How to Find Hotels in Brazil

Brazil seems to have the best of all worlds. Long stretches of rivers and rainforests team with modern cities that influence the world. More than just Carnival, Brazil has long been the center of modern design and its cities offer varied looks at both urban utopia and undisturbed wilderness.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for making reservations.
• All visitors will need a visa, available at the Brazilian Embassy in person or by mail.

Learn the Basics

1. Consider leaving the party behind for a few days and experiencing the rest of Brazil. From museums to ecotourism, Brazil has much to offer tourists.
2. Pack for heat. Except for the capital city of Brasilia, most of the country is hot and humid. Surprisingly, the temperatures in Rio de Janero rise much higher than those in the Amazon.
3. Practice basic Brazilian Portuguese. Most people also speak Spanish and English.

Travel from City to City

4. Fly into Rio or Sao Paulo, both of which are gateways to the rest of the country.
5. Purchase an air pass, which offers affordable rates between the major Brazilian cities. To cover the most area within the country, air is really the way to go.
6. Upgrade to the deluxe coach on buses if possible, as these have air conditioning. In general, buses are an inexpensive, safe and reliable way to travel within Brazil.

Find a Hotel

7. To book accommodations, contact The Brazilian Tourism Office at (800) 7BRAZIL or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
8. Negotiate your rate at pousadas, the Brazilian equivalent to inns or bed and breakfasts. Except during the peak season, the rates of accommodations fluctuate a great deal.
9. Contact Roteiros de Charme, which offers accommodations throughout Brazil. Reservations are available at local pousadas, private homes, and even rural ranches.
10. Consider renting a flat, called apart-hotels, to save money in the major cities.

Experience Brazil

11. Join 2 million other people celebrating the New Year. Main events take place on Copacabana Beach, but the party spreads throughout Rio.
12. Head towards the water for great nightlife. In almost every Brazilian city, a strip of resorts, clubs and restaurants line the beach.
13. Watch a soccer game at the largest stadium in the world, Maracana Stadium, and stay for the party that lasts into the wee hours. Most hotels will help you secure tickets.
14. Kayak on the Amazon on a guided ecotour, which provides accommodations along the legendary river.

Tips & Warnings

• Reserve early for the peak season of mid-December to Carnival, which is in February.
• The official currency is the Brazilian Real.