What to do in Brazil: beaches, forests, vibrant cities and stress-free travel 🌏🇧🇷
Simon Muller
Posted on February 6, 2026

Hard to resist the call of Brazil: samba, endless beaches, primary forests, generous cuisine and festive spirit in all seasons. Whether you dream of sunrise over Ipanema, a trek in the heart of the Amazon or an Afro-Brazilian immersion in Salvador, this guide helps you build a smart, smooth and connected itinerary. And to simplify your life on site, the GoMoWorld eSIM allows you to stay online everywhere in Brazil without a physical SIM card, with flexible data plans that activate with one click in the app.
Why travel to Brazil ✨
Brazil is the promise of spectacular contrasts. Megacities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offer inexhaustible cultural life — museums, concerts, street art — just steps from natural landscapes listed as world heritage. The country also seduces with its hospitality, regional gastronomy and climatic diversity, which allows you to travel almost all year round by choosing your regions well.
Logistics-wise, domestic air connections are frequent, long-distance buses are efficient and ride-hailing services are well established in major cities. Add reliable data connection and you have the recipe for a serene trip, from Nordeste to the edges of the Amazon.
Budget tip: adjust the duration of your stops rather than multiplying domestic flights. Take time to explore a region in depth to reduce costly travel and enjoy a better pace.
Urban must-sees 🏛️
Rio de Janeiro remains an aesthetic shock. Between Copacabana beach, the elegance of Ipanema, Sugarloaf at sunset and Christ the Redeemer watching over the bay, the city has the art of blending nature and culture. Lapa and Santa Teresa are two perfect neighborhoods for listening to live music, hunting for art objects and getting lost in bohemian streets. Don't neglect the Botanical Garden, an ideal green bubble to start gently.
São Paulo, immense and cosmopolitan, is the creative heart of the country: renowned museums (MASP, Pinacoteca), avant-garde gastronomy, legendary markets and an eclectic nightlife scene. It's the city where you'll probably eat best on the trip, between traditional canteens, exceptional Japanese restaurants and cutting-edge vegetarian addresses.
Salvador de Bahia is another world: music, capoeira and Afro-Brazilian heritage vibrate in every street of Pelourinho. Nearby, the paradisiacal beaches of the Bahian coast and the island of Morro de São Paulo promise a much gentler pace of life.
City safety tips: avoid displaying valuables, stick to lively streets in the evening and prefer ride-hailing or official taxis at night. Check with your accommodation about areas to avoid.
Natural wonders 🌟
Iguaçu Falls, on the border with Argentina, are a total sensory experience. The Brazilian side offers epic panoramas, while the Argentine side allows you to approach the walkways closest to the waterfalls. If you're considering seeing both, think about a trip extension to Argentina.
The Amazon is a world apart. From Manaus, leave by lodge or cruise on the Rio Negro to observe wildlife, explore igarapés by canoe and learn from local communities. The rainy season (roughly December to May) transforms the landscapes; the drier season facilitates hiking, animal observation and nighttime outings.
The Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, is a paradise for wildlife lovers. It's one of the best places to try to spot the jaguar, especially between June and October during the dry season. Fazendas (ranches) offer safaris, horseback riding and bird watching.
Nordeste accumulates postcards: dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (spectacular from June to September), fishing villages like Jericoacoara, coral reefs and wild beaches. It's also a windy region, ideal for kitesurfing.
Finally, Costa Verde south of Rio — Paraty, Ilha Grande — marries Atlantic jungle, islets and translucent waters. Perfect for slowing down, swimming, walking on coastal trails and filling up on unfiltered photos.
Lençóis Maranhenses timing: aim for the end of austral summer (June-September) to find lagoons well filled after the rains. Outside this period, the landscape remains beautiful, but the experience is different.
Culture and flavors 🍽️
Brazilian cuisine is multiple. Taste feijoada (black bean stew), moqueca de Bahia (fish stew with coconut milk, coriander and dendê), churrasco (grilled meats), açaí (in a bowl or juice) and pão de queijo (cheese breads). In Nordeste, cuisine is spicier; in the South, European influences are more marked.
Music-wise, each region has its color: samba and pagode in Rio, forró in Nordeste, axé in Salvador, MPB everywhere. If you fall during Carnival, prepare for an extraordinary popular celebration. Otherwise, "rodas de samba" and street parties offer year-round a concentrate of Brazilian energy.
Carnival reservations: plane tickets, accommodations and activities sell out very early. Anticipate several months and monitor cancellation conditions.
When to go 🗓️
- South and Southeast (Rio, São Paulo, Florianópolis): subtropical climate. Hot and humid summer (December-March), cooler winter (June-August) but pleasant. Beaches are lively in summer; winter is ideal for hiking.
- Nordeste (Salvador, Recôncavo, Jericoacoara, Lençóis Maranhenses): dry season often from September to March; rainy season variable according to microclimates. It's the sunniest region of the country.
- Amazon: frequent rains from December to May, high water levels; drier season from June to November, practical for observing wildlife and accessing trails.
- Pantanal: dry season from May/June to October, prime time for wildlife.
Overall, Brazil can be visited all year round if you adapt your itinerary to local seasons.
Getting around and staying connected 🚌
Domestic flights are numerous between major cities and regional hubs. For intermediate journeys, intercity buses are comfortable, with semi-sleeper and sleeper options on long distances. In the city, ride-hailing apps work well; in Rio and São Paulo, the metro is a good complement.
Connection-wise, eSIM saves you from shop hunting and paperwork. With GoMoWorld, you install a single eSIM for more than 200 destinations, then you buy and activate your data plans according to your needs, directly in the app.
Good to know: GoMoWorld eSIM installation is done only via the application, without QR code. Even if you buy on the site, log into the app with the same email to install your eSIM in a few minutes.
GoMoWorld in Brazil: simple, flexible and safe 🚀
What it concretely changes for you:
- One eSIM for more than 200 destinations: you install once, you travel everywhere, including elsewhere in Latin America.
- Prepaid data plans, to activate when you decide: nothing starts automatically on landing, you keep control.
- Connection sharing included: all plans allow hotspot, practical for a laptop or to help out a travel companion.
- VPN integrated in the app: useful for securing your connections on public Wi-Fi and accessing your usual services peacefully.
- Purchase on the site or directly in the app: find all your purchases by logging in with the same email.
- Customer support based in Europe: responsive if you need a helping hand.
The 5-step flow is clear: download the iOS/Android app, buy your plan (on the site or in the app), install your eSIM in the app (no QR code), activate your plan when you're ready, then top up with one click if needed. And good news: plans purchased but not activated don't expire.
Activation tip: activate your plan in the GoMoWorld app upon arrival at the airport to launch data, then test a message or map before leaving the terminal. In case of a connection, wait until you're in Brazil to activate.
GoMoWorld pricing in Brazil 💳
Four options adapted to the most frequent stay durations:
- 30-day plan: 11GB for €29.99
- 30-day plan: 7GB for €19.99
- 30-day plan: 3GB for €10.99
- 7-day plan: 700MB for €3.99
Choose according to your usage: mapping and messaging work very well with 3–7GB for short to medium stays. If you stream music, do a lot of video calls or share your connection, the 11GB will offer you good room for maneuver. And if you're leaving for an extended weekend, the 700MB over 7 days is perfect in "essential" mode.
Data tip: download your Google Maps in offline mode for the areas you'll visit, and force streaming apps to "standard quality" to optimize your plan.
Recommended itinerary: two weeks between iconic cities and nature 🗺️
Day 1-4: Rio de Janeiro
Settle near Ipanema or Copacabana. Go up to Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid the crowd, then admire the sunset at Sugarloaf. Stroll in Santa Teresa, stop at the Museum of Tomorrow and enjoy a concert in Lapa. One day for Tijuca and its waterfall, another to laze on the beach.
Day 5-6: Paraty or Ilha Grande
Paraty, paved colonial town surrounded by islands, is perfect for a schooner tour and short hikes in Mata Atlântica. At Ilha Grande, head to Lopes Mendes for one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. In the evening, roots vibe and seafood.
Day 7-8: Foz do Iguaçu
Fly to Foz do Iguaçu. Start with the Brazilian side for wide-angle panoramas, then, if you have time and the necessary visa, cross to the Argentine side. Linger at Parque das Aves, very well designed for observation.
Day 9-12: Salvador de Bahia
Fly to Salvador. Pelourinho, baroque churches, percussion workshops, dendê cuisine... Treat yourself to an escapade to Praia do Forte or Morro de São Paulo. In the evening, live music and sunset at Ponta do Humaitá.
Day 13-14: Chapada Diamantina or return to Rio
If you like hiking, head to Lençóis (gateway town) for two days of mineral landscapes, canyons and natural pools (Poço do Diabo, Morro do Pai Inácio). Otherwise, return to Rio for a last caipirinha with your feet in the sand.
Possible extensions:
- Amazon (from Salvador or Rio, via Manaus): lodge on Rio Negro for canoe outings, nocturnal fauna and meeting pink dolphins.
- Pantanal (via Campo Grande or Cuiabá): 3 to 5 days on a fazenda to multiply your chances of spotting the jaguar.
Route flexibility: keep 1–2 "buffer" days at the end of the trip. In case of a crush, you can extend; otherwise, return peacefully to your departure city to avoid any stress before the return flight.
Regional comparisons and combo ideas 🗺️
The beauty of an eSIM valid in more than 200 destinations is being able to chain countries without friction. After Iguaçu Falls, the extension to Argentina is almost natural to visit the Argentine side of the falls and discover Buenos Aires. Craving Andes, lakes and Inca cities? Chain with a trek in Peru. For a Caribbean vibe, you can head to Cartagena and Medellín in Colombia. And if you dream of beaches, gastronomy and Mayan culture, think of Yucatán in Mexico.
With GoMoWorld, you don't have to reinstall an eSIM for each country: install once, then buy and activate a plan in the app when it suits you. Your itinerary can evolve, your connectivity follows.
Essential practical tips 💡
Money and payments: the currency is the real (BRL). Bank cards are widely accepted in major cities, but bring cash for markets, beach stands and small pensions. Avoid withdrawals late at night and prefer ATMs inside shopping centers or banks.
Health: for the Amazon and some rural areas, a yellow fever vaccine may be recommended. Consult a health professional before leaving and bring effective mosquito repellent (high index). Drink bottled water if in doubt, and protect yourself from the sun, especially on the coast.
Safety: adopt "big city" vigilance — sober movements, discreet valuables, known routes. In case of problems, cooperate and avoid any resistance. Ask your accommodation about local customs, they're good advice.
Telecoms: GoMoWorld is a data-only solution. For calls, prefer VoIP (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Signal) or voice messages via your favorite apps.
Electricity: outlets are generally type N or C, with voltage 127V or 220V depending on cities. A compact universal adapter will save you from bad surprises.
Formalities: many European nationalities don't need a visa for short-term tourist stays in Brazil. Other nationalities must apply for an e-visa. Rules evolving, always check official conditions before leaving.
Local habits: on the beach, you often pay for lounge chairs and umbrellas to the vendor who sets them up for you. Gently negotiate the price in advance, and enjoy snacks (grilled cheese, shrimp, açaí) without moving from your towel.
Connectivity checklist with GoMoWorld ✅
- Download the GoMoWorld app before leaving, log in with your email (the same as on the site if you bought online).
- Install the eSIM from the app (no QR code required).
- Add the data plan of your choice for Brazil; it will remain "pending" until you activate it.
- Upon landing, open the app and press "Start" when you're ready: data activates immediately.
- Use the integrated VPN to secure your connections, especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Share your connection if needed: hotspot authorized on all GoMoWorld plans.
No stress: if your plan ends earlier than expected, you can buy and activate a new plan in 1 click, without ever reinstalling the eSIM.
Data budget example according to your profile 💳
- "Essential" traveler (maps, messaging, some reservations): the 30-day 3GB plan at €10.99 is enough for two weeks with reasonable usage.
- "Connected" traveler (maps, messaging, some videos, stories): the 30-day 7GB plan at €19.99 is a good compromise.
- "Intensive" traveler (streaming music, video calls, hotspot for a laptop): go for the 30-day 11GB plan at €29.99.
- Extended weekend in Rio: the 7-day 700MB plan at €3.99 covers your "essential" needs (maps + messaging) if you limit video.
Adapt your usage by activating apps' economical modes (Wi-Fi download only, 480p playback, delayed photo backups).
Final tips for a smooth trip 🌟
- Reservations: for peak periods (Carnival, New Year in Rio, July-August), anticipate flights and accommodations.
- Nature: hire local guides for the Amazon, Pantanal or Chapada Diamantina; it's safer and more instructive.
- Urban transport: in the evening, prefer ride-hailing; during the day, metro and bus are practical in major cities.
- Ecology: bring a filtering water bottle, bring back your waste and respect marked trails in parks.
Photo-friendly: Brazil is photogenic at any time. For very busy spots, aim for early morning or late afternoon: better light, fewer people.
Conclusion ✈️
Brazil is lived big: it takes you from the bay of Rio to Iguaçu Falls, from the lagoons of Nordeste to the Amazon rainforest, passing through cities where art and music never sleep. For everything to go smoothly, keep your logistics simple and your connection top-notch. With GoMoWorld, a single eSIM is enough to stay online in more than 200 destinations: you install once, you buy and activate your plans when you want, you share your connection if needed and you secure your exchanges thanks to the integrated VPN. All that's left is to travel light, with a smile: "It's all good, I have GoMoWorld, I'm covered." Have a great trip to Brazil — and if the adventure continues in Argentina, Peru, Colombia or Mexico, your eSIM is already ready.
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