Brazil is famous across the globe for its relaxed and friendly people, beautiful naturing settings, and sprawling urban metropolises. Not to mention its love for football. It’s no wonder that Brazil is at the top of many travelers’ lists of dream locations.
But, as the largest country in South America and the Southern Hemisphere, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know how to begin or where to go in Brazil, especially if it’s your first visit.
But, no fear, I’ve put together this packed itinerary to make sure you soak up as much as possible in your 3 weeks in Brazil, taking you across the country from stunning natural settings to Brazil’s famous cities.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into this three-week Brazil itinerary for your first visit!
Table of Contents
How to get around
Brazil is huge, so be prepared to travel long distances if you want to see a variety of the country. If you’re traveling far between different states, a plane will be the quickest, and you can get cheap deals if you book in advance.
Alternatively, Brazil has a great network of long-distance buses that are widely used by the locals. The bus between São Paulo and Rio is only six hours long. And if overnight buses sound like your kind of thing, routes are cheap between cities such as Rio and Salvador (a 24-hour journey). Overnight buses were my bread and butter when Brazil backpacking, and are actually very fun!
The metro is a great way to get around in larger cities such as São Paulo and Rio. Alternatively, Uber is pretty cheap in Brazil and shouldn’t cost more than $10 for medium-length journeys.
Also read: Is Brazil Expensive to Visit? Your Guide to a Budget-Friendly Trip
Days 1-2: Iguaçu Falls
Start your trip south of the country, at one of Brazil’s most amazing natural wonders. These gigantic waterfalls are a great way to explore Brazil for the first time, providing a magical experience of the country’s exceptional natural beauty.
As the largest waterfall system in the world, the falls themselves are magnificent, but make sure to also take in the rest of the tropical surroundings. The falls also separate Brazil from Argentina, so they can be seen from both sides.
On the Brazilian side, the falls are accessible by an easy trail, with its own set of observation decks. You can also hop on a boat tour of the falls, which will take you right underneath, or a helicopter tour, for unreal overhead views.
Where to stay: Hotel das Cataratas is found right in the heart of the Iguaçu National Park, providing stunning views of the falls from your bedroom balcony. If you’d like to stay in the local town (confusingly called Foz do Iguaçu), try ApartDamani.
Days 3-5: São Paulo
After marveling at Iguaçu, start your journey northward to Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo. As a sprawling urban metropolis and one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world, São Paulo has to be my favorite city in the country.
It has a huge range of culture, sightseeing, nightlife food, and fun. Spend your first day exploring Avenida Paulista, the city’s famous avenue hosting museums, shops, and restaurants.
Stop by the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) – one of my favorite galleries in the world – or explore never-ending views of the city from the free viewing point at the top of Sesc. The best time to visit is on a Sunday, when the avenue is closed to cars and the streets become filled with street vendors.
Spend your second day exploring the city center––perhaps on a bike tour? Head to the top of Farol Santander – inspired by the Empire State Building – to look over the city from a new angle, or visit the Pátio do Collegio, where the city was first founded, to learn more about the city’s history. For food, you can head to the grand Municipal Market for a selection of Brazilian delicacies.
On your third day, visit the city’s iconic Ibirapuera Park, one of my top spots for an afternoon stroll or to catch some sun. Buy an ice-cold coconut from one of the local sellers, or sip on the cold water as you take in the lush green setting.
Where to stay: Check into the luxurious Renaissance São Paulo Hotel, located in the high-class Jardins neighborhood, or check out the views from the top of the Golden Tower in bohemian Pinheiros.
Day 6: Paraty
Paraty is a great stop off on the road to Rio, breaking up the journey between the two big cities and giving a relaxing escape from their bustle.
The Portuguese built the town during the colonial period and served as a port for exporting gold, which was excavated inland by slaves. Today, this colonial architecture and quaint small-town vibes prove popular with local tourists.
Take a walking tour of the town center to find out more about the town’s history and local culture, and why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or step out into the surrounding natural areas of the town to make the most of stunning natural waterfalls and golden beaches.
If you love alcohol, head to the local cachaça breweries, which are some of the best across Brazil.
Where to stay: Stay at the Casas do Pátio Pousada to be right in the center of the action, and a stone’s throw from Paraty’s beautiful beaches and harbor.
Day 7-9: Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro continues to enthrall tourists from around the world, and it’s no surprise. With such varied culture, wonderful views and landscapes, and its laid-back vibe, it’s of course a must-see in Brazil.
You can spend your first day taking in the main sights, which are amongst the best of Brazil’s tourist attractions. Take the iconic train up to the Christ Redeemer to experience Brazil’s most iconic landmark and get the best far-reaching views over the city.
In the afternoon, head to Sugarloaf Mountain for more sky-high views and to ride the world’s third-oldest cable car.
If you’re a beach lover, you can spend your second day soaking up the sun at Rio’s selection of beautiful beaches. Marvel at the stunning blue water, and Sugarloaf Mountain from a new angle, at Copacabana Beach, or experience the fun LGBTQ+ atmosphere at Ipanema. Venture further to Barra da Tijuca if you’re feeling adventurous.
Spend your third day exploring the city’s center, with the Museum of Tomorrow and colonial architecture, such as the Paço Imperial. You can also head to the Lapa neighborhood to see the impressive Aqueduct and the Selarón steps.
Stay out in Lapa as the sun goes down for the center of Rio’s nightlife. Be sure to pick up some caipirinhas from the street sellers and samba the night away.
The best time to visit Brazil and Rio de Janeiro if you love to party is, of course, for Carnaval. Held between February and March (the dates change every year based on Easter), it’s the biggest party in the world and a must-visit.
Where to stay: For the best luxury Rio has to offer, check into Copacabana Palace, known for its famous visitors and location on the beachfront of Copacabana Beach. Or check out Casa Geranio, which is beautifully decorated and found in the exciting neighborhood of Santa Theresa.
Also read: 20 Best Resorts & Beach Hotels in Rio de Janeiro for a Seaside Getaway
Days 10-11: Salvador
The heart of Afro-Brazilian culture and the North-East region, Salvador is the best city to experience this important part of Brazilian identity and history.
Spend your first day wandering around the cobbled streets of Pelourinho, with its colorful architecture and exciting street performances. Head to the Museum of Bahian Gastronomy for lunch, to try out a range of traditional Bahian dishes. In the afternoon, head to the Casa do Rio Vermelho, the home of famous Brazilian writer, Jorge Amado. Or you could take the Lacerda Elevator to the lower city and the Modelo Market.
You can spend your second day in this beautiful coastal city beach-hopping, with a load of stunning beaches running along its coast. Busier beaches such as Porto da Barra are worth a visit, or find peace at Flamengo or the Bay of All Saints.
That evening, catch the popular sunset at Barra Lighthouse, before heading to Rio Vermelho to try the best acarajé and drink even more caipirinhas.
Where to stay: Hotel Villa Bahia puts you right in the center of Pelourinho’s wonderful nightlife, while Canto Hotel provides prime access to the stunning beaches around Rio Vermelho.
Days 13-14: Chapada Diamantina
If you’re into hiking or exploring nature, a trip to the Chapada Diamantina national park is a must on your itinerary.
Offering emerald mountainous landscapes and amazing views, it’s a great place to explore Brazil’s outdoors, especially since it’s a hidden gem amongst international tourists and often not found on lists of places to visit in Brazil.
On your first day, you can take a tour of the stunning Pati Valley or popular Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall), named for the smoke-like appearance of its water as it falls from the rocks.
On your second day, take a tour of the Morro do Pai Inácio (Mount of Pai Inácio), which is the classic postcard shot of the national park. You’ll be taken to a number of waterfalls and grottos in the park, before ending your day watching the sunset on top of the Morro.
Where to stay: Pousada Vila Serrano in the town of Lençois is a great place to kick back after exploring the surrounding Chapada, while Castelar da Alvorada in the bohemian village of Capão provides great access to the Cachoeira da Fumaça.
Day 15: Recife
Stop off at Recife on your way up the coast of Brazil, to explore more Northeastern culture and attractions.
Spend the morning exploring the Old Town, and learn about the region’s cultural dance at the Paço do Frevo. Pass the afternoon at the neighboring town of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its carnaval celebrations and huge puppets.
Where to stay: Bugan Recife Hotel places you right on the beachfront of Boa Viagem, and is a short journey from the stunning Old Town.
Day 16: Fortaleza
Break up your journey up to the beautiful Lençois Maranhenses at the up-and-coming city of Fortaleza, one of the biggest in the country.
You can pass your day relaxing at its selection of stunning beaches, including Iracema and Praia do Futuro (the filming location of one of my favorite-ever films, aptly named Praia do Futuro). You could even take a day trip to the tropical paradise town of Jericoacoara.
If you’re done relaxing, visit Fortaleza’s Central Market to pick up some artisanal goods or get your hands on some cocada.
Where to stay: Crocobeach Hotel is a great option for relaxing beach views of Praia do Futuro, while Ecco Hotel Fortaleza provides a wonderful stay in the city center, and is close to the city’s nightlife hub.
Day 17-18: Lençois Maranhenses
Quickly becoming a must-visit attraction for international tourists to Lençois Maranhenses, this national park has to be my favorite natural destination in Brazil. It’s by far one of the best things to do in Brazil. And with 380,000 acres of rolling sand dunes and natural rain pools, along with 70 kilometers of coastline, you can explore for days.
Visiting Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul is a must, where you’ll be met with dreamy desert landscapes and stunning natural swimming pools. If you’re an adventure lover, you could even hop on a buggy and race across the dunes in style.
Spend the second day in the rural and alternative village of Atins, from which you can visit Lagoa Tropical.
The best time to visit is between May and October, when the rainfall is lower, but the lagoons are still flooded.
Where to stay: Pousada Vila de Charme is a great base from which to explore Lençois Maranhenses, and to wind down and relax after your day trips.
Day 19-21: Amazon Rainforest
Brazil is famous worldwide for its magnificent Amazon Rainforest so, of course, any itinerary to the country should include a visit to this ecological spectacle.
For shorter and more accessible trips, head to the Amazon’s largest city, Manaus. From here, you can find a huge variety of day and multi-day trips into the rainforest.
Or, if you have more time, hop on the ferry to Belem, which will take you on a 5-day journey along the Amazon River into the heart of the rainforest.
Where to stay: Hotel Villa Amazônia in Manaus is a great spot to start your Amazon adventure.
Other highlights and things to do in Brazil
Of course, there’s so much more to see in this gigantic and diverse country than what you can see in three weeks. Depending on your own interests and timings, you could switch out any of these destinations for a whole host of others.
You could relax with a coconut on the beautiful island paradises of Ilhabela or Ilha Grande, both easily accessible from São Paulo and Rio.
Alternatively, you could head into the lush green state of Minas Gerais, visiting its capital Belo Horizonte or the colonial gold town of Ouro Preto.
And, if you’re into politics or modernist architecture, catch a flight to Brasília, the country’s capital, built in the shape of an airplane in just 1960.
So, there you have it, your three-week itinerary to Brazil. Remember to send us pictures and let us know what you think!
