go to Iguazu Falls on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro. For those that are interested in doing it, there is good news and bad news.

The good news is that it is technically possible to go on a day trip to Iguazu from Rio. The bad news is that it is both expensive and slightly inconvenient.

The airlines that fly from Rio to Iguazu do not offer flights that allow passengers enough time to travel to and from the falls in one day. As such, if you want to go on a day trip to Iguazu Falls, you will have to buy a one-way ticket on one airline to get there and a one-way ticket on another airline to get back. Prices for one-way flights are expensive, making it more economical to stay at a hotel in Iguazu overnight.

The other drawback is that even if you fly to Iguazu Falls with one airline and back with another, you still won’t have much time at the falls themselves. For example, TAM offers a flight that lands at IGU airport at 12:35pm, and GOL has a flight that departs IGU at 4:40pm. Given the transfer time and the need to arrive at the airport early to check in for your return flight, there isn’t a lot of time to see the falls.

Still, if you are determined to go to Iguazu Falls on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro, it is possible to do. If you don’t mind spending extra money and having a short visit, you can go there for a day and at least be able to say that you saw the famous waterfalls.

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.

Brazil cruises are a great way to see the country. Brazil has thousands of miles of coastline, and some of the sightseeing highlights are located in or near port cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Buzios, among others.

Finding the right cruise for your interests is an important part of any trip to Brazil. There are a lot of different kinds of cruises available, including cruises with only a few stops and cruises with multiple stops.

There are also cruises that travel to other countries in South America, allowing passengers to visit a wide range of places throughout their trip. Many cruises go to Buenos Aires in Argentina and Punta del Este in Uruguay in addition to Brazilian destinations.

Once you have found the right Brazil cruise for you, deals abound if you know where to find them. Many companies have sales throughout the year that provide customers with discounts on cruise packages. Others offer last-minute savings for those that can travel to Brazil on short notice. Make sure to shop around to find the right cruise deal before booking, as often several companies will offer similar cruises at different prices.

Carnival in Salvador is one of the biggest events of the year in Brazil. Like carnival in Rio, carnival in Salvador is one of the best ways to take part in the pre-Lenten festivities while you are visiting Brazil.

But while carnival in Rio de Janeiro is centered around the shows in the famous Sambadrome, carnival in Salvador is a bit less of a spectator event and doesn’t have a specific theme. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to take part in the parades and activities, and entry to the carnival events in Salvador comes with a T-shirt.

Many of the hotels in Salvador that are located along the parade route charge extra for rooms during carnival. If you want to avoid paying premium prices and don’t mind staying slightly off the beaten path, you can find better deals for hotels during carnival in Salvador if you stay away from the main festival areas.

Another tip for carnival in Salvador is to book early. Flights, hostels and hotels, tours, and other popular activities get booked up well ahead of time due to the high volume of visitors to Bahia during carnival. If you can book well in advance, you can get better prices and take advantage of special offers and deals.

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 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.

The best shopping in Rio de Janeiro can be found throughout the city center. From open-air markets to luxury goods stores, from international labels to local Brazilian designers, Rio has it all.

A good place to start your shopping trip in Rio is Ipanema. The neighborhood is famous for its boutiques, small shopping centers, luxury stores, and local fashion. Don’t miss Louis Vuitton, Rio-inspired Gilson Martins with its iconic images of Rio de Janeiro on everything from bags to wallets, and the shoe store Mr Cat.

On Saturdays Ipanema is also home to the Hippie Fair, a market that offers jewlery, art, and clothing. Browsing the wares is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon while you are visiting Brazil.

Speaking of markets, some of the best souvenir shopping in Rio de Janeiro can be done at the market along Copacabana Beach. Everything from miniature statues of Christ the Redeemer to colorful sarongs and flip flops can be found there.

Additionally, on Saturdays there is an antique market in Praca Quinze in the city centre. That’s to say nothing of the Feira Hype, which moves around the city and offers trendy clothing for fashionistas.

More of the best shopping in Rio de Janeiro can be found in Leblon, on the streets around Copacabana, and at smaller shops throughout the city. Brazil is known for everything from bikinis to gemstones, so don’t go home without some swimwear and jewelry.

Pestana Bahia Lodge, Salvador
Address: Rua Fonte do Boi, 216 41940-360, Rio Vermelho, Brazil
Phone: +(55) 7121038000

Pestana Bahia Lodge is a 5-star hotel in Salvador, Brazil. Located right on the waterfront, it is a great place for visitors that want be away from the bustle of the city without being at too great a distance from Salvador’s sightseeing highlights.

The hotel is situated adjacent to the Pestana Bahia hotel, and shares reception facilities and some dining areas with its sister property. All rooms at the lodge are suites, providing a luxury experience for guests. Suites are spread across several low-rise buildings that congregate around a terrace and dining area.

Some of the 83 suites are spread over two floors, while others occupy a single floor. Each suite at the Pestana Bahia Lodge has an ocean view and a balcony. All of them have a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and two bathrooms. Air conditioning and flat screen TVs are also included.

Outside of the suites there is a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and Cais da Ribeira restaurant. The area is private and only guests staying at the lodge can use the facilites. This means that it is rarely crowded.

Away from the lodge, guests can walk around the Salvador city center and enjoy views across the water. The famous Pelourinho district with its colorful architecture is a short taxi drive away.

Room rates at the Pestana Bahia Lodge in Salvador start at R$399 per night for suites.

Brazil visas for US citizens are a requirement for entry into the country. All American citizens must have a Brazil visa and a valid US passport with at least 6 months validity remaining on it upon arrival in the country. If you do not, you will be denied entry into Brazil. There is no visa on arrival in Brazil.

If you are an American citizen, it is important that you apply for your Brazil visa well in advance of traveling. Visas take at least 5 business days to process, and many consulates only accept a small number of applications each day (some by appointment only).

Additionally, you or your authorized third party must apply in person at the embassy or consulate closest to your residence, as snail mail and online Brazil visa applications are not accepted. There are no expedited or rush visas for Brazil, either.

The Brazilian consulates in the US are located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. All of them process visas for American citizens traveling to Brazil.

To get a Brazil visa, you must fill out an application online and then print it out and take it to your appointment. Don’t forget to bring the relevant photograph and any other documents required with your application. If you do not have everything that is required, your application will be denied.

Brazil visas for US citizens cost $140.00. An additional $20.00 fee is charged if you send a third party to submit your application on your behalf. You must pay by US Postal Service money order made out to the Consulate General of Brazil.

Most Brazil visas for Americans are multiple-entry visas valid for 10 years from the date that they are granted. However, the duration is ultimately is at the discretion of the consulate.

Rules for Brazil visas for US citizens are subject to change at any time. Make sure to check the website of your nearest Brazilian consulate for updated information.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best times to visit Brazil. People from all over the world descend on the city to celebrate and take part in the processions and festivities that take place every year for the occasion.

Carnival is a great time to travel to Rio, but make sure to book well in advance if you go. Hotels and other accommodations get booked up months ahead, so be sure to plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. Sometimes there are last-minute deals available if demand is low, but most years prices rise significantly the closer you get to Carnival.

If you book ahead, many hotels have 5-day package deals beginning on the Saturday before Carnival and ending on the Wednesday. They offer tickets to the Carnival festivities at the Sambadrome for around US$300 to 400 per night. There are also cruise deals for Carnival in Rio. Cruise companies tend to charge slightly more than hotels for tickets to the parades at the Sambadrome, but offer a good experience all the same.

If you go to the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, you can watch the 12 famous samba schools compete. The best seats for Carnival are in sector 9, so if you can get tickets for that area, you will have the best view of the parades. The parades take place on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights at 9:00pm, with the last of these being the time when the final judging happens. On the following Saturday there is a winners’ parade.

On the Saturday before Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the second samba schools compete. If you arrive early, don’t miss their parades and others throughout the city in the week before the main events.

If you don’t go to the Sambadrome during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you can take part in the processions throughout the city. Special music is composed just for the occasion, and the starting points are announced each day on television. Anyone can join, and it is free of charge to take part.

There is no shortage of places to visit in Bahia. The state has miles of coastline with beautiful beaches, colorful cities and towns, and great inland treasures. To help you narrow down the choices, here is my list of the best places in Bahia, Brazil:

Salvador – Salvador is one of the most famous cities in Brazil. Home to a colorful old town and host to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the city has a lot to offer.

Don’t miss the beautiful Pelourinho district with its 17th and 18th century colonial buildings and vibrant Mercado Modelo market, the Barra Lighthouse, the Bonfim Church, the traditional Ribeira neighborhood, Corredor da Vitoria, Campo Grande, Piedade, Sao Tome de Paripe Beach, the Cidade Baixa with its Itapagipe Peninsula, and the Cidade Alta.

Praia do Forte – Located on the coast not far from Salvador, Praia do Forte is one of the best places in Bahia. The town has great shops and restaurants, accommodations, resorts, beaches, and the TAMAR turtle sanctuary where visitors can see conservation efforts taking place.

The Islands – Bahia has no shortage of beautiful islands off its coast. Some of the best are Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades, which are located in All Saints Bay near Salvador. Others include the famous Ilha de Tinhare, on which the famous Morro de Sao Paulo lies, as well as the Ilha de Boipeba. These secluded islands to the south of Salvador are known for their stunning beaches where visitors can go snorkeling and sunbathing.

Cachoeira – Smaller and less well-known to people visiting Brazil, the Bahian city Cachoeira is well worth a visit. Located 110 kilometers from Salvador, it is brimming with history and is home to stunning architecture. Don’t miss the beautiful Igreja da Ordem Terceiro do Carmo church, the Hansen Bahia Foundation, and the Danneman Cultural Center.

Marau and Itacare – The neighboring Marau and Itacare peninsulas are two of the most beautiful places in Bahia. They are lush with coconut trees, coastal forest land, lakes, waterfalls, and picturesque sandy beaches with clear water. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the region in Marau, and surfers can find some of the best surfing in Brazil in Itacare.

Chapada Diamantina – Away from the coat, Chapada Diamantina is one of the best places in Bahia’s inland region. The rugged natural beauty of the area features waterfalls, deep valleys, caves, lakes, and plateaus. If you ever get tired of the beaches in Bahia, Chapada Diamantina is the place to visit.

Rio de Janeiro airport taxis are a great way of getting to and from your flight to Brazil. There are several kinds of taxis you can take, including pre-paid airport taxis and yellow taxis.

Pre-paid Rio de Janeiro airport taxis are a good way to ensure that you know how much you will pay for your ride. You can either book online in advance and pay upon booking, or go to a counter in the arrivals hall in the airport to pay for your taxi to receive a voucher.

Pre-paid taxis are usually nicer cars than yellow taxis, and visitors don’t have to worry about the driver tampering with the meter to overcharge them. However, almost all pre-paid airport taxis in Rio are more expensive than even the most tampered with yellow taxi meter. Rates vary depending on your final destination in the city center, but most pre-paid taxis cost R$100.

Yellow taxis can be found outside of the arrivals hall at both airports in Rio. Make sure that your driver uses a meter, but expect to pay anything from R$40 to R$100 from GIG or R$15 to R$40 from Santos Dumont if your final destination is Copacabana Beach or Ipanema. Prices vary widely due to drivers fixing their meters and rates going up at night and for the month of December, but you will almost always still pay less than you would pay with a pre-paid taxi. Make sure to have cash, as drivers do not take credit cards. There are ATMs in the airports if you need them.

There is one taxi company in Rio that charges a flat R$40 for a Rio de Janeiro airport taxi going from the city to GIG airport. It is called Aerocoop and you must call them to reserve a taxi at that price and have a coupon to hand to the driver when you are picked up. Usually coupons are only available from drivers that have taken you from GIG to your hotel in Rio, so if you get lucky, you may find one.

Pestana Convento do Carmo Hotel in Salvador
Address: Rua do Carmo, 1, 40301-330 Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil
Phone: +55 71 33278400

The award-winning Pestana Convento do Carmo hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Salvador. Housed in a former convent from the 16th century, it was the first historic hotel of its kind in Brazil.

The hotel is located right in the heart of the old town, giving guests easy access to Salvador’s colorful attractions. It is a short walk away from the cathedral, many of the famous squares and churches, and the elevator that takes people down to the market by the waterfront.

The staff at the hotel is welcoming and friendly, and guests are offered complimentary water, Champagne, and other beverages upon check-in. The concierge is helpful with offering suggestions for sightseeing in Salvador and recommending restaurants and evening entertainment.

The 60 apartments and 19 suites at the Pestana Convento do Carmo hotel in Salvador are spacious and decorated with traditional furnishings. Rooms have large, comfortable beds, wardrobes, desks, chairs and sofas, and ensuite bathrooms. Some of them are set over two floors, and come with two bathrooms. There is ethernet in the rooms and WiFi in public areas of the hotel, although the connection is not always fast or reliable.

Outside of the rooms, the hotel has a beautiful circular swimming pool in an outdoor courtyard, a small spa and fitness center, a library, a restaurant, and a bar. There is even a historic chapel in the building that guests can view upon request.

Rates at the Pestana Convento do Carmo hotel in Salvador start at R$400 per night for standard rooms. Make sure to check online for special deals and package offers throughout the year.

Sofitel Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Address: Avenida Atlantica, 4240, Copacabana, 22070002 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone: +55 21 25251232

The Sofitel hotel in Rio is one of the best luxury hotels on Copacabana Beach. Located right on the southern end of the beach, the Sofitel has great views over the sand and the famous promenade.

Guest rooms at the Sofitel are decorated in contemporary style. Rooms come with comfortable beds, desks, televisions, iPod docking stations, mini bars, wardrobes, and spacious ensuite bathrooms. All guest rooms have balconies, which is a rarity in Rio.

Suites are large and offer guests additional amenities like kitchens, dining rooms, and extra bedrooms. Some suites are connected and are perfect for families visiting Brazil together.

In addition to rooms and Suites, the Sofitel hotel in Rio de Janeiro has plenty to keep guests entertained. There are two pools, one that gets morning sun and one that gets afternoon sun. Nearby is a fitness center where guests can work out to get ready for a day at the beach, and a spa where they can relax after a day of shopping in Ipanema.

The hotel also has a number of options for eating and drinking. There is a great bar called the Horse’s Neck that features African decor. For dining options, there is an acclaimed French restaurant called Le Pre Catelan with views overlooking Copacabana Beach. Additionally, guests can enjoy a buffet lunch or a la carte dinner at Restaurante Atlantis.

The top two floors of the Sofitel in Rio make up the Club Millesime area. There is a separate reception desk for this section of the hotel, and guests are offered perks like free WiFi, a butler, a complimentary massage at the spa, and a lounge on the top floor with breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, wine tasting, and canapes.

Rates at the Sofitel hotel in Rio de Janeiro start around R$850 per night for standard rooms. You can get a discount if you book in advance or stay for more than three nights. There are also special offers and packages available for events like the hotel’s famous New Year’s Eve party.

New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best nights of the year in Brazil. Rio is famous for its New Year’s Reveillon parties, and locals and visitors from all over the world descend on the city on December 31st to join the festivities.

The most famous place to spend New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana Beach. Thousands of people flock to the sand every year to watch concerts and fireworks as they ring in the new year.

There are several ways to do New Year’s on Copacabana Beach. One is to arrive several hours early and stake out a place on the beach itself. This is a good option if you are on a budget while visiting Brazil.

Another option is to reserve a table at one of the restaurants near the beach or one of the many small food kiosks that line the promenade. They offer party packages and are a great way to ensure that you have a place to watch the fireworks at midnight.

If you are looking for a big New Year’s Eve party in Rio, the hotels are your best bet. From the Sofitel to the Copacabana Palace, many hotels offer great New Year’s Eve party packages that include dinner, drinks, and music from areas that overlook Copacabana Beach. These packages tend to sell out in advance, to make sure to book ahead if you choose this option.

If you want a very special New Year’s Eve, you can buy a ticket for the exclusive party on Sugar Loaf Mountain. Partygoers are whisked up to the top in a cable car, and spend the evening drinking and dancing the night away. At midnight there are great views of the fireworks on Copacabana Beach. As with hotel parties, this party sells out quickly, so make sure to get your tickets in advance.

Whatever you do for New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro, it is sure to be a great night out. Big budget or small, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
Address: Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22021 001, Brazil
Phone: +55 21 2548 7070

The Copacabana Palace is the most famous hotel in Rio de Janeiro. The historic Orient-Express hotel was built in 1923 for the celebrations of Brazil’s first hundred years of independence. It is the only Art Deco hotel of its kind on Copacabana Beach, and is known throughout the city as being the best luxury hotel in Rio.

The hotel is set over two buildings, with a large swimming pool and restaurant between them. Guest rooms are spread across both buildings, and some have stunning views of Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Standard rooms are spacious and feature tropical decor with king size beds, desks, wardrobes, mini bars, and large bathrooms with showers and tubs. There is free WiFI throughout guest rooms and all public areas of the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro.

In addition to the rooms, the hotel features two restaurants, one called Cipriani that serves Italian food, and the other called Pergula that serves great Sunday brunches and Saturday feijoadas. It also offers two bars, meeting and event rooms, a gift shop, a spa, a fitness center, and a hair salon. For those that want to venture across the street to the beach, the hotel has a stand on the sand to set guests up with beach chairs, water bottles, towels, and other items.

Throughout the year, the hotel is host to a number of important events. These include special Christmas dinners and brunches, and the most famous New Year’s Eve party on Copacabana Beach. If you plan to visit during this period, make sure to book early to reserve your place at the festivities.

Rates at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro start at US$342 per night for standard rooms. You can get a 10% discount if you book online at least 21 days in advance.

Pestana Rio Atlantica Hotel in Rio de Janeiro
Address: Avenida Atlantica, 2964, 22070-000, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone: +55 2125486332

The Pestana Rio Atlantica is a popular five star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Located right on Copacabana Beach, the hotel is ideally situated for enjoying the city’s highlights.

Rooms at the Pestana Rio Atlantica hotel in Rio de Janeiro are spacious and decorated in contemporary style. Rooms come with luxury cosmetics from L’Occitane as well as king size beds, desks, mini bars, and sofas. Many rooms have balconies with beautiful views over Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Outside of the guest rooms, the Pestana Rio Atlantica offers a terrace restaurant with a breakfast buffet and an outdoor dining area, a Portuguese restaurant called Cais da Ribeira, a large lobby bar, conference rooms for meetings and events, a swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi, and solarium.

Rates at the Pestana Rio Atlantica hotel in Rio de Janeiro start at R$ 600 per night if you book online and take advantage of offers for their lowest prices.

Rio de Janeiro tours are a great way to see the highlights of the city. There are many companies in Brazil that offer guided tours of Rio and the surrounding area.

The most popular Rio de Janeiro tours cover the most famous areas of Rio. One well-loved tour takes visitors to Corcovado to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and then to Sugar Loaf Mountain on the cable car, with lunch in between. This tour can also be broken up into two half-day tours for those that want a less ambitious itinerary while visiting Brazil.

Another great tour of Rio is a trip through the historic downtown area, with highlights like the Candelaria church, the former royal palace, and the famous Confeitaria Colombo restaurant. Tours of the downtown often include visits to Rio’s modern cathedral as well as the Sambadrome, where Carnival in Rio takes place.

Other Rio tours include trips to beaches like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, visits to the city’s famous botanical garden, drives through the Santa Teresa neighborhood, excursions into the Rio’s favelas (slums), and stops at the beautiful Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

Rio de Janeiro tours can be done in groups or with private tour guides. One popular tour takes visitors around the city in Jeeps. Whatever you choose, you will see some of Brazil’s best highlights.

Day trips from Salvador are a great way to see the surrounding area and experience more of what the Brazilian state of Bahia has to offer. Some of the best day trips are close to the city and easy to get to via public transport, taxis, or guided tours.

Below is my list of the best day trips from Salvador:

Praia do Forte – Praia do Forte is one of the best places to visit in Bahia. Located just an hour and a half from Salvador by car, the resort town is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. There is a large pedestrian street in Praia do Forte that is lined with boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurants, and there is also a beach on the waterfront. Additionally, the town is home to the TAMAR sea turtle sanctuary, where you can see four different kinds of turtles as well as sharks and other marine species.

Guarajuba Beach – Located just over an hour north of Salvador, Guarajuba Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Bahia. The white beach goes on for miles, lined by palm trees on one side and ocean waves on the other. There are plenty of restaurants and beachside cafes along the waterfront, as well as changing rooms and a car park.

Praia Imbassai – Another of the most beautiful beaches in Bahia is Praia Imbassai. Located an hour and 40 minutes north of Salvador, the beaches there are secluded and beautiful. There are plenty of accommodations in the area if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight one, too.

Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades – The islands of Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades are two of the best places to visit on a day trip from Salvador. They can be reached by boat on a day tour in the Baia de Todos os Santos. Once there, you can spend an afternoon sunbathing on the famous beaches and enjoying seafood from local restaurants.

Rio 2016 Olympics Dates: August 5 to August 21, 2016

Rio 2016 Paralympics Dates: September 7 to September 18, 2016

The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the summer and early autumn of 2016.

All events for the Olympics and Paralympics will be held in and around Rio, with new venues being built and old ones being improved and refurbished for the games. Work is already underway on facilities in the harbor area and other parts of the city. They are scheduled for completion between now and 2016.

If you plan on visiting Brazil for the Rio 2016 Olympics, make sure to book your Olympics tickets, hotel, and flights well in advance. The event will be a popular one, and the earlier you book, the cheaper your travel will be.

2014 World Cup in Brazil dates: 12 June to 13 July 2014

The 2014 FIFA World Cup football tournament will be held in Brazil from mid-June until mid-July. This will be the second time Brazil has hosted the World Cup, the last time being in 1950.

The World Cup will take place in 12 cities in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Natal, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and Recife.

Work is already underway to improve old stadiums and build new ones in anticipation of the football matches that will take place across the country during the World Cup.

Big matches will take place at famous venues like the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This is where the final game of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be played on July 13, 2014.

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro depends on your interests and preferences for weather.

One of the best times of year to visit Rio de Janeiro is during Carnival, when the city comes alive with music, dancing, and festivities. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro usually takes place in January, February, or March.

Another great time to visit Rio is New Year’s Eve. The parties on Copacabana Beach attract millions of locals and visitors every year, and are a great way to ring in the new year.

If you want to avoid the Carnival and New Year’s crowds in Rio de Janeiro, visiting outside of the festival months is a good idea.

The weather in Rio de Janeiro does not vary greatly during the year, as the city is located near the equator. That said, it tends to be hotter from December to March and a bit cooler from June to September.

If you want to visit during the shoulder season, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is in May, October, or November.

Flights to Brazil for Carnival are best booked well in advance. The main cities for Carnival in Brazil are Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, but you can fly to other cities in Brazil to celebrate Carnival as well.

If you’re a North American or European, your best bet is to fly a major airline on a flight to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for Carnival. Sao Paulo and Rio both are served by Delta, American, United, and British Airways, among others. You can use frequent flyer miles on these airlines if you book far enough in advance.

If your final destination for Carnival is Salvador, hop on a short flight to Salvador with a Brazilian low cost airline. Salvador airport (airport code: SSA) is served by low cost airlines in Brazil such as TAM, GOL, and Varig airlines.

GOL airlines is a low cost carrier like Southwest and Ryanair for domestic flights in Brazil. GOL offers roundtrip flights from Sao Paulo to Salvador for Carnaval for around US$150. The same goes for the Rio de Janeiro airports.

The best day trips from Rio de Janeiro are great ways to see parts of the region around the city. There is a lot of natural beauty near Rio, and it is easy to escape the urban bustle while you are visiting Brazil.

Many of the top day trips from Rio involve beautiful and amazing beaches that are located just a short distance away from the city. If you haven’t been spoiled enough by the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro, you certainly will be by the the beaches nearby. Given that Brazil is famous for its coastline and beach culture, seeing them is a great way to get a feel for the country.

Several of the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro include the famous beach area of Buzios, the well-loved Grumari Beach, and Angra dos Reis. Each one is famous for its beaches, and all are popular with locals and visitors.

When going on one of these day trips, try to plan your visit so that it doesn’t coincide with a cruise ship docking at the site. The areas tend to get very crowded when ships arrive, so you will have a better visit if you go another time.

Another day trip from Rio de Janeiro is Iguazu Falls. However, while many people want to visit the waterfalls in a day, it is difficult to do due to flight schedules. It is better to take your time and spend at least one night in Iguazu.

A Grumari Beach day trip from Rio is a great way to spend a day while visiting Brazil.

Grumari Beach is located just 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Rio de Janeiro, and is only an hour’s drive from the city center. Given that it is so easy to drive from Rio de Janeiro to Grumari Beach, it is a popular choice for a day trip.

Grumari Beach isn’t just sand and sea, either. The whole area around Grumari Beach is a nature reserve. If the beach isn’t your thing, there is still plenty to do in the area if you like the outdoors.

Whatever your taste in travel, Grumari Beach is a great place to go. Just make sure to get an early start on your Grumari Beach day trip from Rio, as the beach gets very crowded on sunny days.

One of the best and most popular day trips from Rio de Janeiro is Buzios, Brazil (Búzios). Locals and visitors alike flock to the area throughout the warmer months.

Buzios is situated on a beautiful peninsula a two-hour drive north of Rio de Janeiro. A day trip to Buzios is a great way to spend a a full day or an afternoon when you are visiting Brazil.

Buzios is commonly associated with the rich and famous, having had its share of celebrity visitors like Brigitte Bardot.

But the Buzios area is most known for having some of the best beaches in Brazil. With clear turquoise waters and beautiful yellow sand, it’s hard to find a more tranquil place on the sea.

Buzios is also known for having some of the best nightlife in Brazil. With famous bars, clubs, and restaurants on Rua das Pedras in the town, Buzios is hard to beat for partying in Brazil. With all the best nightlife in Buzios, your Buzios day trip from Rio could easily turn into an overnight trip.

The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro are located in many neighborhoods throughout the city. The most famous hotels in Rio are those along the beaches, but other hotels deserve their accolades as well.

Here is my list of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro:

Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio
Address: Av. Atlantica 1702, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The monumental and sparkling white Copacabana Palace hotel in Rio is a landmark hotel. The Copacabana Palace hotel was designed by Joseph Gire, and its interiors and rooms are well decorated and well maintained. Don’t miss the poolside feijoada that the hotel offers on Saturdays.

Caesar Park Hotel in Rio
Address: Av. Vieira Souto 460, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Caesar Park hotel is another of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro. The hotel is located right on the coast in Ipanema and is a perennial favorite with visitors to Rio.

Sofitel Hotel in Rio
Address: Av. Atlantica, 4240, Copacabana, 22070002 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Sofitel is one of the best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro. Located at the southern end of Copacabana Beach, the hotel’s guest rooms all have balconies with great views of the water. The Sofitel is also a popular place for fine dining.

Hotel Fasano in Rio
Address: Av. Vieira Souto 80, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ipanema’s newest hotel, Hotel Fasano was designed by Philippe Starck. The Hotel Fasano in Rio has well appointed rooms and suites with beach and ocean views. There is a large pool for swimming and sunbathing as well as a great restaurant and bar. The Fasano is popular with celebrities like Madonna and Beyonce.

Pestana Rio Atlantica Hotel in Rio
Address: Av. Atlantica, 2964, 22070-000, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Pestana Rio Atlantica hotel is a five-star hotel on Copacabana Beach. Located right in the middle of the beach, it is in a great location for enjoying all that the area has to offer. Guest rooms are spacious and newly renovated, and many rooms have great views of the beach.

Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio
Address: Rua Almirante Alexandrino 660, Santa Teresa, 20241-260 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Hotel Santa Teresa is a five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel in Rio de Janeiro. The accommodation describes itself as a design concept hotel, and is housed in a historic coffee plantation mansion. It is one of Rio’s only boutique hotels, and is located away from the beaches in the hills of Santa Teresa. It is a great place to stay if you want to be off the beaten hotel path.

Some people visiting Brazil think that the best beach in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana Beach. This is true in some sense, as the beach is has been popular with visitors for decades and is the center of the city’s big New Year’s Eve festivities.

However, those that know Rio well are aware that there are some other great beaches in the city that shouldn’t be missed.

Many locals spend their time at Ipanema Beach and Leblon Beach, where the white sand sparkles and beautiful Brazilians abound. Leblon Beach is also great for children, and is one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro for families. Also popular are Sao Conrado Beach and Barra da Tijuca Beach, which aren’t far away.

A bit further afield, Niteroi has some great beaches with stunning views of Rio, and Recreio, Grumari, and Prainha beaches are great places for sunbathing and mixing with the locals.

When visiting, keep in mind that the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro aren’t just the beaches themselves. It also matters where you choose to sunbathe. The best sunbathing in Rio can be done at Posto 9 at Ipanema Beach and Posto 12 at Leblon Beach.

The New York Times gets it right about Belo’s bar scene!

A Town Where All the World Is a Bar
Lalo de Almeida for The New York Times

BELO HORIZONTE, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, has managed to become the country’s third-largest city while remaining almost completely unknown to the outside world. If tourists more drawn to the sybaritic pleasures of Rio de Janeiro or the urban clamor of São Paulo know it at all, it is because they may pass through it on their way to Ouro Preto and Diamantina, treating it as a little more than a refueling stop as they head toward those picturesque colonial-era mining towns.

Its international anonymity was born of no coastline and thus no beaches, no famous Carnival and thus no February madness, and no big attractions save a few buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer that pale next to his famous works in Brasília.

But Beagá, the city’s nickname (from the pronunciation of its initials in Portuguese), does have a claim to fame: as the bar capital of Brazil. Not bars as in slick hotel lounges or boozy meat markets, but bars as in botecos, informal sit-down spots where multiple generations socialize, drink beer and often have an informal meal. If you believe the local bluster, there are 12,000 bars in the city, more per capita than anywhere else in the country. Why, no one is completely sure, but one theory has turned into a popular saying: “Não tem mares, tem bares.” Loosely: “There are no seas, thus there are bars.”

[Read the whole article]

ATMs in Brazil are everywhere. You will find many ATMs in airports, retail areas, and popular tourist areas.

Some people don’t have any problems using Brazilian ATMs with a US or EU ATM cards. Others do. Some banks accept foreign cards more readily than others, so if you have more than one ATM or credit card, make sure to bring a spare.

In general, Banco Bradesco, HSBC, Banco 24 Hors, and Banco de Brazil all work well.

Banco 24 Horas tends to charge high fees. The rate they charge is about 10% higher than the interbank rate.

Bradesco is somewhat better. It charges about 5% over interbank rate.

Banco do Brazil is perhaps the most fair. It usually charges the interbank rate itself.

Banco Itau can be a bit of a problem. Its ATMs don’t always except foreign cards. Avoid using them if there are other ATMs available.

Note that at most ATMs, you can’t get more than R$100 after 9pm, so don’t plan on paying big bills after that time! This is for security reasons to prevent robbery.

Here are a few tips on transiting and customs at Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) in Brazil.

If you’re transiting to another flight at Sao Paulo Airport, you will not need to clear customs and immigration.

For example, if you’re flying from Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires, you don’t need to go through customs in Brazil at all.

This is great if you’re short on time.

On the down side, the airport is pretty boring.

There are a lot of shops but nothing really exciting, so bring reading material.

There is a United Red Carpet Club in Sao Paulo Airport too.

You might want to consider buying a one day pass at the counter for less than US$50 if you have a few hours to spend in Sao Paulo Airport.

You can go inside the lounge to shower and get free drinks. Not a bad deal.

When you arrive in Brazil, you have several options for airport transfers in Rio de Janeiro.

Flights to Brazil from other countries land at the main GIG airport, which is officially named Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. Some domestic flights also land there. This airport is located to the north of the Rio de Janeiro city center, but is easily accessible by taxi or bus.

Alternately, there is the Santos Dumont airport in the city center, which is near Guanabara Bay. This is the domestic airport in Rio de Janeiro. It is mostly serviced by Brazilian low cost airlines like TAM and GOL. Airport transfers are available between the two airports in Rio.

An air-conditioned bus service departs every 30 minutes and runs between both airports and further to Zona Sul along the beachfront in Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. It continues on to Barra da Tijuca. A single ticket costs around R$8. These buses often run late, so it is best to take them from the airport to your hotel and not the other way around.

Taxis, though more expensive, are also a convenient way to do airport transfers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They are reliable for reaching the main tourist areas in Rio de Janeiro. A taxi ride from Rio’s GIG airport to Rio’s southern beaches will cost from R$40 to R$100. Many yellow taxi drivers tamper with their meters and prices go up at night and in December, so prices vary greatly. Make sure to get reals in the airport since taxis do not accept credit cards.

Now that Google Maps has launched Brazil, it’s really easy to find maps of the major destinations and to find your way between them.

Check out the links below for ideas.

Rio de Janeiro Map. Satellite view is great here too to see both the favelas and the beaches like Ipanema.

Brasilia Map.

Sao Paulo Map. Check out the location between the airports or how the neighborhoods are laid out.

Florianopolis Map. You can see the small connector going to the island.

Porto Alegre Map. Great beachfront.

Salvador Map. Beautiful beachfront – click the “satellite” button to see the real photos.

Belo Horizonte Map. Check out the cool layout of city streets.

Google Maps has launched in Brazil.

From the Google Maps API Blog:

Google Maps has launched in Brazil with streets and satellites.

This is great for finding your way around Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other major and minor cities in a familiar format.

Even small roads and streets are marked on Google Maps Brazil.

Google Maps Brazil is great for seeing where hotels are and where you’ll be going.

Here are some tips for Carnival in Brazil:

Carnival is the biggest event of the year in Brazil. Cities all over the country come alive every February for the festivities, which are famous all over the world.

If you’re planning on going to Carnival in Brazil, book now to make sure you don’t have to pay high prices for flights to Brazil.

There are two major choices of destination for Carnival in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. Other cities have events going on as well, but these two are the most famous.

Rio is known for the festivals, parades and art. The city’s Sambadrome is the center of attention during Carnival, and visitors can buy tickets to see the parades. Alternatively, there are many street processions and festivals at places like Copacabana Beach that you can take part in during Carnival in Brazil.

Salvador is known for the Carnival parties. The famous procession winds its way through the streets and past the many hotels in the city. If you are looking for the wild times you hear about, you want to go to Salvador for Carnival in Brazil.