Hotels in Brazil

From cheap hotels in Brazil to the nation’s most luxurious accommodation, here is our guide on where to stay…

It’s easy to find a place to stay in sprawling Sao Paulo, the most heavily populated city in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro too, where icons such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer loom large, hotels cater for the super-rich as well as those looking for an affordable break near the sands of lively Ipanema Beach.

Other cities worth a visit include the open-air museum that is Salvador, where you can soak up the history staying in age-old buildings, and Brazil’s relatively modern capital Brasilia, where hotels cater for business travellers and tourists.

Fortaleza and Recife are beachside cities in the east of Brazil, while Porto Alegre attracts holidaymakers to the more southerly shores of the country. Skyscraper hotels can be booked in these cities right by the soft sands and waves of the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

Belo Horizonte is another huge city in Brazil (home to some two and a half million people) and hotels here are in abundance. With tree-lined boulevards and a mountain backdrop, it could even prove your favourite one.  

The largest city on the banks of the mighty Amazon, Manaus also has a rich history that overflows with tales of wealthy traders. Hotels in Manaus (and Belem) are popular with travellers who jet in to join river tours and cruises. 

Brazil has more tourist attractions than most people could shake a maraca at, but these five should be top of your list…

Top five attractions

Christ the Redeemer

One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro sits atop the Corcovado mountain and is undoubtedly the most iconic sight in South America. No visit to Rio could be complete without ticking this beauty off your list.

River Amazon

Snaking through South America for 4,000 miles, the planet’s second-longest river remains one of the world’s great tourist attractions. Much of this incredible waterway remains shrouded in mystery as well as rainforest, but you can get to know it better through jungle tours and overnight expeditions.

Iguazu Falls

Forming part of the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are a series of 275 waterfalls stepping along the River Iguazu. The most widely visited is the mightily impressive ‘Devil’s Throat’ – a powerful basin with a heart-pounding 270ft pile of cascading water.

Salvador

If beaches are your thing, head to the state of Bahia – some 900 miles north of Rio. The state capital is the attractive city of Salvador, from where you can access some of the most diverse and stunning beaches to be found anywhere in the world.

Teatro Amazonas

In Manaus, you will find one of the most charming opera houses that you are ever likely to behold – the Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theatre). This late 18th-century building was created with no expense spared during the height of the rubber trade and is adorned with Parisian furniture, Italian marble, Mexican ceramics, and even British steelwork. 

There just isn’t anywhere else in the world that knows how to party quite like Brazil – even a quick coffee could turn into an all-nighter...

Rio Carnival; February: Few would argue that the annual Rio Carnival (which is the jewel in the crown of carnivals taking place throughout Brazil) could be described as the biggest party in the world. It is a huge parade of colourful costumes, fireworks, dancing, feasting and drinking that goes on for days.

Brazilian Grand Prix; March/April: Formula 1 is hugely popular in Brazil, mainly due to the magnificent racing achievements of the late Ayrton Senna. Every year, thousands of fans trek to Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit to witness one of the most spectacular races of the F1 calendar is staged.

June Parties; June: The Festa Junina was originally a rural tradition staged to mark the birth of John the Baptist. These days it is celebrated throughout the country in makeshift dance halls where revellers wear elaborate fancy dress costumes and spend 24 hours doing what Brazilians do best – partying.