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Welcome to the Next Stop: Brazil Blog
Here you'll find curated travel itineraries for some of Brazil's best travel destinations, guides for visiting the best tourist attractions, and my personal food & accommodation recommendations. Feeling more adventurous? Find guides to help you get off the beaten path and discover some of Brazil's best hidden gems.
Is Carnival in Brazil safe for tourists?
If you are planning to experience Carnival in Brazil , safety is usually one of the first questions that comes up. Carnival is loud, crowded, chaotic, and intense, especially in major cities. It also runs for long hours, for several days in a row. All of that can sound intimidating if you are not familiar with Brazil or with large street festivals. The short answer is that Carnival is generally safe for tourists who take some basic precautions. Millions of locals and visitors
Feb 9
Who will play the next free concert at Copacabana Beach in 2026?
In 2025, Lady Gaga brought her iconic Mayhem world tour to the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro , for a spectacular free concert called "Mayhem on the Beach". The year before, in 2024, Madonna performed attracting 1.6 million people. These shows were part of the "Todo Mundo no Rio" initiative, aimed at boosting the local economy. In 2026, the show is set to return, but the performer is yet to be announced. Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming 2026 fr
Jan 22
Can you drink tap water in Brazil?
If you are travelling to Brazil, a common question is whether you can drink the tap water. The answer depends on where you are. In large cities such as São Paulo , Rio de Janeiro , and Brasília the municipal water supply is treated and considered safe by local standards. However, many travellers are advised to avoid drinking tap water directly, because changes in water chemistry, old plumbing, and unfamiliar bacteria can cause stomach discomfort for visitors even when the wa
Jan 17
Family-friendly blocos at Carnival: Can you bring kids to Carnival in Brazil?
Carnival in Brazil is a national celebration that brings music, costumes and community events into cities across the country. While many events cater to an adult audience, Carnival also includes many activities created specifically for families and children. Children are drawn to Carnival for the vibrant costumes, glitter, face paint, dancing and lively music. Dressing up, joining in small parades, and dancing to the rhythms of drums are experiences that captivate young audi
Jan 3
What is Carnival in Brazil? Complete first-timers guide to celebrating Carnival in 2026
Carnival in Brazil is one of the country’s largest and most iconic festivals. It takes place annually in the days leading up to Lent and combines music, dance, samba school parades at the Sambadrome , and street parties, called blocos . The most famous celebrations are held in the cities of Rio de Janeiro , Salvador , Recife and Olinda , however there are Carnival events held across the country. The festival attracts millions of locals as well as international travellers look
Dec 27, 2025
Is there Uber in Brazil, and is it safe?
Brazil is a country where urban transport can vary widely depending on the city and region. Ride‑hailing apps like Uber have become a popular choice for both locals and visitors, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and public transport. Beyond standard car rides, many cities also offer motorbike trips and access to public electric bicycles through the Uber app, providing flexible options for navigating traffic or reaching tourist areas. This guide breaks do
Dec 20, 2025
How do Brazilians celebrate New Year's Eve?
Brazil is a country known for it's parties and festivals - and their elaborate New Year's Eve celebration is no exception. New Year’s Eve, or "Réveillon," is one of the most widely celebrated events in the Brazil. Its blend of indigenous, African, and European new year traditions has given rise to a unique event combining religious practices with the modern NYE experience, including a huge fireworks display on Copacabana Beach. This post will explore how Brazilians celebrate
Dec 17, 2025
How do Brazilians celebrate Christmas?
Brazilians love a reason to celebrate, and Christmas is no different. The Christmas season in Brazil is full of colour an music, celebrated during the country’s summer, full of colour, music, and family traditions. Unlike in countries where Christmas is associated with snow, Brazilians enjoy sunny days at the beach or park alongside some European traditions like Christmas Eve dinner. The holiday season in Brazil blends Catholic and European traditions, with its own local twis
Dec 7, 2025
Tickets on sale for Rock in Rio 2026: The biggest music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rock in Rio is back in Rio de Janeiro for its 11th unforgettable edition in September 2026. Running roughly every second year, this festival is a cornerstone of Brazil's live music scene. The 2026 edition promises even more excitement, world-class artists, improved infrastructure, and an immersive cultural experience. The first tickets for Rock in Rio 2026 went on sale on the 9th of December 2025. The next round will go on sale in March 2026, exclusively on the official tic
Dec 4, 2025
How to visit the Lakes Region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Búzios
The Lakes Region of Rio de Janeiro, known in Portuguese as Região dos Lagos, is a coastal area in the eastern part of the state of Rio de Janeiro , Brazil. It stretches roughly from the city of Saquarema in the west to the tip of Cabo Frio in the east, covering a mix of lagoons, beaches, and small towns. The Lakes Region is known for its combination of calm lagoons suitable for water sports and long stretches of sandy beaches that attract tourists year-round. The region is na
Dec 2, 2025
Where to see wild animals in Brazil: The Amazon Rainforest, Pantanal, and more
Brazil contains some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Its wetlands, rainforests, coastal islands, and mountain forests hold thousands of animal species, from mammals to birds and aquatic animals. Brazil is a perfect travel destination for anyone who wants to spot wild animals in their natural habitats. Wildlife tourism in Brazil varies across regions, with diverse ecosystems supporting different animals depending on the environment. The Pantanal offers the most relia
Nov 28, 2025
Where to go scuba diving in Brazil: Dive sites & wrecks
Brazil isn’t often the first place that comes to mind for scuba diving, but it’s quickly becoming a rising destination with a growing community of divers and an impressive range of underwater sites to explore. Brazil offers an incredible variety of sites along its 7,400-kilometre coastline, from the volcanic islands and marine parks of São Paulo , such as Laje de Santos and the Alcatrazes Archipelago, to the shipwreck-rich waters off Recife and Porto de Galinhas , the coral
Nov 24, 2025
What are the best Camarotes at the Sambadrome: Carnival 2026 in Rio de Janeiro
If you're planning to attend Rio Carnival in 2026, you may be deciding the best way to celebrate. Aside from attending blocos (street parties), the Sambadrome is an important part of the Carnival celebration. Carnival brings Rio de Janeiro 's top samba schools to compete at the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí . The Sambadrome is a purpose built parade venue with grandstands on both sides and a set parade length of about seven hundred metres. Every school enters at one end, cr
Nov 21, 2025
What is the best health and travel insurance for Digital Nomads in Brazil?
As a digital nomad, your lifestyle is adventurous, flexible, and often unpredictable. The freedom to work from anywhere opens up incredible opportunities, and Brazil has quickly become a growing hotspot for remote workers. Thanks to the introduction of Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can now stay in the country legally for up to a year while working online. Popular destinations like Florianópolis - popular for its tech-friendly vibe and beaches, Rio de Janeiro -
Nov 16, 2025
6 sports you need to try in Brazil
Brazil is one of the most sport-oriented countries in the world, with a culture that ties sport closely to community and an outdoor lifestyle. Sport in Brazil is culturally influenced, with roots in indigenous games such as archery and canoeing, later influenced by European activities like football and African traditions such as capoeira. Today, sport is part of everyday life across Brazil. You’ll see kids juggling footballs barefoot in narrow streets, capoeira circles formin
Nov 11, 2025
When should you visit Brazil? The best time to visit each region of Brazil
Brazil is a vast and diverse country, covering over 8.5 million square kilometers, making it the largest nation in South America and the fifth-largest in the world. Due to its sheer size, Brazil encompasses a variety of climates, ranging from the tropical rainforest in the Amazon to the temperate regions in the South. This geographical diversity means that different parts of the country experience different weather patterns, and the best time to visit depends on where you pl
Nov 8, 2025
Driving in Brazil: A Guide for Foreigners
Travelling Brazil by car is an excellent way to get access to parts of the country that are difficult to reach by public transport. Taking a road trip is perfect for visiting secluded beaches, stopping in small towns, and exploring national parks more deeply on your own schedule. Driving is a great way to travel along the coast of Bahia , which is dotted with tiny beach towns, to explore the island of Florianopolis , which has numerous beaches spread all across the island, o
Oct 22, 2025
Everything you need to know about attending Web Summit Rio de Janeiro, 2026
Web Summit Rio will be held in June 2026 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro . The event will bring together more than 30,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, media representatives and international leaders. It is part of the global Web Summit series, which also includes Web Summit Lisbon, Web Summit Qatar in Doha, Web Summit Vancouver in Canada and RISE in Asia. Described by Globo as “the world’s largest technology event”, Web Summit Rio is where the global tech
Oct 17, 2025
Brazil 2 week travel itinerary for Architecture Lovers
Brazil is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts. From the pioneering modernist works of Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa to...
Oct 11, 2025
What is the Brazilian wandering spider: Is it really that dangerous?
The Brazilian wandering spider is a species group of large, nocturnal spiders belonging to the genus Phoneutria . The name “wandering”...
Sep 23, 2025
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