rotel tours brasil

Capsule hotels are in vogue right now. The German tour company Rotel has always been ahead of the game by providing capsule hotels on wheels since 1945.

No matter how much you enjoy staying in a five-star hotel, you will always be stationary, trapped in one district. So, to feed your sense of novelty and adventure, you decide to book yourself on a Rotel bus.

What next? Well, first, you choose your tour from hundreds of options all around the world. If the wilds of Africa are not your thing, perhaps the vast planes of central Russia are. Or maybe the frozen wilderness of the Arctic will appeal, or what about exotic Ecuador?

On the bus, you ride in passenger seats during the day and sleep in 6x6x3ft capsules at night. There is a large kitchen on board for food, but you may have to go a few days until you reach a shower as there is no one on the bus.

But who could complain about the smell of unwashed passengers when you wake up in a new and exciting location every day?

Rotel Tours

Rotel Tours is the largest bus tour in the world, based in the Bavarian town of Tittling in Germany. Their name comes from the combination of "rolling" and "hotel", which is a portmanteau (two overlapping words creating a new one).

Rotel Tours was established by Georg Höltl right at the end of World War II in 1945, but it wasn't until 1951 that the first bus took off to Switzerland. Tours went to France, Italy, and Spain in subsequent years.

Höltl's concept for Rotel was human encounters and cultural exchange enabled by a bus hotel that takes you to places. It was a fragile period for Germans to travel abroad, but it was an important mission to reconcile with the past and make way for a better, more empathic future.

Hence, the Rotel Tours soon received its nickname: "International Meeting Trips". It was a pioneering project that has been successfully transporting thousands of people to distant places in their quirky buses ever since.

Then, in 1959, the Jerusalem-bound journey started in Münich. Without using any ferries, they drove all the way to Israel through Turkey over land and made it back to Germany in 38 days.

One decade later, Rotel managed to cross the Sahara, which paved the way for even farther destinations like Mongolia, China, Laos, or Vietnam.

Their specially prepared buses offer trips to far-away destinations, taking (primarily) Europeans (the journeys start in Germany) to exotic landscapes and cultures.

While most tour companies will book you a flight and an all-inclusive hotel where you will eat continental breakfast and have no interaction with locals other than the staff, Rotel offers something very different.

It takes you on study and expedition trips, going off the beaten paths, stopping at the most unlikely places, and converging with the locals whenever possible.

Rotel has four types of vehicles:

—A 20-seater four-wheel drive bus for trips off the beaten track going to South America, Africa, and Asia —A 24-seater bus combined going around European countries —A 34-seater four-wheel drive bus with a trailer for long expeditions in South America and Southern Africa —A 36-seater bus with a Rotel trailer

All four buses have a unified Rotel cabin for overnight stays. It's similar to what you find in capsule hotels but can take you to the next undiscovered destination while you sleep.

The sleeping capsules are 6.6-foot (2 meters) long and 2.8-foot (80 cm) wide for singles and 5.6-foot (160 cm) for doubles.

The idea is fifty years old but just as brilliant today. The long time since it started indicates that the concept is a commercial success.

Today, Rotel Tours offers as many as 3,400 beds on wheels and annually logs around 600,000 overnight stays.

Rotel is a combination of a tourist bus and a hotel. Even while you are "sitting in your room," you discover parts of the world you have never seen before.

The journey will take you through winding roads, some of them so dangerous that without a professional driver, it would be too risky to take.

But every once in a while, the people onboard the bus can ask the driver to take a well-deserved stop to enjoy the cliffside panorama and relax.

Another advantage of taking a sleeper bus all over the world is it can stop at some of the most famous sights, and you can enjoy the view from the window without needing to mingle with the average tourist.

The offroad setup of the bus allows for taking routes that are not feasible for regular vehicles.

The Rotel tour will take you through rugged terrain off the beaten path.

The destinations are often far off the beaten track and wide tourist paths. You are offered considerably more comfort and safety than if you were to wander around with a tent on your back.

Guests should not expect five-star luxury at the Rotel. There is no shower, but there is a toilet on the bus. A camping kitchen can also be used while it's stationary.

The organization uses existing campsites as much as possible, but this is not always possible in remote areas. The travel organization is active in Africa, Europe, and Asia, and the destinations are often exotic and rural.

If more than 24 passengers come along, a trailer can be attached to the bus where you can stay overnight.

The typical Rotel bus travels with between 20 and 40 tourists. It usually has 22 passenger seats and 24 rooms, including one for the driver and one for the tour guide.

The bus stops as often as possible at places where you can have a shower. On certain nights, you will also have the opportunity to spend the night in a normal hotel room.

And if the bus gets in trouble, you and your fellow travelers will work as a team to get through challenging adventures.

You get your own little crawl space - about 3.3 feet (1 meter) high but with ample width - where you can spend the nights in a little more comfort than in a tent.

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And Now, the Rotel: A Rolling Hotel for the Brave Tourist

Is it a bus? Is it a hotel? Is it a mirage? Why, it’s the Rotel, of course! That’s a rolling hotel, to you and I.

The brainchild of Georg Holtl, German entrepreneur and one-time actor, Rotel had its first passengers in 1945, taking them on the short journey from Tittling to Passau. Then, in 1950, Rotel expanded to organised excursions and pilgrimages to places like Alottling and further afield, to Switzerland. Two years later, Rome would join the itinerary – tying in nicely with the boom being felt in the Italian capital post WW2, drenched in aperitivos and films stars who were flocking to Hollywood on the Tiber. Stops in France and Spain joined the roster soon after, and from 1957 Rotel was even taking its passengers on encounter trips for Pax Christi – a Catholic organisation that arose in France at the end of the second world war as a means to foster peace and reconciliation between France and Germany, and for the spiritual healing of Germans recovering from the effects of the Nazi era.

1959 saw the introduction of trailers that could be attached to the back of the buses – not a world away from the average family caravan, but not exactly the same, either.

After all, these trailers weren’t sleeping a group of four, but twenty four. To get an idea of what these trailers were like, think of the rise of Japanese capsule hotels, where your bed is your room, and then add wheels.

Throughout the sixties, Rotel expanded their horizons, taking passengers overland to India, the USA and Central America. In 1964, they journeyed through the Soviet Union, and five years later, in ’69, they managed the first successful coach crossing of the Sahara – 26 times the size of their native Germany, or to put it another way, roughly the size of the entire United States.

The seventies saw them take on Africa, Japan, and Australia, and it was around this time that Rotel began to take on the look familiar to travellers today – a quite literal hotel on wheels. Using buses that are typically customised Mercedes 0404’s, Rotels offer 24 upright seats for travelling during the day, and 26 small berths to the rear of the vehicle for the passengers to bed down in come night. Not for the claustraphobia minded individual, these ‘rooms’ are around 6 feet wide, 6 feet long, and 3 feet high – although there is the option to double-up and get twice the space. But even with the extra space, Rotels might not be for everyone.

There is, alas, a vague feel of the hospital mortuary to it, with the berths stacked up on top of each other, and the entrance and exit coming in the form of a curtain at the foot of your bed. A healthy dose of ‘love thy neighbour’ may be required. There’s also the matter of the – ahem – spa facilities. Or lack thereof. There is one toilet onboard, much like your average tour coach – but there are no showers. Instead, the tours factor in stops at local campsites along the route and use the facilities there.

So, luxury hotels these are not. But what do they offer instead?

Well, breakfast al fresco, for a start. Unlike a traditional hotel, where everyone traipses downstairs half-asleep to the dining room for orange juice and stale croissants, on board the Rotel the path from bed to breakfast is quicker, and the view is much better. A drop-down ‘camp kitchen’ allows you to eat breakfast in a new setting every morning. Lunch break in the shadow of the Taj Mahal, anyone? And that’s one of the key draws for passengers who have adopted this style of travel – the ability to be constantly on the move, with none of this checking-in and checking-out malarkey. It’s just them and the open road. Or desert. Or mountain pass.

Immersion is key when travelling onboard the Rotel. Instead of driving right on by, keeping that plane of glass between traveller and terra incognita, the Rotel makes a point of stopping and allowing passengers to interact with the locations they travel to. None more so than in Namibia, where its red bus streaking across the landscape is a familiar sight to many of the village communities whose economies are supported by locally-bought produce and donations of water, food, and clothing.

And, perhaps more than anything, trips on board the Rotel are about fostering a sense of connection not only between you and the country through which you are travelling, but between you and the person in the bunk below or above you. Not one for the solitary traveller, Rotel tours thrive on groups that want to discover a destination together. Rather sweet, isn’t it?!

Whilst Rotel can be considered as the OG of the rolling hotel world (and has the bonus of being led by qualified tour guides), they’re not the only company out there offering capsule accommodation on wheels.

The Truck Surf Hotel is a converted Merdes Actros that allows a small group of passengers (there’s 5 bedrooms onboard) to travel throughout Portugal from June to October, and Morroco from December to March in some pretty cool digs – think light wood panelling, muted fabrics and a soft nautical vibe. There’s a living space, kitchen and bathroom onboard, too.

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Rotel – Hotel on Wheels Takes You Around the World

The Rotel , a combination between a bus and a hotel, has been conducting worldwide tours for the last 50 years.

The company is called Rotel Tours (the word is a portmanteau of ‘rolling’ and ‘hotel’) and it has, unbelieveably, been hosting bus-bed tours of Europe, Asia, and Africa since 1959. It was founded in 1945 by a man, ironically named, George Hotel. His firm’s buses cater almost exclusively to German tourists, in the past fifty years, they have done everything from crossing the Sahara desert to traversing Mongolia and Vietnam.

Typically, the coaches are custom-modified Mercedes 0404’s which feature 24 passenger seats and 26 sleeping berths (an extra one for the driver and tour guide). Featuring three-foot-wide and three-foot-high bunks, accessible through a zippered curtain, Rotel isn’t exactly the most comfortable hotel in the world, but it’s the only one that will take you around the world. The only serious problem is, while the Rotel features a bathroom, there are no showers. But the tour operator says its mobile hotels do make occasional stops, specifically for bathing purposes.

Rotels operate in Africa, Europe and Asia with the company saying it chooses the best places to stay, usually in campsites and sometimes with an occasional stay-over in hotels or lodges. It admits its drawcards are nights spent in the quiet of the deserts, the wilds of Patagonia or camps in the Serengeti.

The Rotel travel programs are designed to allow plenty of time for sightseeing, relaxing, a little walking and leisure programs. On every trip there is a detailed daily schedule and other updated information prior to departure.

The company says it upholds the cultural and traditional values of the countries and people it visits and promises to show participants an authentic view of the people, culture and nature of a country, rather than art shows and museums.

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Rotel, the touring German hotel on wheels, rolls to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel

What was that tomato-red rig breezing along Estero Boulevard?

A bus? An RV?

Nope. It’s a Rotel – a “rolling hotel.”

One of these German custom-built buses arrived Monday at the Red Coconut RV park on Fort Myers Beach, and has been drawing second looks ever since.

People assume the vehicle carries musicians, a traveling theater – "or chickens," quipped tour guide Birgit Zahn.

Such buses are a relatively rare sight in these parts. However, they provide a form of no-frills travel Rotel Tours in Tittling, Germany, introduced nearly 60 years ago, and which since has spread to remote and not-so-remote corners of the globe.

If you didn't get to see the Rotel that was in Lee County for a couple of days, here’s the 4-1-1:

This hotel-on-wheels can sleep 24 guests, a driver and a tour guide.

Guests ride in front during the day, and then move to a triple deck of berths in the rear at night.

More: City of Fort Myers, families spar in court over downtown hotel site

That sleeping experience could be a claustrophobic’s nightmare.

Single cabins measure three feet high, three feet wide – and six feet long.

Their bottom surface is all bed: You probably could prop yourself up to sitting position – unless perhaps you play center in the NBA.

Traveler Siegi Volkner, who is about 5 feet, 10 inches, finds the space manageable. Each berth has a window to the outside.

And, after a day of sightseeing, swimming in the Gulf and such, “you’re so tired in the evening. You lie down, and you sleep,” Volkner said.

Different Rotel models operate elsewhere in the world, including some with a detachable trailer of sleeping cabins that are left behind during day trips.

None of the rigs have showers; hence, campgrounds with shower-and-restroom facilities are favored destinations. Many have a single toilet aboard, although this one doesn’t.

“When we travel, we stop every two hours,” Zahn said.

The 18-day tour she's leading began in Newark, New Jersey. That's where the travelers flew in from Frankfurt, Germany.

More: Amavida developers apply hotel expertise to senior community soon to open in Fort Myers

Stops included New York City, Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg and Myrtle Beach, to name a few.

The 15 guests on this tour all hail from Germany; however, Zahn has led tours that included Italians – and Germans who immigrated to Canada.

The group left the Beach for a day trip to Sanibel Island on Tuesday, and planned to visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers on Wednesday before heading to Miami, Key West – and then flying home.

Fran Myers, co-owner of the Red Coconut, sees the German tour group as a sign that some normalcy is returning to Southwest Florida’s lifeblood tourism and hospitality industry, which accounts for an estimated one in five jobs in Lee and Collier counties.

Fish-killing, cough-inducing red tide isn’t entirely gone from the state. However, at least for now it appears to be retreating locally.

Said Myers: “The water’s great! Our phones are ringing off the hook."

More: City of Fort Myers, families strike tentative deal to settle hotel site claims

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• Oct 18, 2023

Rotel Tours: Travel around the world by hotel bus

The German company Rotel Tours, founded in 1945 by Georg Höltl, was a pioneer in post-war tourist travel. From 1950, she began her first trips abroad. In 1959, it developed innovative tourism by introducing people to the world from the inside of specially designed hotel buses with bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. The company uses 4 different types of buses adapted for each type of trip with a passenger capacity varying between 20 and 36 people.

It was in 1969 that its circuits took on another dimension with a circuit of the discovery of the Sahara crossing Algeria from North to South. The legendary trans-Saharan expedition began on November 3, 1969 in Tunisia and ended on December 6 in Accra. The Mercedes bus with a Rotel trailer and a Unimog as escort vehicle covered more than 4000 km. The journey led through sandy deserts and up often blown slopes across the Sahara, the world's largest desert. More than once the desert has become a serious problem, but also a great experience. The lunar landscape of Hoggar, shaped by volcanic basalts, the evenings with the Tuaregs and the friendly inhabitants of the desert, the landscape of Niger, the tropical forests of Dahome, Togo and Ghana and finally the gold coast of West Africa - the trip was an unforgettable experience for the 43 participants. Georg Höltl, founder of the company Rotel Tours and initiator of this trip, personally participated and documented the extraordinary journey of the pioneers with 16 mm film.

Rotel Tours now offers tours all over the world, including: Scandinavia, the USA, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, India, the Andes, Morocco...

On the Price side, for example, a 14-day tour in Morocco with departure from Germany costs around 1,540 euros all inclusive, a 31-day tour in Peru €4,340 and a 15-day tour in Sweden €1,560.

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Die größten Busreisen der Welt

Wir sind der führende Spezialist für große Expeditionsreisen seit 1945 und ein echter Reisepionier. Reisen mit dem Rollenden Hotel, das sind intensiv geführte Studienreisen weltweit zu außergewöhnlichen Zielen. Das Rotel ermöglicht ein unabhängiges und individuelles Reisen. Wir sind weltweit mit unseren Rollenden Hotels unterwegs. 

Iguazu Falls (Devil’s Throat):

Located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls with 275 individual cascades is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the world. The Brazilian side of the falls has a walkway along the canyon that allows visitors to go all the way out on an extension to the lower base of Devil’s Throat, getting close enough to feel the mist on your face.

Rio de Janeiro:

The seaside city of Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most popular tourist spot as well as the most visited city in the southern hemisphere. Rio has breathtaking landscapes of towering mountains rising from the sea and stretches of sandy beaches lined with beautiful hotels. You’ll find a city with a colorful and easy-going beach culture and many historical attractions to enjoy.

Christ the Redeemer:

The famous towering statue of Jesus standing with open arms has become a symbol of the city. It stands on top of tranquil Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. This impressive figure can be seen from anywhere in Rio due to its massive size and location.

Copacabana Beach:

This is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world. And what a view! To the left you can see Sugarloaf Mountain and Forte Duque de Caxias, and to the right is Copacabana Fort. Take the time to walk the 2.2 mile long beach and try some of the refreshing coconut water while you view the incredible sand sculptures that pop up daily. The locals love sports, so you can find volleyball and futbol (soccer) courts and even training equipment all along the beach.

Destination Must-Do's

Sugarloaf Mountain:

Sugarloaf is Rio’s most impressive peak that sits at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Visitors can hop aboard a glass cable car taking them all the way to the top to take in the world-famous panoramic views of surrounding beaches, mountains and forests.

Brazilian Steak:

A churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse where meat is cooked on a South American style rotisserie and served rodízio style. In this style of service, Passadores (meat waiters) appear at the guest’s table with a skewer holding various kinds of meat. Throughout dinner, guests are able to sample each type of meat which is typically pork, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, sausage and fish.

Along with the slaves that European colonists brought to Brazil between the 16th and 19th centuries, came the dance and musical traditions of West Africa. The samba, along with many other Brazilian dances, has deep roots in African culture and was once considered a dance only for the lower class. Today, the Samba is now recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil.

Caipirinha:

Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail and an almost mandatory drink for all tourists to try. The drink consists of cachaça (sugarcane hard liquor), crushed lime, sugar and ice. It is tasty and refreshing, and it’s easy to see why it is a local favorite.

Expert Advice

Futbol is more than a national pastime here. It’s a way of life. If you are lucky to come across even a pick-up game let alone a match at Maracana stadium, it offers a wonderful window on the culture.

In Rio, be sure to catch the bonde (tram) up to Santa Teresa, the artisan’s district, for a stroll through picturesque streets lined with old mansions and colorful restaurants and bars.

Learning a few Portuguese sentences is a good idea. People are friendly, especially when you greet them with ‘Ola’ (o-laa).

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Brazil Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in Brazil by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in Brazil will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

82 Brazil small group tours with 141 reviews

The metropolis of Sao Paulo with the waterfalls of Foz & the wonderful Rio

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Rio de Janeiro and Amazon Rainforest Sustainable Experience

We had a blast and all of our tours, drivers, and tour guides were great! A truly unforgettable trip for a family of four (including 9 and 11yo). It all went off without a hitch and we have made some lasting memories. It was a great itinerary giving us ample time to see what we wanted to in Rio, and explore the Amazon without feeling overly rushed and still able to check all the boxes for the highlights! Highly recommend for any traveler looking for some education and adventure.

Tailor-Made Private Brazil Tour to Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty, Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

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Tailor-Made Best Brazil Tour to Rio and Iguazu Falls, Daily Departure & Private Guide

Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguazu Sustainable Experience

Fantastic tour and beautiful country!

From main Brazilian historic cities to Argentine-Brazilian waterfalls

Route of emotions

4 Days North Pantanal - Unearthing exotic treasures in the Pantanal wetlands - New***

We were able to observe a large number of animals of different species, we were lucky to see some that are very difficult to find. They have to make this trip and bring a camera to save these incredible moments

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Multicultural Brazil

Pure Brazil

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Rio de Janeiro: the beach Capital of South America

Amazon Jungle - 3 Days

From the pick up from the hostel to the Tours inside the jungle everything was awesome! The only thing: you can book the same tour in Manaus with local companies and pay a lot less!! :)

Independent Rio de Janeiro City Stay with Brazil's Amazon

Independent Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls

Iguassu & Beyond

This is a great tour that gets you to those must see place in South America . I do think more could be spent in some places, such as Paraty and Ilha Grande as there should be time available for relaxing as well as doing tours. The accommodation was adequate and were centrally located with the breakfast being generally basic. One thing to bear in mind in the luggage restriction when going to the falls - G tend to be conservative with their approach and say 15kg but this is subject to change depending on the flights and airline they book with- it is worth checking with them. Our tour guide, Flor, was truly awesome! Great at organising, fun to hang out with and helping with food orders (language) - would love to tour with Flor again! (Angel)

Reviews of Small Group tours to Brazil

• Brazil Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Brazil Tours & Vacations

Everything in Brazil is bigger, brighter and bolder – from the waterfalls and jungles to the street parties and beaches. It’s no wonder there’s always a festival.

Brazilians are famous for their zest for life. The country is loaded with incredible natural attractions – the Amazon, roaring Iguazu Falls and jungle-clad mountains where you feel on top of the world (much like Christ the Redeemer). And let’s not forget Brazil’s infectious music – from samba and bossa nova to Afro-Brazilian beats – and a party to be had around every corner. And of course the pumping beaches, where you can play football until the sun dips low behind Corcovado.   Brazil   is your cue to pick up a caipirinha and join the fun.

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Brazil at a glance

Capital city.

Brasilia (population 3 million)

214.3 million

Brazilian real (BRL)

(GMT-03:00) Brasilia

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about Brazil

Best time to visit brazil.

In most parts of Brazil, temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, regardless of the season. The summer months between December and February can be hot and humid, bringing temperatures to the high 30s – perfect weather to enjoy Brazil’s famous beaches. It’s also festival season, so it’s well worth visiting during this time.

Rainfall varies greatly around Brazil so depending on where you’re traveling, you could experience some rain. Around the Pantanal, Manaus and the Amazon basin, expect patches of rain all year round. Rio and the areas around Foz de Iguacu don’t have distinct rainy seasons and are typically drier than some other areas of Brazil.

The south of Brazil experiences extreme seasonal changes, so pack accordingly.

Read more about the best time to visit Brazil

Culture and customs

Brazilians are universally known for their infectious enthusiasm and lust for life. The wild celebratory atmosphere of Carnaval isn’t a one-off —impromptu street parties, heaving nightclubs and busy dance halls all display the same vibrant energy and passion all year round. Travelers will find that music, dance and good times are all passionately pursued by most Brazilians, regardless of income, gender or age. But it doesn’t stop there. Fun is not limited to the dynamic bars and clubs of the big cities - the natural world is also enjoyed by most Brazilians. With so many spectacular beaches, national parks, mountains and forests, there are plenty of places for Brazilians to enjoy their favorite past times – football, surfing, swimming, hiking, volleyball and capoeira (a Brazilian blend of martial arts and dance). Brazilians are also known for being one of the most open, friendly and affectionate nationalities – personal space isn’t regarded as highly in Brazil as in most other countries, so expect to be hugged and kissed by new and old friends when traveling here.

In contrast to the exuberant, modern life that Brazil's city dwellers live, are the humble, traditional ways of the indigenous tribes that live in the Amazon and surrounds. Despite modern advances, many still live off the land – hunting for wild animals and gathering fruit and berries - although sadly this is rapidly changing due to deforestation and urbanization. In the face of this, many tribes still cling to their ancient culture through traditional clothing, dance and song.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Brazil’s major cities feature a wide range of international cuisine, so it’s possible to eat a western-style breakfast, Mexican for lunch and Italian for dinner, with a few traditional Brazilian snacks in between. For an in-depth look at what you can eat in Brazil, visit our   South American food guide . 

Things to try in Brazil

1. Churrasco

This traditional Brazilian barbecue is a true pleasure for meat eaters. Beef, pork, chicken, duck, lamb and fish are all skewered and cooked to perfection over hot coals, creating a smoky flavor and tender texture.

Brazil’s coastline is home to a bounty of marine life so when on the coast, be sure to eat seafood while it’s at its freshest. Fried baby octopus, king prawns and fragrant, seafood stew are great options.

3. Feijoada

This stew of beans and beef is Brazil’s national dish, and reflects its rich immigrant history. The flavors and style are a mix of African, Indian and Portuguese food traditions, making it a direct culinary link to Brazil’s past.

4. Caipirinha

This refreshing cocktail made from cachaca (a spirit derived from sugar cane), sugar, crushed ice and lime is the Brazilian national drink, and the perfect accompaniment to a beachside sunset.

Brazil has plenty of tropical fruits and berries – so for a quick snack, head to the markets and buy fresh bananas, limes, oranges, guava, jackfruit and acai berries.

Discover the must-try foods in Brazil

Geography and environment

Being the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil shares land borders with many other countries including   Venezuela , Guyana,   Colombia ,   Peru ,   Bolivia , Paraguay,   Argentina , Uruguay, Suriname and French Guiana. Home to many different landscapes and ecosystems, Brazil’s natural environment is one of the most famous in the world. From the steamy tropical rainforest that surrounds the Amazon River and the swirling torrents of white water at Iguazu Falls, to the stunning beaches, reefs and islands of the coast, Brazil is certainly blessed with the very best of Mother Nature. Home to many of the world's most rare and endangered species, travelers will be able to see the full spectrum of colorful bird life, curious mammals, gigantic snakes and unique marine life.

With such a large population, Brazil’s major cities are busy, crowded and chaotic. It can take some getting used to, but once you’re working with the flow of the Brazilian way of life, you’ll begin to enjoy the pace. With a widening gap between the rich and the poor, housing can vary from large mansions in upscale neighborhoods and modern apartments right in the heart of the city, to humble tin sheds in the sprawling favelas. In some ways, Brazil’s major cities are full of contrasts but the universal appeal of partying, dancing and drinking seems to cross all cultural and social barriers.

History and government

Early history.

Indigenous tribes inhabited Brazil for centuries before the arrival of the first European settlers from Portugal in the 1500s. Colonization brought agriculture and crop growing to Brazil, resulting in extensive land clearing which dispossessed much of the indigenous population. The growing of sugar cane resulted in an influx of new residents, mainly slaves who brought rich African traditions with them. Remnants of this can still be seen in much of today’s music, dance and food. By the 19th century, coffee had taken the place of sugar as Brazil’s most valuable crop. The increase in coffee production brought a new wave of migrants to Brazil, mainly from Europe, and Brazil’s economy continued to flourish until the military coup of 1889.

Recent history

Brazil’s more recently history has also been characterized by wide spread immigration – especially during and after World War II - with large numbers of Jewish people choosing to flee persecution to live in Brazil, as well as significant numbers of people from the Middle East and other European countries.

In 1989, Brazil held its first democratic election in almost 30 years after decades of military rule. More recently, a stable government has resulted in increased economic prosperity, although many of Brazil’s residents are still impoverished, living well below the poverty line.

Top 10 beach spots of Brazil

1. praia do rosa.

The big surf and relaxed vibe of this hip holiday haven in Southern Brazil makes it a firm favorite with visitors and locals alike. Praia do Rosa manages to balance development with tradition - elegant small-scale hotels and eco-lodges provide the perfect place to rest after hiking, whale watching or surfing.

The cosmopolitan charms of this world-famous beach make it popular with people from all walks of life. Expect to see enthusiastic travelers, smug millionaires, bohemian artists and indifferent locals all enjoying Ipanema’s magnetic magic.

3. Jericoacoara

Far away from the showy extravagance of Rio lies this secluded spot only accessible by 4x4. Strictly protected from overdevelopment, the slow pace suits the windsurfers and kite surfers who prefer to get their thrills from the ocean's wild tides.

4. Lopes Mendes

This beach, located on the island of Ilha Grande, is considered one of Brazil’s best. The killer combination of fine white sand, great waves and clear, blue water guarantee perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and sun-worshipping.

5. Canoa Quebrada

This mellow hippie haven boasts stunning sand dunes and a deep blue-green sea. Horse riding on the dunes at sunset or cruising the coast on an old fishing boat are great ways to make the most of this picture perfect piece of Brazil.

Put on the world map by Bridget Bardot back in the 1960s, Buzios is the epitome of Brazilian sophistication. The designer boutiques, glam hotels and cool bars attract the celebrity jet set – but it’s the beautiful bays and beaches that are the true superstars of Buzios.

7. Copacabana

One of the world’s most famous urban beaches, Copacabana, is a top spot to indulge in a bit of people watching. Watch an eclectic mix of people play football, work on their tans and strut their stuff on this busy meeting spot that attracts all walks of life.

8. Praia da Mole

Soft white sand for lazing in the sun and a year-round supply of waves for surfing make this beach in Florianopolis a top pick. Paragliding, wakeboarding and other water sports provide more thrills, while the nearby bars and clubs ensure good times when the sun goes down.

9. Maragogi

Found on the Coral Coast of Brazil, Maragogi’s calm waters offer some respite from the big breaks found on many other Brazilian beaches. Colorful offshore reefs make snorkeling or scuba diving a must for visitors looking for aquatic adventures.

10. Tambaba

One for the free spirits of the world, Brazil’s only official nudist beach is flanked by steep, dramatic cliffs and dotted with swaying coconut palms. Choose to get cheeky and take advantage of lying on Brazil’s only sanctioned nudist beach in all your glory, or keep your kit on and stick to the “non-naturist” side.

Brazil’s two largest cities – Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo – offer a wide range of shopping opportunities, from high-end designer shops to independent boutiques and everything in between. Every mid-sized city will have at least one ‘shopping’ (what Brazilians call their shopping malls), but as you move to more rural and remote areas, your best bet is the local market.

Shopping tips in Rio

Peddlers roam Rio’s beaches offering an enormous range of items including footballs, bathing suits and jewelry. Be aware that the price might be good but the quality likely isn’t. For better quality bikinis and swim trunks, consider heading to Blue Man, Brazil’s most successful beachwear label. Or visit Barra Shopping, one of the largest malls in South America, which boasts more than 570 stores, a movie theatre, a bowling alley and a range of restaurants and bars. Rio also hosts a number of popular markets including the Hippie Fair in Ipanema, where more than 700 vendors sell one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, leather shoes, paintings and gourmet goods each Sunday. Like many markets, bargaining is accepted.

Responsible travel tip 

You may come across goods made from the skins of protected species (such as reptiles or wild cats). Keeping with Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, please refrain from supporting any business that exploit or abuse endangered animals. 

Festivals and events in Brazil

Rio carnival.

Colorful, raucous and hedonistic, there’s a reason Rio’s Carnival is one of the best-known parties in the world. The parade of elaborate floats and colorful, bejeweled dancers in barely-there costumes dancing to samba may be the main event, but the revelry begins a whole month before. Each February in the lead up to Lent, the caipirinhas are free-flowing as clubs hold glitzy parties and bandas (street parties also called blocos) take over the streets.

Parintins Folklore Festival (Bumba-mei-boi)

An annual spectacle that commemorates a legend about a pregnant woman’s craving for bull tongue, the murder of a bull to satisfy said craving, and the bull’s magical resurrection. Two teams retell the myth and attempt to outdo each other using flamboyant song and dance routines, colorful costumes and giant floats. Spectators cheer and moo to performances at this three-day June celebration.

Festa Junina

This nationwide festival held each June celebrates saints John the Baptist, Anthony and Peter, but celebrations in the north-east take on a distinctly country flair. People flock to rural fairs wearing straw hats and plaid shirts to feast on corn and sweet treats, play games and dance the quadrilha (similar to a square dance).

Rio New Year’s Eve

Join two million revelers decked in white at Copacabana beach for a unique New Year’s celebration. Before the concerts and massive fireworks display begins, Candomble worshippers (an Afro-Brazilian religion) push boats filled with flowers and other offerings into the sea in exchange for safe sailing in the upcoming year.

Further reading

Brazil travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to visit Brazil?

Foreign nationals from over 80 countries – including folks from EU countries, the United Kingdom , New Zealand, South Africa and Japan – can travel to Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days per entry. You’ll need an empty page in your passport, as a border officer will stamp it on arrival.

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor Visa (VIVIS) through Brazil’s consular website.  Find out whether you require a VIVIS or not .

As of 10 April 2024, passport holders from Australia , Canada and the United States must apply for an e-visa to enter Brazil for tourism, transit or business  on the Brazilian government's e-visa website . If you have a valid physical visa on your passport for the purpose of your visit, you do not need to apply for a new visa.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 15 Jan 2024

Is tipping customary in Brazil?

Tipping is up to the individual when traveling in Brazil. It isn’t expected but will be happily received by service workers like taxi drivers and waiters. Restaurants in Brazil add a 10% surcharge, which is included in the bill. Feel free to leave spare change or tip extra if the service is particularly good.

What is the internet access like in Brazil?

Internet access is widely available in cities and tourist areas like Rio and Sao Paolo, where there are many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Brazil?

You will be able to use your cell phone in most urban areas of Brazil, although some of the more remote areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your cell carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your cell while in Brazil.

What are the toilets like in Brazil?

Toilets in Brazil will vary depending on what area you are traveling in. Flushable, western-style toilets are common in the cities large hotels, malls and clubs but more modest squat toilets are the standard in rural areas and while camping. Either way, carrying a supply of toilet paper and soap is a good idea, as these aren’t always available in public toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee in a café = 2 BRL Beer in a bar = 3.5 BRL Budget meal = 10 BRL Three course meal in a restaurant = 60 BRL

Can I drink the water in Brazil?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Brazil. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Brazil?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Brazil. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Brazil.

What is ATM access like in Brazil?

ATMs are found widely throughout Brazil and withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

What public holidays are celebrated in Brazil?

• 1 Jan: New Year’s Day
• Good Friday*
• 21 Apr: Tiradentes
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 7 Sep: Independence Day
• 12 Oct: Our Lady of Aparecida
• 2 Nov: All Soul’s Day
• 15 Nov: Republic Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day

*Please note these dates may vary. See a current list of public holidays in Brazil .

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Brazil?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Brazil but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Brazil a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Brazil is a welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. There is no law against homosexuality, and the country tends to be more tolerant than anywhere else in South America. Rio is considered the gay capital of Latin America, though Sao Paulo and Salvador have lively gay scenes as well. That being said, discretion is still advised in smaller towns, which tend to be more conservative.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip to Brazil support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Brazil directly support our foundation partner, Gastromotiva Brazil . 

Gastromotiva Brazil  

Gastromotiva Brazil is tackling youth unemployment and homelessness while promoting a zero-waste movement. Gastromotiva addresses important social and environmental issues through job training, advocacy, and sustainable cooking classes. Donations from our trips support their professional cooking courses for vulnerable youth in Rio De Janeiro. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Tours in Brazil From Your Local Travel Experts

We live in brazil.

Brazil is our new home, and we would like to help you discover this breathtaking and multi-faceted country for yourself. Due to its endless number of natural wonders and sights, it is nearly impossible to travel and experience all of Brazil in just one trip. We would be happy to help you identify the most relevant destinations for your vacation and put together a tailor-made tour of Brazil just for you!

Our Most Popular Travel Packages:

Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Visit one of the natural highlights of Brazil: the worldwide unique landscape of Lencois Maranhenses National Park. The wavy sand dunes spread like an endless bed sheet and give the region its name. This remote region between dunes and the ocean is home to indigenous villages and nature along rivers such as the spectacular Rio Preguicas.

Salvador and Hiking in Chapada Diamantina

This journey will expose you to the wide diversity of Bahia: the famous historical center of Salvador, adventurous tours in Chapada Diamantina National Park, and palm-lined dream beaches. Colorful little streets, waterfalls, caves, table mountains, tropical culinary specialties, and much more await you on this tour to the most beautiful places in Bahia.

Our Most Popular Tours and Round Trips:

Best of Brazil

This journey will take you to the most beautiful places in Brazil: the tropical metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, the spectacular waterfalls of Foz do Iguacu and the exceptional nature of the Amazon Rainforest. Many different and individual day trips and excursions are on the program. You will gain distinct impressions of Brazil's diversity, visit the most famous sights, and get to know the breathtaking variety of animals and plants of the jungle. Our local English-speaking guides will make sure that you have a great time and show you the best of Brazil.

Brazil for Nature Lovers

Experience the unique and breathtaking nature and amazing variety of flora and fauna in the Amazon and the Pantanal in Brazil. On many different excursions you will explore the equatorial rainforest and one of the largest wetlands on earth by boat, jeep, and on foot. On this tour, wildlife observation and the experience of nature are in the foreground. Apart from exotic plants and giant trees, you will have the chance to see countless bird species, different monkeys, caimans, anteaters, tapirs, and even jaguars. Immerse yourself in the dense foliage of the Amazon Rainforest, explore the waterways of the Pantanal, and let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of Brazil's nature.

Why plan your Brazil trip with us?

As a team of travel-experienced expatriates who love to work in intercultural settings, we thrive in matching your expectations with the various travel options Brazil has to offer.

• We live in your travel destination.
• Our team carries out constant quality assessments.
• Secure payment via credit card or transaction in multiple currencies.
• Fair prices.
• A direct English operated emergency support line in Brazil is available 24/7.
• Tailor-made travel quotes.
• Quick replies.

Experience Your Tailor-Made Tour in Brazil

For more than 20 years, Aventura do Brasil has been organizing tailor-made and custom tours in Brazil. Since we are at home in the largest country in South America with its cultural and scenic diversity, we know exactly what to pinpoint for your visit to a metropolis like Rio de Janeiro or the tropical rainforest in the Amazon. As a Brazilian tour operator, we will faithfully guide you from wonders such as the Iguaçu falls to the dune landscapes of Lençóis Maranhenses. On your trip to Brazil, we will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in the Pantanal or enjoy your vacation in small towns with a lingering charm of the colonial era.

Interesting Facts for Your Vacation in Brazil

We understand that before you travel to another continent, especially a tropical one, you would have countless inquiries. Therefore we have collected the most frequently asked questions of our guests in the "Info" tab. There you can find useful information on the following topics:

- Visa and entry to Brazil

- Paying and exchanging currency in Brazil

- Best time to visit, weather and climate for different regions in Brazil

- Time zones and differences

- Recommended vaccinations for Brazil and other travel medical information

- Cell phone usage in Brazil and much more

If your inquiry was not addressed among these topics, feel free to contact us!

Profit from our Partner Network

Our partner agency specializes in flight bookings to and within Brazil. We would be happy to explore attractive flight offers for you from your point of departure and/or within Brazil , to keep airfare as reasonable as possible. Choose from our offers of round trips to Brazil or just let us know which regions of Brazil you would like to visit. We will be happy to arrange a custom tour just for you.

Our Types of Tours and Guides

Of course you can take an organized tour and enjoy a potpourri of Brazil's treasures, which is certainly a safe and comfortable way to discover a foreign culture. But as local travel experts on the ground, we can do even more. With us you will have the opportunity to combine your dream vacation flexibly with our numerous travel packages. You tell us which regions in Brazil you would like to visit, and we will start to put together a tailor-made itinerary for your vacation . In addition, you can also set thematic priorities for your custom tour:

• Active travel: Hike through intact ecosystems in the Northeast of the country and enjoy refreshing waterfalls, caves and natural swimming pools far away from mass tourism. Perhaps consider exploring the Northeast on your own in a buggy. Drive along the coast of the state of Ceara and explore dunes, river landscapes and tranquil fishing villages. Alternatively, you can cycle around Santa Catarina or ride through the Serra Catarinense plateau.

• Adventure travel: Do you want to experience the South of Brazil in a more thrilling fashion? Embark upon hiking and camping in the Atlantic Rainforest! In addition to the diverse surroundings of nature, a whitewater expedition with kayaks is offered and, as a highlight, canyoning which includes abseiling in the jungle river. Survival tours in the jungle are also part of our program.

• Family travel: Brazil also has a lot to offer for families. Whether along the coconut coast or in the state of Santa Catarina, traveling through Brazil with a tailor-made itinerary for the family means pure vacation fun for both young and old.

• Nature travel: Brazil offers nature in abundance. You can spend your whole vacation in the rainforest, go hiking or enjoy the country on horseback between the mountains and the ocean.

• Language travel: You can never have enough foreign languages. Why not combine pleasure with education and learn some Brazilian Portuguese while on vacation? Our language school is located in Florianópolis, Brazil’s top city for quality of life, where you can relax between lessons on the beach and explore the country.

• Luxury travel: Sometimes you just have to give yourself a special treat on vacation. Our Deluxe Tour takes you to the most beautiful locations in Brazil, with private guides and accommodations in first class hotels.

Your Journey Has a Face

Enjoy your tour through Brazil and dive into the country, its people, nature and culture. With us you will find hotels and typical accommodations for every budget , which are guaranteed to meet your satisfaction. For us it is important that you feel in good hands. For this reason, our guides are not just faceless hosts, but have been carefully chosen and haved worked with Aventura do Brasil for years. With us you will encounter both native Brazilians and expatriates who have been living in Brazil for many years and have become very familiar with their second home. With their local know-how, the guides will ensure a comfortable vacation full of ideas and a varied program. To get to know who will accompany you on your vacation in Brazil, we would like to introduce you to our Guides in more detail . Make yourself at home with us during your trip to Brazil!

Also for Larger Groups and Special Needs

Whether you have special wishes and ideas for your trip to Brazil as a single traveler/couple or are looking for professionally planned group trips (e.g., universities, schools, companies, clubs and associations), our team on site will find the right option for you and will be happy to advise you! We are available to assist you with the concept design as well as the implementation of your corporate trip incentives . We are also happy to plan your very momentous and unforgettable honeymoon in the most beautiful and extraordinary places Brazil has to offer. Even if you are planning a trip for a silver wedding or birthday celebration, you are welcome to contact us. Are you planning your vacation with children? We have options for the entire family, and always put together suitable travel offers just for you!

More than 20 Years of Experience

Enchant your senses on your tour through Brazil and experience this multifaceted country and its people with the comfort, know-how and quality planning of our local Brazil travel experts . For more than 20 years we have been collecting the most beautiful destinations and hotels in Brazil and present them here on our site, for you to be well informed for your trip! While we know Brazil like the back of our hand, we also understand the demands of our international clients. To that end, we are more than equipped to ensure an unforgettable vacation experience for you and yours.

You will find numerous pousadas, hotels and travel packages that can be flexibly combined. In addition, we offer round trips with different themes and focal points. You will find a selection of tours filtered by nature travel, adventure travel, active travel, family travel, luxury travel, language travel, round trips and self-drive tours . Travel to different regions and cities and choose from our offers of authentic accommodations, such as:

• Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador

• Pousadas and lodges in the Pantanal and Amazon

• Pousadas and hotels in Florianópolis, Foz do Iguaçu, Manaus, and other popular travel regions of Brazil

Do you prefer to explore Brazil on your own, yet don't want to miss the amenities of an organized trip? With our travel packages you can put together your very own tailor-made tour in a very flexible way . For example, you can combine sustainable tourism in the Amazon with a tour of the Pantanal swamp area with its over 700 bird species, or you can travel six days on the " Rota das Emoções " from São Luis to Jericoacoara—not only with four-wheel drive vehicles, but also with boats and beach buggies. We would be pleased to arrange your custom tour through Brazil according to what you have in mind. We look forward to your request!

CONTACT US NOW

We Focus on Sustainability

Good tourism is responsible and adapts to the country and its conditions. Therefore, we decided to champion sustainability as Brazil travel experts and support the project " Salve Floripa " in our home town of Florianópolis. The project promotes awareness for the local environment and seeks to preserve the Atlantic Rainforest and its biodiversity . We support various projects within this initiative, for example the creation of the first ecological map of Florianópolis. For you as a traveler in Brazil, this social commitment has an added value, as the ecological map also provides you with information about hikes or places for water sports. The preservation of nature in Ilha de Santa Catarina is particularly close to our hearts. Therefore, on World Environment Day on June 5th, we actively support beach maintenance in Barra da Lagoa. If you want to experience the project up close, we have attractive travel packages in and around Florianópolis for you!

Personal Recommendation From Our Team

We have grown particularly fond of the small and rather unknown state of Santa Catarina in the South of Brazil, which we have made our new home. Santa Catarina, with its capital city of Florianópolis, offers beautiful landscapes, fantastic beaches and an unimaginable variety of activities for your vacation. Small romantic fishing villages, secluded bays, white dream beaches, the Atlantic Rainforest and untouched canyons offer the best conditions for varied tours in Brazil. Discover with us the wondrous South of Brazil, hardly known outside of the country until now, and enchant your senses with its beauty and warm people!

Keep up to Date With the Brazil Blog

Are you already familiar with our blog? Here we report about everyday life in Brazil and collect stories from the country and its inhabitants . Of course, we don't skimp on a lot of insider knowledge that will help you to plan your trip to Brazil. Even if you feel wanderlust after your trip, our Brazil Blog is ideal reading material to get back in the vacation mood. Take a look!

Brazil Travel 2024

Brazil is always worth a visit. It is not happenstance that the country will be one of the top South American travel destinations in 2024, with paradisiacal beaches, the Atlantic Rainforest, Table Mountains, sand dunes, lagoons, the fascinating Amazon Rainforest, the species-rich natural paradise of the Pantanal and many other highlights. As a water sports enthusiast, hiker, bird lover and nature lover you will get your money's worth in Brazil. The cities entice historical and futuristic architecture as well as a rich cultural scene. Florianópolis in the South of Brazil, for example, offers a perfect mixture of beach, nature and cultural experiences. Browse our Brazil travel offers now and be inspired for your next trip in 2024 with Aventura do Brasil. An inside scoop that we will leave you with is the cocoa coast in the state of Bahia, which you can discover on our Road Trip from Salvador to Ilheus . Our local travel experts will be happy to provide you with more information!

Brazil Blog

The Gold Rush in Brazil

Not only since today we know Brazil as a country rich in minerals. Gold is one of them, after all, it was already taken from Brazil at the time of the Portuguese colonization. How the gold rush affect(ed)s Brazil and where gold seekers travel(ed) to in Brazil, you will learn in this article!

The Importance of Judo in Brazil – Martial Art, Competitive Sport and Philosophy of Life

Judo focuses on important social values such as respect, discipline and cooperation. Originating in Japan, judo has had a unique development in Brazil and has become one of the most popular martial arts in the country, crowned with Olympic gold medals.

BRICS – Influential Alliance of Leading Emerging Economies

The main objective of the BRICS countries, of which Brazil is one, is to ensure the growth of their economies. In this sense, and in line with the objectives of the United Nations, the BRICS also seek social inclusion and the fight against poverty and unemployment in their countries. Learn more here!

Testimonials

The school was very well organized - heidi.

The place is a class location for something like this. Thanks again for the organization.

We especially loved the accommodation Cantos e Encantos! - Evelyn and Denny

The roundtrip was planned very well. We especially liked Urubici.

The many impressions, encounters, impulses have enriched us, we will feed on them for a long time! - Karl and Bettina

In any case we are very very grateful, for the amazing support and advice, which made this trip possible.

Your incoming tour operator in Brazil

Experts in creating amazing trips around brazil..

itinerary planning

Exceed your customers' expectations with incredible and unique itineraries throughout Brazil. Talk to our team and learn about our customizable itinerary suggestions!

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Hey tour agent, need to plan the dream family trip for your client? Soultour provides the best trip with all the safety and comfortthat your customer seeks and deserves. Talk to our team.

groupal trips

We help you plan group trips, with unique experiences that are fully customizable. Guide your client through the best destinations in Brazil through SoulTour itineraries.

For over 40 years making dreams come true. Discover Brazil safely and comfortably . Make your budget with SoulTour .

SoulTour is an inbound tourism agency specialized in helping travel agents around the world to provide unforgettable trips to their clients who wish to travel to Brazil . Due to our long experience in the travel industry, we partner to offer customers special services and unique customizable packages. Discover our routes, destinations and main offers .

#Amazonforest

Enjoy Brazil and its plurality of cultures and landscapes. Discover the mysterious and ancestral Brazilian Amazon .

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A magical destination that combines stunning natural beauty with Brazil’s tropical climate. Meet Morro Branco , in Ceará.

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Get up close with the jaguar and other amazing wildlife in the North Pantanal

Combine your wildlife experience with incredible snorkeling in Bonito

Enjoy the ultimate remote wildlife experience at Fazenda Barranco Alto in the South Pantanal

Pousada Aguape is surrounded by the lush riverside forests of the Aquidauana River, allowing guests to experience up-close the natural beauty of the Pantanal region. Come and explore this stunning area and its abundant wildlife.

Hotel Porto Jofre, located deep into the North Pantanal, is one of the best places in the world to see jaguars in the wild.

Combining two remote, small sized lodges will offer you an unique wildlife viewing experience; Baia das Pedras with its open savanna landscapes with the lush wet region of Fazenda Barranco Alto. Wildlife satisfaction guaranteed.

Araras Eco Lodge offers a variety of activities that are low on environmental impact but high on adventure and excitement. Wildlife satisfaction guaranteed.

About the Pantanal

The Pantanal is a paradise for wildlife viewing. Flood plains of the Pantanal are a nutrient- rich environment that support an abundance of wildlife , including tapirs , anacondas , capybaras , caiman , iguanas , anteaters , deer , turtles , raccoons , armadillos , otters , skunks, ocelots , pumas, monkeys and the rare and magnificent jaguar . Add this to an impressive amount of 670 species of birds that can be seen in the Pantanal, and you have the highest concentration of wildlife in the Americas.

“We really loved the experience and all went well. Flight, accommodation and excursions were excellent. Special thanks to our guide Benedito, who was not only very friendly but by far the most competent guide we ever had in Brasil.”

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil’s tourism sector has taken a hands-on approach to ensuring visitor safety with the launching of the Clean & Safe Responsible Tourism certificate.

Most of our suppliers (including ourselves) have taken the protocols to heart and are now fully certified. The certificate, comes with [adherence to] clear and specific protocols for hotels, service providers, guides, restaurants, and attractions – and of course, for the tourists themselves! More information: http://www.turismo.gov.br/seloresponsavel/

COVID Update

Over 80% of the entire brazilian population has been fully vaccinated, a remarkable feat brazil welcomes international travellers and virtually all destinations and tourist attractions are open to visitation. brazilian or foreign visitors entering brazil no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative covid-19 test. the national health surveillance agency (anvisa) has revoked the two regulations issued during the pandemic with sanitary measures for the entry of foreigners into the country..

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism has taken a hands-on approach to ensuring visitor safety with the launching of the Clean & Safe Responsible Tourism certificate, which is based on sector-specific hygiene protocols that ensure passenger and staff safety. All protocols are in line with WHO recommendations and are meant to create a nation-wide standard and streamline preventative measures. All suppliers listed on our website that have joined the initiative are indicated with the respective stamp on our website. Participation in this initiative is optional and certain suppliers may have opted not to pursue the certificate. This does not mean that they don’t uphold health and safety measures. In order to remain operational, all establishments are required to comply with local health and safety regulations.

For more information: http://www.turismo.gov.br/seloresponsavel/

To ensure the health and safety of our travellers, staff and suppliers, Ideia Tours has adopted internationally recognized protocols and standardised levels of health and hygiene that address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. To this end we are entitled to use the “Safe Travels Stamp”, which is the world’s first global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, officially recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Additionally, Ideia Tours has acquired the national Clean & Safe Responsible Tourism certificate, launched by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism. The certificate comes with compliance to sector-specific COVID-19 protocols. All certified accommodations and service providers are indicated with the respective stamp on our website

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Brazil destination management

From iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador to endless beaches and natural wonders such as the Amazon rainforest and the Iguaçu Falls, Brazil never ceases to astound. Even so, most visitors agree that it is the warmth and hospitality of the diverse Brazilian people and their intense passion for life that truly flavours the journey.

For those who are not yet fully acquainted with Brazils countless numbers of highlights, finding one’s way in this colossal country may seem somewhat daunting. Ideia Tours makes it easy! From product development to full support with quotes and reservations for individual travellers as well as groups, our experienced team brings creativity and dedication together to enable travel professionals to make the most of this fascinating destination. Our user-friendly website offers exclusive client access to confidential rates, detailed descriptions, and pictures to support your marketing efforts. With our handy product filters, you are assured to find the hotels, services and packages that best reflect the vision of your company.

We passionately believe that sustainability is key to successful destination management and that we need to do all we can to preserve Brazil’s natural world and cultural heritage for our future, and for future generations. From transfer to hotel, excursion to multi-day package, our team works in close cooperation with trusted local suppliers to assemble sustainable and meaningful experiences!

Our Products

Luxury & Comfort

Romantic Getaways

Nature & Wildlife

Family Trips

Active & Adventure

Brazil Interactive

Self-drives

Culture & History

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Retel Tours is a Travel Agency that specialize in customized tours for any age group or for any special interest.​

​ ​We're Waiting To Hear From You

Please contact retel tours inc. to learn how our services will benefit you.  .

• Upcoming Trips 2023 - 2024
• Testimonials

We have been planning private group travel for over 35 years and guarantee that your next trip will be an unforgettable experience​

Our Packages​

Every effort is made to offer group package at affordable prices and we work closely with group leaders to fulfill their needs. We hope you will give us the opportunity to customize your group booking.

• Rhode Island
• The Poconos

In addition….  Cruises and International vacation packages are offered.

Custom Packages

Retel tours has been serving loyal customers since l980..

• One day lobster feast
• Casino trips
• Dinner Theatre
• Shopping sprees 
• multi night getaways
• Ocean City MD
• ​Virginia Beach VA

We do all the leg work

So when you travel, with retel tours, it’s a stress free,, exciting and, memorable experience..

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