Cheap flights to Brazil

Stretching more than 8.5 million square kilometres (3.2 million square miles), the sheer magnitude of Brazil makes it the largest country in South America and one of the most diverse and populous countries in the world. Travellers coming off their flights to Brazil will be surprised to find an eclectic mix of Portuguese, native Indian, African, European, Middle Eastern and Asian immigrants who have been living harmoniously here for generations. Sao Paulo has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan while in the south: Rio Grande do Sul, Parana and Santa Catarina have the highest concentration of Germans and Italians.

The heart and soul of Brazil is undoubtedly Rio de Janeiro where the biggest party, Carnaval, takes place annually attracting thousands from around the world to book flights to Brazil. Further north is the city of Salvador, Bahia’s capital and once the country’s main port for bringing slaves over from Africa. The northeast of Brazil – Recife, Fortaleza and Natal – offers some of the most stunning beaches in the country.

Due to its size, the most economical way to travel around and stop in several cities is to acquire a Brazil Air Pass which most travellers do while booking their flights to Brazil.

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Brazil climate

Brazil is an enormous country and has many climate zones. Most of the country is tropical, with an average temperature in the north of 28 degrees and 20 degrees in the south. The country rarely has extreme weather, but summers in Rio can reach up to 40 degrees.

When is the best time to fly to Brazil?

Peak Season:

Since Brazil lies in the Southern Hemisphere its summer is December through to March and winter is from June through to September. The best time to book flights to Brazil is from December until Carnaval season; usually in February. However this is also when accommodation and flights are at their peak. Another popular time to visit is the week of Easter.

Off season:

May to October is winter in Brazil but if you’re looking for a bargain then it’s probably the best time to visit – prices are lower and temperatures are in the upper 20s; much milder than in summer.

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Getting around Brazil

Brazil is a vast country and the best way (but certainly not the cheapest) to get around is by domestic flights. Most visitors who plan on visiting a few different regions or cities should invest in a Brazil Pass which can be arranged through your travel agent or airline when booking your ticket.

In the major cities the best, and safest, way to get around is by taxi.

For long-distance travel buses are a good, reliable option and all major cities are linked by bus routes.

Rental cars are available at the airport although driving can be rather frustrating and dangerous at times.

How long is the flight to Brazil?

Brazil is a very big country and flights to Brazil can go to a few different international airports. São Paulo is the biggest city, and most cheap flights to Brazil will land at São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil’s largest airport. The flying time to São Paulo ranges from 25h 20min to 37h 45min. If you want to fly to central Brazil, you will need to fly through São Paulo (GRU) and on to Brasilia (BSB). The flight time will be between 31h 30min and 37h 20min. On the coast of Brazil, you can fly into Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), also known as Galeão International Airport or Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. The flying time to there ranges from 25h 40min to 32h 40min.

Where can you get direct flights to Brazil from?

There are no direct flights from Hong Kong to Brazil. Flights to São Paulo (GRU) will have one or two stopovers, depending on the airline you use. All Nippon Airways offers Brazil flight deals with two stopovers. Ethiopian Air, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada all offer flight options to São Paulo (GRU) with only one stopover. For Rio de Janeiro, you would either have a stopover in Europe or São Paulo (GRU) or both, depending on the airline. For Brasilia (BSB), you will go through São Paulo (GRU).

What is the best way to travel around Brazil?

There are metro systems in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, São Paulo and Porto Alegre. For longer distances, the quickest way is to fly, and there are various low-cost airlines available. For example, you can fly from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro in around one hour or to Salvador de Bahia in approximately two hours and a half. Buses run all over Brazil as well. Inter-city buses run from terminal stations called "rodoviária". São Paulo to Rio will take six hours and a half. Rio to Salvador will take 30h or more, so it is recommended to stop along the route. Bus travel prices are reasonable and regulated across all bus travel providers. You can also take an overnight sleeper bus called a "leito", which has curtained reclining seats. Taxis are plentiful and have two rating systems – Rate 1 and Rate 2. Rate 2 is used for trips involving airports, bus stations or travel on Sundays, public holidays or after 20:00. If there is no meter, be sure to agree on a trip fare prior to the trip.

What are some things to do in Brazil?

Brazil is a lush country known for its vibrant culture, lively music and colourful Carnaval. In Rio de Janeiro, you can climb up the Christ the Redeemer statue or bask on the beach at Ipanema or Copacabana. In Salvador, you can visit the old quarter of Pelourinho, try traditional feijoada (bean and meat stew) and watch capoeira dancers practising in the streets. Along the coast between Rio and Salvador, there are numerous beautiful beachside towns to visit, including Itacaré, famous for its surf, and Arraial d'Ajuda, a laid-back town perfect for relaxing. Admire the golden-washed church walls of Ouro Preto in the state of Minas Gerais. At the meeting point of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, you’ll find the impressive Iguaçu Falls – a semi-circle of 247 waterfalls that are over 100 m high. You can even take a trip into the Amazon jungle or celebrate Carnaval in either Rio de Janeiro or Salvador de Bahia.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Brazil?

Hong Kong passport holders do not require a tourist visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Brazil. You need to hold a passport that is valid for six months from your date of entry into Brazil and that has at least one blank page. You need sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip and proof of return or onward travel.

What is good to know if travelling to Brazil?

• Hike through the tropical jungle of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca in Rio. Although it’s located in the city its waterfalls and lush greenery make for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
• Take a cable car up 396 metres (1300 feet) to Pão de Açúcar or Sugar Loaf and see the most breathtaking views of the entire city beneath you. Then head up Corcovado Mountain and visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.
• If you’re a football fan then you can’t miss a game at the football mecca of the world: Maracanã Stadium. With 100,000 passionate fans screaming, dancing and singing, it’ll definitely be a game you’ll never forget.
• Lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy the serenity of kayaking in the Amazon. You can take a guided tour and explore the rainforest, then stop for a meal prepared by the tour’s chef. But if you’d rather get your adrenaline pumping then try hang gliding at 780 metres (2,624 feet) above the city of Rio.
• Invite yourself to the wildest party in the world – Carnaval. Each year the city turns into one big party with thousands participating in the samba parade and dancing till the early hours of the morning.
• Trivago is a useful website to start searching for hotels in Brazil. You get a quick overview of reviews and prices for hotels in the most popular cities including hotels in Rio de Janeiro or hotels in Sao Paulo.