Brazil

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Brazil?

Brazil is the largest country in South America and one of the most geographically and culturally diverse on earth. The Amazon basin covers over five million square kilometres. The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland. Iguazu Falls is wider than Niagara and more dramatic by most measures. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most immediately beautiful cities in the world. Getting from one of these places to another, independently, requires significant planning across a country where English is rarely spoken outside the main tourist areas.

An escorted tour makes Brazil's highlights accessible in a way that feels safe, coherent and genuinely rewarding. Our tour managers have detailed knowledge of the country's main circuits and handle all internal logistics, including the Amazon lodge transfers, the Iguazu boat approach and the Rio city transport that can be challenging for unfamiliar visitors. For British-Indian passengers, Brazil has an interesting historical dimension: a substantial Indian indentured labour history in the Brazilian northeast, and a food culture that accommodates vegetarian requirements more comfortably than many South American countries.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Brazil Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants available in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro
• Vegetarian options available throughout, with Brazil's restaurant buffet culture (rodízio and kilo restaurants) naturally accommodating plant-based diets
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181
• Full guidance throughout, handling a country where independent navigation is genuinely challenging

Best Time to Visit Brazil

Brazil's seasons vary significantly by region.

April to September is the dry season in the Pantanal - the best time for wildlife watching, when animals concentrate around water sources. Essential if wildlife is a priority.

June to September is also the dry season in the Amazon and a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro and the northeast coast, with lower humidity and clear skies.

December to March brings Rio's summer and the famous Carnival (usually February or March, depending on the year). Carnival is an extraordinary experience - book a full year ahead for departure during this period.

May and September/October are the best shoulder months across most of the country: manageable weather, lower prices and good conditions at the main attractions.

Popular Destinations Within Brazil

Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the Sugarloaf cable car, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Maracanã stadium and the extraordinary energy of a city that has always known how to enjoy itself.

Iguazu Falls - the world's greatest waterfall system, shared between Brazil and Argentina. The Brazilian side offers the panoramic view; the Argentine side allows you to walk among the falls. Both are essential. The Devil's Throat chasm is one of the most powerful natural experiences available to any traveller.

The Amazon - the world's largest tropical rainforest and river system. Amazon lodges accessible from Manaus offer night caiman spotting, piranha fishing, river dolphin sightings and guided forest walks with local naturalists.

The Pantanal - the world's largest tropical wetland, straddling Brazil and Bolivia. The best place on earth to see jaguars in the wild, as well as capybara, giant river otters, anacondas and hyacinth macaws.

Salvador - the Afro-Brazilian cultural capital of the northeast, with a beautifully preserved colonial Pelourinho district, music, food and religious culture deeply rooted in West African tradition.

São Paulo - the commercial capital, with outstanding museums, a world-class restaurant scene (the largest Japanese community outside Japan lives here) and the Pinacoteca art gallery.

Practical Information

• Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
• Language: Portuguese; English limited outside tourist areas and major hotels - your guide is essential
• Time zone: Multiple zones. Brasília Time (BRT) is GMT-3 for the main tourist areas.
• Electricity: Type N plugs (127/220V, varies by city). A multi-adapter is recommended.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Brazil holidays are fully protected