The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Brazilian Portuguese is known for its melodic accent and local expressions. English and Spanish are understood in major cities and tourist areas, but less so outside these zones.
Direct flight: 10h30
Connecting flight: 15 to 22 hours (depending on connection times)
Brazil time zone: UTC-2 to UTC-5
1–3 hours ahead of Quebec (EST)
1–2 hours ahead of Quebec (EDT)
*Like in Canada, Brazil spans multiple time zones. The time difference varies depending on the region.
Real, plural form reais (BRL/R$)
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, and restaurants. However, it is recommended to carry cash for small shops, local markets, or remote areas where card terminals and ATMs may not be available.
Tipping in Brazil is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is usually included in the bill. For taxis, it is common to round up the fare, and for parking attendants, leaving a few reais (4-5) is customary.
In Brazil, it is recommended to stay vigilant, especially in major cities and crowded areas, where pickpocketing and scams can occur. Avoid displaying valuables, always use official transportation, and research which neighbourhoods are safe to visit (vulnerable areas should be avoided). In natural settings, such as the Amazon jungle or beaches, follow local guidelines and respect the environment and wildlife.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Brazil Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
In Fortaleza, days stretch between swimming at Praia do Futuro, strolling along Beira Mar Avenue, and exploring the local artisan market. Take a trip to Cumbuco to try kitesurfing, visit the Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture, and experience a bohemian night in the bars of the Iracema neighbourhood to the rhythms of Brazilian music.
Recife blends historic streets, festivities, and golden shores. Explore its canals by boat; stroll through its historic centre, Recife Antigo; dance to the rhythm of frevo during its flamboyant Carnival; relax on Boa Viagem beach; and wander in nearby Olinda, a UNESCO-listed colonial town.
A vast UNESCO-listed wildlife sanctuary, the Pantanal showcases Brazil's nature at its finest. On a 4x4 safari or a canoe trip, you can spot jaguars, caimans, capybaras, and colourful macaws. Wetlands, lakes, and lush forests stretch as far as the eye can see, offering one of South America's most spectacular natural displays.
A pristine paradise off the coast of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha enchants with emerald waters, volcanic cliffs, and some of the country's most beautiful beaches. As an exceptional marine sanctuary, the island offers snorkeling, diving with turtles and dolphins, coastal trails, and panoramas bathed in tropical light.
In Fortaleza, days stretch between swimming at Praia do Futuro, strolling along Beira Mar Avenue, and exploring the local artisan market. Take a trip to Cumbuco to try kitesurfing, visit the Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture, and experience a bohemian night in the bars of the Iracema neighbourhood to the rhythms of Brazilian music.
Recife blends historic streets, festivities, and golden shores. Explore its canals by boat; stroll through its historic centre, Recife Antigo; dance to the rhythm of frevo during its flamboyant Carnival; relax on Boa Viagem beach; and wander in nearby Olinda, a UNESCO-listed colonial town.
A vast UNESCO-listed wildlife sanctuary, the Pantanal showcases Brazil's nature at its finest. On a 4x4 safari or a canoe trip, you can spot jaguars, caimans, capybaras, and colourful macaws. Wetlands, lakes, and lush forests stretch as far as the eye can see, offering one of South America's most spectacular natural displays.
A pristine paradise off the coast of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha enchants with emerald waters, volcanic cliffs, and some of the country's most beautiful beaches. As an exceptional marine sanctuary, the island offers snorkeling, diving with turtles and dolphins, coastal trails, and panoramas bathed in tropical light.
Brazil's national dish, feijoada is a hearty stew of black beans, salted meats, and sausages slow-cooked to perfection. Rich, fragrant, and generous, it is traditionally enjoyed on Saturdays around a large table, served with white rice, sautéed cabbage, farofa, and orange slices.
Crispy on the outside and soft with a slight stretch inside, pão de queijo delights from the very first bite. A specialty of Minas Gerais, this small cheese bread made with cassava starch is served warm and enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or with a steaming cup of Brazilian coffee.
Originating from Bahia, acarajé is a black-eyed pea fritter fried in palm oil. It is split open and filled with shrimp and vatapá, a spicy creamy mixture made from shrimp, cashews, and coconut milk. A symbol of Afro-Brazilian cuisine, it combines crispy textures with the bold flavours of the Northeast.
A quintessential Brazilian treat, brigadeiro is a sweet, creamy chocolate truffle made with condensed milk and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Rich, soft, and indulgent, it embodies both the simplicity of Brazilian traditions and the pure pleasure of chocolate.
Brazil's iconic cocktail, the caipirinha blends cachaça—a Brazilian sugarcane spirit—with fresh lime juice, brown sugar, and crushed ice. Refreshing and tangy, it evokes the festive spirit of Rio's beaches and is best enjoyed at sunset to the relaxed rhythm of samba.
Brazil's national dish, feijoada is a hearty stew of black beans, salted meats, and sausages slow-cooked to perfection. Rich, fragrant, and generous, it is traditionally enjoyed on Saturdays around a large table, served with white rice, sautéed cabbage, farofa, and orange slices.
Crispy on the outside and soft with a slight stretch inside, pão de queijo delights from the very first bite. A specialty of Minas Gerais, this small cheese bread made with cassava starch is served warm and enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or with a steaming cup of Brazilian coffee.
Originating from Bahia, acarajé is a black-eyed pea fritter fried in palm oil. It is split open and filled with shrimp and vatapá, a spicy creamy mixture made from shrimp, cashews, and coconut milk. A symbol of Afro-Brazilian cuisine, it combines crispy textures with the bold flavours of the Northeast.
A quintessential Brazilian treat, brigadeiro is a sweet, creamy chocolate truffle made with condensed milk and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Rich, soft, and indulgent, it embodies both the simplicity of Brazilian traditions and the pure pleasure of chocolate.
Brazil's iconic cocktail, the caipirinha blends cachaça—a Brazilian sugarcane spirit—with fresh lime juice, brown sugar, and crushed ice. Refreshing and tangy, it evokes the festive spirit of Rio's beaches and is best enjoyed at sunset to the relaxed rhythm of samba.
Brazil can be visited year-round, but the climate varies by region. The best time to visit depends on the type of trip you are seeking. For a first-time visit, October and November are ideal: the weather is pleasant, nature is lush, and crowds are moderate.
Brazilian summer, from December to March, is hot, humid, and sunny, with temperatures reaching up to 40 °C (104 °F). This period is recommended for beach lovers. However, it also coincides with the Rio Carnival and the high tourist season, meaning larger crowds and higher prices.
There are several effective ways to get around Brazil. Due to the country's vast size, flying remains the fastest and most convenient option for long distances, especially between major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The bus network is also well-developed and offers an economical and reliable alternative for long-distance travel.
In large cities, taxis and services like Uber are widely available, but it is advisable to remain cautious of scams and to choose official services. Renting a car can be an excellent option for exploring certain regions at your own pace, particularly coastal or more remote areas. However, traffic can be heavy, and local driving can be unpredictable. It is recommended to have an international driver's licence and full insurance coverage.
10 to 15 days
This is the recommended duration for a first trip, allowing you to visit two or three must-see destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, or the spectacular Iguazu Falls, while still enjoying some relaxing time at the beach.
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The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Brazil, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.
