The big two cities
Most long haul flights land in São Paulo or Rio. Rio de Janeiro is the postcard: Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana and Ipanema, with forested mountains running right through the city. Give it four days at least. São Paulo is the giant business capital, and the best food city in the country, with museums, nightlife and the largest Japanese community outside Japan.
The northeast
Salvador, the first colonial capital, is the heart of Afro Brazilian culture: drums in the Pelourinho, capoeira, Candomblé and dishes cooked in dendê palm oil. From here, beaches run north and south along the Bahian coast.
The falls
Iguaçu Falls sits on the border with Argentina and Paraguay. Fly into Foz do Iguaçu, see the panorama from the Brazilian side and cross the border for the walkways on the Argentine side. Allow two full days.
The rainforest
The Amazon begins at Manaus, a river city in the middle of the forest. Most visitors spend three or four nights at a jungle lodge on the Rio Negro.
How to fit it together
Distances are vast, so fly between regions. A classic two weeks is Rio, Iguaçu, then either Salvador or the Amazon. Use the free trip planner to shape your route, and see our places to visit list for where to eat, drink and stay.