We spent two weeks in Brazil. One week in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and one week in the State of Bahia.
Brazil is enormous. Flying from Rio to the Amazon takes longer than flying between many European countries. Most visitors only scratch the surface, but if you have two or three weeks, you can combine beaches, colonial towns, waterfalls, wildlife, and hiking into one trip.
Click the links below to see the two itineraries.Â
Rio de Janeiro is usually the first stop for travelers visiting Brazil, and for good reason. The city combines famous landmarks, beautiful beaches, hiking, and lively neighborhoods in a way that few places can. One day you can be watching the sunrise from Sugarloaf Mountain, and the next hiking through Tijuca National Park before ending the afternoon on Ipanema Beach.
We enjoyed Rio much more than we expected, especially because there is far more to do than just visiting Christ the Redeemer. In fact, while the statue is iconic, it wasn't our favorite experience. We found ourselves enjoying the beaches, viewpoints, local neighborhoods, and hikes much more than the city's most famous attraction.
Rio has a reputation for safety concerns, but with common sense and a bit of planning, we never felt like it prevented us from enjoying the city. Staying in well-known neighborhoods, using Uber at night, and avoiding displaying valuables goes a long way.
We recommend spending at least four or five days in Rio. It gives you enough time to visit the highlights while also slowing down and experiencing why so many travelers fall in love with the city.
Salvador feels completely different from the rest of Brazil. It has a rich Afro-Brazilian culture, colorful colonial architecture, live music on many street corners, and a slower pace that encourages wandering rather than rushing between attractions.
Most visitors come for Pelourinho, the historic center, but we think the city deserves more than simply checking off the famous streets. Walking through the different neighborhoods, watching capoeira performances, visiting the waterfront, and spending time in the local markets gave us a much better appreciation of Salvador's unique identity.
Like many large Brazilian cities, Salvador has areas where you need to be aware of your surroundings. We mostly relied on Uber when moving between neighborhoods and found it inexpensive and convenient.
Two full days is enough to see the main highlights, although you could easily stay longer if you enjoy history and culture. Salvador also works well as the gateway to Bahia before continuing inland to Chapada Diamantina or relaxing along the state's coastline.
If we had to recommend one place in Brazil that still feels relatively undiscovered by international visitors, it would probably be Chapada Diamantina. Located in the interior of Bahia, this national park offers waterfalls, caves, panoramic viewpoints, rivers, and some of the best hiking in South America.
The small town of Lençóis is the perfect base for exploring the region. From there, you can visit famous spots like Fumaça Waterfall, Poço Azul, and Morro do Pai Inåcio, or head into the spectacular Pati Valley for a multi-day trek.
Our favorite experience was hiking through Pati Valley. The scenery constantly changes between deep valleys, dramatic cliffs, rivers, and small farming communities where hikers spend the night in local homes. It feels remote without being inaccessible, making it one of the most memorable hikes we've done anywhere.
Most travelers spend three to five days here, but hikers could easily stay a week. Whether you're looking for easy day hikes or challenging multi-day adventures, Chapada Diamantina is one of Brazil's true outdoor gems.
Paraty is one of those places where it's worth slowing down. The beautifully preserved colonial center is closed to cars, making it easy to spend hours simply wandering the cobblestone streets, browsing small shops, and relaxing in cafés without a strict sightseeing plan.
The town itself is charming, but the surrounding area is equally impressive. Boat trips explore dozens of tropical islands and secluded beaches, while nearby waterfalls and hiking trails offer a break from the coast. Paraty also sits between Rio de Janeiro and SĂŁo Paulo, making it an easy stop on many Brazil itineraries.
What we liked most was the atmosphere. Unlike some destinations that feel crowded or rushed, Paraty encourages you to slow down. During the evenings, the historic center becomes even more enjoyable as restaurants and bars fill the streets with live music and people linger outside long after sunset.
We recommend spending at least two or three days here. That gives you enough time to enjoy both the historic town and at least one boat trip or hike, making Paraty an excellent complement to the energy of Rio de Janeiro.
Rio â Paraty â Rio â Salvador â Chapada Diamantina â SalvadorÂ
Rio has a reputation for being unsafe, but we felt comfortable during our visit by taking a few simple precautions. Avoid wearing jewelry or anything that makes you stand out as a tourist. If you need to use your phone, step inside a store or café instead of using it on the street. We also avoided empty streets at any time of the day and stayed in areas with plenty of people around. We used Uber and the metro throughout our trip and found both to be safe, convenient, and inexpensive. As in any large city, staying aware of your surroundings and using common sense goes a long way.
At the beach, feel comfortable asking your neighbors to look at your stuff if you go for a swim.Â
