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Brazil Travel Routes and Advice in Brazil: real experience from chats

Short answer
For a successful trip, allocate at least three days each for Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls while booking accommodation well in advance for peak events like Carnival or New Year's. Prioritize vaccinations if visiting the Amazon, and rely on international Visa or Mastercard cards for payments, as a local tax ID is not required for tourists.

From real experience

Planning a trip to Brazil to experience Carnival requires careful itinerary management.
Carnival celebrations, particularly in Salvador, can extend beyond 'Fat Tuesday'. Visitors aiming to experience key cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo should strategically sequence their visits. For instance, spending February 16-17 in Rio de Janeiro. Seafood lovers might enjoy the Shirley restaurant near Copacabana. Researching 'blocos' (street carnival groups) in each city is recommended for an immersive experience. In São Paulo, the Municipal Market offers a wide variety of exotic fruits, while Foz do Iguaçu's bird park is a must-visit. Visiting the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls is also highly recommended, though awareness of the last train schedule to 'Devil's Throat' is crucial.
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For tourists visiting São Paulo, 1-3 days are generally sufficient to explore the main attractions, with an additional 1-2 days needed for excursions like coffee plantations (which are 2-3 hours by car).
For Rio de Janeiro, a minimum of 3 days is recommended to visit key sights such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana beach, and Tijuca Forest. Some travelers prefer other beaches for extended relaxation. During the Brazilian summer (January-February), Florianópolis is suggested as an alternative 'garden city' with beautiful beaches.
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A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is generally not required for entry into Brazil itself, unless you plan to visit the Amazon region.
However, some airlines may request it. It is crucial to verify the specific entry requirements for all countries you will visit during your trip, as requirements can vary and may be needed for onward travel from Brazil.
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For a two-week itinerary in Brazil starting from São Paulo, consider flying to key destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Foz do Iguaçu, and Florianopolis.
Additionally, a highly recommended historical town is Paraty, located on the coast. From Paraty, one can take a schooner (escuna) trip to explore wild beaches; 'Netuno I' or 'Netuno II' are recommended schooners for such excursions.
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Ubatuba, São Paulo state, is a popular destination with over 100 beaches and high surf activity.
It is known for frequent rainfall (locals call it 'Uba-chuva'). It is generally considered safer than major cities like Rio de Janeiro, but standard safety precautions for tourists apply.
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A yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended for travelers planning to visit the Amazon rainforest region in Brazil (e.g., around Manaus).
The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, causing only mild, cold-like symptoms if any.
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Paraty, Brazil, experiences its dry season during the period corresponding to the log (e.g., June-July), with rainfall typically below 100 mm.
This makes it an excellent time to visit for sea activities and exploring attractions like Cairuçu das Pedras and Ilha dos Cocos.
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Recommended 7-10 day itinerary for Brazil includes 3-4 days in Rio de Janeiro (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Ipanema) and 2 days for Iguazu Falls.
Sao Paulo is optional. Buenos Aires can be added if time permits, but travel fatigue is high due to distances.
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For short tourist visits to Brazil, obtaining a CPF (local tax ID) is not mandatory.
Cash in Brazilian Reais (BRL) is widely accepted. International (non-Russian) Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards function normally for payments and ATMs.
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New Year's Eve in Brazil (especially Rio de Janeiro) causes extreme price hikes for accommodation and heavy crowds.
Book accommodation (preferably in Ipanema or nearby) months in advance. A local 'mini-carnival' with street parties takes place in Rio's Centro around January 5th.
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Related topics

• Obtaining and Using a CPF 💰 Banking for Tourists and Non-Residents 🛂 Extending Tourist Visa-Free Stays 💼 Getting a Tax ID (CPF) 🛂 Entry Documentation 🎟 Return Ticket Requirements

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