These impressions of Brazil, though true, reflect only a small fraction of the country’s vibrant culture and natural treasures.
This Portuguese-speaking nation occupies almost half of the South American continent and is the fifth largest country in the world in both size and population. Landscapes and ecosystems vary widely — ranging from tropical rainforests and wetlands to savanna grasslands, mountains and coniferous forests. Brazil contains most of the world`s known species of mammals, plants, freshwater fish, and amphibians — a number of them endemic to the country — within its 8.5 million square kilometers. A top birding destination, the country is home to more than 1,700 recorded bird species, including favorites such as Hyacinth Macaw, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Toco Toucan, and Golden-collared Macaw.
To travel the length of Brazil’s extensive territory is a chance to view history through the cultural identities of each region. Observe native Indian influences in the villages and river communities of the Amazon; admire well-preserved colonial towns and immerse yourself in the rich Afro-Brazilian and Amerindian traditions of the northeast region; explore the cosmopolitan cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in the southeast; savor the food, wine, and Swiss-style chocolate of Brazil’s European-influenced south; and admire the sparsely populated mid-west site of the famed Pantanal.
Despite its dominating size within the South American continent, Brazil remains vastly under-explored and misunderstood. It is a land of great contrasts, puzzling contradictions and unique cultural flavors. Travel to Brazil with Holbrook and embark on an unforgettable visit to South America’s ultimate tropical Eden.
Brazil | Birding in the Brazilian Amazon and Pantanal
Wildlife & Photography
As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil encompasses an array of ecosystems and habitats. Tens of thousands of plant and animal species have been identified in the country, including more than 1,800 types of birds. The tropical rainforest system of the enigmatic Amazon River Basin dominates much of the country’s geography, and provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of the rainforest. Amazonia, home to an estimated 10 percent of the world’s species, not to mention the largest rainforest ecosystem remaining on Earth, will lure those who seek adventure and wilderness.
In the south, Brazil’s Pantanal wetland system is the world’s largest tropical wetland, covering approximately 89,000 square miles. It is best known for its high concentration of wildlife, specifically its aquatic birds, caimans, and jaguars, which its open marshes make easy to spot. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an amazing experience for photographers, birders, and nature lovers of all kinds. Embark on boat rides, hikes, or horseback rides to explore lagoons, estuaries, and sandy beaches. The marsh deer, giant river otter, Hyacinth Macaw, maned wolf, capybara, caiman, and large stork known as the Jabiru can all be found in the Pantanal. Of particular interest, the jaguar population is among the densest in the world, and experienced guides help to make jaguar photo safaris a success.
Natural Wonders
Brazil’s territory is as varied as its people: dense jungles, semi-arid scrub land, rugged hills, jagged mountains and a beautiful coastline are among its features. Hills and mountains dominate most of the southern coastline, while jungle covers nearly all of the northwest and west of the country. In the country’s southern tip, bordering Paraguay and Argentina and surrounded by rainforest, the powerful Iguazu Falls are considered one of the wonders of the world. More than 275 falls carrying millions of gallons of water every day make for an impressive sight. Witness spectacular views and absorb the abundant wildlife and tropical plant species in the surrounding rainforest.
Culture
The heterogeneous mixture of people that live in Brazil has resulted in a country with diverse customs and traditions. Many African practices have fused with South American culture and produced things such as samba, a Brazilian style of music that has its roots in the Bantu people that relocated from Africa; capoeira, a style of martial arts that slaves developed for self-defense; and Candomblé, a fusion of Catholicism and African religious practices.
Certainly the mention of Brazil brings to mind cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Experience the vibrant culture of Brazil’s cities, towns, and villages, from samba music to museums and botanical gardens. Rio will impress the most cosmopolitan visitor, São Paulo attracts businesspeople from every nation, and those who simply seek relaxation will find it on more than 4,000 miles of Brazilian beaches. In the Amazon, experience local culture while learning piranha fishing and interacting with residents. Visit the Amazon Theatre in Manaus, an unlikely opera house at the heart of the Amazon.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least the duration of your stay, with at least two blank visa pages, to enter Brazil. As requirements are subject to change at any time and without notice, we recommend a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
U.S. citizens must also obtain a visa for entry into Brazil. An electronic visa is the easiest option for most travelers and can be obtained online at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com. To apply, you will be prompted to create an account and provide your passport information. You will need a color scan of the bio page of your passport with the MRZ code fully visible, as well as a passport-style photo, i.e. a color photo with a white background, sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm (413 x 531 pixels). The eVisa fee is $80.90 and can be paid using a Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with a PDF file containing your eVisa, which you should print and be prepared to show prior to boarding your flight and again upon arrival in Brazil. We also recommend saving a digital copy on your phone as a backup. The average processing time for eVisa applications is up to 5 business days; we recommend applying well in advance to account for any possible delays.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Brazilian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality. Also be aware that you are not permitted to apply for the eVisa if you are a Brazilian citizen.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Brazil.
Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Brazil, including the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.
The CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Brazil.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Brazil, including the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of mosquito bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
Dengue Fever & other insect-borne illnesses
The CDC warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Brazil. Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which, as opposed to the Anopheles mosquito, is active during the day. Travelers are unlikely to contract dengue unless they are traveling through an area where there is an outbreak.
In addition, locally transmitted cases of leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported. The CDC recommends that travelers to Brazil protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Other Nuisance Pests
In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly—like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees—to feed on broken-down skin cells. They are not known to transmit any illnesses in Brazil.
We recommend that travelers to the Pantanal protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Reading List
FIELD GUIDES
Birds of Northern South America, Vol. 2: Field Guide
Robin Restall, Clemencia Rodner, & Roger Williams
This comprehensive field guide, featuring an astounding 6400 paintings and 2308 maps, covers all the birds from Ecuador to Guiana.
Brazil: Amazon & Pantanal, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
Les Beletsky & David Pearson
A comprehensive handbook to the flora, fauna and habitats of Brazil. The 100 color plates feature 90 species of amphibians and reptiles, 310 birds, 70 mammals, 30 insects and 50 common trees and plants.
Field Guide Birds of Brazil
Ber Van Perlo
This comprehensive field guide features 187 beautifully drawn full-color plates with over 1,800 species accounts, including a distribution map for each species.
Neotropical Rainforest Mammals, A Field Guide
L.H. Emmons
Compact enough to slip into your daypack, this field guide to the mammals of Central and South American features 29 color plates of more than 200 species.
MAPS
Brazil Map
Borch Maps
A handy folded, laminated map of Brazil at a scale of 1:4,000,000. Includes Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
GUIDEBOOKS
Eyewitness Guide Brazil
DK Publishing
A beautifully illustrated guide covering Brazil's history, culture, music and diverse natural attractions.
Brazil
Michael Palin
Produced in tandem with a BBC series, this collection of 74 off-the-beaten-path escapes is a potent mix of information and humor. Written by Michael Palin, the well-traveled comedy star of Monty Python fame.
Culture Smart! Brazil
Sandra Branco
A concise, well-illustrated and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
How to be A Carioca
Priscilla Goslin
An entertaining and useful guide to surviving and thriving in Rio de Janeiro.
Lonely Planet Rio de Janeiro
Regis St. Louis
A practical guide filled with maps, a good overview of culture, history and nature and much nuts-and-bolts information.
Moon Brazil
Michael Sommers
A practical guide in the Moon series, packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history and destinations throughout Brazil.
Say It in Portuguese, Brazilian Usage
Alexander Prista & Francisco Da Costa
A handy, palm-size phrasebook for travelers with 1,100 useful words and expressions. It provides the English phrase, Portuguese equivalent and transliteration.
NATURAL HISTORY
Tropical Nature
Adrian Forsyth & Ken Miyata
Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.
A Neotropical Companion
John Kricher & Mark Plotkin
From plants and animals to birds and bugs, it's all here in this wonderfully written overview of the ecology, habitats, plants and animals of Central and South America.
The Smithsonian Atlas of the Amazon
Michael Goulding, Ronaldo Barthem, & Efrem Ferreira
This beautiful, profusely illustrated atlas of the river includes its major tributaries and 150 full-color maps. Goulding (Floods of Fortune) and Brazilian biologists Barthem and Ferreira provide the accompanying text.
HISTORY & CULTURE
The Brazilians
Joseph Page
A clear, comprehensive and compelling introduction to Brazil, covering politics, history, economics, ecology, conservation and culture.
Brazil, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Alexis Levitin
The latest in the excellent series. The diverse stories in this enticing anthology edited by Levitin introduce Brazil and a host of contemporary writers, including greats like Jorge Amado and Machado de Assis, as well as newcomers.
A Short History of Brazil, From Pre-colonial Peoples to Modern Economic Miracle
Gordon Kerr
A wonderfully succinct history of Brazil which sprints from its indigenous peoples, discovery in 1500 and days as an independent monarchy to the present day. Kerr finishes with the difficulties Brazil faces in the 21st century: economic inequality, ruthless exploitation of the country's natural resources and political corruption.
Bossa Nova, The Story of the Brazilian Music That Seduced the World
Ruy Castro
Journalist Ruy Castro interviewed everyone who had anything to do with Bossa Nova for this animated history, capturing not only the personalities of pioneers like Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto but also the spirit of Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s.
Brazil
Simona Stoppa
This gorgeous collection of colorful photographs and accompanying text captures the spirit of modern Brazil, from the immense Amazon rainforest to the spectacular beaches of the Atlantic Coast to the colonial architecture of its sophisticated cities.
Brazil
Regis St. Louis
This well-designed coffee table book serves as an excellent, colorful primer to the country and its history, covering the varied landscapes, diverse cultures and regional customs, including Carnival and soccer.
Brazil on the Rise, The Story of a Country Transformed
Larry Rohter
Former New York Times bureau chief in Rio de Janeiro, Rohter explores the history, economy, culture and contradictions of Brazil, delivering an insightful portrait of this increasingly powerful -- and endlessly fascinating -- country.
Brazil, A Celebration of Contemporary Brazilian Culture
Rodrigo Fernandes Da Fonseca
An extensive overview of Brazil's contemporary arts and culture in a beautiful coffee-table book. Fully illustrated with 600 color photos.
Brazil, Five Centuries of Change
Thomas E. Skidmore
A brief history of Brazil over the past 500 years.
Brazil: The Fortunes of War
Neill Lochery
This groundbreaking account shows how Brazil flourished into a modern nation under politically shrewd authoritarian leader Getulio Vargas, who used a pro-Nazi stance to exploit the U.S. and bolster his country's economy during WWII.
Concise History of Brazil
Boris Fausto & Arthur Brakel
A well-paced and readable narrative history of Brazil, from Portugese colonization in 1500 to centuries of slave economy to 20th century dictatorship.
Dancing With the Devil in the City of God, Rio De Janeiro on the Brink
Juliana Barbassa
This kaleidoscopic portrait of Rio brings key players into focus, revealing a fast-moving city on the rise, struggling to become a true global city and transcend its history of wild inflation, drug wars, corrupt leaders and dying neighborhoods.
Futebol Nation, The Story of Brazil Through Soccer
David Goldblatt
A brilliant portrait of Brazil through its national obsession: soccer, futebol, "O Jogo Bonito" (The Beautiful Game).
Tree of Rivers, The Story of the Amazon
John Hemming
Hemming captures the ambition, greed and awe of naturalists, explorers and missionaries -- and their devastating impact on native peoples -- in this absorbing human history.
Brazilian Adventure
Peter Fleming
A classic and very entertaining account of a 3,000-mile quest through the Amazon in search of a missing English colonel. First published in 1933.
Running the Amazon
Joe Kane
A best-selling account of a 4,000-mile expedition from the high Andes to the Atlantic by foot, raft and kayak -- an expedition only four of the ten participants finished.
The Accidental President of Brazil, A Memoir
Bill Clinton & Fernando Henrique Cardoso
A vibrant memoir by Brazil's former president, in office from 1995 to 2002, who offers a candid, wry, illuminating view of the irrepressibly attractive country.
Want to subscribe to the Holbrook Explorer?
Exploring the world's gardens: Jardim Botánico de Curitiba
Exploring the world's gardens: Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
New Zealand
Cuba
Colombia
United States
