So, you’re planning on visiting Brazil for 2 weeks? Read on to discover our ultimate 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary. Including our travel route, the best places to visit in Brazil, where to eat in Brazil, where to stay and everything you need to travel to Brazil!
Brazilian travel facts:
Language: The main language of Brazil is Portuguese.
The official unit of currency: The Brazilian Real (BRL)
Size of Brazil: 8.516 million km²
Capital of Brazil: Brasília
Transportation: To explore the vast expanse of Brazil, we hopped on a combination of buses and flights, including overnight ones, to cover those long distances. We used Uber to travel around the larger cities. The buses we rode were super comfy and even had WIFI on board, making the journey all the more enjoyable. Just a heads up, bus fares in Brazil can be a tad pricier compared to other South American countries so keep this in mind for your 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.
Visa and entry requirements: Most countries’ visitors enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days in Brazil. To ensure a smooth entry, Brazil requires the completion of the Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV). Also, be sure to check Covid regulations as these are ever-changing. Before your visit, make sure to double-check the entry requirements to avoid any surprises.
Although it is recommended to have the Yellow Fever vaccine if you’re coming from a country at risk, we personally didn’t have our vaccination status checked during our visit.
Your 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary travel route:
Florianopolis – 3 nights
Curitiba – 2 nights
Sao Paulo – 1 night
Paraty – 2 nights
Rio – 3 nights
Buzios – 2 nights
Rio – 1 night
If you are looking to spend 3 weeks in Brazil? Read our 3-week Brazil travel itinerary here.
Brazil has undoubtedly captured our hearts as one of the most captivating and diverse countries we’ve had the pleasure of exploring. From its vibrant cities brimming with unique charm to its unparalleled cuisine and breathtaking natural wonders, Brazil never ceases to amaze. However, given its vastness, it’s nearly impossible to delve deep into every corner of this epic country during a single trip. That’s why, in this 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary, we’ve decided to narrow our focus on the captivating South of Brazil.
Even after spending close to a month exploring Brazil, we feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of its wonders. In this blog post, we share our favourite highlights, invaluable South American tour tips, and essential travel budget advice. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant tapestry that is Brazil!
Florianópolis – 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary
Start your trip to Brazil in the colourful backpacker’s haven of Florianópolis. It is one of the main spots backpackers hear about when researching travelling in Brazil. An island (connected to the mainland via a bridge) that is home to 42 beaches, a number of colourful towns and beautiful lagoons. Florianópolis has it all and is a great place to start any trip to Brazil!
Whether you’re seeking tranquillity and family-friendly shores or craving the thrill of riding powerful waves as a surfer, this coastal gem has it all. Florianopolis boasts not just one, but two stunning lakes. Dive into the refreshing waters of Lagoa do Peri, a serene freshwater oasis, or venture to Lagoa da Conceição, where saltwater enthusiasts and wind or kite surfers find their paradise. With such diverse offerings, Florianopolis is an absolute must for any Brazil travel itinerary.
Spend your first 3 nights here relaxing on the beaches, hiking the incredible trails and enjoying delicious food in the towns. Florianopolis is a must when planning on travelling to Brazil and must be included in any 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.
Where did we stay in Florianopolis?
We opted to stay in a small holiday apartment whilst we were in Florianopolis. However, we wouldn’t recommend it. Some options to stay in Florianopolis which have great reviews are:
What did we see in Florianopolis?
Florianopolis, a captivating destination in Brazil, offers a plethora of attractions and activities that will leave you in awe.
Explore the historic charm of the city centre, where colonial architecture and cobblestone streets transport you back in time. Bask in the sun on the pristine beaches, each with its own unique ambience, from tranquil and family-friendly to exhilarating and surf-worthy.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the picturesque lakes, Lagoa do Peri and Lagoa da Conceição, where you can take part in water sports like wind or kitesurfing. Embark on hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, revealing panoramic views of the city and coastline. Florianopolis promises an unforgettable experience that will make your Brazil trip truly exceptional.
Some of the main spots to see in Florianopolis are:
Visit Florianópolis Centro
Whether you have a soft spot for charming towns or, like us, encounter less-than-ideal weather during your visit, Centro in Florianopolis is worth exploring. Step into the epic indoor market-like setting of Mercado Público, where you can relax and enjoy some drinks or grab a bite to eat. Although we didn’t find any vegetarian restaurants there, we happily settled for savouring a few beers instead. We also stumbled upon an incredible Lebanese restaurant. As newcomers to the Brazilian restaurant scene, we discovered that most spots operate on a buffet-style concept. You can pile your plate as high as you like and pay based on weight. However, do keep in mind that this can add up quickly, so don’t overdo it (like we did often)!
Hike from Armação to Pantano do Sul
Armação to Pantano do Sul was one of our favourite things that we did in Florianopolis. The hike takes approximately 2 hours, through lush forests and alongside breathtaking coastlines. Leading you to a vast secluded beach. Once there, you have various options to choose from: embark on an additional hike to Trilha Lagoinha do Leste for a panoramic view of the entire beach, unwind at one of the charming rustic beach bars with an ice-cold beer, or spend some time swaying in one of the many inviting beach hammocks.
This hike is a gateway to a world of natural wonders and blissful serenity, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Florianopolis.
To find out more about our hike from Armação to Pantano do Sul read our blog post here. A Brazil trip must!
Visit Barra da Lagoa
One of our favourite spots in Florianópolis was the little beach town of Barra da Lagoa. Home to a 650-meter beach, incredible rock pools, beach bars and cafes. It’s touristy but still retains its heritage. You’ll still see locals sitting playing chess in the square alongside families playing with inflatables in the sea and tourists enjoying a fresh coconut on the beach.
If you visit here then make sure you opt to hike to the rock pools.
To embark on this hike, make your way to the vibrant beach area of Barra da Lagoa. Cross the footbridge that spans the lagoon and follow the footpath as it winds through the charming local town. Along the way, you’ll encounter a few rustic cafes and hostels, adding to the allure of your journey.
Soon enough, you’ll be greeted with the epic sight of the beach, accompanied by majestic large rocks and boulders. Descend the first one and you’ll discover a plethora of others, perfect for swimming or basking in the sun’s warm embrace. Don’t forget to visit the beach bar, and indulge in a crisp beer, as you relax and unwind for a few blissful hours.
Of course, Florianopolis boasts an array of breathtaking beaches waiting to be explored, each more stunning than the last. Spanning approximately 1.5 hours from one end of the island to the other, it’s worth noting that public transportation options can be limited.
During our visit, we used Uber which was well-priced and convenient. However, if we were to return, we would consider renting a car as an excellent cost-effective choice, granting us the freedom to explore more hidden gems and make the most of our time in Florianópolis.
Curitiba
Known as a ‘model city’ Curitiba is a beautiful, clean city. 2 nights here is the ideal amount of time to break up the journey between Florianopolis and Sao Paulo. 2 nights there is plenty to get a feel for the vast city. Alternatively, you could opt to skip here and travel directly between Florianopolis and Sao Paulo to give yourself more time in the two spots.
Where to stay in Curitiba?
We stayed in Rede Andrade Braz which we couldn’t recommend enough! Right in the centre very reasonably priced with breakfast included.
What is there to see in Curitiba?
Jardim Botânico de Curitiba
The beautiful botanical gardens of Curitiba are located around a 40-minute walk from the city centre. They are free to enter and beautiful to walk around and escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours. There’s also a cute little cafe and a beautiful greenhouse located inside the gardens.
Tram bookshop
Located in the city centre is an old red tram that has been transformed into a bookshop. It’s well worth a visit if you love books or just picturesque spots.
Explore the city centre
There are plenty of shops and coffee shops to keep you entertained for a whole day or beautiful streets to wander around, Curitiba is a great city that you can most definitely spend the whole day walking around.
São Paulo
São Paulo, an expansive concrete jungle, and the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere, boasting a rapidly growing metropolitan population. While delving into our research on São Paulo, we encountered a diverse range of opinions, with some painting a very negative view of the city and others embracing it wholeheartedly.
Intrigued, we knew we had to experience it firsthand, and to our delight, we loved it! While we may not recommend spending an entire week here, no Brazil itinerary would be complete without a couple of nights in São Paulo. It should be a mandatory inclusion in any Brazil itinerary!
Where did we stay in Sao Paulo?
For us, in our slightly older age, where we opt to stay plays a big part in how much we enjoy the place we are visiting. It’s safe to say that our Sao Paulo accommodation definitely added to why we loved our time here.
We stayed in Studios Sampa – Parque Augusta which was a little studio apartment with laundry and a rooftop pool near a street packed full of unique bars and restaurants.
What did we see in Sao Paulo? 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary
Batman Alley/ Beco de Batman
Batman Alley, a hidden gem where an ordinary alleyway has been magically transformed into Brazil’s most awe-inspiring exhibition of graffiti art. Packed full of creations of talented local artists intertwining with the masterpieces of renowned international street artists.
Avenida Paulista
The most famous street in Sao Paulo, Ave Paulista is pedestrianised on Sundays and is home to shopping malls, coffee shops and tons of huge high-rise buildings soaring above the city.
Praça Franklin Roosevelt
An awesome little strip of bars and restaurants that were right near our hotel. Well worth a visit for dinner or drinks even if you don’t opt to stay nearby.
Bonus! Where to eat in Sao Paulo:
Pop Vegan
If you are vegetarian or vegan (or even if you’re not) this all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant in Sao Paulo is a must-visit! With queues out the door, we knew this vegan restaurant was going to be good but, it surpassed that! A genuine all-you-can-eat (instead of Brazil’s famous pay-per-kg buffets) this vegan restaurant had a mixture of salads, plant-based meat and carbs all for around £8. Including unlimited food and drink for the 2 of us.
Terraço Itália bar
Unfortunately, it was way out of our budget but if we had had a bit more time and money then Terraço Itália is definitely somewhere that would have been on our list. Serving incredible Italian food and the best views in the city.
Paraty
Discover the charm of Paraty, a delightful UNESCO-listed colonial town nestled on the scenic southeastern coast of Brazil. We instantly fell in love with this quaint town and believe it should be a top destination on every traveller’s Brazil itinerary.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the town centre, a living testament to its rich history, packed full of impeccably preserved buildings. Indulge in delectable cuisine at quaint restaurants, embark on exhilarating island-hopping adventures, immerse yourself in the nature of waterfalls and beaches, and uncover the secrets of local distilleries.
During our visit, when we encountered extraordinary floods and thunderstorms. Despite this, we still fell in love with the enchanting little town and would add it onto any 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.
Where did we stay in Paraty?
We stayed in two places whilst visiting Paraty due to us having to extend because of the floods. The first we wouldn’t overly recommend so won’t include it, however, the second place, albeit more expensive, was well worth the money. This was called Pousada das Pedras.
What did we see in Paraty?
As we mentioned there is no shortage of incredible things to see in Paraty, but walking around the old town has to be our number one thing to do. Its cobbled streets are home to an abundance of independent bars, restaurants and cute boutiques. There is also a beautiful beachfront, perfect to chill on in Barra do Corumbê. You could also visit Praia Grande, a fisherman’s village where you can also catch a boat to Ilha Grande from.
Rio de Janeiro
No trip to Brazil is complete without a visit to the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, home to the breathtaking mountainous landscape that has become synonymous with the country. When envisioning Brazil, it’s impossible not to imagine the iconic beauty of Rio de Janeiro’s mountainscapes and famous spots.
Where did we stay in Rio de Janeiro?
Rio is such a huge place that it makes knowing where to stay an almost impossible task. However, for us, it was easy we knew straight away that we had to stay on Copacabana Beach during our time in Rio. You can find out where we stayed exactly in our blog post, here.
For this 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary, we have included 3 nights in Rio, however, if you do have longer we would recommend spending longer here.
To read more about the top things to see in Rio de Janeiro head over to our blog post All You Need to Know to Travel Around Rio de Janeiro.
Make sure you read this when planning your 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.
Buzios
Just a short drive east of Rio lies the charming seaside town of Búzios, a destination that should not be missed by any beach enthusiast exploring Brazil.
The town’s cobblestone streets are reminiscent of its humble origins as a fishing village, but it gained fame thanks to the presence of French sex symbol and actress Brigitte Bardot. Since then, Búzios has transformed into a vibrant beach town bustling with life. With 26 pristine white sand beaches to choose from, Búzios offers the perfect getaway for those seeking an authentic holiday experience. Indulge yourself with delicious meals, refreshing drinks along the waterfront, or even a shopping spree at one of the charming boutique shops. Prepare to immerse yourself in the true essence of vacation bliss in Búzios.
Where did we stay in Buzios?
Búzios is a destination that caters to the “treat yourself” mentality when visiting Brazil. Along the waterfront, you’ll find a plethora of stunning hotels and apartments where you can indulge in luxurious accommodations. However, even if you’re on a backpacker budget, Búzios can still be accessible. During our visit, the four of us opted to stay in a cosy four-bed hotel room at Calador Buzios Hotel. If you’re travelling with a partner or a friend, they also offer twin and double rooms. This delightful resort is located a few streets away from the bustling centre, providing a peaceful retreat complete with a refreshing pool and breakfast. It’s a wonderful addition to any 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary.
You can book to stay in Calador Buzios Hotel here.
If you are a solo traveller and prefer the atmosphere of a hostel, or just the price they offer then another is Bamboo Buzios Hostel. This hostel offers a large range of room sizes including dorm beds at very reasonable prices with incredible sea views.
You can book to stay in Bamboo Buzios Hostel here.
What did we see in Buzios?
Búzios is a captivating town that you could easily spend a week exploring without a dull moment. However, whether you have two nights or a full week, we’ve compiled a list of our top must-see attractions in Búzios:
The main highlight of Buzios is exploring the 26 breathtaking beaches that grace the shores. We found ourselves drawn to these long stretches of white sand and the secluded coves scattered around the town. While it’s tough to choose a favourite, Praia Azeda stole our hearts. Nestled beneath a picturesque boardwalk, this stunning cove boasts crystal clear waters, friendly beach vendors, and soft pink sand. It truly is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Other beaches we visited in Buzios include:
- Ponta do Pai Vitóri
- Azeda
- Tartaruga
- Praia de Geribá
- Praia de Ferradurinha
- Praia Brava
Other things to do whilst in Buzios to include in your 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary include:
Exploring the charming cobblestone streets of Búzios is an essential part of any visit. Take a leisurely stroll, indulging in some window shopping or treating yourself to a purchase from one of the delightful boutiques.
For a perfect afternoon, head to Silk Beach Club on Praia Brava. This beachfront oasis offers cosy day beds, refreshing cocktails, mouthwatering cuisine, and unparalleled views that will leave you in awe.
To truly experience Búzios, consider renting a buggy! These adorable little cars can be found throughout the town and provide the ultimate freedom to explore its beautiful beaches. You can either venture out on your own or join a guided tour to discover the best spots in Búzios.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hike up Ponta do Pai Vitório. You have two options: a rocky and adventurous path or the main route through the trees. Although we accidentally chose the rocky path, it led us to an incredible viewpoint showcasing breathtaking vistas. At the top, you’ll also encounter some of the largest cacti we’ve ever seen.
These activities are just a taste of the unforgettable experiences that await you in Búzios. Embrace the charm, soak in the views, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thinking of adding Iguazu Falls to your Brazil itinerary? Read all about our trip there, here.
We hope that this 2 weeks in Brazil itinerary will help you plan your time in this incredible country! It really does have so much to offer and we absolutely loved exploring it.
