How To Travel And Stay Safe In Brazil

Last updated on January 27, 2019

From the rainforests and rivers of the mighty Amazon to the carnival atmosphere and legendary beaches of Rio di Janeiro, there’s just something about a trip to Brazil that conjures up an eclectic array of exciting experiences.

Of course, as with any vacation abroad, staying safe and keeping a relatively sensible frame of mind is essential for having a memorable trip for all the right reasons and a visit to Brazil is certainly no exception.

With the World Cup coming up in the summer and the Olympics just a couple of years away, the eyes of the world are on Brazil and below is how you get to travel and stay safe in the ‘hottest’ country on the planet.

Jungle adventures

If you’ve got plans to take on the jungles and rainforests of Brazil then you’re in for a real treat to remember as from wildlife to the spirit of adventure, exploring and trekking far away from the city streets is always an amazing experience. Keeping safe is by far the most important factor on any adventure trail and ensuring you’ve packed for every eventuality is always best advice. Mosquito repellent, wet weather gear and a first-aid kit or all essential even if you’re just going on a day hike and make sure you only use a recognised guide or tour company so you can rest assured that every effort has been made to ensure your health and safety comes first and foremost.

Nocturnal shenanigans

Partying the night away in Brazil is obviously one of the best things about being away from home as from Djs churning out big journey house beats to a traditional samba spectacular spilling over onto cobbled streets, experiencing life after dark is often an exciting and mesmerising experience. As with all travels, keeping your wits about you is definitely best practice and the same has to be said if you’re visiting any country in South America. Avoid too much alcohol, drink lots of bottled water and try to ensure you don’t wind up on your own as from getting lost to getting mugged, you really don’t want to take any risks after dark as it could signal the end of your time away.

How to travel

Always choose the right mode of transport to fit your budget or your levels of comfort levels and also make sure you’re completely sure of the price before you set off. Ensuring that you only use a nationally recognised bus or taxi is definitely best advice for keeping as safe as possible however, don’t be put off by some of the conditions as often you’ll find that once you’re on board the sights through the window more than make up for a little discomfort. Taking the same carriage as the locals is often great fun and allows for a few cultural exchanges however, if you’re travelling overnight by train you may want to splash out a little bit on a private sleeper car just to be on the safe side.

Where to stay

If you’re travelling through Brazil on a budget then where you stay is always going to be first and foremost on your mind when entering a new destination. It’s always best to shop around and giving yourself the time to visit at least 3 or 4 different hotels or hostels to gauge the price structure is always best advice. Another important factor in deciding where you’re going to stay is to ask a few of the people currently booked in. There’s usually a common room or an adjoining café or bar where you can have a friendly chat in advance or just sit back and observe what goes on prior to booking in. Check the room out first and the area in the day time before offering to pay up front and if you want to play it safe then just book for one night before thinking about staying longer.

What to eat

Whilst undertaking any Latin America tours you’ll find a wide range of food and regional dishes that will no doubt make you excited and scared in equal measures and anyone who’s ever had a pet guinea pig before may wish to turn back now. In the main you’ll find staples such as corn, beans, yams, peppers, pastas and avocados included in several versions of hot pots and stews which is excellent news if you’re looking for sustenance after a good day’s trek or sightseeing excursion. All over the Brazil you’ll find plenty of choice when it comes to price and quality with everything from African influenced seafood dishes in the north to huge grilled steaks in the south all adding up to one tasty and fascinating exploration after another. Basically, avoid meat that’s not well cooked and only drink bottled water when visiting more rural areas.

How to see the sights

If you’re hoping to see the colonial sights of Salvador in Bahia or visit some of the World Cup venues in Sao Paulo, Natal or Manaus, then you can rest assured that with a little bit of research all of your cultural sightseeing needs will be met without too much trouble. Check with your hotel or hostel before you sign up for a guided excursion or sightseeing tour and have a chat with a few other holidaymakers or go online for recommendations prior to choosing which company or tour guide you eventually settle on. When wondering around a new city or small town it’s very important to understand a few of the regional and national nuances as from keeping covered up and removing headgear in churches to knowing how much to tip in a restaurant, a little bit of background reading will often go a long way.

Chris is eagerly looking forward to visiting Brazil in the near future but definitely won’t be trying barbecued cava no matter how well it’s cooked.