safest place to visit in brazil

10 Safest Cities in Brazil

Brazil is one of the safest and most breathtaking countries in South America.

The country consists of 26 individual states and a growing population – over 215 million people. 

Brazil is an unforgettable destination known for its iconic beaches and tropical culture.

Unfortunately, no country is perfect.

Luckily, the Brazilian government has implemented policies to make the country safer. 

Overall, Brazil’s crime rate is relatively high – 40% higher than the United States .

However, as with all nations, some cities are safer than others. 

Ultimately, knowing the potential dangers of one’s surroundings is the first step to safe travel, no matter the destination.

2 | Florianopolis

3 | belo horizonte, 4 | brasilia, 5 | sao paulo, 6 | salvador, 7 | rio de janeiro, 10 | campo grande, 5 safety tips for traveling to brazil, brazil safety overview, how does brazil rank globally on crime, what are brazilian favelas, is brazil safe for women.

Palmas is one of the fastest-growing cities in Brazil.

It is the capital city of the rainforest state of Tocantins and sits on the banks of the Tocantins River.

While Palmas is known for beautiful rivers and diverse wildlife, this small central Brazilian state is rapidly expanding.

And currently, Palamas has a population of well over 306000. 

Palmas has been one of the safest cities in Brazil for the last ten years.

Despite continued crime rates declining, causing many links the lower crime rate to the reduced organized gang and criminal activity.  

Getting around Palamas is easy, with accessible transportation, including buses, trains, and ferries.

The capital of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, is an island city in Southern Brazil.

Divided by a mountain range, most of the city’s 1.28 million residents live on the central island.

A robust and intimate community, Florianopolis is one of the safest cities to live in South America.

The decade-long decrease in reported crimes supports the city’s reputation as a safe destination.

The lush environment of beaches and nature reserves is a popular destination for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lagoa da Conceição, a saltwater lagoon, accommodates both windsurfing and boating.

And the Pedro Ivo Campos Bridge connects the island to the mainland.

Located in Southeastern Brazil, Belo Horizonte is the capital city of Minas Gerais and nestles between two mountain ranges – Serra do Curral and Serra da Moeda. 

Belo Horizonte is a moderate-sized city with 2.7 million people, which is reputed as one of the safest places in Brazil.

The city also ranks as a top beautiful city in Brazil, known for its breathtaking vistas and modern architecture. 

But, whether you are marveling at the Niemeyer-designed Church of St Assassi or wandering the exhibits at the Brazilian Football Museum, violence can happen.

The most recent reported statistic boasts Belo Horizonte’s low homicide rate and a declining crime rate, but petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, theft of opportunity, and tourist scams, occur daily.

Brazil’s capital city, Brasilia, is home to almost 5 million people.

It is located in the central-west Brazilian highlands and is considered an extraordinary example of 20th-century modernist urbanism.

The World Heritage Organization declared the city a UNESCO site in 1987. 

Brazilia’s overall reported crime rates are low compared to other major cities in Brazil.

And the capital city remains safe.

Brasilia has a highly educated population that complements less unemployment.

Developing a highly-skilled, educated, and working people is considered a primary factor in the consistently declining crime rates.

Unfortunately, street crime, including theft and robbery, is still highly prevalent.

While relatively safe, visitors should watch their surroundings to prevent being targets and minimize crimes of opportunity.

São Paulo is an international city.

The area boasts a population of over 20 million and is considered the industrial and economic hub of South America.

Sampa, as the city is known, has something for everyone.

The megacity offers dozens of museums, neo-Gothic architecture, a thriving shopping district, and restaurants to suit every craving and budget.

There is also a 24/7 bar and club scene.

While you are out on the town, it is easy to notice a strong police presence to protect visitors and Paulistanos.

Fortunately, the crime rate in Sao Paulo is lower than in Rio de Janeiro or other cities in Brazil.

As with many cities, Sao Paulo has some favelas.

But overall, violent crime is declining, but petty theft, including pickpocketing, is common. 

Salvador is Brazil’s third-largest city, with three million people.

Salvador is located directly on the Bay of All Saints and is famed for its many Baroque colonial churches.

The capital of Bahia, this moderate-sized northern town, is a beach lover’s paradise.

The historic Afro-Brazilian city is a popular international destination.

But, visitors should take reasonable precautions – securing valuables and remaining in groups.

Poverty and unemployment rates are high, and so are gangs and syndicate-related crimes. 

However, recently the city has begun efforts to reduce criminal activity – additional police, city cameras, and even social media.

As a result, crime rates are decreasing. 

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s largest and one of the most beautiful cities globally.

Just the abbreviated name evokes visions of warm tropical winds, sun-bleached beaches, and non-stop festivals.  

Rio de Janeiro is a cultural mecca, home to museums and beautiful architecture.

It is also home to the iconic 38-meter Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado. 

Overall, the city is a safe place to visit and live.

However, Rio de Janeiro is also famous for its sprawling favelas.

These are shanty towns where high crime rates persist – mainly theft.

And visitors should take precautions to protect one’s safety and valuables.

To combat crime, Rio de Janeiro has developed one of the highest rates of police presence per capita worldwide.

This has resulted in a noticeable decline in its murder rates. 

Natal is Rio Grande do Norte’s capital city.

This small nation-state sits on Brazil’s upper northeastern tip.

Founded as a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, Natal is known for its pristine beaches and slow pace and is one of the top tourist destinations in Brazil.

The population of Natal is just under 900900 people, and its economy relies heavily on tourism. 

This self-sufficient beach community is the second safest capital in Brazil, with fewer murders and robberies reported than other Brazilian cities.

The city’s overall crime rate has declined steadily over the past few years, dropping over 5% in the past year alone.

Natal is the perfect place for South American travelers to relax in the sun safely.

Recife is the fourth-largest city in Brazil and the capital city of the northeastern state of Pernambuco.

Located on the upper northeastern coast, Portuguese colonists founded Recife in the 16th century.

Currently, with a population of 4 million, this gritty city offers visitors a vibrant historical and cultural scene.

And trendy restaurants complement smaller food bars.

Think NYC with a tropical flair.

Once known as Brazil’s Wild West, organized criminal activity declined – reducing violent crimes reported.

To encourage a growing tourism economy, Recife most recently adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy for crime.

This hard-line resulted in a decline in common robberies and theft – providing a safe and serene city.

As Mato Grosso do Sul Estado’s capital city, Campo Grande sits on the border of Brazil, Bolivia , and Paraguay .

And it lies near the headwaters of the Anhanduí River.  

Despite a population of 90000 residents, the property and violent crime rates in Campo Grande are low, which creates a safe environment, even at night.

Additionally, the reported crimes have declined over the past decade due to the city-wide implementation of “Safe City.”

This unique approach to law enforcement deters crime by placing cameras throughout the city, creating proactive surveillance to keep the city safe.

• Share your travel plans.  Let the people you trust know the details of your travel plans. Text or email pictures of people, places, and even IDs for safety. 
• Avoid posting on the internet.  Keep things general when posting updates to social media accounts.
• Do not accept rides from anyone who approaches you.  Instead, use radio taxis from reputable companies. When possible, book directly from the hotel or a restaurant. Don’t hail taxis on the street
• Back up critical data.  Make a physical copy of credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport, and birth certificate. Also, make a physical copy of credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport, and birth certificate.
• Separate your valuables.  Cities are known for pickpockets. Keep cash and passports in a separate pocket.

READ THE FULL REPORT: Brazil Safety Review

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: HIGH
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Frequently Asked Questions

Brazil has the seventh-highest crime rate globally, with exceptionally high rates of violent crime.

But crime statistics also show that Brazil’s most massive problem is organized crime – drug trafficking and corruption are also issues in Brazil.

Like most cities, even the safest Brazilian cities have more dangerous sections.

These slum areas are known as Favelas in Brazil and can be dangerous to solo travelers.

The best defense is to understand which neighborhoods to avoid and stay aware of your surroundings.

With caution, Brazil is generally safe for women to travel in groups or solo.

Unfortunately, there is a high risk of gender-based harassment due to culture and crime rates.

Catcalling is common and best ignored.

The best way to ensure safety is to understand the culture, and the risk may help keep you safe.

Additional Resources

8 Comments on 10 Safest Cities in Brazil

Safest city to travel to in Brazil by far is Balneario Camboriu, there you can walk around at night speaking english and not have to worry at all.

How far is it from Campo Grande in Rio Brazil?

About a thousand kilometers

Although some modest progress may have been made in some areas, it is still a statistical chance you are taking.

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring one of these cities, and the strong sense of security and the warmth of the local community made it a memorable experience.

Sure, in the tourist areas there are Police everywhere. Go to the areas where everyday people live with your brand new iPhone in your hand and see what happens.

It’s commendable to see these cities in Brazil prioritizing safety and investing in their communities. It’s a testament to their commitment to providing a secure environment for residents and visitors.

While Florianopolis is one of the safest cities here, Salvador and Natal can’t be on on the list 10 safest cities as they are some of the most dangerous Brazilian cities. Salvador is even one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and was called “the murder capital of Brazil.” You can check the statistics and get more insight.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Popular destinations.

Safety Index

Recent reviews & comments.

• Vince White on Council Bluffs
• Matthew Parker on Council Bluffs
• Jeremy Perry on Council Bluffs
• Joey Wheeler on Logansport
• Carl Chapman on Logansport

Popular US States

• Pennsylvania

The Traveling Twin Mama

10 Safest Cities in Brazil in 2024

Looking for information about the safest cities in Brazil for your upcoming trip to South America? You’re in the right place!

Traveling to Brazil is an exciting adventure that promises diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. I have personally experienced this beautiful country twice – once as a solo traveler and another time accompanied by my family ( including my energetic four-year-old twins). Brazil has unlimited beauty and adventure to offer, but it’s important to explore it safely. 

Brazil’s allure lies in its breathtaking natural wonders, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the stunning beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Rich in both history and culture, Brazil boasts iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue, captivating samba rhythms, and mouthwatering culinary delights. 

It’s important to acknowledge that, like any destination, Brazil has its share of cities and areas that are safer than others. By staying informed about local customs, heeding advice from fellow travelers, and maintaining situational awareness, you can navigate the country with confidence and minimize potential risks.

In this blog post, you will learn about the safest cities in Brazil including unique attractions and experiences in each city. Additionally, you’ll also learn useful safety tips that can be utilized within Brazil and any other travel destination.

What is Brazil’s Safety Rating?

Brazil is full of vibrant culture, friendly people, beautiful beaches, stunning nature, lively festivals, and sprawling cities. However, in recent years, Brazil has gained a reputation as being dangerous for international travelers due to its increased crime rate.

So, is Brazil safe to travel to? Yes, it is possible to travel to Brazil safely. 

The US Department of State currently lists Brazil at a Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution . A Level 2 ranking is common in many places around the world, including many countries in Europe and other popular tourist destinations.

There are a few select places in Brazil that are listed as Level 4 Do Not Travel. Those places include the Favelas, or housing developments, as well as some areas along the international borders near Venezuela and Colombia. 

While it is true that Brazil has dealt with high crime rates in the past, the country is seeing an overall decrease in recent years. Overall, many places in Brazil are considered safe to travel to, as long as you exercise caution and utilize common safety tips. 

The Top 10 Safest Cities in Brazil

Brazil is a large country with a population of over 214 million people spread throughout many large, urban cities. The following 10 cities are considered to be some of the safest cities in Brazil to visit.

1. Florianópolis

As the capital of southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, Florianópolis is widely known for its beautiful beaches. A large portion of the city is actually on Santa Catarina Island, which has several popular tourist areas such as Praia dos Ingleses. 

As a tropical paradise, Florianópolis is quite popular with international tourists . The city has a population of over 500,000, a bit smaller when compared to some of the other cities in Brazil. However, Florianópolis has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, making it one of the safest cities in Brazil to visit.

2. Curitiba

Curitiba is the capital of the Paraná region and has about 1.7 million residents. It’s a beautiful city with lots of green spaces. Some of the best things to do are to visit the impressive Botanical Garden of Curitiba (pictured above), check out the Oscar Niemeyer Art Museum, or take a stroll through Tangua Park.

In terms of safety, Curitiba tends to have lower crime rates when compared to other Brazilian cities, making it one of the safer places in Brazil to visit. Curitiba also has some of the highest standards of living in Brazil.

3. Belo Horizonte

Belo Horiz onte is the capital of the Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil. The city has a population of about 2.7 million people and it is famous for its art-deco-style architecture, Mineirão Stadium, and beautiful green spaces. It’s also known as the bar capital of Brazil! 

Belo Horizonte is considered to be among the safest cities in Brazil, with lower crime rates in comparison to other cities of the same size. While you should always take safety precautions when traveling, it is fairly safe to walk around Belo Horizonte, especially during the day.

4. Brasilia 

Brasilia is the capital of Brazil and is home to over four million people. Brasilia is famous for its unique urban design , which earned the city its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of Brasilia is its incredible modern architecture.

Brasilia is considered to be one of the safest cities in Brazil. The crime rates here are lower when compared to the safety ratings of other cities of the same size in South America . Especially in the central part of the city, it is quite safe to walk around and explore.

As with any city, there are some areas that tourists would want to stay away from. In Brasilia, these areas are found on the outskirts of the city and are referred to as satellite cities. These include Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa. These satellite cities experience higher crime rates than central Brasilia, so it’s best to avoid them after dark.

5. São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and the most populated city in all of South America. São Paulo is a major tourist destination in Brazil and is known for its museums, parks, and modern skyscrapers.

As with any large city, there are safe areas and unsafe areas of São Paulo. Most areas in the central part of the city are safe for travelers to explore, especially during daylight hours. During my first visit to São Paulo, I explored the city on my own by foot and metro. I felt completely comfortable doing so during the day. As a solo female traveler, I made sure to head back to my hotel in São Paulo when the sun started to set. 

Some of the safest neighborhoods in São Paulo include but are not limited to, Bela Vista, Jardins, Consolação, and Itaim Bibi. 

6. Joinville 

Joinville is located in southern Brazil and is the largest city in Santa Catarina. It is a smaller city, with a population of close to 600,000 people. Today it is considered a German-Brazilian city, but it was originally inhabited by the Guaraní people, and later on by French immigrants to Brazil.

Joinville is considered to be a moderately safe city to visit in South America . Its home state, Santa Catarina, is also considered to be one of the safest regions in Brazil.

Palmas is the capital city of the Tocantins state in central Brazil. It’s a smaller city with a population of just over 300,000 people. Things to do in Palmas include visiting Cesamar Park, Roncador Waterfall, or Sunflower Square – the main historic square in the city.

Palmas is considered to be one of the safest cities in Brazil and tends to have lower crime rates per population than other areas of the country.

Natal is located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil . Natal has a population of around 800,000 people and is most well-known for its stunning coastline , sand dunes, and beautiful beaches. One of its most popular places to visit in Natal is Ponta Negra Beach.

Natal is considered to be one of the safer cities in the Northeastern part of Brazil. While it is important to still follow common safety practices, it is a relatively safe city in Brazil to visit and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

9. Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. There are around four million people living in Porto Alegre and the city is known for its incredible food scene. If you’re lucky enough to visit, be sure to frequent the churrascarias – delicious barbecue steakhouses. Porto Alegre also has beautiful cathedrals, museums, and a stunning state palace.

Porto Alegre is a fairly safe place to visit as a tourist, especially during the daytime. It is still best to practice common safety tips, like avoiding walking around at night by yourself.

10. Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil by a landslide. Rio is located in southeastern Brazil and has a population of about 6.7 million. The city is most famous for its impressive Christ the Redeemer statue, stunning Sugar Loaf Mountain , and the beautiful beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio is also known around the world for Carnival – a vibrant and exquisite festival that takes place every February. There are also plenty of fun and exciting day trips to take from Rio de Janeiro – so it’s a great home base for your trip to Brazil.

In recent years, Rio de Janeiro has gained a reputation for being unsafe. However, Rio is a large city and there are plenty of neighborhoods that are safe for tourists. These neighborhoods are mostly in the southern zone of the city. 

Some of the safest areas in Rio include Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. My family personally stayed in Barra da Tijuca, an upscale neighborhood, and felt very safe taking evening strolls to dinner and back to our hotel in Rio .

While these are known as safer areas of Rio, it is still best to follow common safety practices and avoid walking on the beaches alone at night.

There are places that tourists should avoid in Rio de Janeiro. These include all of the Favelas, otherwise known as shanty towns. These areas typically have high crime rates and gang violence, so it’s best to avoid them unless you are a part of an organized tour. 

Is Brazil Safe for Travel?

Now that I’ve covered the safest cities in Brazil, you may be wondering, is Brazil a safe country to travel to? And, if so, who can travel safely to Brazil? 

In short, yes– Brazil is safe for travel. Like all cities around the world, Brazilian cities face issues with crime rates. However, if you follow common safety precautions it is completely possible to have an amazing and safe trip to Brazil. 

Is Brazil Safe for Families?

Brazil is a safe destination for families and is a very family-friendly country to visit. Family is an important part of Brazilian culture so Brazilians are very welcoming to families and children. In Brazil, it’s common for children to come with their parents to restaurants and beaches and take part in other family activities. 

Many of the restaurants we frequented with our twin four-year-olds had either a special section for kids to play or free meals for kids under a certain age.

Traveling with kids to Brazil will take some extra planning, as it does with any destination. In general, you will still follow the same safety precautions, such as making sure to stay in a safe part of town and not wandering around late at night. When traveling with children , another safety aspect to consider is transportation. For example, if you have small children and plan on riding in a car, it may be necessary to bring a car seat. 

We brought our WAYB Pico car seats to Brazil and were very glad we did. Since they are foldable and only 8 pounds each, it was extremely easy to transport them. As a bonus, the carrying case is extra spacious, which allowed us to bring home extra goodies that couldn’t fit in our suitcases. 

Don’t forget to bring kid sun screen for all the family time you’ll enjoy on Brazil’s sunny beaches.

Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo female travelers can visit Brazil safely. Brazilian people are very friendly, which makes Brazil a great country to visit as a solo traveler. There are many opportunities to meet people in safe ways, such as staying at hostels and participating in social activities or joining in on a group tour. 

Personally, I loved how Brazilians would always try to have a conversation with you even knowing your Portuguese is limited and their English is not much better. If you’re open to trying, it makes an amazing memory from your trip to Brazil. 

As a solo female traveler, there are certain safety precautions that I always follow , no matter what country I’m in. For example, always let a friend or family member know what your travel plans are and check in with them occasionally throughout your trip. If you are going out, try to go with a group from your hostel or hop on a local tour. Additionally, it’s a good idea to take an Uber or taxi rather than walk home, especially late at night. 

Is Brazil Safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers?

Yes, Brazil is a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Brazil is one of the 30+ countries around the world that have laws in place protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage is recognized in Brazil and has been since 2013. As of 2016, transgender rights laws have been passed to allow people to legally use the name and gender of their choice.

In São Paulo, there is a large and very fun Pride Parade that is celebrated throughout the city every June. There are actually over 100 other Pride Parades throughout the country. Many cities in Brazil also have gay bars and clubs, especially in places like Rio and São Paulo. 

In general, LGBTQ+ people are accepted in Brazil, especially in the larger cities. However, it is important to note that in the smaller, rural parts of Brazil, there is still a more conservative and traditional culture that isn’t quite as accepting. An LGBTQ+ traveler visiting smaller towns or rural communities may experience some uncomfortable stares, but violence against LGBTQ+ is extremely rare. Therefore, Brazil is a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, especially in the major cities.

Is It Safe to Take an Uber or Taxi in Brazil?

Taking an Uber or taxi is one of the safest ways to get around the cities in Brazil. In fact, it is typically safer to use a taxi or Uber than it is to walk. 

Public transportation is also available and consists of metros, city buses, and long-distance buses. However, public transport can be iffy in some areas or at night, making Uber and taxis the safest option for getting around Brazil.

Be aware that there are some common scams in Brazil regarding taxis. One of the most common ones is when the taxi driver claims the meter is broken and then charges an inflated price at the end of the ride. It is important to check that the meter is working when getting in a taxi, and if it isn’t working just find another taxi. 

Another thing to consider when taking a taxi is to have your hotel call you a reputable company, so that you can avoid a scam situation.

Taking an Uber is a great way to avoid taxi scams, as you will pay for the ride upfront through the app. Uber is considered to be a safe mode of transportation in Brazilian cities .

Is It Safe to Drink the Water in Brazil?

The tap water in major cities such as São Paulo and Rio is considered safe to drink, but it may not always taste the best. It may be a good idea to drink bottled water instead as a precaution. In more rural areas, it is best to always drink bottled water and avoid the tap. Another option instead of bottled water is to bring a small water filter, such as a life straw , that filters the water for you.

Is the Food Safe in Brazil?

The food in Brazil is safe to eat, including delicious street food. Similar to the regulations restaurants follow in the U.S., Brazil has strict rules when it comes to food safety. These strict regulations ensure that the food is high quality and safe for both locals and travelers to consume. Brazilian street food is also safe to eat and is definitely worth trying during your trip.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Brazil

There are many safety tips to keep in mind when traveling to any country. The following tips are some great ways to stay safe while traveling to Brazil :

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid walking on the beaches after dark
• Don’t leave your cell phone and valuables unattended when taking a dip in the water – instead use a waterproof bag or fanny pack and take them with you
• Leave unnecessary valuables at home
• Don’t give the appearance of wealth (wearing expensive jewelry, etc.)
• Avoid walking after dark or around unknown areas, especially alone
• Always walk along main streets, avoid alleyways and empty side streets
• Let a friend or family member know your travel plans, especially if you are traveling solo
• Hire a local guide to show you around or take guided tours
• Get travel insurance before your trip

FAQ: Safest Cities in Brazil

When traveling to Brazil, questions and concerns about safety are common. Below are a few commonly asked questions about the safest areas of Brazil.

Florianópolis is Brazil’s safest city as it has one of the lowest crime rates amongst the other major cities in Brazil. The city is considered to be one of the safest cities in South America. Known for its beautiful beaches, Florianópolis is a safe place to visit in Brazil.

The southeastern states of São Paulo, Santa Catarina, and Paraná are some of the safest parts of Brazil. Some of the safest Brazilian cities include Florianópolis, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, and São Paulo. There are other safe parts of Brazil as well, and most major cities have neighborhoods or areas that are safer than others.

Yes, solo female travelers can travel to Brazil safely. Despite having higher-than-average crime rates, there are safe cities and neighborhoods for tourists in Brazil. No matter where you travel, be sure to avoid walking around at night, leave valuable items at home, go with a local guide or on guided tours, and tell someone your travel plans.

Yes, there are many safe places to live in Brazil. Brazil is a large country that is home to millions of people, including many expats. Many American expats live in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. There are many safe places to live in São Paulo, including the neighborhoods of Bela Vista, Jardins, Consolação, and Itaim Bibi.

In Conclusion: Safest Cities in Brazil

Brazil is an amazing country that is filled with natural beauty, history, and culture. Brazilian people are incredibly friendly and many places in Brazil are safe to visit as an international traveler. While these 10 cities are considered some of the safest cities in Brazil, many other places can be explored as long as you practice common sense and abide by safety tips.

Lake Lanier Boat Rental: My Experience with Kids

Is Guatemala Safe for Female Travelers in 2024? Your Ultimate Guide

9 Best Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil (2024)- The Complete Travel Guide

Sedona Grand Canyon Day Trip 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » South America » Travel Safety

Is Brazil Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips 2024)

When I went to Brazil, people thought I was crazy. “Is Brazil to visit?” 

Brazil has a notorious reputation. Beyond Carnival in Rio de Janeiro , a world wonder, the Amazon Rainforest, and a heap of culture and history, it scares a lot of experienced travellers. 

I won’t lie, crime in Brazil is a big deal, especially in the major cities. This country is just as famous for injustice, poverty, illegal drugs, and some corrupt local authorities as it is for everything else. Violence, petty theft, and dodgy Uber drivers are not rare. In São Paulo, I even witnessed a fight in the daytime involving a knife. 

Did I leave Brazil unscathed? No. 

Was that Brazil’s fault? No. I fell down some stairs and broke my back. (It wasn’t that dramatic.)

I loved travelling here and I can’t wait to return! By travelling smart, you can protect your personal safety in ‘unsafe destinations’ like Brazil.

This guide to staying safe in Brazil has advice, tips, and answers to questions that I wish I’d had before I visited. You’ll need your common sense (like always) and a little understanding of the local culture. With that, I’ve got you covered for your Brazil safety.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Brazil Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Brazil.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated June 2024

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Is it Safe to Visit Brazil Right Now?

Safest places in brazil, top safety tips for traveling to brazil, is brazil safe to travel alone, is brazil safe for solo female travelers, is brazil safe to travel for families, more on safety in brazil  , faqs on brazil’s safety, so, is brazil safe.

Yes, you can travel to Brazil safely. Does that mean you can visit completely carefree? Absolutely not. 

According to the Brazilian Government , 2023 saw 6 million tourists pass through this country. The vast majority of visitors have a completely safe trip. 

But when we’re talking about safety in Brazil, that’s covering HUGE land from giant metropolises to the untamed wilderness of the Amazon Rainforest. Traveling to Brazil requires extra know-how.

The thing with Brazil is that there is a high rate of violent crime. Though tourists are rarely the target of this, stay especially vigilant during big festivals like Carnival and around non-touristic areas. 

Thefts, muggings, and pickpocketing are common, but by practising extra caution, you’re unlikely to have any issues. One of my friends had their wallet stolen – but said friend left their wallet in their back pocket on the Sao Paulo Metro… Don’t be like my friend. 

There’s a rise in unrest along the border with Venezuela . The border closed in February 2019 and we strongly advise against travelling anywhere near this area.

Brazil’s weather can be unpredictable. During heavy rains, flooding and landslides can occur. 

On the 2023 Global Peace Index , Brazil ranked 132nd on a list of 163 countries. So in terms of general peace, safety, and security, it’s not so hot.

All that being said, it’s still possible to visit Brazil safely so long as you know what you’re doing. Tourism in Brazil has recovered after the pandemic and is key to the Brazilian economy. It’s one of the major South American destinations , and only second in Latin America after Mexico. 

Being vigilant, traveling smart, and avoiding certain perilous activities and areas will help to ensure a safe trip. All in all, Brazil is safe to visit right now – with preparations and research .

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Brazil, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Brazil below.

Florianópolis

The capital of Santa Catarina is Florianópolis, and it may be the closest thing to perfection. Florianopolis, or Floripa, is located on a large island connected to the mainland by a single bridge. Life in Floripa is very easy. The beaches are pristine, the pace is relaxed, and amusements are everywhere. Floripa can be more resort than a city sometimes, but no one really cares or notices.

The far south of Floripa is totally undeveloped. You can find beaches that are literally abandoned because they require a hike to get to. Lagoinha do Leste is the best example of this phenomenon. 

If there is one word to describe São Paulo, or Sampa, it’s “sprawl.” São Paulo is big. I mean really f*cking big.

There are nearly 20 million people living in the metropolitan area and staying safe in Sao Paulo is reasonably easy. You could walk around the city for weeks and come nowhere near seeing all of it. If you find your niche though, it can be hugely fun.

Due to its gross proportions, São Paulo is one of the most energetic and lively cities in the world. The art is unparalleled, the nightlife is never-ending, and action is constant. Luckily, the best parts of São Paulo are located in the central and western districts.

The Pantanal is actually considered the biggest freshwater ecosystem in the world. The chances of seeing animals are huge here; reportedly even better than the Amazon actually. Local wildlife include capybaras, giant anteaters, rheas, jaguars, and lots more!

Given its size, there are several ways to access the Pantanal. The best entryways are via Campo Grande and Bonito in the southern state Mato Grosso do Sul. Campo Grande is a large, modern city while Bonito is an eco-tourist destination that offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Places to Avoid in Brazil

In order to have a safe visit, it’s important to know the areas in Brazil that aren’t super safe. Keep in mind that Brazil is quite a famous tourist destination, so wherever you are, you will have to watch out for pickpocketing and petty theft. 

• Porto Alegre – located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to lots of gang violence and drug wars.
• Salvador – Similar to Porto Alegre, Salvador has a very high crime rate as well. Even locals tend to avoid this city as much as possible.
• Favelas – These are the poorest areas in Brazil. You’ll find most crimes in these areas. While tourists normally don’t end up there, it’s still a good idea to actively stay away
• Anywhere at night – It doesn’t matter where you are in Brazil, it’s always a bad idea to head out at night. Most sketchy characters come out after dark, and you definitely don’t want to meet them. If possible, stay inside or stick with a large group when going on a night out.

It’s important to know that all of the places we’ve just listed CAN be visited , but you’ll require a local guide and do a lot of research beforehand. Some parts of these cities might be safe, but you simply can’t ignore the high crime rates. While tourists do explore these areas, we’d recommend avoiding them completely if you want a really safe trip.

Keeping Your Money Safe in Brazil

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s  stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world. The best solution?  Get a money belt .

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Naturally, you are going to be worried about visiting Brazil. A high crime rate coupled with an unstable political situation and dangerous nature means there’s a lot to think about.

But to help you stay as SAFE as possible on your Brazilian travels, we have compiled a list of our top safety tips for traveling to Brazil.

• Be careful of your surroundings  – pickpocketing is common, especially in cities. Minimize risk with a security belt .
• Don’t look rich  – flashy jewelry, watches, SLRs, designer handbags, clothing, etc. All of this just advertises you as a target.
• Don’t use your smartphone walking around the street  – it could easily get snatched
• Don’t take a tour around a favela  – 1) they’re not zoos, 2) the security situation within them is often unstable.
• But know that some favelas are actually pacified – favelas can be peaceful but their safety status is often constantly changing.
• Careful using Google Maps in cities  – ‘quickest routes’ can go through favelas. People have actually come to harm by accidentally stumbling into a favela this way. Stick to the main streets – ALWAYS.
• Familiarize yourself with the area – maybe your hostel has a walking tour, maybe you end up looking things up on your maps, but before you head out you should know a little bit about the lay of the land. It pays to look confident.
• Hand over the goods  – muggers could be very high and very armed. If someone demands your stuff, best give it.
• Stay away from drugs  – trafficking is WIDESPREAD. There are often checkpoints outside nightclubs. Severe penalties, people.
• Don’t leave your bags or anything else on a table/chair at a cafe  – they’re likely to go missing.
• Be aware of distraction techniques  – even asking for a cigarette can be a way to get you to let your guard down. BEWARE!
• Be VERY careful of your possessions on beaches  – some people will just snatch your stuff and leg it.
• And don’t go to beaches at night – it’s basically a good way to get robbed or assaulted.
• Careful when using an ATM  – keep your card in sight . Best to head to one in an official place, i.e. a mall, inside a bank.
• Don’t use the ATM if it looks tampered with  – or if there are dodgy looking people around.
• Steer clear of demonstrations – these can turn violent. Avenida Paulista, Largo da Batata, Historic Downtown ( Sao Paulo ),  Copacabana Beach ( Rio de Janeiro ) and Esplanada dos Minesterios ( Brasilia ) are known for confrontational protests.
• Learn some Portuguese  – it will definitely help you get around, read menus, communicate with locals, etc.
• Protect against mosquitoes  – cover up and use a DEET-based repellent; dengue fever, yellow fever and zika virus are on the rise.
• Watch out for warning flags on beaches  – there are often strong currents, so be VERY careful going out too deep.
• Shark attacks happen in Recife  – so don’t go into the water when there are warning signs. People have died.
• Keep an eye on the news – heavy rains lead to flash floods and landslides, not only in the countryside but in poor urban areas  too.
• Be aware of rainy season  – in the northeast, it’s from April to July; in the south, it runs from November till March.
• Do research on companies if you’re heading out into the rainforest – it’s a dangerous place, so only the best company will do.

There are issues with crime in Brazil – as well as natural disasters to be worried about. But if you follow our tips, keep your belongings close to you, and don’t do anything silly (like walking through sketchy areas of cities early in the morning or late at night), you should be fine.

When it comes to solo travel, we’re all about it. There are SO many benefits to traveling the world by yourself. You get to challenge  yourself, get to do  what you want, when you want ; you may learn a thing or two about yourself and grow as a person!

But there are downsides. Aside from getting lonely and bored,  you’ll be more of a target by yourself.

Don’t worry though; there are plenty of other solo travelers doing what you’re doing in Brazil. And we’re here to help, too, with some solo travel tips to make it a breeze.

• It’s  easy to make friends with Brazilian people.  Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, you’ll be able to have at least some sort of chat with a local. They’ll be warm and open, so don’t be shy: strike up a conversation and learn more about this cool country.
• Book yourself into a  social hostel.  Make sure you do research, read reviews, and stay in a place that’s  perfect for you. It’s a good way to get chatting to other travelers, maybe even make a travel buddy,  and help to beat the solo travel blues.
• Take a free walking tour  if your hostel offers one (they probably will). This is a good way to get acquainted with the city you’re in, learn more about the area and Brazil as a whole, and even make friends.
• Ask the staff at your hostel about  the safety of the area.  They’re likely going to be locals, or know A LOT more about the local area than you.
• Travel as light as possible . Carrying too many things around is a) uncomfortable and b) will mean there is just more for you to keep tabs on. Keep everything in one bag – and not too heavy either.
• Don’t walk around yourself at nighttime around sketchy areas.  This is just ASKING for trouble. You are going to be so much more of a target if you walk around by yourself anyway, regardless of it being a dark and deserted area.
• We’d recommend not taking anything unnecessary to the beach if you’re going by yourself.  It’s easy for things to go missing/get stolen.
• Keep in touch with people. If you don’t have one,  get yourself a data sim.  Keeping in touch with people is a good way to  keep you grounded  as you travel around, making sure you don’t get jaded with what you’re doing.

Though it’s a pretty dangerous country in some respects, traveling solo around Brazil is doable; and awesome!  The cities here are amazing and full of life, the beachside destinations are incredible, the food is immense, the nature is breathtaking, and there’s a chance you’ll have it all to yourself. 

Like many other countries, it’s no surprise that Brazil isn’t  the best place for solo female travelers. The crime rates aren’t low, for one thing. Depending on where you go, you’ll have a different experience. Big cities are more liberal, traditional areas… not so much.

Most of Brazil is safe for a woman traveling by herself – especially if you stick to the well-trodden routes.  But just like anywhere else in the world, there will be extra safety precautions you should take as a solo female traveler. So here are some tips to help keep you secure.

• In some places, mainly in northeastern rural areas , there may be more curiosity about you being a solo female traveler. Being aware of the varying ethnic and cultural landscape of the country will definitely help you in your travels.
• You should NOT be hitchhiking by yourself in Brazil. We wouldn’t feel safe recommending anyone use this means of getting around here. In Brazil, this really isn’t a safe thing to do and can end up very badly.
• There are areas in the  north  and  west  of the country that seems to be  dominated by men.  If you were planning to go to these regions of Brazil, try not to go by yourself and instead find someone else to buddy up with.
• It’s not a good idea to go to bars and clubs by yourself in cities. Try to find some people to  buddy up with  if you want to head out to bars and clubs. You may receive hassle/unwanted attention whilst out; show disinterest, or that  you’re not happy with it and it’s likely to stop.
• So in order to get yourself some friends,  stay at a well-reviewed hostel.  Make sure there are favorable reviews from other solo female travelers. This will help you find the most secure place possible.
• When you’re out,  keep an eye on your drink  and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Drink spiking is a reality. Also,  drinking too much  isn’t a smart move either.
• In places like  Copacabana  and  Ipanema,  you’re going to be able to wear whatever the heck you want. Everyone else does (men included – those speedos!). Other places aren’t so liberal. A good rule of thumb is to look at how other women are dressed to gauge appropriate ways to dress.
• Use Uber to get around at night.  This is just the safest way to get around after dark in Brazil. Walking around by yourself at night, not so much.
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, get yourself on a tour . This is a good way to see the country safely. It’s not a cop-out by any means.

Though it may not seem like a safe place to travel, plenty of solo female travellers do make their way to Brazil and have an awesome time.

You’ll just have to  travel smart.  In Brazil particularly, this means you won’t really be able to do a lot of stuff outside of the big cities by yourself. Jump on a tour, but make sure you research and find the best company for you.  This is probably the safest way.

Well, Brazil can be a  bit of a challenge, to say the least.

We’re not going to lie though – it is an awesome destination. It’s  definitely  going to be an experience for you and your family.

There IS a family-friendly atmosphere in Brazil and it’s a family-based society. Whilst there are things to do in Brazil with families, you will have to plan to ensure things run smoothly.

• Basics: you’ll want  insect repellent  (complete with DEET), anti-malarial medication, sunscreen, and clothes that will cover your children up against critters and the sun. Dengue fever and malaria are both present, but mostly in the rainy season from November to March.
• It’s crucial to make sure your kids are eating clean food  and keeping hydrated when in Brazil. Small children are more at risk from things like food poisoning.
• Public transport can also bring up issues when traveling with children. Nightmare journeys on hot, sweaty buses versus forking out a lot of money for flights around the country.
• It can be handy to travel around Brazil by car, but you’ll need your own car seats. This can be a lot of hassle, especially for short family trips.

Though challenging , Brazil is safe to travel for families. It’s best to go between November and January, it’s not as hot and crowded  as other times in the year. You really will have to plan though.

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Brazil.

Is it safe to drive in Brazil?

Driving in Brazil is doable, but it can be a headache –  especially in cities.

However, if you’re the kind of person who likes to travel at your own pace, traveling by car in Brazil will be a rewarding experience. It definitely comes with a few  risks  though.

• In cities and on busy roads,  carjacking is an issue.  It’s important to keep your doors LOCKED and your windows CLOSED when driving – especially at traffic lights. 
• Brazilians can be quite passionate drivers. That means  driving aggressively,  not paying attention to road signs or one-way streets.
• Another issue is poor signage. Broken-down cars also just get left in the road.
• Oh, and  torrential rain  during the rainy season isn’t exactly fun – it can be dangerous sometimes.
• As you may have guessed, Brazil actually has quite a high proportion of road accidents;  thousands of people are killed on the road each year. This indicates bad driving and road standards. To drive in Brazil, it’d REALLY help to be a  confident driver.
• Driving at night can be deadly. Although there’s a zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving, nighttime drivers are often a little worse for wear.
• High-trafficked roads such as the highway between Rio and Sao Paulo  are particularly hazardous.

So, no. Brazil isn’t the safest country to drive in. But if you  really  want to see the country at your own pace, driving yourself can be so much more convenient than public transport in Brazil.

Is Uber safe in Brazil?

Like in MANY countries, Uber has had some turbulent times in Brazil.

The relationship between Uber and Brazil has been a bit of a rollercoaster.

It arrived in  2014,  BUT some rides ended up in  kidnapping, robbery, and even murder. There have been some pretty nasty experiences of people using Uber in Brazil, and a whole string of complaints from Brazilian users.

However, Uber has responded by investing  $ 70 million  into a  Sao Paulo  office that supports Uber’s efforts in Brazil.

For the most part, Uber is safe to use in Brazil, but you shouldn’t feel  a false sense of security just because you’re using Uber. 

To avoid trouble, only accept rides from drivers with lots of positive reviews . There will be tons of options to pick from, so don’t be afraid to cancel if you don’t feel good about a driver’s record (or lack thereof).

Uber is available in 40 Brazilian cities. 

Are taxis safe in Brazil?

It pretty much goes without saying, but getting a licensed taxi in Brazil is A MUST.

You’ll see them at  licensed taxi ranks  around all of Brazil’s cities. They come in a load of shapes, sizes, and colors. Make sure you check the company details on the side of the car.

Another way to get a licensed taxi in Brazil is by using a  taxi app.  These work like Uber, obviously. But hail it when you’re inside a building so you’re not hanging around on the street with your phone out.

One popular taxi app is  99Taxis . Very convenient.

Outside of the big cities, the taxis won’t have meters. This means having to negotiate a price.  Do this before you get in, always.

Generally, taxis are pretty safe in Brazil. Safer than Uber even. They’re cheap, they’re reliable, and a good way to get home at night.

Is public transportation in Brazil safe?

Public transport in Brazil is FAIRLY safe… depending on where you are and what type of public transport it is.

The city buses  are pretty reliable. In any city, these will run frequently. For most Brazilians, this is what they use.

On these local buses, crime can be an issue.   In urban areas, robberies occur more between 4 and 9pm.  The evening rush hour(s) basically.

In  Rio de Janeiro  and  Sao Paulo,  you can use the  metro!

National railways have been  scaled back  and are now pretty limited. There have been a few ‘security incidents’ on the network, too. Unless you want to do a few  scenic trips,  we wouldn’t really recommend getting the train anywhere in Brazil. There are a handful of those you can embark on, the  steam train between Sao Joao del Rei to Tiradentes for example.

Flying is also expensive, but probably the safest.

Buses in Brazil

That leaves the humble traveler with intercity buses.  These are surprisingly safe. Most are well maintained and comfortable. You’ll be able to get a long-distance bus from all the big transport hubs.

Long distance bus travel is popular in Brazil. But like in most places,  do your research on companies before you travel. Consider the following:

• On any bus, but especially the cheap options, do NOT put valuables under the bus.
• Keeping valuables within eyesight (i.e. under the seat in front of you or overhead and across the aisle).
• Paying a little extra also helps with potential breakdowns. Go for a bigger company and they’re more likely to have a back-up bus  that will pick you up and carry on the journey.
• There are three different classes for long distance buses. Companies that offer air-con, fully reclining seats, refreshments and pillows for long distance journeys can cost  twice as much  as the cheapest option. But then again… 24-hour PLUS journeys  might deserve more than a rudimentary seat.
• Book one of these by rocking up at the bus station. Though that’s not  traveling smart. We’d recommend booking one via  ClickBus,   a bus app/site. This will give you time to research as well. No-brainer.

Is the food in Brazil safe?

Food in Brazil is  pretty dang tasty.  There’s loads to try.

But you WILL want to stay safe in Brazil when it comes to dining as not everywhere will be up to scratch with food hygiene standards. We’ve prepped a list of our best food safety tips for Brazil so you can eat your way around the country with ease.

• Eat at places that are  busy with local people.  These are likely to be trusted by locals (duh), therefore they will be very tasty , and you shouldn’t have a problem with getting sick from eating there.
• When it comes to  street food vendors,  try to go to places that are cooking up fresh food right before your eyes. 
• Sometimes the street food vendors selling on  beaches  can be a bit dodgy. Just make sure they at least SEEM clean.
• There is a REAL abundance of  seafood in Brazil.  Just be careful when it comes to shellfish. If it seems a bit off, smells weird, tastes weird, DON’T EAT IT.
• Make sure any fruit or vegetables that you buy  can be cleaned and peeled by yourself  before you eat them.
• Watch out for  tourist traps.  These places often aren’t as clean, are just out to make money, and won’t be serving the tastiest food anyway.
• And last but not least, WASH YOUR HANDS. You could eat at the cleanest place  ever, but if your own hands aren’t clean, you could be making yourself ill.
• Traveling with an allergy? Research ahead of time how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that store owners and restaurant staff might not know all the foods that contain allergens, so it’s helpful to know the names of some of these too. If you’re gluten-free , pick up a handy Gluten-Free Translation Card with descriptions of Celiac disease, cross-contamination risk, and local Brazilian ingredients in Portuguese.

Then there’s a load of international cuisine. Let’s not forget that Brazil has the  largest Japanese population outside of Japan.   Portuguese, African, and Italian influences abound. Just be smart with where you choose to eat and your tastebuds and tummy will thank you!

Can you drink the water in Brazil?

Drinking water in Brazil is safe…

…but not always.

It’s safe to drink the water in  Rio  and  Sao Paulo.

However, most hotels will offer  filtered water.  That’s because the unfiltered stuff is pretty awful and does not taste good. You’ll want to bring a reusable water bottle so you can take some of this liquid gold with you instead of using disposable water bottles.

Outside of these cities, and especially in remote areas, we wouldn’t trust the liquid that comes out of taps. Bring iodine tablets, water purifiers, or just boil the water – a minute should do, but add some extra boil time for higher altitudes.

Another way to feel confident about your water is to bring along the GRAYL GEOPRESS . If you’re ever unsure, you can light it up just in case for that extra peace of mind (and stomach).

It’s always good to bring an insulated water bottle to take your clean water with you and keep it cool during your day adventures.

Is Brazil safe to live?

There are definitely some issues when it comes to living in Brazil . This is mostly to do with crime.

You will probably have to live very differently to how you’re used to.

It’s the kind of place where everybody knows somebody who has been affected by crime in some way. And where lots of people live in apartments with security or in gated communities – or both.

Brazil has a  culturally diverse landscape.  A lot of foreigners do live in Brazil. There will definitely also be cultural differences that you’ll have to deal with when you’re living here.

Basically, it’s not 100% safe to live in Brazil and your security will always depend on the city. Even then, it depends on where in that city you live. Even more specifically, what you can afford in terms of apartment, driver, whatever, contributes greatly to your safety as well.

Think long and hard about where you want to base yourself in Brazil before you take the plunge. This one  deserves research.  A LOT of it!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Brazil?

It’s definitely safe to rent an Airbnb in Brazil, but you’ll have to choose the right area obviously. With the reliable rating and review system, you won’t just get to choose from awesome homes, but you can also read about the place you’re about to book in full detail. With the previous guest reviews, you’ll know exactly what to expect. 

But keep in mind that hosts can also review their guests. This normally guarantees a very respectful and easy visit from both sides. 

Is Brazil LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Brazil can be incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, but you’ll have to be in the right area. Rio de Janeiro for example is known to be a great destination for queer people, while the more rural areas can be a bit conservative and closed minded. 

Members of the LGBTQ+ community might face some discrimination, but it’s nowhere near as bad as in other South American countries. Same-sex rights are also pretty far advanced. There are countless of LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, hostels and other establishments. 

Brazil Travel Insurance

Planning a safe trip to Brazil can get quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Brazil. 

Is Brazil safe for female solo travellers?

While it’s definitely not safe to be a female solo traveler in Brazil, it is doable. Female travellers have to be more careful and aware of their surroundings than male travellers, unfortunately. We definitely advise not to walk around at night and if you have to, stick with a large group.

Is it safe to live in Brazil?

Living in Brazil is safe, but very different from anywhere else in the world. Mainly because the crime rates are high. You have to adapt to the culture and living situations frequently. Some areas are safer than others. Staying in a community with a lot of expats will be the safest place to live in Brazil. 

What areas of Brazil are dangerous?

As a general rule, the poorer the area, the more dangerous it will be. Stay away from Brazil’s favelas. Most gang related crime, as well as shootings happen here so it’s not a place for tourists. 

What are the safest places to stay in Brazil? 

Florianópolis, São Paulo and Pantanal are the safest places to stay in Brazil according to statistics. You will come across pickpocketing and petty crime no matter where you are in Brazil, so stay aware of your surroundings and don’t carry valuables with you.

Brazil is such a huge country that it’s difficult to definitively say ‘yes it’s safe’ or ‘no it isn’t safe’. The truth is that it’s basically BOTH.

Areas of some cities are just so unpredictably violent that it would be completely stupid  to wander into them. Other times you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about gangs and petty crime. The answer of whether or not Brazil is safe is therefore basically:  it depends.

It depends what region of the country you’re in (the northeast isn’t so good for  solo female travelers for example), it depends what CITY you’re in, what part of that city, what time of day it is, what sort of public transport you’re traveling on, what sort of clothes you’re wearing, what sort of eatery you’ve chosen to dine in… Yep. You get the idea. There are a lot of variables for staying safe in Brazil.

We would say, then, that the best way to stay safe when you visit Brazil is to just  be extra alert at all times.  Do research about what areas of the city you should/shouldn’t be in. Be aware of who is around you.

Looking for more info on travelling to Brazil?

• Let me help you choose  where to stay  in Rio De Janeiro
• Swing by one of these  fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an  epic national park  to your itinerary
• Check out my favourite Hostels  in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic  backpacking Brazil travel guide !

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

Claire Sturzaker

Share or save this post

Thanks for this guide, its really useful. I’m visiting Brazil next year with my wife so will use some of these tips.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact

Plan your trip

• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts
• Latin America

Is Brazil safe? Updated for traveling in 2023

Crime in Brazil shouldn't be taken lightly, but there are things that any traveler can do to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Adam NomadicVA.com

Jun 22, 2023

It's no doubt a stunning travel destination, but is Brazil safe? Crime is a big deal in this Latin American country, but the situation for a typical tourist isn't as bad as you may think. In this article, I'll help you understand how safe it actually is and share some helpful advice for you to have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

As with any country on Earth, there are good and bad parts. I've lived in Brazil for over a year as a digital nomad visiting 7 of 26 states up and down the country, so I've got a good feel for the place.

For information, I'm a white male, six foot tall and fairly well built. Why is that important? Sexual violence in Brazil is a big problem. While most of the statistics relate to domestic cases, I would be foolish not to acknowledge that traveling through Brazil is a different experience for males and females.

Is Brazil safe for tourists?

As a general rule, Brazil is safe for tourists . If you plan on visiting the major cities and checking off the popular tourist spots then you're unlikely to experience any issues traveling safely through Brazil . If you're walking or cycling around the pedestrian areas during the daytime then 9 times out of 10 you'll be absolutely fine.

The problems come when you either wander from the main streets or you're not aware of your surroundings. While it's easy to get caught up in the energy and vibrancy around every Brazilian corner, you need to keep your wits about you. 

The gap between the rich and poor in Brazil is huge and getting bigger . While the bottom half of the population earn an average monthly income of $203 (below the minimum wage and a 3.5% drop from the year before, the top ten percent saw their income rise 6% to an average $2,642 (stats from PNAD-IBGE 2017). The number of poor people also rose 11% from 13.3 million in 2016 to 15 million (7% of the population) in 2017.

Keep this in mind when you're waving around your shiny new phone, counting your walletful of cash or changing the lens on your DSLR camera.

Is it safe for female travelers in Brazil?

Brazil has a machismo culture, there's no sugarcoating it. It's similar across all of Latin America, but Brazil seems to take it a step further. 

Catcalling can be common but groping is not (I witnessed much more in Argentina). If anyone does this it's usually enough to tell them of your displeasure and they'll stop. I wouldn't however recommend aggressively challenging the culprit as things could escalate quickly.

While all that may sound horrible, while writing this post I spoke with many female friends. I spoke with travelers who've just passed through Brazil as well as women who've lived here all their lives. The advice and solo female travel tips they gave are all things they practice on a day-to-day basis.

While it does have its problems, Brazil is an amazing country with incredible people. Exercise caution and avoid known trouble spots and you will have an unforgettable holiday in Brazil .

Is Brazil safe for LGBTQ travelers?

Brazil has a thriving gay scene. Seven cities have officially been certified 'gay friendly' by the Brazilian tourism board  — Rio de Janeiro , São Paulo , Recife , Salvador , Porto Alegre , Florianópolis and Brasília .

That's not to say that it's a paradise for people from the LGBTQ community. Violence and assaults based on sexual orientation and gender identity are alarmingly high and seemingly on the rise, but this is the same the world over.

Despite the problems, Brazil still has plenty of gay-friendly beaches, clubs, Pride parades and of course Carnival season .

Is Brazil safe for digital nomads?

While it's not advisable to carry around expensive equipment , for some people it's essential. If you're a digital nomad, photographer, vlogger or anything else involving tech then you'll need to be extra vigilant while traveling in Brazil.

Carry things in as inconspicuous a bag as possible, always be aware of who is around you and only have your equipment out when you actually need it.

For me, I write for a living . This means carrying a laptop in an old, weathered rucksack. I only take it out in co-working spaces or cafes. Whilst I would absolutely love to take it to the beach and write while working on my tan, the beaches are definitely not a safe place for expensive technology.

If you're vlogging, be aware of thieves on cycles who could fly by and snatch the camera or phone from your hand. Wearing a wrist strap could help, or even better is to only get it out in public areas where there's less chance of a brazen robbery.

It goes without saying that travel insurance is a must . This isn't specific to Brazil or even  South America . If you travel the world full time as a digital nomad or need technology in any capacity to earn while you travel, comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Is it safe to travel alone in Brazil?

Traveling alone in Brazil is absolutely fine as long as you exercise common sense and normal precautions.

If you want to meet other travelers then you could stay in hostels or, even better, sign up for a Worldpackers placement in Brazil . This platform allows you to exchange your time for accommodation in dozens of cities around the country (and the world!).  That way you'll save lots of money while meeting people from all over the world with the same attitude and travel spirit as yourself. 

You'll not only get a truly unique Worldpackers travel experience , practice the local language and learn new skills, but you'll also have access to local knowledge of the best places to go and where to avoid ... which is priceless advice! Additionally, if you have any safety concerns while traveling,  Worldpackers offers support  to ensure your security.

Now that we've addressed personal safety in Brazil , I'd like to answer a few other safety questions that I'm often asked.

What are the safest cities in Brazil?

If you're wondering which are the safest cities in Brazil to visit , it's usually best to follow the tourists. While that sounds like hell to me, it's the safest option.

If you're wondering where to go, the Worldpackers  Brazil travel guide  is a great resource for planning a Brazil itinerary. It's true that some cities are safer than others, but if you practice all the Brazil safety advice in this article you can have an incredible adventure in Brazil.

Of the 50 most violent cities in the world, 14 of them are in Brazil. I've listed them below, but keep in mind that the majority of the incidents which make these cities dangerous places to visit in Brazil are drug-related. 

The violence mainly takes place in the favelas which are usually owned by drug cartels. If you avoid the favelas, you avoid the majority of the trouble:

• João Pessoa
• Campos dos Goytacazes
• Vitoria da Conquista
• Feira de Santana

Out of all of them, I only really felt uneasy in Fortaleza . Knowing that they're somewhat dangerous I still wouldn't avoid them. Recife has amazing beaches and a thriving music scene, Natal has huge sand dunes, etc. They each have their attractions and reasons to visit, so I'd just make sure you're extra vigilant when visiting.

I've had some of my most memorable experiences in smaller places — Ilheus and Ilha do Boipeba ( Bahia ), Jericoacoara . There are hundreds of idyllic places spread around Brazil so don't feel like you're restricted to the big cities. In most cases, smaller towns are the safest.

Is it safe to use my credit card with street vendors in Brazil?

During my first visit to Brazil we were partying on the streets of São Paulo. It was late at night and the streets were crowded with revelers. I wanted a frosty beverage to cool down so we approached a street vendor. After ordering I realized I didn't have any cash.

Like a flash, he pulled out a portable credit card reader!

The street vendor had a tiny little polystyrene cold box filled with beer cans. This is not the usual kind of person I would happily hand my credit card over to, but apparently it's fine. Everyone does it and there are rarely any problems.

This goes for food, drink and souvenir vendors. I've used my card hundreds of times since with these vendors and have never had a single problem.

Is it safe to drink the water in Brazil?

Unless the place you're staying has a special filter, I would advise against drinking water straight from the tap.

I've forgotten before and drank from the main tap and, even though my stomach is a delicate beast, I've never had any issues. But I wouldn't like to make a regular habit of it as I take my lead from the locals. They don't do it, so you shouldn't.

Is driving in Brazil safe?

Compared to European standards, driving in Brazil is a little more 'loose.'

I've driven in many countries around the world without incident (except one 'minor' incident in Australia, but I still blame the kangaroo). I can say that I would not enjoy driving in Brazil. The attitude to driving in Brazil seems much more aggressive and less considerate to other road users.

The roads in Brazil are a mix of smooth, well-maintained routes and war-torn moonscapes. If you choose to drive you'll need to be extremely vigilant for potholes, drainage pits and random lumps and bumps. All that while keeping a watchful eye for the motorbikes that weave throughout the traffic with a death wish.

Is Carnival safe in Brazil?

Carnival is a crazy time of year and you'll want to be extra aware. With the millions of people visiting the country to drink, dance and party all night long, it's easy to get swept up in the Brazilian party spirit. Be sensible!

Take all the warnings, tips and advice featured in this post and turn them up to 10. There will always be people looking to prey on drunk, lost or vulnerable people. Make sure you're not one of them by keeping your wits about you.

Don't carry expensive technology, don't accept drinks from strangers, never leave your own drink unattended, don't wander off and always tell people where you're going (if you're traveling alone then speak with the hostel reception, your Worldpackers host and/or other travelers). And enjoy the party, which is awesome!

Are the Brazilian Police reliable?

Brazilian police do not have the best track record . A 2012 public survey determined that 63% of Brazilians were unsatisfied with police performance and 64% claimed the judiciary is dishonest. A 2016 survey of people living in favelas revealed that they feared the Brazilian Police more than drug traffickers.

Growing up in Manchester, UK, I was raised to look up to the Police. If I was ever in trouble I could always trust a Police Officer to offer immediate and reliable assistance. While I have approached officers here for directions, I would not feel entirely confident asking for much more.

While writing this article I saw someone have their phone ripped from their hand by a thief on a bicycle. They immediately ran to a nearby Police Officer sat in a car who seemed less than interested. He told her to wait while he spent the next 3 or 4 minutes trying to parallel park his vehicle.

I don't mean to bash all Brazilian Officers as I'm sure there are plenty of honest, hardworking servants who deal with terrible conditions on a daily basis, but the statistics of Police brutality and corruption are overwhelming.

How to stay safe in Brazil

Brazil is not the most dangerous country in the world but, as we discussed above, to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible you'll want to take some precautions. 

In addition to following standard travel safety tips , here are 7 pointers on how to stay safe while traveling in Brazil .

1. Blend in

To avoid trouble when traveling in Brazil you'll want to try and blend in. You don't want to stand out as a potential target. There's a term in Portuguese specifically for this — "você não pode dar mole" which literally translates to "you cannot give soft." It refers to someone careless with their belongings , leaving things lying around, inviting trouble by flashing your wealth around, etc.

Don't be that person.

2. Be aware of your surroundings

Brazil is a beautiful country and you'll absolutely want to photograph and document every minute. Regardless of if you're taking photos and videos with a giant DSLR camera or a cellphone, be aware of who is around you.

It's not uncommon for criminals to ride around on bicycles or motorbikes. If you see anyone looking suspicious, err on the side of caution.

If you're going to the beach (and Brazil has some of the best in Latin America) leave anything unnecessary at home. Gangs of youths have been known to wander the beaches looking for targets, bags left unattended, people waving phones around etc. Don't give anyone a reason to target you.

3. Take a taxi

If you decide to hit the pubs or clubs and shake your booty, take a taxi or Uber back home. While there are plenty of nice neighborhoods, wandering the streets at night in Brazil is not recommended .

If you are taking a taxi, don't flag one down in the street. Using a dedicated app like 99 Taxis or taking an Uber is probably the safest option, although you'll also want to be vigilant here too. Always check that the license plate matches the one listed in the app, and never get in if there's another passenger inside.

4. Photograph your passport

If you can avoid carrying your actual passport and leave it locked in a safe somewhere, all the better. Take a photocopy of the photo page and take that with you. It's rare that you'll need your passport on a day-to-day basis so this is the safest option.

You will need it if you're taking a bus or plane (obviously), but for almost everything else you won't need ID.

I also always have an electronic copy saved in my emails... just in case.

5. Watch your money

Common sense says not to carry huge amounts of cash around with you. Pickpockets can strike at any time, even in the most 'safe' areas so limit the amount you have on you. Minimize the risk even further by spreading the money out amongst your pockets.

I'm not a personal fan of the concealed money pouches but some people swear by them. You can pick them up super cheap and they come in multiple different styles — shoulder holster, bumbag/fanny pack, chest strap, jockstrap, etc. Buy one before you travel and test it out for a week or two. You want it to be comfortable yet accessible without having to remove half your clothes.

When you're taking money from an ATM try and do it within a bank. It's not always possible if you're at the airport or bus station, so check who's stood nearby and wait if you have to.

6. Close the window

I've not personally experienced this, but apparently it's a thing for opportunist thieves to reach into open bus windows to steal bags or mobile phones. This also goes for open car windows and even if you're cycling. It all goes back to the idea of always being aware of your surroundings while traveling in Brazil .

Whether it's people offering you a taxi ride at the airport or bus station (don't do it! Go to an official taxi rank or order an Uber) or people begging in the streets, be firm. If you want to give money then have some spare change in your pocket. Pulling out your wallet is not recommended for obvious reasons.

If you don't want to accept their request, be polite yet firm . I've experienced it several times where someone will approach me directly, thrust out their hand and try to shake mine. Once they make that connection they speak so fast you can't get a word in edgeways. It can be intimidating, but a quick "não, obrigado" is usually enough for them to move on to someone else.

What to do if something happens?

Let's hope that nothing ever does, but what should you do if anything happens while you're traveling through Brazil ?

If someone approaches you and demands your belongings, hand them over. No matter how tough you are, they could be carrying anything and your possessions are not worth your health.

If you've planned ahead and have electronic copies of your passport and essential phone numbers (insurance claims number, friends or family contacts, bank number to cancel cards) then you're already landing on your feet.

You'll need to go to the nearest Police Station as soon as possible to register the incident and get a crime reference number. Your insurance company likely won't process any claims without one.

If you need to phone the emergency services, use the numbers below:

• 190 is to report emergencies, a crime happening at that moment or if someone is in immediate danger.
• 192 and 193 are for calling an ambulance in a medical emergency.
• 193 is also used for Fire Services
• 197 is a non-emergency number for the police to report an incident or for information.

If you need to contact the local embassy you can find the details below:

• US citizens
• British citizens
• Canadian citizens
• Australian citizens

The best advice is not to panic. I've been lucky to only have four or five incidents in almost 20 years and some of them were avoidable. Common sense doesn't have to mean you're paranoid and avoid any fun whatsoever. It just means stopping occasionally, assessing the situation and checking your gut instincts.

You can still have a life-changing Brazilian experience full of spontaneity and random adventures (I'm walking proof of that). You don't have to sacrifice fun for safety. Be sensible, do your research and take precautions and you'll have an incredible time.

I hope that this article provided enough advice for those who were wondering "is Brazil safe?" and that you don't give up on the idea of visiting this amazing country. Have fun!

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Adam Fraiel

NomadicVA.com

Author, digital nomad, copywriter, virtual assistant and travel blogger - I love telling stories, sharing experiences and helping others achieve their dreams.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Aug 30, 2019

Great article! Speaking as a Brazilian I think this piece sums up quite well what I would normally adive anyone who would ask about if it is safe to travel in Brazil. :)

Adam (Author)

Thank you for the kind words Carolina.

I wanted to give an honest and truthful answer to the question. I personally love Brazil and can't wait to go back soon

Nov 04, 2021

A small correction! The President didn't say that the congresswoman was ugly and that he wouldn't rape her, he said that "she didn't deserve to be raped", and that was in the middle of a hot discussion, that he wanted to keep a teenager who killed a couple of lovers in jail. and before killing the girl, he raped her for three days straight, and the congresswoman said he should be released because he was too young, and, for lack of arguments, she first offended him by calling him a rapist several times (without him ever having been accused of that), so one of the answers he gave was this, this was when he was also a congressman (he wasn't the President at the time). The opposition also calls him a dictator, a Nazi, a homophobic, a racist, etc., but they don't provide proof of this, and the newest offense is "genocidal" as they try to blame him for the deaths caused by Covid-19.

More about this topic

The ultimate Worldpackers Brazil travel guide

Why Ilhabela is the perfect place to do a work exchange in Brazil

Rio Carnival: enjoy the best party in the world on a budget

How do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

The Safest Cities in Brazil 2022

Published by anna @ support adventure on july 1, 2022 july 1, 2022.

Are you considering moving to or visiting Brazil, but you’re worrying about your safety? It’s a reasonable concern. After all, Brazil frequented lists of the most dangerous places in the world for a long time. But the country has improved its safety over the years and hopefully will continue to do so going forward.  

The safest cities in Brazil 2021 are:

Florianópolis 

Rio de janeiro, belo horizonte, joinville .

In this article, we present the top safest places in Brazil that will match your needs whether you are visiting the country or moving there.

Safety in Brazil

Unfortunately, even such a beautiful and impressive country like Brazil has its issues. Safety is one of them, and it concerns most Brazilians and foreign visitors. Overall Brazilian crime rates are considered to be high. 

By far the most dangerous cities are Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Pickpocketing, robbery, assault, burglary, and murder are quite common in those cities, whereas crime in some other Brazilian cities is much lower. 

The safest places usually have higher living standards, and the southern region is considered to be one of those.

​​Safety issues in Brazil started to develop in the 1980s. At that time, the country began experiencing violence and crime due to a massive debt that left no money for necessities such as police, hospitals and schools. 

In the early 1990s, crime rates decreased after the government invested more financial means into police services. Officers were stationed in various places across the country. 

Moreover, huge investments into tourism simultaneously made the protection of tourists a government priority. Nowadays, you don’t have to worry about your safety in places that are popular for tourists to the extent you had to in the 80s. 

Nonetheless, current crime rates in Brazil are still relatively high compared to other popular South American destinations like Peru, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Common areas or places with increased crime rates in Brazil are:

• Border crossings, due to smuggling.
• Land ownership conflicts, especially in the central-western region.
• Towns in close proximity to big cities like Rio or São Paulo.
• Port cities.
• Drug trafficking routes.

Homicide rates in Brazil 

The national average is 37.6 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest rate of 145.7 was registered in the city of Maracanaú, in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza. 

With more than 100,000 inhabitants, it’s the most violent city in the country. Another report states that criminal accidents and violent deaths in particular, are more common in larger cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants. 

The average homicide rate in large cities is 41.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in small cities it’s 25.4. The crime rates also differ from region to region, where the north and northeast are the most violent regions in Brazil. The homicide rate in the northeast is the highest in Brazil with 49.8 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. 

The country’s lowest rate is in the south at 23.9. São Paulo is the safest state at 14.3. On the other hand, Rio Grande do Norte is the most violent state and has a crime rate of 67.4.

If you are looking for large cities that aren’t too dangerous, Belo Horizonte and Brasília have the lowest crime rates. 

The homicide rate in their state capitals is low, making them relatively safe to live in. Nonetheless, there is no place in Brazil that is 100% safe. 

The safest cities in Brazil according to the official rankings

According to numerous studies, the safest city in Brazil with more than 100,000 inhabitants is Jaú. The city is located in the central region of the state of São Paulo, approximately 300 km from the capital. 

Jaú has just 146,338 inhabitants, and throughout the 2017 year, there were only four homicides there! This means that the homicide rate in this municipality is 2.7, which is the lowest in Brazil.

Below, we have listed the 25 safest cities in Brazil. The number next to each city is its homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants.

• Jaú (SP) 2.7
• Indaiatuba (SP) 3.5
• Valinhos (SP) 4.7
• Jaraguá do Sul (SC) 5.5
• Brusque (SC) 5.8
• Jundiaí (SP) 6.1
• Steps (MG) 7.2
• Limeira (SP) 7.7
• American (SP) 7.7
• Bragança Paulista (SP) 7.7
• Santos (SP) 7.8
• Araxa (MG) 7.9
• Araraquara (SP) 7.9
• São Caetano (SP) 7.9
• Shark (SC) 8.1
• Varginha (MG) 8.3
• Mogi das Cruzes (SP) 8.3
• Itatiba (SP) 8.3
• Catanduva (SP) 8.4
• Sertãozinho (SP) 8.5
• Santa Bárbara d’Oeste (SP) 8.5
• Lages (SC) 8.8
• Birigui (SP) 8.9
• France (SP) 9.1
• Barbacena (MG) 9.9

Keep in mind though, that as a foreigner in Brazil, you may have never even heard about some of these places, and certainly won’t be traveling to them. That’s why we want to focus on the top safest places that are more popular among expats and tourists. 

The top safest cities in Brazil in 2022

​​Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, is considered to be the safest among the big cities. It has high political importance, an abundance of expats, as well as international diplomats. 

Moreover, the neighborhoods of Brasilia with a higher cost of living are expected to be safer. Those include residential areas such as:

• Asa Sul 
• Águas Claras

Natal is the capital city of the Rio Grande do Norte state, and it is located on the Atlantic coast. Statistics show that Natal has a high murder rate of 102.6 victims among a population of 100,000. However, it’s still a very popular tourist destination, and those who stay in safe places and out of trouble don’t encounter crime. 

Founded by the Portuguese in 1597, Natal is one of the oldest cities in Brazil. It’s a beautiful vacation destination with an incredible beach scene and sand dunes. Thus, tourism is driving the economy. 

The city of Florianópolis has a rate of 15 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, which is considered to be very low across Brazil.

Moreover, Florianopolis has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country for tourists and locals, as well as a surfing hotspot. If you are looking for a safe place with amazing beaches, beautiful scenery and friendly people, this is a place to be!

Despite São Paulo being the biggest city in Brazil, it’s still a safe city overall. São Paulo is an economical hotspot full of immigrants and expats from all over the world. The Brazilian megacity has only 15.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The safest places in São Paulo are in its countryside, such as Paraíba’s Valley. 

Curitiba is a large Brazilian city that is the capital of the southern state of Paraná. With a population of over three million, it’s considered to be a safe city. Moreover, Curitiba is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the southern region. Its population is largely descended from German, Ukrainian, Russian, Italian and Polish immigrants.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the safest and most dangerous Brazilian cities at the same time… That seems to make no sense, we know, but let us explain. The rate of homicides in Rio is 21.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite being known as an unsafe place overall, Rio attracts millions of visitors every year. Therefore, a strong police presence has significantly improved the safety of the city in recent years.

The highlands of Rio de Janeiro are among the safest. That includes Teresópolis, Petrópolis and Nova Friburgo. 

Also located in the south of the country, surrounded by mountains, is Belo Horizonte–a large city with a population of  2.7 million.

The homicide rate here has gone down substantially over the years, and now Belo Horizonte is considered a safe city in Brazil. For example, the overall rate of violent crimes in the first eight months of 2020 was 33.7% lower than in the same period in 2019. 

Belo Horizonte is also a relatively new city. Built in the 19th century, it’s perfect for someone looking for modern Brazilian architecture. In regards to nature, Belo Horizonte has some stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

Blumenau is a small city in the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil. With a population of around 400,000 people, you will feel comfortable and safe there. Actually, the crime rates are very low in the state as a whole. The city is only 150 km away from the famous Florianópolis.

Due to a large German population, Blumenau even celebrates Oktoberfest every year It’s one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations after Munich and Kitchener–Waterloo in the USA. 

The city of Joinville is located in southeast Brazil and has a population of 600,000 people. It is the largest city in Santa Catarina state. The majority of the population are of German, Swiss and Norwegian descent. Maybe this can explain the high safety level of the city. 

Porto Belo is also situated in the Santa Catarina state in the South of Brazil. Porto Belo is moreso a village than a city. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful location and worth your attention when looking for a safe and livable place. 

A major reason why you should want to live there, or just visit, is its stunning nature. Porto Belo is closely located to bigger cities in the region, like Blumenau and Florianópolis, so you won’t have issues with infrastructure. 

Safe states in Brazil 

If you are a tourist or a foreigner planning to move to Brazil, you can also look at some of the safest states of the country which are perfect as travel destinations.

Santa Catarina

With a multitude of famous beaches, the southern state of Santa Catarina is worth your time when visiting Brazil. 

Santa Catarina is one of the safest regions in Brazil. This might be driven by popularity among the tourists. Also, the previously mentioned safe cities Florianopolis, Joinville and Blumenau are located in Santa Catarina state. 

Rio Grande do Sul

Rio Grande do Sul Is a neighboring state of Santa Catarina. It is the southernmost state in Brazil and borders Uruguay and Argentina. It’s a unique place of mixed cultures from those neighboring countries, as well as influences from German and Italian immigrants.

Rio Grande do Sul is one of the safest states in Brazil and also popular among tourists and Brazilian visitors. Rio Grande do Sul is known for beaches on the coast, canyons, and cities influenced by European immigrants, the old ruins, and rural culture.

Everyday Tips That Help Maintain Personal Safety in Brazil

Alongside choosing safe locations, it is wise to, of course, follow some tips to stay safe in your everyday life without limiting your freedom too much.

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and keep your belongings close to you at all times.
• Only use licensed taxis, taxi apps, and reputable ride-sharing services for transportation, and avoid walking in sketchy and less frequent areas alone at night.
• It is wise to keep copies of your important documents and keep them in a safe place. Only carry with you what is necessary and do not give your passport to anyone except officials only when absolutely necessary.

How to become an expat in Brazil?

If you want to move as an expat to Brazil you will need to have a suitable job. We will recommend getting a remote job to live and work from Brazil. 

Here, at Support Adventure , we hire talented people from around the world to give them the opportunity to become expats and work from anywhere. That’s because we are an expat outsourcing company based in the UK. 

Our employees specialize in IT, in particular, IT help desk support. If you have experience or background in IT, don’t wait and apply for a remote job with us! 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Posts

Top 10 Countries Where South African Rand is Strong

Whether you’re a digital nomad, a tech professional, or simply a wanderlust-driven individual, the value of the South African Rand (ZAR) against other currencies can open doors to incredible opportunities and adventures. For remote workers,... Continue Reading Top 10 Countries Where South African Rand is Strong

Reddit Remote Working Advice & Hacks 

From ergonomic setups to maintaining work-life balance, the comments in the Reddit post provide dealing with remote work some real-life insights and practical advice. This comprehensive guide compiles their shared wisdom, covering everything from workspace... Continue Reading Reddit Remote Working Advice & Hacks 

5 Cheap Sunny Winter Destinations by the Sea 

Winter doesn’t always have to be about snowflakes and cold weather. For those looking to swap their winter coats for swimsuits and enjoy the sun’s warm embrace, there are plenty of destinations where this dream... Continue Reading 5 Cheap Sunny Winter Destinations by the Sea 

The Safest Place in Brazil: Exploring the Top Cities for Tourists

Table of Contents

Are you planning to visit Brazil, but worried about safety concerns? While Brazil has a reputation for high crime rates, it’s important to note that not all areas are created equal. In fact, some cities in Brazil are much safer than others. In this article, we’ll explore the safest place in Brazil for tourists, including the top cities to visit and what makes them so safe.

Brazil is a country with a lot to offer tourists, from its stunning beaches and vibrant cities to its rich culture and history. However, safety concerns have long been an issue for travelers, with reports of muggings, robberies, and even violent crime in some areas. It’s important to note that while Brazil can be dangerous, it’s not all bad news. Some areas of the country are much safer than others, and with the right precautions, it’s possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

The Safest Place in Brazil

If you’re looking for the safest place in Brazil, there are a few cities that stand out. These cities have lower crime rates than other areas of the country, making them a great choice for tourists who want to explore Brazil without worrying about their safety. Here are the top cities to visit:

1. Florianopolis

Located on the island of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis is known for its stunning beaches, excellent seafood, and laid-back lifestyle. It’s also one of the safest cities in Brazil, with a low crime rate and a high quality of life. The city has a strong economy and a thriving tech industry, making it a popular destination for both tourists and expats.

2. Balneario Camboriu

Another city in the state of Santa Catarina, Balneario Camboriu is a popular beach destination with a strong tourism industry. Despite its popularity, the city has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest places in Brazil. It’s a great choice for tourists who want to enjoy Brazil’s famous beaches without worrying about safety concerns.

3. Sao Paulo

As one of the largest cities in Brazil, Sao Paulo might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of safe cities. However, the city has made significant strides in recent years to improve its safety record, and today it’s considered one of the safest cities in Brazil. It’s a bustling metropolis with a thriving arts and culture scene, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

4. Curitiba

Located in the state of Parana, Curitiba is known for its excellent public transportation system, green spaces, and high quality of life. It’s also one of the safest cities in Brazil, with a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on sustainability and urban planning. The city is a great choice for tourists who want to explore Brazil’s natural beauty without sacrificing safety.

What Makes These Cities Safe?

So what makes these cities the safest place in Brazil for tourists? There are a few factors that contribute to their safety records:

Low Crime Rates

One of the most obvious factors is their low crime rates. These cities have lower rates of violent crime and property crime than other areas of Brazil, making them a safer choice for tourists.

Strong Economy

Another factor is their strong economy. These cities have thriving industries and job markets, which helps to reduce poverty and crime rates.

Effective Policing

Effective policing is also a key factor in these cities’ safety records. They have well-trained police forces that are equipped to deal with crime and maintain public safety.

Emphasis on Tourism

Finally, these cities have a strong emphasis on tourism. The tourism industry is an important part of their economy, so they have a vested interest in ensuring that tourists are safe and comfortable. This means that they invest in things like security cameras, well-lit streets, and visible police patrols to create a welcoming environment for visitors.

Other Safe Destinations in Brazil

While these cities are some of the safest in Brazil, there are also other destinations that are worth considering for tourists. Here are a few other safe options:

Located in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Gramado is a charming mountain town known for its Bavarian-style architecture and scenic beauty. It’s also one of the safest cities in Brazil, with a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on tourism.

Foz do Iguacu

Home to the famous Iguazu Falls, Foz do Iguacu is a popular tourist destination in southern Brazil. It’s also a safe choice for tourists, with a low crime rate and a well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Campos do Jordao

Located in the state of Sao Paulo, Campos do Jordao is a picturesque mountain town known for its European-style architecture and stunning natural beauty. It’s also one of the safest cities in Brazil, making it a great choice for tourists who want to explore Brazil’s natural wonders.

Is Brazil Safe for Tourists?

While Brazil does have a reputation for high crime rates, it’s important to note that not all areas of the country are created equal. There are many safe destinations in Brazil, including the cities mentioned in this article.

What Precautions Should I Take When Traveling to Brazil?

Travelers to Brazil should take common-sense precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding dangerous areas, being aware of their surroundings, and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.

Is it Safe to Walk Around These Cities at Night?

While these cities are considered safe, it’s still important to exercise caution when walking around at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone if possible.

Are These Cities Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

While traveling alone can be daunting for anyone, these cities are generally considered safe for solo female travelers. However, it’s still important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

What Should I Do if I Experience a Safety Issue in Brazil?

If you experience a safety issue in Brazil, such as a theft or robbery, report it to the police immediately. You should also contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.

Can I Travel to Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Travel restrictions and guidelines related to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Check with your airline and local authorities for the most up-to-date information before traveling to Brazil.

Brazil is a beautiful and diverse country with a lot to offer tourists. While safety concerns can be a deterrent for some travelers, it’s important to remember that not all areas of the country are equally dangerous. By choosing to visit one of the safest cities in Brazil, tourists can enjoy all that the country has to offer without worrying about their safety. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a city break, or a mountain retreat, there’s a safe destination in Brazil for you.

21 Jul 21 Dos and Don’ts to Travel Safe in Brazil

When I mention that I traveled to Brazil (majority of the time alone) one of the first questions I always get is, “Is Brazil safe to travel to?” Or more specifically, did I feel safe as a solo female traveler in Brazil. Both are fair questions, and my answer is…it’s complicated. 

In short, yes, Brazil is safe enough to travel to – but read my more in-depth response here . My personal experience is that I had no negative incidents involving safety or theft while in Brazil and I loved the country so much I stayed for 3 months and would go back in a heartbeat. However , I simultaneously know many tourists who were victims of theft in Rio de Janeiro especially. 

You could call me lucky that nothing happened to me, which is fair because sometimes things just happen. But I was also extremely cautious and extremely aware. Specifically, I followed the tips mentioned in this blog post and I think that made a huge difference. 

So if you’re traveling to Brazil, here are 21 dos and don’ts to stay safe:

*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.

1. pull your phone out on the street

Walking around with your phone out is really the worst possible thing you could do – especially in Rio. No matter how hard you grip that phone, there’s a decent chance someone will swipe it even in broad daylight. If you must look at your phone (for example directions or ordering an Uber), I recommend stepping into a shop. If that’s not possible, step away from walking traffic and look around before pulling it out quickly. If you’d like to take a photo, consider if it’s a smart move and be conscious of people walking by. 

This is by far the most important tip on this list. I think we’re so accustomed to pulling out our phones constantly to scroll through social media or just walking with our phone in hand. But in Brazil I strongly discourage you from doing this.

2. Don't walk alone at night

Walking alone at night makes you an easy target, especially in places like Copacabana in Rio, so try to avoid it at all costs. 

During the day, it’s obviously okay to walk alone, but it’s good practice to be mindful of your surroundings and the area you’re in. I wouldn’t recommend walking near a favela alone and suggest staying in more populated areas.

3. don't Put valuables in your pockets

If you’re in the habit of putting valuables in your pockets – break it! This is an easy way to be pick-pocketed. Instead I highly recommend having a cross- body sling. A standard sling like  this one  works, but for safety I most recommend the  PacSafe sling  which is an excellent investment if you travel often or live in a city. 

4. don't wear showy items like gold jewelry

Flashy items make you a target in Brazil. Personally I love gold jewelry, but even though all of mine is fake, wearing it would make me a target. Studs and small hoop earrings should be fine, but necklaces and bracelets I would refrain from wearing – as recommended to me by local Brazilians.

5. don't leave your valuables unattended to

Never leave your valuables unattended to in Brazil. This includes at  coffee shops where you may have your laptop or iPad out while going to the bathroom. It’s not to say that the people around you are bad or won’t watch your things when you ask, because they will. But usually when we ask someone, “Hey can you watch my stuff?” we don’t actually believe someone is going to come and swipe our stuff while you’re gone and the person watching your things will actually need to run after them… However, in some places of Brazil this can totally happen. Especially if you’re sitting near a window near the street. I knew of a girl who lost her iPad this way..so just don’t do it.

6. don't use the metro at night

The metro in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are great. I took the metro in Rio many times and it was cheap, safe, and clean. However, I wouldn’t recommend it in two scenarios: at night and with a laptop or camera. Otherwise I actually recommend it during the day especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Now that you know what not to do to stay safe in Brazil while traveling, let’s jump into what you should do.

Also read: The Ultimate List of things to do in Rio de Janeiro

7. pack a theft-safe cross body bag.

A lot of pick-pocketing happens when someone’s wallet or phone is in their pocket or open bag. Do yourself a favor, and get yourself a sling, cross body bag so that your valuables are always zipped away and close to your chest.

My favorite cross-body slings are from Pac-Safe . They’re RFID blocking, have theft-proof zippers, and cut-proof straps. They check all my boxes for a safe cross-body travel sling including having inside zipper compartments and a clip in the front vs. in the back.

But if you’re looking for a cheaper option, I suggest this highly-rated one on Amazon . 

8. Be cautious of your valuables while sunbathing on the beach in Rio

The beaches in Rio are stunning, but while sunbathing be wary of your belongings. I recommend keeping everything in your bag (i.e don’t leave your phone or kindle out on the towel) and have your bag secured somewhere. Personally, when I would close my eyes I put the strap around my arm so my bag could not be grabbed in passing.

If you go to the beach alone (which I did often) also don’t leave your valuables unattended when you swim. I use a  waterproof fanny pack  or you can ask someone to watch your things if you feel comfortable doing so.

9. leave one bank card in your suitcase

When you go out, it’s best not to bring all your bank cards in case, god forbid, your wallet is stolen. I always leave my debit and credit cards locked at my place and take only one travel credit card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is my go-to.

Read more about why I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred card here.

Note: this tip is good practice always when you travel, not just in Brazil.

10. Use Uber if possible

Uber is a really convenient way to get around, and for safety reasons I love it because you have more control as the passenger: you have a set price, the information of the driver, and you can share your trip for added security. Uber is available in the major cities of Brazil, so if it makes you feel safer, use it.

11. Leave your passport in a safe place, and bring copies to the country

Whenever you go somewhere (unless it’s required or needed) it’s best to not walk around with your passport in your day bag, just in case you lose it. But in the worst case scenario that you do, it’s also good to travel with printed copies in your suitcase if you needed to go to your embassy for a lost passport. 

12. Bring minimal stuff when you go out to party

Now that I’ve mentioned to leave your passport and any unnecessary cards locked at your place, make sure you DEFINITELY do this when you go out to party in Brazil. This is when many people are pickpocketed because they’re drunk or high and less mindful. I know some people who even use burner or their old phones when partying in “high-risk” destinations like Rio or Salvador during Carnaval. Not a terrible idea if you have an extra or old phone.

13. Try not to stand out as a tourist too much

Being a tourist is not a bad thing and to be honest, even if you try not to stand out, you probably still will. And that’s okay! It’s more about not standing out too much and making yourself a massive target for pick pocketing. So don’t wear flashy items, be protective of your phone and camera, and maybe switch your “I Love Rio” shirt for a Flamengo jersey (Flamengo is a local and very popular team in Rio de Janeiro).

14. Practice extra caution in heavily touristic areas

Touristic areas of every destination always have a downside…they seem to attract the most sketchy characters. This is the same for Brazil. For example, in Rio you should practice extra caution in Copacabana, Lapa and other touristic places.

15. Be mindful of your things at an outdoor restaurant

When seated at an outdoor restaurant (which will happen often because Brazil loves al fresco dining), again be mindful of your things. Don’t plop your phone on the table and swing your purse over the back of your chair which faces the street. This behavior may be a habit to you, but like all the other tips in this list – think about your valuables and make sure they’re secured and can’t be swiped.

16. Avoid deserted areas

In general, it’s best to stay away from deserted areas. When you’re alone there’s no one to help so it’s always best to stay where others are too.

17. Double check the area of your accommodation before booking

Before booking your stay, it’s always good practice to do a little research on the area and read reviews from other travelers with location safety in mind.

18. Party safely

Partying in Brazil is not only a must, but a difficult thing to avoid. And as someone who was there for two Carnavals, I full heartedly support this! Just make sure you party safely by: 

• Going out with people you trust
• Leaving any unnecessary valuables locked at your stay
• Keeping everything in a zipped sling
• Being mindful of how much you drink
• Having a plan how to get home
• Don’t do random drugs off the street
• Don’t ever leave your drink unattended and then drink it
• Don’t accept a drink you didn’t see poured

You’re an adult, you know the drill.

19. Use lockers and padlocks for your belongings

If you’re staying in a hostel this is always a must for your valuables. I recommend using  this padlock which works for both lockers and your luggage and is TSA approved. 

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel, for some peace of mind you should also lock your things in the safe if available. 

None of this is specific to Brazil, it’s just standard practice. Theft from your accommodation isn’t common for tourists in Brazil, although there are wild stories around Carnaval time when the country is full of tourists, so best to be cautious.

20. Be careful when you withdraw money

Like many destinations, in Brazil you should always be careful when withdrawing cash. I recommend only doing so during daylight hours, going with a friend if you can, and trying to find an ATM located indoors. As a standard practice (since seeing those ATM scamming videos) I also always tug on the card reader first and only go to an ATM when I see someone else go before me. That way if it’s going to eat a card, it won’t be mine! 

After withdrawing money, make sure you have plans to return to your place immediately so you’re not walking around with loads of cash on you.

21. Make sure you're covered with Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must for every trip, but especially for a destination like Brazil where you may be engaging in adventurous activities, have a lot of reservations, and you’re at risk for theft as mentioned in this post.

So do yourself a favor and make sure you’re covered! No one wants to think about unfortunate scenarios like robbery, delays, cancellations, injury or sickness happening while traveling, but they do and almost every traveler can attest to a time when travel insurance really saved them.

Check out  World Nomads travel insurance here  which is made for backpackers. 

*Disclosure: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

I’ve mentioned a lot in this blog post, but   all of it will prove useful to staying safe in Brazil.  Overall, I hope I didn’t scare any readers; I think Brazil is a wildly amazing place and one of my all-time favorite travel destinations. Just stay aware, stay safe and you’ll have a smooth and wonderful trip.

Also read: The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Rio

More resources for your trip to brazil:.

Planning your own trip? Here’s everything I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Brazil.

If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others,  Hostelworld is the best place to search. 

Booking.com has so many options in Brazil from affordable to more luxurious stays.

Flights to Brazil and within Brazil can be pricey if not booked ahead of time. To get the best prices I recommend using Skyscanner . The cheapest airport to fly into will most likely be São Paulo, but if visiting Rio de Janeiro it’s worth it to fly directly there.

No matter the destination, I always check Rome2Rio to see options on how to travel. However I found using Brazilian bus companies to book could be a pain because you need a CPF often. The most useful sites to me were BusBud & FlixBus .

Travel insurance is a must for every trip, and I highly recommend it for Brazil. My go to is always WorldNomads which is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here .

Tours & Experiences

There’s a lot of free thing to do in Rio but joining a tour does have its advantages, and if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet people then tours are a great option. In Rio you can find awesome experiences on GetYourGuide , Viator , & Airbnb Experiences (hit or miss but mostly good).

Liked this post? Pin it!

Related posts

Carnival Rio de Janeiro 2024: Your Guide to the World’s Largest Party

Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s biggest parties! Brazilians in costumes dance in th...

21 Dos and Don’ts to Travel Safe in Brazil

When I mention that I traveled to Brazil (majority of the time alone) one of the first questions I a...

The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most amazing cities to visit in the world. It’s one of the few......

Bea Adventurous

I’ve heard a rio can be bad with theft so these tips are really helpful so thank you! I definitely think it shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting but to take these precautions for sure! Thanks Caroline!

Caroline Rose

You’re welcome!! So glad you found these helpful. Have the best time in Brazil!

Mary Candler

Thanks for your information about Brazil. I am hoping to go to Rio to volunteer as a English teacher for 3 weeks then head to Minas Gerais to see a friend. Any specific comments for a 70 Yr old who doesn’t take too many risks and has done a fair amount of solo travelling. I’ll be staying in medium hotels when not in the volunteer programme.

Hi Mary! I don’t have any specific safety recommendations other than what I’ve listed here. As for things to do, there are some really great tours I think you’d enjoy like to Christ the Redeemer and Sugar loaf mountain. Also check out the botanical garden, it’s beautiful! I have a full list of things to do in this blog post!

David Young

So how do you take photos? I love taking photos with my phone when I’m traveling. It sounds like that would be risky at most outdoor locations in Brazil. Also how was intercity travel? Did you take buses or fly? I know not to take the bus at nighttime, but I wonder if there are other precautions advised. Thank you.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe me to Caroline Rose Travel

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time.

Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Brazil

by TJ August 16, 2019, 9:17 pm 9.8k Views 4 Comments

Brazil is one of the largest countries in South America, with vibrant cities and breathtaking natural beauty. This, therefore, makes it one of the best countries to visit either for business, leisure, or any other kind of tourism. There are lots of captivating cities that you may want to live in or visit. But how safe are they? To respond to this, we have outlined the Top 10 Safest Cities in Brazil for tourists that you can consider.

Recife is the capital of Pernambuco. The city’s reputation for security and safety is not one of the best. Over the past years, robberies have been reported on streets in broad daylight. At night, it is much worse. As such, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Travel in groups and also carry soft cash.

9. Sao Paulo

This city is one of the growing cities in terms of the economy. The overall security risk in this city is medium. Therefore, once in the city, you need to take extra precaution to avoid being pickpocketed. Also, mugging is another security threat in Sao Paulo. Otherwise, it is a beautiful place to stay.

8. Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janerio generally considered as safe. Most parts are considered perfectly safe. However, some neighborhoods such as Favelas slums can have a different story at night. If you have to walk out at night, make sure you are in groups. Therefore, you need to leave your valuables locked or attended all the time.

7. Salvador

Salvador is generally considered as a cool place. It has lots of beautiful sceneries that attracts thousands of tourists. However, security-wise, it may not be the best place. Though better than Rio, Salvador has some dangerous places that you shouldn’t set your feet in. To be safe, don’t wear expensive jewels and watches. Also, refrain from going to the beaches at night.

Natal is known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions. According to recent research by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA), Natal is one of the safest cities amongst Brazil capitals. You can feel comfortable walking alone during the day and sometimes at night.

5. Belo Horizonte

This is among the most significant economic cities in Brazil. It boasts of beautiful landscapes and endless cultural diversity. Even though the city has a lower cost of living, security remains a challenge. There are places you need to avoid, such as Contagem. Generally, the city is much safer as compared to Sao Paulo.

4. Brasilia

Brasilia is the capital city of Brazil. Majority of government offices are situated here. This makes one of the safest cities in the county. However, you should always be keen to avoid the satellite cities in the outskirt of Brasilia. Walking during the day is the safest thing ever. However, you should limit your night travels to be on the safe side.

3. Florianopolis

Florianopolis is the capital of Brazil’s state of Santa Catarina. This city is known for attracting various kinds of tourist from across the world. Security-wise, Florianopolis is a safe place. Compared to Sao Paulo, safety is much higher here. Robbery and violence are generally low here.

2. Sao Luis

The beach area, as well as the historic regions of Sao Luis, seems to be generally safe. They have reliable hotels, taxis, and restaurants. It is usually safe to walk around the streets to the historic areas at day time. Nonetheless, some areas such as the bus stations sometimes can be dangerous at night. It is, therefore, better to take a taxi.

Palmas is arguably the safest cities in Brazil. Up to about 25 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants happens in this place on an annual basis. This rate is the lowest as compared to other cities. Therefore, leaving in this city gives you a peaceful mind you deserve.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Post Comment

Super inaccurate info. Have you been to any of these cities? Rio and any major cities in the Nordeste (northeast) are generally dangerous. And SP is one of the safest big cities in Brazil.

It’s only dangerous if you continue to engage with danger ⚠️ Have faith & count your blessings

Natal?! Really?! Rio de Janeiro?! Really, definitely you don’t know anything about Brazil…

Very good list my brother. I heard Victoria is a safe city as well in BRazil. I will be back to Brazil & plan to visit several other cities on your list.

© 2023 ExpatKings.com

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Privacy policy.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Top 10 Safest Beaches In Brazil: Crime, Sharks, Waves

While many beaches in Brazil are famous for being stunningly beautiful , there’s some discussion about these beaches’ safety , not only in regards to local crime activity (if there is any) but also on the subject of sharks, tides, and other things that could ruin the fun if you’re unaware of them.

From charming beaches in the northeast region of Brazil (like the ones in Morro de São Paulo and Recife) to the paradisiac vibes of Paripuera in Maceió, Brazil is filled with beaches that are guaranteed to make your trip entertaining, safe, and more family-friendly.

If you’re making Brazil vacation plans for the family and want to enjoy a pleasant time under the sun, worrying little to nothing about your safety and possible sea hazards , make sure you read till the end of this post .

Before we go into detail into each of them, we have added a handy map so that you can see if any of the beaches mentioned in this article are close to you. Feel free to click on the Tripster Panda Icons to see where each beach is located:

We’ll be taking a look at the top safest beaches in Brazil and give out some pointers on what to do and where to go in each of them, so let’s get started!

And before we get to that, take a look at this video from our Youtube channel , where we talk about beach etiquette in Brazil:

1. Porto de Galinhas – Pernambuco (PE)

Having snatched the pole position in 2020’s edition of Ranking Connected Smart Cities (a rank of the Brazilian counties with most development potential), the county of Ipojuca (home of the Porto de Galinhas beaches) has been appointed as the safest place in all Brazilian territory .

This means not only this spot in Pernambuco is a gorgeous sight, but also a protected environment with calm crystal waters and a lot of safety for you to enjoy the sun with not a single worry on your mind.

What to Do?

• raft ride to the natural pools
• buggy ride throughout the coast
• take the Recife and Olinda city tours
• visit the Santo Aleixo island
• visit the Maragoji Galley

Porto de Galinhas at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: low Perfect to go with: family, friends

Olinda is also a pretty cool place to visit while you’re there, so check out this video we made to find out more about it:

2. Praia do Espelho – Bahia (BA)

Near two other famous locations in Bahia (namely Trancoso and Arraial d’Ajuda ), this beach is perfect for some peace and quiet, especially during the low tide .

When the water is down, natural pools are formed in the area, and a mirror effect is designed from it, reflecting the beautiful view on the ocean waves . This location is especially remarkable during the full moon when the water becomes bright silver at night.

• eat in restaurants with paradisiac views
• take the speedboat ride to Caraíva
• visit the Imbiriba village (indigenous village)
• visit the Quadrado district
• go sightseeing on the Outeiro das Brisas observatory

Praia do Espelho at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: mild Perfect to go with: friends, partner

3. Praia das Fontes – Beberibe (CE)

Soft sands, incredible landscapes, and a vast diversity of freshwater springs by the sea are the main features of this beautiful beach located in the west of Ceará, one of the safest within the state’s area.

An option able to please both adventurer lovers and folks just looking to unwind , Praia das Fontes has an abundant touristic infrastructure, giving you ample opportunities to explore, eat well and take beautiful pictures in this delectable location.

• visit the Natural Cliffs Monument
• visit the freshwater springs
• go sightseeing in Mãe d’Água’s cave
• go buggy riding around the beach
• visit the Uruaú Lagoon

Praia das Fontes at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: mild/medium Perfect to go with: friends, partner, family

4. The Beaches in Camocim (CE)

If you’re looking for some REAL quiet time at the beach with little to no people around, Ceará also houses a few of the last deserted beaches in the state , so this location may be right up your alley.

Although a bit of a hassle to get to (you can only get there by buggy rides or on a 4×4), beaches like Praia do Maceió and Talajuba are not only drop-dead gorgeous but clean, safe, and a lot of fun .

What to Do:

• buggy rides to all the close-by beaches
• kitesurf on Praia Tatajuba
• bathe in the peaceful waters of Barra dos Remédios
• eat fresh seafood by the beaches

The beaches at Camocim at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: low Perfect to go with: family, friends

5. Praia do Riacho Doce – Itaúnas (ES)

Being a strong contender for 2018’s most beautiful deserted beaches in Brazil , Praia do Riacho Doce is another beach that you can enjoy and not worry about a thing other than relaxing and have fun .

Serving as a divisor in between Brazilian states Espírito Santo and Bahia, Praia do Riacho Doce is a wild beach with easy water and a rich ecosystem filled with corals, otters, armadillos, and even endangered turtle species, amongst the fauna variety.

• go wind surfing
• eat and drink at Espaço Malibu
• try the local delicacies at Casa da Farinha
• visit the nearby beaches like Ipioca, Jacarecica, Guaxuma and Garça Torta

Praia do Riacho Doce at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: low/mild Perfect to go with: friends, partner

6. Praia de Paripueira – Paripueira (AL)

Known by the locals for its paradisiac panorama and natural pools , the Paripueira beach is not only beautiful, but very safe and well-guarded , as it is a manatee preservation area, so expect the site to be protected.

Another great feature of the location is the vast coral barriers, considered the 2nd largest in the world , losing only for the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

These coral formations are responsible for the area’s 25 natural pools , so you’ll have many options to consider while choosing in which emerald-green crystal water pool you’ll be diving in next!

• visit the natural pools
• go windsurfing or kayak riding
• visit the Manatee Preservation County Park
• shop for souvenirs at the local stores
• go stand up paddling in the beaches smooth waves

Praia da Paripueira at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: low Perfect to go with: family, friends, partner

7. Praia da Riviera de São Lourenço – São Paulo (SP)

Located in the sophisticated and famous neighborhood Riviera de São Lourenço , this 2,8 miles long beach attracts many tourists looking for a safe and tranquil environment to spend their vacation .

You have white clean sands, crystal clear water as far as the eye can see, and as we say it in Brazil, “ muita sombra e água fresca ,” which loosely translates to a chill time “under the shades enjoying the freshwater.” I mean, what more do you want?

• play golf at the Riviera Golf Club
• go horseback riding at the Equestrian Society
• visit the Restinga Bertioga National Park
• enjoy the local clubs and nightlife
• go on a boat tour across the Itapanhaú river

Praia da Riviera de S ã o Louren ç o at a glance: Crime rate: very low Sharks: no reports Waves: medium/mild Perfect to go with: partner, friends

8. Morro de São Paulo – Bahia (BA)

With scenery that looks like it jumped out of a movie , the Morro de São Paulo beach is one of those places that combine excellent infrastructure, a safe environment , and charming beaches with calm waves and clear water .

Although the path to get there can be an adventure by itself (the beach is located on an island called Tinharé, being accessible only by boat), the Caribbean-esque site is a sure hit if you want to enjoy yourself and relax .

• visit all the beaches along the island’s coast
• go zip lining and enjoy the sight at the lighthouse
• visit the Tapirandú Fortress
• watch the sunset and have a few drinks at Toca do Morcego
• enjoy the local natural pools

Morro de S ã o Paulo at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: mild Perfect to go with: partner, friends, family

9. Guarda do Embaú – Santa Catarina (SC)

Aside from the gorgeous landscape, this beach has been officially recognized by the Save The Waves Coalition as the best place for surfing in Brazil and ninth worldwide .

And if you’re not into surfing, don’t worry. The beach is pretty mellow near the sands (almost no waves), with surfers having to go further into the open sea to enjoy the big waves .

There’s not much of a nightlife in Guarda do Embaú, which is the reason why most visitors like to wake up early to get a good spot by the beach .

• Visit the Utopia valley
• Go trekking along the nearby beaches
• Visit the Prainha and Maço beaches

Guarda do Embaú at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: low (near the shores) Perfect to go with: family, friends

10. Jericoacoara – Ceará (CE)

The final entry in our list and the third by the state of Ceará is the Jericoacoara beach, a well-known site by Brazilian locals. This small village houses a paradisiac beach that is safe and protected so you can enjoy the sights and unwind .

The most famous touristic attractions can all be visited within three days , so you’ll be able to get a good glimpse of most of the place in a short amount of time.

• slide into the natural pools on the toboggan
• watch the famous Jericoacoara sunset
• party at Café Jeri
• eat shrimps with pineapple sauce, a local delicacy
• take the boat tour

Jericoacoara at a glance: Crime rate: low Sharks: no reports Waves: low Perfect to go with: family, friends

That’s the end of our list! I hope we could give plenty of options for you to plan a safe vacation in Brazil! Also, check some of our other posts for your Brazil vacation planning:

• 9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Places To Visit In Brazil : lesser-known places you can visit in Brazil and have not (yet) been taken by tourists !
• Swimming In Rio Beaches: The Do’s And Don’t’s : a guide to some of the most famous beaches in Rio , with a map and information on water safety (tides and waves) and pollution
• 12 Brazil honeymoon ideas: one for each month! – our top picks, depending on which month you want to have your honeymoon or romantic getaway!

Related Questions

What are the most dangerous beaches in brazil.

In terms of security, beaches like Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro and Praia Grande in São Paulo are known for having episodes of criminal activity, so stay alert if you’re heading to any of those places.

Regarding strong tides, shark attacks, and other sea hazards, Praia da Boa Viagem in Pernambuco, Enseada da Ceieira in Fernando de Noronha , and Praia dos Artistas in Natal are a few examples of beaches where there have been fatal episodes.

Cover image: Porto de Galinhas is not only stunning but also one of Brazil’s safest beaches – Credit: Flickr | Christian Knepper

Bruno Reguffe

What's up, everyone! I'm Bruno, and I'm a nutritionist living in Rio de Janeiro. I've been a longtime friend of Ana's, and I'm excited to help her expand on all things Brazilian with y'all, as well as sharing some of our culture and a few personal experiences while living in the country!

Recent Posts

11 Best Neighborhoods to Stay/Live in Salvador (Bahia)

Salvador is the fourth most populated city in Brazil, as has been attracting more and more tourists interested in the local culture and paradisiac beaches. The city also houses many great...

X Best Neighborhoods To Visit/Live in Florianópolis

If you know about Florianópolis (in Santa Catarina), then you probably think that the city is all about beaches and tanning. Well, although that is indeed one of the city's main highlights,...

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Best Places to Visit in Brazil

By Kay Pierce · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Famous for being home to one of the world’s top football teams, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and the remarkable Iguazu Falls, Brazil is an exciting world travel destination. As South America’s largest country, Brazil covers a majority of the continent’s northeastern region and borders all of its countries except for Chile and Ecuador .

From the Amazon rainforest in the North to the tropical beaches along the Atlantic , to the Pantanal wetlands and the vibrant metropolises of the Southeast there are plenty of interesting places to visit in Brazil .

17. Jericoacoara

Located in the northeast of Brazil in the state of Ceara, Jericoacoara is a lovely, laidback place nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and a national park of the same name. Often referred to as Jeri or Jijoca, the small and secluded seaside town boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Brazil and is an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Besides its beautiful beaches, Jeri is surrounded by delightful dunes and lagoons that offer countless recreational opportunities, with hiking, swimming and watersports all very popular. Exploring the area on horseback or in dune buggies is a fantastic way to see as much of its splendid scenery as possible; Pedra Furada – or the ‘Arched Rock’ – is the standout sight and symbol.

While its remote setting makes visiting Jericoacoara a challenge, it is well worth the effort for its sumptuous scenery, wealth of outdoor activities, and surprisingly lively nightlife.

16. Sao Paulo

Not only is Sao Paulo the largest city in Brazil, but it is also one of the largest in the world according to population. Located in southeastern Brazil, Sao Paulo is known for its skyscrapers, gastronomy and robust culture scene. Home to many ethnic groups from all over the globe including the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.

Dividing the city between its old and new districts, Paulista Avenue is the city’s busiest strip, brimming in businesses, shopping malls, art galleries, theaters and restaurants. Although Sao Paulo is known for its concrete jungle, it is also home to a large number of public parks and even portions of the Atlantic rainforest.

15. Brasilia

Located in the Brazilian Highlands, Brasilia was installed in 1960 as Brazil’s capital. Brazil’s former President Juscelino Kubitschek of the late 1950s ordered the city to be planned and developed into what some refer to as a utopia. Brasilia’s modern day infrastructure is designed in the shape of an airplane in which each of its sections serve as different districts such as government, commercial, residential and cultural.

Brasilia’s new and creative architecture attracts many visitors. Most significant is the Three Powers Square, which houses the Presidential Palace , the Congress and the Supreme Court. Other important buildings include the Palácio da Alvorada, the President’s official residence and the TV Tower. The Brasilia Cathedral with its glass roof that resembles hands reaching up to heaven is a must visit.

In addition to all its concrete, steel and glass, Brasilia also features a large artificial lake and several beautiful parks that all offer a variety of leisure activities. The capital is also an important transportation hub for travel within Brazil.

14. Ouro Preto

Tucked away among the mountains of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is the most picturesque, popular, and well-preserved colonial town in Brazil. As it was one of the main centers of the Brazilian Gold Rush , wealth and riches poured into its streets – along with the power and prestige that came with it.

Strung out across a series of hills, its historic center is full of steep, winding cobbled streets that meander past gorgeous old buildings and 18th-century churches. The small city also has several interesting museums for visitors to check out; many of these focus on the artworks of Aleijandinho or Ouro Preto’s mining past.

Many people visit the city for its rich history and culture or to visit the numerous mines via a guided tour. In recent years, Ouro Preto’s colorful carnival has attracted more and more revelers to its ancient streets.

Lying in the southwest corner of Mato Grosso do Sul, the small city of Bonito is a great place to go in Brazil if you are looking to explore the gorgeous Pantanal region. While there’s not all that much to see or do in the town itself, it has long been the posterchild of sustainable ecotourism in Brazil.

Awash with natural wonders, the area surrounding Bonito is home to sparkling waterfalls, gushing rivers, and huge sinkholes and lake-filled caves that you can go swimming or snorkeling in. Hiking in the lush rainforest is also popular, with lots of colorful fauna and flora to be spied in Serra da Bodoquena National Park .

Many companies operate out of Bonito’s pousadas, and excursions usually focus on the Pantanal’s rich ecology and ecosystems. Among the most popular are snorkeling below underwater stalagmites at Anhumas Abyss, enjoying a canopy walk in the rainforest, and exploring Blue Lake Cave – one of the largest flooded caves in the world.

12. Fortaleza

Nice beaches, dynamic shopping and lively culture all make Fortaleza one of Brazil’s popular tourist destinations. The capital of the Ceará state on the country’s northeastern coast, Fortaleza is Brazil’s fifth largest city, well-known for its forró music .

Featuring a mix of colonial and modern day architecture, Fortaleza offers plenty of things to see and do. Praça do Ferreira is the city’s main square where restaurants, shops and a movie theater are all located. Praça José de Alencar is another popular square where street performers can be observed.

Fortaleza’s 16 miles of urban beaches are one of the reasons many tourists flock to the city. The most popular beach is Praia do Futuro , but other favorites are Iracema, Mucuripe and Meireles. Not only are the beaches great for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and surfing competitions, but they also offer hotels, restaurants and markets. Fortaleza also serves as the jumping-off point for many visitors to truly spectacular beaches, rolling dunes and idyllic fishing villages along the Ceará coast.

The shopping experience in Fortaleza is another of its main attractions. Because the city is home to a large textile industry, clothing is cheap here. Local handicrafts and fresh seafood and produce can be found among the city’s markets while the Iguatemi Mall offers a little of everything.

11. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Home to sparkling lakes, dramatic waterfalls , and stunning landscapes – as well as some of the oldest and most biodiverse tropical ecosystems in the world – Chapada dos Veadeiros really is a treat to explore. Covering a huge area in the center of Brazil, the marvelous microregion can be found in the state of Goias, some three hours drive north of the nation’s capital Brasilia.

Chapada dos Veadeiros’ main attraction is the wonderful national park of the same name that lies atop an ancient rainforest-coated plateau . Scarred by jagged cliffs and crumbling canyons, the park is fascinating to hike around, with lots of awe-inspiring waterfalls hidden away among its verdant flora and fauna.

Other highlights include the appropriately named Moon Valley , which is home to lunar landscapes. Swimming and bathing in any one of the numerous waterfalls and rivers that dot the area is a must-do. The two main places to stay when visiting Chapada dos Veadeiros are Alta Paraiso and Sao Jorge, a small city and village which lie not too far from all of the main sights.

A paradise of tropical forests, waterfalls, emerald sea and coastal mountains, Parati is a popular tourist destination located along Brazil’s Green Coast in the Rio de Janeiro state. Also spelled Paraty, this beautiful city is a former Portuguese colony established on the shores of the Bay of Ilha Grande.

The heart of Parati is its historic center with cobbled streets and multicolored colonial houses, many of which now serve as bed-and-breakfast accommodations called pousadas . Some of the most visited attractions here are the colonial defense forts that still boast original walls and cannons. The historic center of Parati is pedestrian-only .

Surrounding the city are several beautiful parks and nature preserves where visitors can hike and explore the natural setting of mangrove forest, waterfalls and wildlife. There are also indigenous villages here that can be visited. The bay offers gorgeous beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving and boat cruises.

Nicknamed the “ Venice of Brazil ” because of its numerous waterways and bridges, Recife is the capital of the Pernambuco state and one of the largest and most important cities on Brazil’s northeastern coast. Situated amid tropical forests with many islands and rivers, Recife is an interesting place to visit because of its historic old town, beaches and vibrant culture.

Recife was a Dutch colony during the early 17th century, and nowhere is this more evident than the city’s historic district where many colonial buildings still remain. Some of the most significant structures include the oldest synagogue in the Americas and one of Brazil’s most beautiful baroque churches, the Franciscan Convent of Saint Anthony.

Saint Peter Square is also noted for its history and picturesque setting of colorful buildings, shops and restaurants.

The city’s main market, the Sao José Market , is a popular place to find traditional handicrafts, medicinal herbs and locally produced food. Recife’s beaches are considered some of the best in Brazil. Lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, Boa Viagem is the most popular beach with its pristine white sands, clear water and coral reef.

8. Chapada Diamantina National Park

Created in 1985 to protect, preserve, and promote its spectacular scenery and rich ecosystems, Chapada Diamantina National Park lies in the northeast of Brazil in the center of the state of Bahia. Popular among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the park encompasses everything from dramatic mountain ranges and sweeping valleys to teeming rivers and towering waterfalls.

As it is set atop of a plateau, the park is very mountainous, with its tallest peaks reaching more than 2,000 meters. Crumbling, rugged cliffs line the plateau, as do lots of epic waterfalls ; the awe-inspiring 380-metre-high Cachoeira da Fumaca is the tallest in Brazil. Cavernous caves also punctuate its rugged terrain, with Lapa Doce and Pratinha two of the largest.

Thanks to its diverse landscapes and gorgeous scenery, Chapada Diamantina National Park is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Visitors can choose to either camp or stay in one of the small towns, such as Lencois and Vale de Capao. Horseback riding and hiking are popular pastimes, as is swimming in the rivers and pools of the area.

One of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial cities, Olinda is located on the country’s Atlantic Coast in the northeastern state of Pernambuco. Founded by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, the city served as the state’s capital until it was burned by the Dutch, thereafter losing its sovereignty to its nearby neighbor, Recife.

Perched on a picturesque hilltop surrounded by trees, Olinda’s historic downtown is a treasure trove of colonial churches, colorful old houses and numerous artisan studios. Because of its love affair with art, Olinda packs many shops and markets selling paintings, ceramics, sculptures and handicrafts.

Every year, Olinda hosts its lively Carnival celebration that differs somewhat from those of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador in that Olinda’s festival is best at daytime and features the music, dances and traditions of African culture . Olinda’s Carnival involves parades, lavish costumes, giant puppet dolls, street parties and the rhythms of maracatu and frevo.

However, even outside of the Carnival season, Olinda offers an animated culture where every weekend buzzes with parties, bars, nightclubs and singing groups who perform serenades of traditional songs in the streets.

6. Pantanal

Covering a vast swathe of western Brazil, as well as parts of Paraguay and Bolivia , the Pantanal is the world’s largest and most diverse tropical wetland area. Due to its stunning scenery and incredible wildlife, the region is increasingly popular to visit, although its remote and watery nature does pose a few challenges.

During the rainy season, around 80 percent of the floodplains are submerged, so the only way to get around is by plane or boat. It is worth it, however; the endless marshes and grasslands are home to an astounding array of fauna and flora.

Besides exploring the scenic landscapes ranging from swamps and savanna to lakes, forests, and wetlands, visitors are also sure to spot many caiman and capybara . The highlight of any trip is spotting the South American jaguar ; the Pantanal is the best place on the continent to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature.

5. Florianopolis

The capital of Santa Catarina state, Florianopolis lies in the south of Brazil, with half of the city set on the mainland and the other on a beautiful island . Due to its scenic setting, it is a very popular tourist destination and is widely considered one of the best places to live in the country.

An important economic, cultural, and political center, Florianopolis is a modern city with lots of large shopping malls and chic restaurants, as well as lively bars and nightclubs. Despite this, it is a lovely laidback place, and each of its neighborhoods has its own distinct identity.

The main attraction, however, is the wealth of fabulous beaches . While relaxing in the gorgeous scenery is divine, Florianopolis also has stunning dunes, sparkling waterfalls, and forested mountains – as well as a large lagoon for visitors to explore. Hiking and cycling around the ‘Magic Island’ (which it is also known as) are popular activities, as are paragliding and watersports.

The capital of the Amazonas state in northwestern Brazil, Manaus is an important tourist destination because it serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest .

As a result of the region’s flourishing rubber industry during the early 20th century, Manaus today is Northern Brazil’s largest metropolitan area, featuring distinguished landmarks like the Amazonas Opera House , the Adolpho Lisboa Market and the Rio Negro Palace.

Not only is the port of Manaus an important commercial hub for several manufacturing industries, but it also serves as the most popular starting point for river tours into the Amazon rainforest. Some of the most striking things to see on these tours include the Paricatuba Waterfall, Love Cascade and glimpses of the Pied tamarin, Brazil’s most endangered monkey. Another significant sight is the Meeting of the Waters , which is a natural phenomenon where the two rivers of Negro and Solimões run side by side for more than three miles without mixing.

Besides the rainforest and river, Manus also offers public parks, a botanical garden and a zoo. Several beaches are here as well such as Ponta Negra with a number of restaurants, bars and hotels.

3. Salvador

A historic Old City, beautiful beaches, lively culture and one of the world’s biggest Carnival celebrations all fashion Salvador into one of Brazil’s top tourist destinations. One of the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador is Brazil’s third largest city and the capital of the Bahia state.

Formerly a major center of sugar and slave trade, Salvador today still bears traces of its history in Pelourinho or Old City, which features colonial architecture, stunning churches and plazas where important events once occurred. Also found in the old quarter are many restaurants, bars, art galleries and handicraft shops. Contrastively, Salvador’s New City district is where all the modern day developments of shopping megaplexes, entertainment venues, golf courses and residential neighborhoods are located.

Situated on the coast of the Bay of All Saints, Salvador offers fantastic beaches that are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Some of the most popular include Porto de Barra, Flamengo and Stella Maris.

One of Salvador’s main crowd-pullers is its annual Carnival celebration . Acclaimed as one of the largest in the world, this extravagant event involves music, dancing, parades, costumes and street parties.

2. Foz do Iguacu

One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, Iguazu Falls straddles the Argentine-Brazilian border. It is often compared to Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls, such is its staggering size and scale. Surrounded by dense rainforest, its endless series of cascades stretch for almost three kilometers, making it the largest waterfall system in the world.

Every second, incalculable gallons of water from the Iguazu River course over the Parana Plateau, plunging onto the rocks and pools below. While 80 percent of the falls are in Argentina , it is the Brazilian side that offers the most spectacular views, with Devil’s Throat canyon being the highlight.

Besides gazing in awe at Iguazu Falls and taking in the deafening roar, visitors can take a boat ride beneath the falls or go hiking in the steamy rainforest that surrounds them. The gateway to the falls on the Brazilian side is Foz do Iguaçu, a big and reasonably safe city by Brazilian standards.

1. Rio de Janeiro

There is no destination on earth more animated and exciting than Rio de Janeiro. Located in southeastern Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city of South America due to its famous mountains, beaches and Carnival festival.

Rio de Janeiro is situated on one of the world’s largest harbors surrounded by natural attractions that include the Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains and famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema . Within this sprawling metropolis is Tijuca National Park , one of the world’s largest urban forests, teeming in native flora and fauna.

The city’s iconic landmark is the enormous Christ the Redeemer statue sitting atop Corcovado mountain. Other important landmarks include colonial fortresses, former presidential palaces and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Sadly, most people also know Rio for its crime and favelas. The favelas are areas of poor-quality housing, slums usually located on the city’s many mountain slopes, juxtaposed with middle-class neighborhoods.

Rio de Janerio is home to one of the world’s largest Carnival celebrations , renowned for its vibrant parades, costumes, dancing, music, fireworks and street parties. Outside of the festival, the city buzzes nightly with an abundance of bars and dance clubs.

Map of Places to Visit in Brazil

Brazil Travel Video

Share this post:.

10 Best Beaches in Brazil

17 Best Cities to Visit in Brazil

27 Top Tourist Attractions in Brazil

14 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Brazil

10 Most Beautiful Islands in Brazil

11 Most Awesome Places to Stay in Brazil

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Brazil

5 Most Beautiful Regions in Brazil

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Brazil: DIY Itinerary

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Southern Brazil

Reader interactions.

October 11, 2019 at 3:37 am

I would also recommend Maceió. Beautiful beaches, great nightlife and safer than the big cities. But, you can’t go to Brasil for the 1st time and not go to Rio (my hometown for 16 years/Copacabana). As one person said above, do your homework before you go and you should be safe. Don’t dress like a gringo… just saying!?

February 16, 2019 at 3:44 pm

I highly recommend you guys to go to Porto de Galinhas (translates to…Hen’s Harbour, yeah), i’ve been there a couple of times and it’s one of the most beautiful places i’ve ever been, with amazing beaches, some handicraft fairs (that show a lot of brazilian’s northeastern culture) and splendid sights and hotels.

March 30, 2018 at 8:04 am

I recommend “Porto de Galinhas-Pernambuco” and “Maragogi-Alagoas”. Paradise! They are safe places. Really Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are very dangerous.

June 29, 2017 at 7:44 pm

@Laura Morgenstern, I have to say that there are some places that are dangerous. But people generalize about it. Like most countries, there ares some dangerous neighborhoods but it is not the entire country. There are very safe cities, and I’m sure that if you speak with local people they will tell you where you have to avoid going to. There are amazing places in Brazil that some people don’t know about such as Gramado, Aguas de Lindóia, Brotas – radical sports in the water, Balneário camboriu

June 11, 2017 at 1:23 pm

Isla do Mel……amazing! Curitiba, fantastic city.

January 10, 2017 at 3:52 pm

And about Espirito Santo… Beaches. Guarapari and Vila Velha and beautiful mountains like Domingos Martins with a wonderful wine by the fireplace

December 22, 2016 at 12:19 am

I went to Brazil for three weeks this summer and there weren’t any cases that made me feel uncomfortable or where I felt unsafe. I was in both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janiero during my trip. I wouldn’t recommend going to certain parts of both cities because there are gangs but if you do your research you’ll be able to figure out where not to go and what is safe.

My trip was absolutely amazing and I would recommend going if you ever get the opportunity.

October 20, 2016 at 9:33 am

Gramado is the best city

June 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm

I think Brazil is a beautiful place, but ‘s very dangerous. It’s true?

November 23, 2015 at 11:07 am

Thank you for recommending all these interesting places. My husband I are thinking to go to Brazil next year but I do not wish to go to big cities – may go to Rio for a few days only and then travel to other small places. Which ones would you recommend – We are not beach people. Like the culture and ”naturaleza” from these places people are recommending? which is the best time to go?

October 13, 2015 at 8:21 pm

Forget about the big cities in Brazil… The best and safest tourism here is in small and fantastic places. Keep noted: 1. Bonito – Is, by far, the most amazing place in Brazil!!! There you can swim in small rivers with several fishes and enjoy the real nature 2. Fernando de Noronha – Is an isolated island in the north east of Brazil. Destination of the Hollywood movie stars. You can swim with dolphins or sharks. Amazing beaches and is a very calm place. 3. Iguaçú falls (Foz de Iguaçú) – Much bigger than niagara falls and really beautiful. You can feel the power of nature there. 4. Chapada dos Veadeiros – A lot of water falls and a mistic place. Great site to meditate and to be in touch with yourself.

All these places are safe and really cheap if you have Dollars or Euros. Forget the big cities…

June 12, 2015 at 12:07 am

I do not speak English , I am using a translator , sorry . Anyway , I wanted to leave my opinion ‘m from São Paulo SP Brazil ( love this place <3) , and put the ranking as: 1 – Maranhão – National Park Maranhenses 2 – Amazonas – Manaus, located in the center of the largest tropical forest in the world 3 – Bahia – Morro sp 4 – Bahia – Chapada Diamantina National Park 5 – Pernambuco – Porto de Galinhas 6 – Ceará -the beach of Canoa Quebrada 7 – Rio de Janeiro – Paraty 8 – Minas Gerais – Sao Tome das letras 9 – São Paulo – SP ( Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park) 10 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ

Sao Paulo has little beauty , but it's where you find the best hotels, bars, parties and museums in Brazil.

May 15, 2015 at 6:47 pm

I think that you should mention Mato Grosso do Sul ( Bonito the city) , crystal clear waters, a lot of different animals. It s amazing and perfect

July 30, 2014 at 3:49 pm

Christ the Redeemer statue sitting atop Corcovado mountain is wonderful and unbelievable! I really want to visit that place 🙂 Great!

July 24, 2014 at 10:16 am

I think you should put Graemado and Canela (two cities of Rio Grande do Sul) too! It doesn’t have beaches, but it’s like a cold paradis. It’s VERY beautiful and there are a lot of cultural attractions. I would recommend the dates around Easter and Christmas (specially the last one), because there’s really maaaany beautiful things. During the winter it’s very cold and good to stay there! It’s awesome

May 27, 2014 at 10:58 am

Brazil is Amazing and Fascinating!! I hope I visit it soon and the first place ide love to visit is amazingly the Rio De Jeneiro!! ..its the most wonderful place I’ve heard of and apart from this comes the iguazu Falls..SPLENDID..its Paradise On Earth!..

May 23, 2014 at 6:18 pm

You should visit the south too, specially Rio Grande do Sul, where many cities still conserve the german and italian culture! June and july is the best time of the year

May 14, 2014 at 12:21 pm

Wow, I never knew there were so many beautiful cities in Brazil! I visited Floripa and it IS beautiful!

Please add it between 2 and 6!!

May 8, 2014 at 11:30 am

I agree with you! There are a lot of beautiful cities in Brazil to visit!! Not just São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro! Floripa is very beautiful too

April 14, 2014 at 7:44 am

Thanks for mentioned Sao Paulo!

January 7, 2014 at 2:01 pm

I also would put Floripa between 3 and 6 for sure!

December 26, 2013 at 10:15 pm

I want to understand how Florianopolis isn’t in that list…

December 10, 2013 at 5:55 pm

I appreciate your information about the top ten in Brasil.. But I would like to inform another city: Ouro Preto, very interesting,, cultural and beautiful , the first capital of the important Minas Gerais state. Rich Baroque, churchs from the XVII and XVIII, is a place very important to the cultural tourism. All the gold from Brasil to Europe, in these centuries came from OURO PRETO ( black gold) regions , the name of this city, in the heart of Brazil, between mountains, near the new Capital of Minas Gerais State: Belo Horizonte.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Brazil Travel Advisory

Travel advisory october 19, 2023, brazil - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to Country Summary.

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to  crime . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to  crime . (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.)
• Informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) at any time of day due to  crime  (see additional information below).
• Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due to  crime  (see additional information below).

Country Summary:   Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from using municipal buses in all parts of Brazil due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day, and especially at night.

If you decide to travel to Brazil: 

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
• Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Use caution at, or going to, major transportation centers or on public transportation, especially at night. Passengers face an elevated risk of robbery or assault using public, municipal bus transportation throughout Brazil.
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Brazil.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to areas within 150 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay without advance approval from security officials due to crime. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is permitted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as “Favelas”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados), even on a guided tour.  Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities.  Even in these communities that the police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly and without notice.  While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries or gates, or even names such as “favela”, “vila”, “comunidade”, or “conglomerado”, other such developments may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction.  In addition, exercise caution in areas surrounding these communities, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of these communities.  Except under limited circumstances and with advance approval, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to enter any informal housing developments in Brazil. Read the Safety and Security Section on the  country information page  and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for further information regarding favelas.

Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas .

Brasilia’s Administrative Regions (commonly known as “Satellite Cities”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Without advance approval from security officials, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (non-daylight hours) due to crime.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Register to vote Register by 18 June to vote in the General Election on 4 July.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Brazil .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Brazil

Terrorist attacks in Brazil cannot be ruled out.

Protests and civil unrest

Protests, demonstrations and strikes take place regularly in cities across Brazil, with reports of arrests and clashes between police and protesters. They can disrupt transport. Even peaceful events can sometimes turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas extensively to disperse protesters. The effects of tear gas can be felt several hundred metres beyond the immediate site of demonstrations.

You should:

• avoid political rallies or other events where crowds have congregated to protest
• follow local news reports
• comply with the instructions of local authorities

If you encounter a political protest or feel uncomfortable in a large gathering, leave the area immediately.

Favelas (‘slum’ or ‘shanty town’) are urban neighbourhoods of high-density informal housing. They exist in all major Brazilian cities and can border areas used by tourists and visitors. 

The security situation in many favelas is unpredictable. Visiting a favela can be dangerous. Avoid all favelas, including favela tours marketed to tourists and any accommodation, restaurants or bars advertised as being within a favela.

• make sure the suggested route does not take you into a favela if you’re using GPS navigation
• avoid entering unpaved, cobbled or narrow streets which may lead into a favela - tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas

If you’re unsure about a location, check with your hotel or the local authorities.

Carnival and other large-scale celebrations

If you are attending a large-scale celebration in Brazil, such as the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or other major cities, be aware that criminals target people who appear to be wealthy or easy targets, for example, those who have drunk a lot of alcohol.

Be aware of your personal security and surroundings, and be cautious about proposals from strangers that take you away from public areas.

If you’re the victim of crime, contact the local police number 190 or the nearest British embassy or consulate.

Read our guidance if you’re the victim of a crime abroad .

Criminal Kidnaps

Short-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ‘express kidnapping’) can happen.  Victims have been kidnapped for a short period of time and driven to an ATM to withdraw money before being abandoned. Express kidnappers may use violence.

To reduce your risk:

• avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewellery, particularly in public
• avoid casual taxis, use official or pre-booked taxis instead where the driver is registered
• be vigilant, especially at night

Pickpocketing is common. Do not go on to city beaches after dark.

If threatened, hand over your valuables without resistance. Attackers may be armed and under the influence of drugs. Do not resist attackers – this increases the risk of harm to you.

You can take steps to reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings, including:

• avoiding wearing expensive jewellery and watches
• avoiding carrying large sums of money – consider wearing a money belt
• avoiding using a mobile phone in the street
• keeping cameras out of sight when not in use
• leaving your passport and valuables in a safe place, but carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID, if you have one, at all times

Thefts are particularly common on public beaches and include ‘arrastões’ where large groups of thieves sometimes run through an area of the beach grabbing possessions. Keep your belongings close and avoid taking valuables to the beach.

Robberies on buses are common in many cities. Thieves target mobile phones, particularly between 4pm and 9pm.

Bank and credit card scams are common, including card cloning from ATMs and in shops. Keep sight of your card and do not use an ATM if you notice anything suspicious.

If you withdraw cash at an ATM and the cash has pink marks on it, speak to the bank (or police) straight away to get it changed. It may have been marked as damaged or counterfeit.

Sexual assault and drink spiking

Rape and other sexual offences against tourists are not common, but there have been attacks against both women and men. Some have involved date rape drugs. Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.

If you begin to feel strange, sick or drunk after only a couple of drinks, tell a trusted friend or security staff. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room or a hospital. You can phone the local police, a hospital or the nearest British embassy or consulate for advice.

Read our advice on what to do if you have been raped, sexually assaulted or drugged abroad .

Child sexual abuse

There are widespread cases of sexual abuse of children in Brazil. All sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is illegal, regardless of the age of consent locally. If you commit sex offences against children abroad, you can be prosecuted in the UK.

Parental child abduction

Parental child abduction is not common but can happen in Brazil. Dial 190 to report a missing child or go to the nearest police station. Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.    

Theft from cars is common. Keep valuables out of sight.

Carjacking can happen, particularly on major roads and in tunnels. To reduce your risk you should:

• approach your car with your keys in your hand so you can get into your car quickly
• keep doors locked and windows closed
• take particular care at traffic lights
• drive in the middle lane if possible
• avoid deserted or poorly lit areas, unless you have reliable local advice
• be cautious of people approaching to ask for information, especially at night
• If driving at night outside the city, avoid stopping at the roadside – if you must stop, try to stop in a petrol station or well-lit area

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and trafficking scams.

Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil and the penalties are severe. The penalties for possessing drugs for personal use range from educational classes to community service.

British nationals have been targeted through email scams where fraudsters offer a financial reward for travelling to Brazil, where they are then asked to carry items out of Brazil, including to the UK. These items are often illegal drugs. Anyone caught will face detention for drug trafficking, regardless of the circumstances.

Electronic smoking devices

As of 2 May 2024, all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in Brazil. Refills, parts, and accessories are also banned.

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) prohibits the import, transport, sale, storage and advertisement of these items. Customs officials have the authority to confiscate any vape products found in travellers’ luggage (both checked in and carry on) during inspections.

LGBT+ travellers

There is no legislation against homosexuality in Brazil. Same-sex marriage is legal and LGBT+ couples have equal rights in law.

São Paulo holds the world’s largest Pride celebration, which is usually very peaceful. Violence at the event is rare. Pride in Rio de Janeiro and other cities also attracts large numbers.

Brazil is generally tolerant. However, Brazilian society is quite conservative, particularly outside the larger towns and cities. Violence against LGBT+ people is a concern. Instances of discrimination, violence and harassment against the community have been reported. Factors contributing to these concerns include societal attitudes, cultural influences and the presence of conservative perspectives. Urban areas can be more accepting. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety.

Strong currents can be a danger off some beaches. Get local advice before going in the water. Pay attention to warning flags and the location of lifeguards if present on the beach.

Shark attacks are a danger, particularly on the beaches around Recife in north-east Brazil. Pay attention to warning signs and consult lifeguards if unsure. Do not enter the water if there are warning signs. Sharks have been known to attack in waist-deep water and deaths have occurred.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Brazil. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well. An IDP is recommended. After 180 days, you need to apply for a Brazilian driving licence.

Driving standards

Brazil has a high road accident rate. Driving standards are poor. Take care on the roads and avoid riding bicycles. In many rural areas, roads are in poor condition away from the main highways. Bus and coach crashes are frequent.

Immediately report all accidents involving personal injury to the police: call 190 or file a report at a police station. Also call the police if the vehicles are obstructing traffic and you need help.

 You can report an accident:

• at the nearest police station
• to the tourist police (DEAT)

Drink-driving

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Brazil and checkpoints are often set up. If you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be prosecuted. Penalties range from fines and a suspension from driving for 12 months, to up to 3 years in prison.

Allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport for your flight. Traffic in the main cities, especially São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, can be very heavy.

If you have been a victim of a passport theft and you need to fly to Brasilia, São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for consular services, you can travel on domestic flights with a valid photo ID or a police report.   

Check whether your tour operator has concerns about airlines in Brazil.

There have been armed and unarmed attacks on merchant vessels, including British flag vessels off the Brazilian coast and in some Brazilian ports.

Rail travel

There is a limited railway infrastructure in Brazil, and there have been safety incidents on the rail network.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Heavy rainfall .

The rainy season runs from November until March in the south and south-east (including Rio de Janeiro – see Regional risks ) and from April until July in the north-east of Brazil. However heavy rainfall and flooding can also occur outside of the designated rainy seasons, in any region of the country.

Heavy rains often disrupt infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Flash floods and landslides, especially in poorer urban areas, are common during heavy rains. Monitor local media and follow any instructions given by the local authorities.

Forest fires

Forest fires are common from May to September, especially during July and August due to the arrival of dry season. They are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Check the latest alerts and weather forecast (in Portuguese) and follow advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Matador Original Series

Neighborhoods, itineraries.

Each São Paulo neighborhood has its own story and unique vibe, but, like the pieces of a large jigsaw puzzle, they all fit perfectly to create a beautiful and diverse city. The following neighborhoods are the best areas to visit during your stay in São Paulo to get a feel for Brazil’s financial center and the fourth-most-populated city in the world.

Photo: Alf Ribeiro /Shutterstock

Vila Madalena — Vila Madalena is the bohemian heart of the city, with colourful street art, boutiques tucked away in little side streets, and cool cafés and bars. Popular with the twenty-somethings of São Paulo, Vila Madalena is the place to check out if you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot or a hip place to hang out on the weekend. The neighborhood also has a growing hotel scene for those who want to stay in a trendy and lively spot. The area has its own metro station on the green line to keep you connected to the rest of the city, but the neighborhood itself is hilly, so get ready to work those hamstrings. Given the touristy nature of this area, prices can be slightly higher than in some other neighborhoods, but locals still come here every evening after work, proving its popularity amongst tourists and locals alike.

Photo: Daniel Iasi /Shutterstock

Pinheiros — Pinheiros is the most-loved neighborhood of São Paulo. It’s a great area for tasty food and a vibrant nightlife, and it’s much cheaper than Vila Madalena. Largo da Batata, the area around the Faria Lima metro station, is particularly popular with people wanting to go for a few casual drinks, and Rua dos Pinheiros is the city’s food hub. Pinheiros is home to Parque Villa-Lobos, a large urban park loved by fitness enthusiasts, and Praça Pôr do Sol, a small green space dedicated to watching the sunset. Both of these spaces are perfect to take a break from the city and relax.

Photo: Diego Grandi /Shutterstock

Liberdade — Brazil has the largest community of Japanese descendants outside of Japan, and Liberdade is the center of that community in São Paulo. Although parts of it look a bit run-down, the neighborhood is decorated to resemble an Asian city, with lanterns, typical Japanese archways, and street art depicting Japanese characters, and it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours. Weekends are the best time to visit — there is a market by the metro station on Saturdays and Sundays where you can find everything from traditional Japanese food to little souvenirs. There are many Japanese restaurants, and the quality is often exceptional, even in establishments that don’t look like much more than holes in the wall, such as Espetaria Tia Tia, an excellent sushi spot. During the daytime, the area is perfectly safe although it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings, but at night it can become sketchy, so stay away from this area after dark.

Bixiga — Bixiga was founded by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century and has retained a lot of its old Italian charm. Unsurprisingly, many of the city’s best pizzerias, such as Speranza Pizzaria, are located in this neighborhood. Every weekend in August, Bixiga holds the Feast of Our Lady Achiropita , during which stands are set up along the streets offering traditional Italian foods in honor of the neighborhood’s patron saint. The area is a great place to spend a couple of hours, and the low buildings can be a relief from the skyscrapers so common in the rest of the city. Although considered a safe place to wander the streets in daylight, it may be wise to take an Uber if visiting after dark.

Baixo Augusta — A small district near Avenida Paulista, Baixo Augusta has the most dynamic night scene in the whole city. From food trucks to nightclubs to restaurants, everything you could possibly want during a night out can be found here. Baixo Augusta truly caters to all tastes as it offers everything from street food to LGBTQ+ clubs to high-end restaurants, with people from all walks of life joining together to enjoy a drink in this hip spot. It’s not uncommon to see people flooding the streets outside the bars, restaurants, and clubs in the neighborhood, but despite the seemingly chaotic nature of the area, it is safe.

Photo: Tupungato /Shutterstock

Centro — The old center of São Paulo is a lovely place to explore at a slow pace to admire the beautiful 19th-century architecture. Catedral da Sé , which was inspired by the architecture of medieval European churches, is one of the largest churches in Latin America. You will also come across other key landmarks such as the Municipal Theatre , a beautiful theatre which is historically important in the city, having hosted the Week of Modern Art in 1922, an event that revolutionized art in Brazil, and the Galeria do Rock , a shopping centre popular with music lovers. Don’t miss the market at Praça da República on the weekend — it’s worth spending a couple of hours there. The area is safe during the day, particularly on market days as police presence is heavy for this event.

Photo: ESB Professional /Shutterstock

Luz — In the 1950s, this part of the city was immensely popular with wealthy Paulistanos. Today, the neighborhood has lost some of its luster, but it still has some very cool spots to check out. There is some incredible old architecture to be seen here and a number of fantastic museums, including the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo , which focuses on Brazilian art, and the Portuguese Language Museum , both of which are near the gorgeous Luz station. Make sure to visit the Mercado Municipal, famous for its enormous range of fruits and its mortadella sandwich — a Paulistano classic. The area is perfectly safe during the day.

Jardins — Jardins is the home of the wealthy Paulistanos as proven by the many luxurious stores and fine-dining restaurants in the neighborhood. On Rua Oscar Freire, you will find both local and international designer stores, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Arezzo, making it one of the go-to streets for those with a bit more cash to splash. It is worth looking into staying in Jardins as the neighborhood is very safe, but be aware that it’ll cost you more. It’s an especially good neighborhood to stay in if you are in the city on business, due to its close proximity to the city’s business centers.

Photo: Luciano Marques /Shutterstock

Paulista — While Paulista is at the heart of business activity in São Paulo, it is also a key cultural spot. Among all the high-rises, you’ll find the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) , which showcases work by artists from around the world. Every Sunday, Avenida Paulista is closed off to cars and opened up to pedestrians, cyclists, and skateboarders. Live music acts line the pavements alongside market stalls, food stands, and dance performances. Parque Trianon, a small park full of plants from the Mata Atlântica rainforest, makes for the perfect place for a brief respite from a busy day at work.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Travelling Without a Passport

The Safest Latin American Countries to Visit

Here are some of the most memorable (and safest) Latin American countries and regions to explore

Adventurous travelers flock to Latin America to enjoy its vibrant culture, fascinating history, natural wonders and fantastic cuisine, to name a few highlights. Encompassing Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the Caribbean, Latin America offers a rich tapestry of unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

Still, some travelers choose to miss out on Latin America’s many attractions, citing concerns about safety. Some are based on myths, stereotypes, and hearsay; others are, in fact, valid: There are dangerous areas in every country, but if you do your homework, keep calm should unexpected situations arise, behave respectfully, and travel with a trustworthy tour company, you can fully embrace everything that Latin America has to offer—without any uneasiness. Ready to take the plunge? Here are the top 10 safest Latin American countries to visit.

Note: All of these destinations rank above the USA , Turkey, and Venezuela in terms of their Global Peace Index (GPI), an annual report that measures the world’s most peaceful nations and regions.  

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

For the most part, this archipelago of 19 islands in the Pacific Ocean is extremely isolated and unpopulated. Located 620 miles off the coast of continental Ecuador , the Galapagos sits at the confluence of three ocean currents, resulting in one of the world’s most incredible marine ecosystems. Its untouched beauty and wildlife (including marine iguanas, sea lions, and Galapagos tortoises) make it a magnet for nature lovers (and anyone with a pulse). Its unique plant and animal life inspired 19th-century naturalist Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. 

Flying is the only way to get here from the mainland. Crime is nearly nonexistent. While Ecuador is also among the safest countries to visit in South America, it’s experienced civil unrest in recent years, so monitor its travel advisory status before departure.

See Also: Best Tours in the Galapagos Islands

Costa Rica holds first place as the safest country in Central America and the Caribbean on the Global Peace Index (GPI). Blessed with tropical temperatures and pristine beaches, including Guanacaste, along the Pacific (aka the “Gold Coast”) Costa Rica is a paradise for surfers and sun worshippers. But kayakers, zipliners, rafters, and other outdoor adventurers also find lots to love thanks to its magnificent mountain ranges, hiking trails, hot springs, and numerous rivers, streams, and waterfalls. And if volcanoes are high on your list, don’t miss Arenal Volcano National Park, the site of the namesake active stratovolcano.

Theft is the most typical crime against tourists. Keep your belongings tucked away, then relax in this tropical wonderland.

See Also: Best Tours in Costa Rica

Considered one of the safest Central American countries to travel to, Panama offers the perfect combination of relaxation, sophistication, and adventure. What’s on tap? A treasure trove of rainforests, including the biologically diverse Chagres National Park, tropical beaches along the Pacific Ocean (check out Santa Clara and Farallón), and on the Caribbean side (San Blas Islands), plus that world-famous engineering marvel, The Panama Canal. It’s also home to cosmopolitan Panama City, boasting a rainforest within its city limits. 

Whether you want to surf, hike or indulge in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, you can enjoy it all with no limitations.

See Also: Best Tours in Panama

The Amazon isn’t a country, per se—it’s a vast region known as a biome, spread across eight countries (Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Guyana) and one of France’s overseas territories (French Guiana). They all share the Amazon rainforest, the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystem, with about 60% contained within Brazil’s borders. Whatever is on your wishlist—eyeballing parrots and howler monkeys, night hikes among nocturnal tree frogs, or swimming with the pink river dolphins—go with an experienced guide or certified tour operator. Though one of the safest regions in Latin America, the Amazon is also isolated and sparsely inhabited.

A secure way to explore the jungles and the waterways? Take a river cruise.

See Also: Best Amazon River Cruises

One of the safest countries in South America, Chile offers travelers a wealth of experiences. Long and narrow, with proximity to the Pacific Ocean, as well as neighboring Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, it’s home to Patagonia’s expansive Torres del Paine National Park, a hiker and trekker’s paradise; the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth; and over 2,000 volcanoes. And when you need a break from snowboarding, skiing, surfing or taking selfies in front of glaciers, there’s no shortage of wineries and pisco distilleries to explore.

Pickpocketing can be a concern, especially in Santiago, but if you use common sense, and stay with your tour group, you’ll be in the clear.

Here are some of the best tours in Chile .

See Also: Best Chile Tour

Uruguay is the second safest country in South America and the Caribbean on the Global Peace Index, It’s also South America’s second-smallest country, making it the ideal size for full immersion. But you won’t be alone. Head to the stunning beaches along the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic coastline (like the resort town of Punta del Este) where throngs of tourists, including Argentinian and Brazilian visitors, enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, swimming, fishing and boating. Experience Gaucho culture in rural parts and the historic sites of Montevideo, plus the mountains and native woodlands—and don’t overlook Uruguay’s hot springs area. 

Oh, and the wine and food are spectacular, plus the locals are friendly, so chill and ponder which activity to do next.

See Also: Best Tours in Uruguay

Paraguay is another South American country that might not be on your travel radar—but it should be. Landlocked between Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, this country of subtropical forests and sprawling savannas delivers a bona fide South American experience. From Chaco Lodge, a forest reserve with a salt lake famed for its flamingos, and the splendiferous Monday Waterfall, to the Koi and Chorori Hills made of sandstone, natural wonders abound. History buffs can also get their fill of churches, monuments, museums and colonial architecture. 

Paraguay is full of surprises, plus it’s among the safest South American countries for tourists.  

See Also: Best Tours in Paraguay

Argentina ranks as the third safest country in Latin America and the Caribbean on the Global Peace Index. It’s also the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest country in South America. This diverse behemoth hits all the high notes for adventurers, from rafting, waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking in the reservoirs of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes to chasing waterfalls, specifically the semi-circular Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Explore the wine-making provinces of Mendoza and San Juan, the breathtaking Patagonian coast beaches and the tango clubs in Buenos Aires—there’s truly something for everyone here.

So pack your swimsuits and hiking gear—and don’t forget your dancing shoes. 

See Also: Best Tours in Argentina

In the realm of ancient culture and ruins, Peru, South America’s third-largest country, is an absolute goldmine, home to the world-renowned Machu Picchu, a citadel of palaces and monuments constructed by the Inca Empire, at the top of the Andes; Kuelap, a pre-Hispanic stone structure atop a mountain; and Caral, the birthplace of Andean culture, to name a few awe-inspiring sights. And when you’ve maxed out on Peru’s greatest archeological discoveries, take thee to seaside Lima, where you can catch a wave, go paragliding, or indulge in top-flight gastronomy.

Peru is one of the safest South American countries to visit. Though theft occasionally happens, crimes against foreigners are extremely rare.

See Also: Best Tours in Peru

Outdoor sports and natural beauty lure adventurers to this Central American country, where the list of activities is neverending: you can hike to the top of the Mombacho volcano, sail to Solentiname, a nature-filled archipelago, snorkel in the turquoise waters of Pearl Cays, and surf the waves at Colorado Beach. The perfect bookend: A bike tour of the Spanish colonial city of Grenada.

Nicaragua has experienced political turmoil for several years, but it’s held onto its Global Peace Index footing. To stay safe, check its travel advisory status before departure, exercise caution, and visit with a reputable tour company.

See Also: Best Tours in Nicaragua

TOURING TIP: While these might be some of the safest Latin American countries , like every other country in the world, travel should always be done with safety in mind. Do your research before you travel, behave responsibly, and always remain aware of your surroundings. Considering traveling with a professional tour company if you are concerned about safety–and that goes for travel in any country, not just in Latin America.

Randi Gollin

Randi Gollin is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s covered everything from travel, food, and cocktails, to shopping and business topics for digital publications and tech and media brands.

Related Articles

• Destination Guide
• North America
• South America
• Tips & Tricks

Your 4 Must-Visit Inclusive Destinations

Nothing connects people from different parts of the world and disparate...

• Central America

The Best Spring Break Destinations

As long as academics have been a part of our lives,...

Carnival Around the World

The world goes a little crazy every February when carnival season...

The Best Christmas Markets in France

Get unlimited access to the world's best travel stories. subscribe now., privacy overview.

The Best Place to Visit in South America That is Beautiful and Safe

W e recently compiled a list of the 40 Best Places to Visit in South America That Are Beautiful and Safe and in this article, we will discuss the best place to visit in South America that is beautiful and safe.

Overview of International Tourism Across the Globe

According to a report by the United Nations World Travel Organization, 2023 ended with an estimated number of 1.3 billion international arrivals, which is around 88% of pre-pandemic levels. International travel is anticipated to make a complete recovery by the end of 2024, primarily due to increased air connectivity and an increase in the recovery of Asian markets. International tourism receipts touched $1.4 trillion in 2023, which is about 93% of pre-pandemic statistics of $1.5 trillion in 2019. Similarly, total tourism export revenues came up to around $1.6 trillion in 2023, standing at 95% of pre-pandemic levels of $1.7 trillion in 2019. The economic contribution of tourism all across the globe is on the rise. Considered in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP), the contribution stood at approximately $3.3 trillion in 2023, which makes up 3% of the global GDP. A strong recovery of international and domestic tourism is the primary reason behind these statistics.

However, the recovery is not spread evenly across the globe. The highest recovery is in Africa, which has retained more than 96% of its pre-pandemic visitors. The Americas, on the other hand, have managed to reach 90%. In fact, four subregions across the world exceeded their pre-pandemic international arrival levels, including Central America, Southern Mediterranean Europe, the Caribbean, and North Africa. By 2024, international tourism is anticipated to completely recover to pre-pandemic levels, even going for a 2% increase in 2019 levels.

Tourism Sector in South America

Tourism in South America is showing signs of positive growth, primarily due to increasing access to the internet across the region and growing accessibility to travel platforms. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the market size of the Latin American travel and tourism market stands at $52.18 billion as of 2024, and is expected to increase to $67.91 billion by 2029. This translates to a growth of CAGR of 5.41% between 2024 and 2029. A report by the United Nations World Travel Organization corroborates the steady recovery of the Americas, with the region reaching 86% of its rate of international arrivals in 2019 by the end of Q1 of 2024. In addition, foreign direct investment (FDI) waned in the region due to the pandemic, but is also showing promising signs of recovery. An increase of 185% was observed in registered investment projects between 2021 and 2022, accounting for a total of $192.6 billion.

In addition, FDI increased to $134 billion in 2021 with a 56% year-on-year increase. The United Nations World Travel Organization and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) also joined hands in January 2023 to promote tourism-related investment in Latin America and the Caribbean. The partnership covers tourism investment guide development for five countries in the region, including Ecuador, Barbados, El Salvador, Uruguay, and Panama. New international players, including Norwegian Airlines (FRA:NWC), have cropped up in the region. According to estimates by the United Nations World Travel Organization, Latin America is set to receive around 78.2 million tourists by 2027. This will lead to the generation of $82 billion for the region’s local economy. You can also look at 15 Most Populated Cities in South America .

Key Players in the South American Travel Sector

Despegar.com, Corp. (NYSE: DESP ) and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG ) are some of the most prominent travel services companies operating in South America. On June 4, Despegar.com, Corp. (NYSE:DESP) announced plans to form an exciting partnership with globally renowned artist Shakira as a part of its campaign Dream, Choose, Travel. The collaboration between the most prominent Latin American travel company and Shakira aims at promoting the “travel spirit of Latin Americans,” and connecting people through unforgettable experiences. Here is what Marcelo Grether, Chief Commercial Officer of Grupo Despegar had to say about the collaboration:

“We are proud to welcome Shakira to Despegar. Her Latin American roots, her enormous artistic influence, and her admirable innovative and global vision make her the perfect ambassador for our brand. Together, we look forward to inspiring more people to travel and live unforgettable experiences.”

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) and Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE ) are set to use AI tools to enhance their travel planning services. The Penny AI assistant introduced by Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) on Priceline helps users streamline their booking process. Similarly, Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE)’s Romie Assistant not only offers recommendations within group chats but also generates seamless travel schedules for users. Both companies have incorporated conversational AI into their platforms to make travel booking more accessible.

Now that we have taken an overview of the South American travel sector, let’s look at the best place to visit in South America that is beautiful and safe. You can also look at 16 Safe and Affordable Cities in South America for Expats and 12 Most Populated Countries in South America .

Our Methodology

In order to compile a list of the 40 best places to visit in South America that are beautiful and safe, we conducted a consensus approach and a visitor survey through Reddit. Firstly, we consulted ten online travel expert resources to compile a list of the most beautiful and safest cities to visit in South America. Next, we looked at eight Reddit threads that asked commenters to mention the most beautiful and safest cities in South America that they had traveled to. We only chose threads that had more than 50 comments and studied more than 350 comments to shortlist cities that had the most recommendations by Reddit users. We then counted the number of upvotes on each comment and chose the top 40 cities with the most number of upvotes. The 40 best places to visit in South America that are beautiful and safe are arranged in ascending order of their number of upvotes on Reddit.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and does not reflect our opinion. The ranking is solely based on the opinions of mass consumers on Reddit.

At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points ( see more details here ) .

1. Lima, Perú

Number of Reddit Upvotes: 155

Lima ranks first on our list of the 40 best places to visit in South America that are beautiful and safe with 155 Reddit upvotes. Lima is the capital of Peru and is located on the country’s Pacific coast. Known as one of the largest cities in South America, Lima offers a unique mix of its colonial heritage and modern metropolitan status. Some of the most prominent tourist destinations in the city include Lima Main Square, the Lima Cathedral, the Bridge of Sighs, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco of Lima, the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, the Presidential Palace, the Lima Plaza Mayor, and several others. The city is primarily considered safe by Reddit users who visited it.

Lima is considered the most beautiful and safest place to visit in South America according to our list. To look at other places that are also considered safe and beautiful in the region, you can look at our detailed report on 40 Best Places to Visit in South America That Are Beautiful and Safe .

At Insider Monkey, we delve into a variety of topics, ranging from the best places to travel in the world to business aspects; however, our expertise lies in identifying the top-performing stocks. Currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology stands out as one of the most promising fields. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock .

Read Next: 10 Best Dividend Stocks Yielding at Least 7% According to Hedge Funds

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published on Insider Monkey .

The best ways to get around in Brazil

Oct 7, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are the best transportation options for getting around in Brazil © Brasil2 / Getty Images

Think of Brazil and huge swaths of tropical rainforest, swampy wetlands, rolling grasslands, rugged plateaus and green mountains come to mind.

You might assume that traveling around the world’s fifth-largest country would take a lifetime, but – while it can take a bit of planning – getting around this huge nation is surprisingly easy.

These days, you can cross Brazil’s patchwork of ecosystems and unique topography in a variety of relatively swift ways, including traveling by bus, carpooling, using ride-hailing apps and flying to avoid long, uncomfortable journeys by boat across the Amazon.

Whether you come to Brazil for the vibrant cities, the rich history or the natural wonders, here are the best ways to get around.

Fly to cover large distances and avoid slow travel by road or boat

Because of Brazil’s gargantuan size – several of its states are larger than entire countries – flights across Brazil are handy and often necessary if you want to squeeze in multiple cities on a short trip, though there is a carbon cost. Depending on the distance covered, domestic air services are both pricier and more carbon intensive than traveling by bus, car or boat.

On the other hand, the alternative might be a journey of several days crammed into a bus or riverboat. All of the major cities have airports. Brazil’s biggest carriers, GOL and LATAM , offer regular flight deals if you book in advance, and they tend to be flexible about making changes to flights. Several smaller Brazilian budget airlines, including Azul , also operate services around the country.

You might be able to snag a discounted flight if you use this local travel hack: wait until a weekend day to purchase your flight. The GOL South America Airpass and LATAM’s South American Airpass are also available for non-South American citizens, but you need to also buy an international flight with those airlines or their internal partners.

Buses provide most overland transport in Brazil

For those with more time on their hands, buses are a popular and cheap way to get around Brazil, particularly between major cities and towns, and there are often good views en route. Bus services range from simple comum (conventional) buses to more luxurious leito (overnight sleeper) buses, reaching most corners of the country.

There are hundreds of private bus companies, and their websites sell tickets online:  Águia Branca is one recommended operator. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from ticket offices at rodoviárias (bus stations mainly built on the city outskirts), as well as through travel agencies. ID cards must be shown both when buying tickets and when boarding the bus.

One of the best value options for booking intercity trips in Brazil is Buser , which caters to thrifty locals and tourists. Book a bus using the Buser app at least a day in advance and a trip from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo will cost you around R$60, half the usual fare.

Bus services to major cities run at least twice a day from most major hubs, but services are often restricted to daytime routes for more remote villages. Always check exactly where your bus is leaving from; in small villages and rural towns, the departure point could be anything from a gas station to the entrance to a local bed and breakfast.

Tip for taking a bus in Brazil: It’s common for schedules to change at the last minute. Make sure you arrive at least an hour and a half before departure or you risk waiting hours for the next service!

Boats shuttle around the Amazon and along the coast

What water travel in Brazil lacks in glamour and speed, it makes up for in adventure. Boat services can be divided into riverboat trips inland and short hops along the coast. Ferries and speedboats run by local transport companies such as CCR Barcas and Biotur will zip you to Brazil’s tropical islands from coastal cities across the country. It’s best to buy tickets directly from ticket offices at mainland ports. 

Basic wooden riverboats and large overnight ferries with hammocks strung up on deck serve towns and cities in the Amazon region – indeed, they're often the only way to get around. Ferry terminals known as hidroviarias link large riverside cities, notably Manaus , Santarém and Belém .

Travelers with extra cash can book a luxury cruise, with pit stops at some of the Amazon’s most idyllic beaches and most biodiverse patches of rainforest. For those on a tighter budget, small single or double-level boats and large three-level riverboats are the way to go.

For the large riverboats, tickets can be purchased online from private ferry companies such as Macamazon or directly from operators at the hidroviarias . Ferries tend to depart once a day, but build some flexibility into your schedule because boats don’t always depart at the scheduled times.

One of the Amazon’s most spectacular river boat trips is the journey to the heart-shaped island of Alter do Chão . Departing from either Manaus or Belém, passengers can view the famous “meeting of the waters” – where the dark-colored Rio Negro runs parallel to the sand-yellow Salimoes River – before reaching Santarém. From here, it's an easy bus or rideshare trip to the island.

Only confident drivers should hit the road in Brazil

Getting behind the driver’s wheel in Brazil is not for the faint of heart. Thanks to a lack of clear signposts and a surfeit of one-way lanes, navigating your way out of big cities such as Rio can be a challenge, and that’s before you’ve dealt with the hectic highways, heart-racing driving standards and widespread potholes.

Self-drive car rental is still an option for those looking for flexibility or if you’re traveling with heavy sports equipment such as surfboards or kiteboards. When renting a car, local Brazilian companies such as Unidas and Localiza offer the best rates, with special offers bringing starting rates down to R$80 a day for compact models. Insurance costs are extra, but it's a worthwhile investment.

If you’re itching to travel by car but want to avoid some of the safety hazards, you can also try the carpooling app, BlaBlaCar . On the app, you can book a ride with drivers who are heading to your destination and have a seat spare. Prices are very reasonable; expect to pay around R$20 for a one-hour journey.

Use taxis and rideshares for short trips

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and 99 are the go-to in Brazil's major cities. Cars booked through these apps are less expensive than taxis that run on meters, and you'll have the peace of mind that comes from being able to follow and share your journey.

In rural areas, taxis need to be booked by phone; you can find local taxi numbers at bus stations, at your accommodations, or in restaurants and bars. If you do take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter, or you risk paying inflated tourist prices.

Tip for using ride-hailing apps in Brazil: Drivers are sometimes reluctant to take passengers on short journeys; using rideshares for longer trips will reduce the chance of cancellations and delays.

Trains mainly run on heritage routes in Brazil

Because of the challenging landscape, few passenger trains are available in Brazil, and when they are, they are invariably slower and less efficient than buses. That said, if you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, the trains that run in Brazil’s south and Minas Gerais state are an evocative way to get from A to B.

For a trip back in time, hop aboard the weekend tourist train from the charming, UNESCO-listed town of Ouro Preto to Mariana in the mining state of Minas Gerais, and take in magical views of the rolling Brazilian countryside. Tickets can be purchased online from the Vale transport company.

Public transport is efficient in large cities

Big Brazilian cities such as Rio, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte have good transport networks based on metro systems, buses, vans and, in some cases, trains. In sprawling cities such as São Paulo, riding the metro system can be a little overwhelming – routes are confusing and trains and platforms are famously crowded. Still, it’s cheap and often faster than traveling by road through São Paulo’s heavy traffic. 

Before hopping on a bus or the metro in São Paulo, purchase a refillable Bilhete Único smart card from any metro station booth or ticket machine; Rio has the similar Riocard. The best way to find public transport routes and schedules anywhere in Brazil is through Google Maps.

Accessible travel in Brazil

In 2000, Brazil introduced a law that obliged operators to make public facilities accessible for every person with a disability or reduced mobility, but not a lot has been done since then to make this a reality. However, you will find ramps and elevators in shopping malls and at public transport stations, as well as wheelchair spaces on buses and metros.

Curb ramps on sidewalks, signs in Braille and phones for the hearing-impaired are rare, and practically nonexistent in remote towns and villages. Most parking areas in Brazil have spaces for visitors with reduced mobility. For more information on accessible travel, check out Lonely Planet’s free Accessible Travel Resources .

This article was first published Oct 27, 2021 and updated Oct 7, 2023.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Jun 10, 2024 • 8 min read

There’s always something wonderful to do in Argentina. Plan your trip with our guide to the best places to visit.

May 22, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 9 min read

Feb 1, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 4 min read

Nov 27, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 12, 2023 • 5 min read

Argentina Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Argentina is one of the most popular countries to visit in South America. Whether you’re backpacking the entire country or just visiting on a short holiday looking to drink wine, eat steak, and do some hiking, Argentina will not disappoint you. I love the place to death.

From the relaxed café culture of Buenos Aires to the natural beauty of the massive Iguazu Waterfalls, the stunning Perito Moreno glacier to the charming vineyards of Mendoza , Argentina is a wonderfully beautiful country with world-class landscapes to match the delicious steaks, award-winning wine, and lively and welcoming people you’ll find here.

Argentina blew away all of my expectations.

This travel guide to Argentina can help you plan your trip, stay safe, stay on a budget, and ensure you make the most of your visit here.

Note : Argentina suffers from incredible inflation and prices vary widely and increase without notice. The prices here might be accurate as of the day we publish but could be dramatically different by the time you get there. Keep that in mind as you plan your expenses.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Argentina

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in argentina.

1. Enjoy the culture of Buenos Aires

Nicknamed the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is an amazing and fun city with a lot of culture, fantastic nightlife, food, and shopping. Stay in the trendy Palermo neighborhood and walk the tree-lined streets, visit the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires (aka MALBA), and explore Palermo Soho which has a more youthful vibe and is crammed with cool shops and boutiques.

Additionally, on the southern border of Palermo is La Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most atmospheric graveyards on the planet and home to several famous Argentines, including Eva Peron, several past presidents, patriots, poets, and other VIPs of Argentine history. El Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National Museum of Fine Arts, is nearby as well. Opened in 1895, the museum houses works by Goya, Monet, Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many other masters.

2. Marvel at Iguazu Falls

With 450,000 cubic feet of water thundering down the 275 cascades every second, it’s easy to see why this massive waterfall is so popular. The water plunges below in a powerful and sensational flurry of white water and mist with rainbows stretching above it all. The uneven cascades are also some of the tallest in the world, as they measure between 62-85 meters (210-269 feet). A sturdy wooden walkway allows visitors to wander out to get a closer, face-to-face look at the falling water. Some might remember the falls played a supporting role in the films Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Captain America: Civil War, and The Mission, among many others.

You can find several types of guided trips leaving from Buenos Aires or just go on the local bus yourself. Stay in Argentina and get drenched on a boat ride around the falls or spring for a tour that includes Brazil on the opposite shore. The view from Brazil is arguably better, since you’re on a narrow ridge surrounded by the falls in Argentina. The entry fee for Iguazú Falls National Park on the Argentine side is 20,000 ARS.

3. Wander Salta

Located in the northwest of the country, Salta is a small city with outstanding museums, plaza-side cafes, and a lively folk music tradition. The colonial architecture of the city is well preserved here too. The most popular museum is Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM), opened in 2004 for the mummies of three children sacrificed by the Inca and discovered in 1999. Don’t miss the Teleférico San Bernardo, a cable car that glides through the air to a hilltop with a gorgeous view of the whole city. A round-trip ticket for San Bernardo is 8,000 ARS.

4. Learn the tango

Argentina is famous for its national dance, the tango. You’re bound to run into it everywhere you go with people quite literally practicing in the streets. Throughout the country there are studios that offer lessons if you want to learn and free public places to watch the locals dance away. In Buenos Aires, splurge on a tango show at the historic Teatro Tabarís or Gala Tango. A more budget option is the outdoor shows in Plaza Dorrego, where the best dancers can be found every Sunday afternoon.

5. Explore Mendoza

Other things to see and do in argentina, 1. take the train to the clouds.

Sure, it’s a train built for tourists and super overpriced, but taking this train through the clouds and lush forest is so breathtaking I don’t mind. This is a 400-kilometer (250-mile), 16-hour round trip into the Andes from the town of San Antonio de los Cobres. You can buy the train ticket with the bus ride between Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres included, or via just the train. Consider buying just the train ticket so you can spend a little time checking out the Andean culture (and llamas) in San Antonio. As the train climbs to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking mountains, forests, and valleys. It only operates seasonally and on specific days of the week, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. The website only shows prices once you pick a date for the reservation.

2. Climb Cerro Aconcagua

At almost 7,000 meters tall (23,000 feet), Cerro Aconcagua is not only the country’s highest mountain but also the highest in the Western Hemisphere. This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted as it’s estimated to take a couple of weeks to acclimatize to the altitude and reach the summit. However, it’s a challenging hike, not a technical climb. Many hikers set their sights on part of the mountain, without risking the dangers of oxygen deprivation near the summit. If you love a challenge and are a practiced hiker, it’s an adventure worth considering! Due to the instability of the peso, many trekking companies post prices in USD. Guided summit hikes cost around $5,000 USD while an 8-day trek around the mountain (not to the summit but around the various camps) costs around $2,000 USD. The most popular option is a 4-day hike around the mountain, which costs $700 USD per person. Not into hiking? Nearby Los Horcones Lake is only 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level and a popular fishing destination.

3. Explore Valle de la Luna

Translated as “Valley of the Moon,” this dramatic landscape dates to the Triassic period. Winds and rain have carved the rocks into strange formations that give this place the look of a lunar landscape. Despite the arid conditions, the area is great for wildlife spotting as it’s home to foxes, owls, armadillos, condors, and guanacos. A wild cousin of the llama, guanacos will give your landscape photos a decidedly South American flair. The unique geological formations and fossil beds have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Museo de Sitio William Sill, built over impressive dinosaur fossils where you can watch archeologists at work.

The best way to explore the park is via a rental car. Once you have that, you can take the 25-mile circuit tour, stopping at five different points along the way, each one offering stunning sights and views of the park. The circuit should take approximately three hours. There are also hikes through the park. One of the most popular is the trek up to Cerro Morado, the tallest mountain in the park at nearly 1,900 meters (6,000 feet). The walk takes about three hours and, once at the top, offers wow-inducing views of the natural landscape below. Admission to the park is 5,000 ARS.

4. Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier

Located within the expansive Los Glaciares National Park is the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. At almost 4,570 meters (15,000 feet) wide and 61 meters (200 feet) tall, it’s one of the coolest sights I’ve ever seen. You can hike on the glacier (which is an epic experience) or walk on the metal platforms constructed a stone’s throw from the massive wall of ice. You’ll need a licensed guide, ropes, and crampons to hike on the glacier but you can take the bus from El Calafate and do the platform walk on your own. Boat rides to Perito Moreno get you even closer and can include other nearby glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala. Depending on the season, a full-day tour including a boat ride costs around 99,000 ARS. Austral summer, from December to February, has higher prices.

5. Day trip to San Rafael

Located a few hours from Mendoza, this tiny little town is a wonderful place to see wineries. Try the local Malbecs and other reds that go perfectly with an Argentine asado. Like Mendoza, this is a great place to go on a bike ride through the picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss out on the nearby stunning Atuel Canyon, where you can go whitewater rafting in the summer. San Rafael is a charming little place to relax and slow down to enjoy the local pace of life. A bus from Mendoza to San Rafael costs 2,500 ARS for a one-way ticket.

6. Visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the largest city in Tierra del Fuego. This is a very popular town for travelers coming to the end of their South American journey, or for those traveling to Antarctica. This is the launch point for all Antarctica cruises, as the continent is only 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) away. Plan at least three days here to go hiking in the national park, walk among the penguins on Hammer Island, and try one of the local tea houses. The most popular is La Cabaña, at the foot of the Martial Glacier ski resort. If you’re there in winter, visit one of the three local ski resorts or go on a dog-sledding tour. Overall, it’s an adventure travel hub that deserves a few days before or after your other adventures.

7. Go whale watching

From June to December, whale watching season in Patagonia is at its peak as the whales make their way to the coast to mate. Whale watching is an expensive excursion, but it’s well worth it during migration time as you’re guaranteed to spot a few whales. The Valdes Peninsula is the best place to go on a tour. Only six companies are allowed to operate here so as not to disturb and overwhelm the whales. Expect to see orca, humpback, southern right whales, and blue whales. This is a remote area of Patagonia and the best place to stay nearby is Puerto Madryn. Due to the instability of the Argentine peso, most tour agencies post prices in US dollars. A full day wildlife and whale watching tour costs $145 USD.

8. Discover Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 155-kilometer-long (96 mile) valley carved out by the Rio Grande. The deep valley is covered in unique rock formations and has been populated for at least 10,000 years, making the area rich in ancient Incan history and culture. Visit the ancient Inca ruins at Tilcara and see just how much Andean culture still permeates the area. Explore the colonial streets and architecture of the tiny town of Humahuaca, with its bright orange mountain backdrop or walk around behind the mountain on an easy one-hour hike to see dramatic red and purple cliffs.

9. Visit Cajon del Azul

Located in El Bolson, a bohemian town near the Andes Mountains, The Blue Canyon boasts beautiful translucent turquoise waters flanked by rustic suspension bridges, alcoves, and cliffs. It’s a little more deserted than other nature reserves in Argentina, though it’s growing in popularity amongst climbers and fly fishers. If you go, it’s worth spending at least a few days in this area taking advantage of all the outdoor activities.

If you want to hike, there are a myriad of trails you can take, all of varying degrees of difficulty and length. The trails also have the most amount of refugios, or huts, than anywhere else in South America. This means you can plan a single-day trek or a multi-day hike, going from one hut to another for several days until you want to trek back to El Bolson. Before you head out on a hike, though, make sure you stop into the Mountaineering Information Office, or Oficina de Informes de Montañas, to get information about the hike you’re doing. It’s the best way to prepare for a trek here. There’s also a Tourist Information Office that should be helpful too.

10. See Casa Rosada

Dominating the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires is Casa Rosada, the Office of the President and arguably the city’s most notable landmark. The distinctive pink color is said to be due to the mixing of cows’ blood into the paint, to preserve the building. First Lady and labor activist Eva Perón (aka Evita) famously addressed crowds of workers from the building’s balcony (there’s a 1996 film starring Madonna based on her life).

Easily accessible on the city’s Subte metro system, the area around the Casa Rosada is worth visiting for its colonial architecture and famed masterpiece mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros in the Casa Rosada Museum. There are, in all, 11,000 pieces of art in the museum. Admission is free but you must register and pick a time and date for your visit.

11. Stroll La Recoleta Cemetery

It might seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery for pleasure, but Recoleta is one of the city’s most visited attractions. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s most notable citizens, including Eva Perón and the Paz family. Also worth seeing is the tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, who was tragically buried alive according to legends. It’s open daily from 8am-6pm. Afterwards, walk along Calle Vicente Lopez on the southwest side of the cemetery. It has become one of the hotspots in Buenos Aires for micro-breweries and is a great place to rest your feet after all the walking through the cemetery.

12. Discover San Ignacio Miní

Located in San Ignacio, these 17th-century mission ruins are the most complete in Argentina, with a significant amount of carved ornamentation still visible. Constructed in the Spanish Baroque style and heavily influenced by indigenous designs, the ruins are a beautiful and distinctive reddish color. The visitor center has a lot of background information on the fascinating history of the old mission, and the ruins have interactive panels for more information as well. San Ignacio is the perfect place to stop on your way to or from Iguazú, which is only four hours away. The town is on the Paraná River, near Posadas, where you can easily hop the border to Encarnación in Paraguay. Admission is 1,000 ARS.

13. Take a dip in the Termas de Colón

Located north of Buenos Aires not far from the border with Uruguay, the hot springs here have been a hot secret with in-the-know Porteños (people from BA), for many years. There are 10 different pools to choose from, each one a different temperature and health benefits. If you have kids the Termas de Colón also features kiddie pools and various water slides. The drive from Buenos Aires takes about four hours, making this either a very long day trip or a multi-day trip to the north to relax in the charming town of Colón.

14. Attend a fútbol match at La Bombonera

Visiting the legendary soccer stadium of Boca Junior, one of Buenos Aires’ two professional teams, in the La Boca district is a local experience you won’t want to miss. If they’re playing cross-town rivals, River Plate, even better, but if you’re in town during the soccer season, go to see La Boca playing any team. It’s a lively and sometimes crazy experience. Expect to spend a couple hundred dollars on tickets if you want to see a match. There are also tours of the stadium available too, though those also aren’t cheap at around 82,000 ARS.

15. Browse for books at a world-class bookstore

In Buenos Aires’ Barrio Norte, you’ll find El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Housed in an old theater from 1919, this bookshop has plenty of remnants left over from its days in the performing arts, such as murals on the walls and ceilings, and even balconies. The books on the shelves are mostly in Spanish, though there’s a small English-language section. That said, shopping for a good read here is not really the point. Just stroll around and admire the high ceilings and ornate design of the place. It’s one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

  For more information on specific cities in Argentina, check out these guides:

• Mendoza Travel Guide
• Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Argentina Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels are widespread throughout the country. Expect to pay 15,000-30,000 ARS for a 6-8-bed dorm room in Buenos Aires, depending on the neighborhood. In smaller towns like Mendoza, expect to pay 8,000-20,000 ARS depending on amenities. Private rooms in a hostel with a shared bath are generally double the price of dorm rooms, costing 20,000-50,000 ARS per night.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Hotels cost 40,000-60,000 ARS and always include free Wi-Fi, though other perks are generally pretty limited. At a two- or three-star hotel in Argentina you can expect TV (sometimes with international channels), daily housekeeping, bathroom toiletries, and, in some cases, an in-house restaurant, to varying degrees of quality.

Airbnb no longer posts prices in Argentine pesos, but averages $20-$50 USD per night for a private room and $30-$80 for an entire apartment.

Camping is widespread all around the country (including the world-famous Patagonia region), especially near the national parks. Expect to pay around 12,000 ARS for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Argentine food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: first from Spanish colonizers, and later European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially from Italy and Spain. Empanadas, pizza, polenta, and pasta all heavily feature in Argentine cuisine.

Argentines are famous for their asado (barbeque) and tremendous consumption of beef, especially steak and ribs. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, eggplants, squashes, and zucchini are the most common vegetables. Dulce de leche , a caramel sauce made from condensed milk, is a popular sweet.

Yerba mate is the favorite national drink. It’s a caffeinated herbal drink that is prepared in a traditional gourd. It is consumed in social settings by passing around the gourd and its accompanying metal straw.

Overall, food is fairly expensive in Argentina, especially in popular resort and outdoor adventure towns. Take advantage of eating breakfast and lunch specials to get the most out of your money. Breakfast deals go for 1,000-2,000 and usually consist of a coffee and two media lunas, which are like a bready croissant.

Lunch specials vary greatly but are generally around 3,500-4,000 ARS. Meals at a cheap cafe begin at around 2,000-3,000 ARS for a light lunch of a sandwich or salad.

In terms of street food, empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are economical and tasty. Empanadas go for around 700 ARS each, choripán for 1000 ARS, and fast food pizza or burgers for around 1500-2000 ARS. Fast food (think Mcdonald’s) is around 2,000 ARS for a combo meal.

In major cities, a dish at a Chinese takeout restaurant is around 8,000 ARS, while a dish at a sit-down Indian restaurant is around 8,000-12,000.

At a nice traditional Argentinian steakhouse, expect to pay 20,000-25,000 ARS for a good steak and wine. At more casual restaurants, steaks cost around 10,000-15,000 ARS, while vegetable-based pasta dishes cost 7,000-8,000 ARS.

In terms of drinks, beer is around 3,000 ARS while a glass of wine is also 3,000 ARS. A cocktail is around 4,000-5,000 ARS and a cappuccino is 3,000 ARS.

If you’re going to grocery shop, expect to spend about 25,000-35,000 ARS per week for groceries, including bottles of wine. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Argentina Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget, expect to spend at least 31,500 ARS per day. On this suggested budget, you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating out at the cheap food stalls, cooking most of your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of at least 70,000 ARS per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks and eat out more, take the occasional taxi, and do whatever tours and activities you want, such as wine tours and dance lessons.

On an upscale budget of at least 135,000 ARS per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, go hiking in Patagonia, fly between cities, and do whatever else you want to do. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ARS.

Argentina Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Argentina’s hyperinflation works in most travelers’ favor, it makes certain things in this country more expensive. Tours, food, and alcohol add up quite a bit. There’s a lot of price instability in the country. Here are a few hacks to cut down your costs and not let inflation ruin your fun:

• Use discount cards – Student and teacher discounts can get you incredible savings. You can also use the La Nacion Club and La Nacion Premium Club Cards, associated with La Nacion Newspaper, for discounts. Every week, the La Nacion Club Card website lists participating establishments that give discounts to cardmembers. This is good for travelers spending a long time in the country as you have to sign up for the newspaper.
• Hitchhike – While not common in the north of the country, if you’re in Patagonia, you’ll see many locals and tourists alike hitchhiking, as long-distance buses in that part of the country can be very expensive and infrequent. It’s simply more convenient to hitchhike. This common way to get around is highly recommended.
• Travel off-season – March-June and September-November are the low season when you can find cheaper accommodations and enjoy fewer crowds at attractions.
• Find the cheap eats – Empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are your best options for cheap eats. It’s not the healthiest food, but it’s economical and tasty!
• Rent a bike – You can rent bicycles from hostels and rental shops for around 12,00 ARS per day in most major cities. This is especially useful when you’re in Mendoza’s wine country and you’re trying to get from winery to winery.
• Bring a tent – As you start to travel south to Patagonia, accommodation costs get expensive. Hostels are often 20,000 ARS or more a night here (as opposed to as cheap as 10,000 ARS a night in Buenos Aires). Look for camping opportunities as often as possible. When you aren’t in the national parks (where you can obviously camp), many hostels let you pitch your tent for a small fee.
• Stick to wine – 2,000 ARS bottles of wine in the supermarket is a phenomenal deal. Grab a bottle, drink it up. It’s really good too!
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Explore the outdoors – Hiking is free, and throughout the country, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this and other outdoor activities since Argentina is blessed with many city parks and nature reserves where you can spend the day wandering around and relaxing. (And, of course, there are a plethora of national parks where you can do multi-day treks!).
• Don’t fly domestically – Thanks to a tax on foreigners, airfare in Argentina for non-residents is quite expensive. Unless you are in a rush, don’t fly. Take the overnight buses. It’s slower but affordable (and often a lot more comfortable).
• Dance for free – If you find yourself in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, you can find free tango events in San Telmo. (On Monday nights, there’s the famous La Bomba de Tiempo, a music and dance event that is well worth the minimal price for admission.)
• Take a free walking tour – There are a number of free walking tours in major cities. They are the best way to get the lay of the land on a budget and connect with a local guide. Just remember to tip your guide at the end. Two companies to try out in the capital city are Buenos Aires Free Tour and Free Walks Buenos Aires.

Where to Stay in Argentina

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Argentina:

• Milhouse Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Up Viamonte Hotel (Buenos Aires)
• Sabatico Travelers Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Villaggio Hotel Boutique (Mendoza)
• Gorilla Hostel (Mendoza)
• Alto Andino Hotel (Ushuaia)
• Cruz del Sur Hostel (Ushuaia)
• Antarctica Hostel (Ushuaia)

How to Get Around Argentina

Public transportation – Buenos Aires is the only city in Argentina with a subway system (the Subte). The subway runs from 5:30am-11:30pm on weekdays, 6am-midnight on Saturdays, and 8am-10:30pm on Sundays.

Public buses are the most common way to travel within the cities. In Buenos Aires, a one-way fare is around 1,000 ARS per trip. In Mendoza, fares start at 800 ARS.

In Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata you need a transit card to use the public transit, while smaller areas take cash. You can find these cards at kiosks all over the place.

Taxis – Taxis are very affordable in Argentina. Prices start around 500 ARS and go up by around 300 ARS per kilometer. That said, public transportation can usually get you anywhere you need to be so you can likely skip the taxis here.

Buses – Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. It is common to have food served on board as well as Wi-Fi and alcohol on long-distance buses. For example, the ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes about 14.5 hours and tickets begin at 10,000 ARS. A 10-hour trip from Bariloche to El Calafate (in Patagonia) starts from 20,000 ARS, while the bus from Buenos Aires to El Calafate is 50,000 ARS.

A “shorter” journey like Mendoza to Salta in 7 hours costs about 35,000 ARS. You can take the overnight bus and then save on accommodation since you’ll be sleeping on the bus.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying around South America isn’t very cheap, and Argentina is no exception as fares are taxed highly for foreigners (it subsidizes cheap fares for residents). However, it might be worth it for you if you’re short on time as those 14-hour bus rides are not an efficient way to travel. Argentina’s two most popular airlines are Aerolíneas Argentinas (the domestic carrier) and LATAM.

You can fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate for 340,000 ARS return, or Buenos Aires to Bariloche for 190,000 ARS return. You’ll get better deals the further out that you book your tickets.

Train – Argentina’s rail system only goes to three places: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. The train from Buenos Aires to Cordoba costs about 28,400 ARS. There are also train journeys aimed specifically at travelers, like the epic Train to the Clouds that begins in Salta and passes through the Andres. It’s one of the highest railways in the world. There’s also La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express between Esquel and El Maiten for 30,000 ARS.

Hitchhike – Argentina is easy and safe for hitchhikers. You can find rides throughout the country, and Argentines are naturally curious about foreigners. There’s a good chance you’ll end up crammed into a car with an entire family! Hitchwiki has information on hitchhiking in Argentina if you want to give it a try.

When to Go to Argentina

Argentina is enormous. The best time of year to visit entirely depends on what regions you plan on traveling around.

Argentina’s spring is from September to November. This is one of the best times to visit overall (although it’s still very cold in Patagonia). Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in the center, 8-14°C (46-57°F) in Patagonia, and about 20°C (68°F) in the north.

Summer is from December to February. This is the best season for spending time in the Andean mountains. It’s also the best time to travel to Tierra del Fuego, although there still might be snow. The north is a lot warmer, and Buenos Aires can get hot and sticky. Temperatures can get as high as 26°C (79°F).

Autumn (March-April) is another great time to visit, especially in the San Juan and Mendoza regions for the wine harvests. Temperatures here are 6-14°C (42-58°F). Patagonia is stunning this time of year with its bright autumn colors as well.

Winter is from June to August when temperatures dip to 8–13°C (46–55°F). This is the ideal time to visit if you’re a skier hoping to hit up the ski resorts. It’s not a great time for visiting Patagonia, however; bad weather can leave you stranded, and a lot of places are closed from Easter to October.

How to Stay Safe in Argentina

Argentina is a safe place to backpack and travel. While violent crime here is rare, petty theft and pickpocketing is on the rise so you’ll need to be vigilant. Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or belongings while you’re out and about and always keep your wallet secure and out of reach. Cell phone theft is incredibly common and thieves sometimes literally snatch the phone right from your hand in broad daylight so be on guard and never bring your phone out in public. If you need to use it, step inside a shop just to be safe.

If taking an overnight bus, lock your bag and make sure your valuables are secure. If you rent a car, always keep it locked and never store anything in it overnight as break-ins can occur.

Female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (don’t walk around at night intoxicated, never leave your drink unattended at the bar, etc.). Whenever possible, avoid walking around at night (especially if you’re alone). Even during the day, it’s best to walk around in groups when you can as you’ll be less of a target that way. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your chest so it can’t easily be snatched (a backpack is a better/safer choice, though).

When taking out money from an ATM, make sure to use a machine inside the bank so that you can safely access your money without prying eyes or people ready to rob you.

Scams here are rare, but they can occur. To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Always check the weather before you go hiking and make sure you dress appropriately and bring enough water.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Argentina Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Argentina Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Argentina travel and continue planning your trip:

18 of the Best Spots in Patagonia

Patagonia: Thoughts on Getting Offline and Trying to Camp

12 Ways to Save Money in Argentina

16 Amazing Photos from My Visit to Torres Del Paine

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs