No other country has Brazil's vibrancy. There's so much life in the landscape and that feeds through into the reputation that Brazilians have for passion and joie de vivre. It infects their architecture, their art and culture, and their way of life. This is South America's largest and most varied country, boasting tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches, old colonial towns, mega modern city centres, and sprawling favelas. That's before we've mentioned the great Amazon river and the wealth of wildlife that abounds in this vast country. This passion and energy feeds through to their hospitality, and the range of the best places to stay in Brazil, from hip and happening city boutiques and design hotels, to extensive rural fazendas and cosy pousadas.
There are so many ways to experience Brazil. On so many budgets. Before planning your trip, decide what kind of holiday you want. Maybe you want to be whipped into a frenzy during Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, or try out the bossa nova cafés of Rio's Santa Teresa district, hiking up to Cristo Redentor for one of the world's most spectacular views in the world? Or maybe you simply want some sun, to join the beautiful Brazilians on one of their world famous, caipirinha-soaked beaches?
If it's beaches you've come for, do look beyond Copacabana or Ipanema. For starters, consider Santa Catarina, South America’s equivalent to Australia, where the majority of people’s free time is spent on one of a number of the most spectacular beaches on the continent. Or Bahia, with its sunshine, white sand, coconut palms and incredible diving.
Salvador da Bahia is Brazil's most African influenced city — you taste it in the food, see it in the traditions and hear it in the music. The city is often in festive spirit, with music and parties celebrating one thing or another spreading out onto the streets with their wonderful 17th and 18th century architecture. Salvador was Brazil's first capital, and the ancient mix of cultures — coming from Europe, Africa and the Americas — which gathered here still shows.
Or consider visiting Paraty, a gem hidden on the coast just to the west of Rio, a colonial town surrounded by untouched beaches, jungle and natural parks. This is a great place for snorkelling, fishing and just relaxing. Or Búzios, that stunning hippy favourite east of Rio turned luxurious tropical hideaway.
Fashionistas should head for São Paulo, a global city of epic proportions and Brazil’s cultural capital. With 20 million inhabitants, some rich, some very poor and lots of different cultures, São Paulo has a landscape to match this diversity. As well as culture and shopping, São Paulo is also known for its nightlife. And don’t miss the incredible markets and a stroll along the Rua Oscar Freire and Paulista Avenue on a Sunday.
If it’s adventure you seek, you should get out of the cities and into the lush interior. The national parks and incredible landscapes of Minas Gerais make for a wonderful backdrop, as does the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia, 375,000 acres of tropical forest covering mountains and concealing waterfalls, natural swimming pools and caves. You can camp in the park but there are also plenty of more luxurious accommodation options. And then of course there’s the state of Amazonas, which has the incredible Amazon Rainforest, Anavilhanas and the Jaú National Park. And talking of waterfalls, Brazil shares the mighty Iguaçu Falls with Argentina on the border in the south, the largest waterfall system in the world. They are well worth a visit if you are here for the scenery. Just to the north are the world’s largest wetlands, the Pantanal, in the states of Mato Gross do Sul and Mato Grosso.
The best places to stay in Brazil are as varied as its landscapes and attractions. Use our guide and start to plan the trip of a lifetime to this extraordinary country.
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Bahia (Mata de São João)
Pousada Capitù features 14 individual beachfront cottages in Afro-Brazilian style on Imbassai beach. Enjoy a great breakfast in the tropical garden each morning before heading to the beach, relaxing by the pool or fishing in the nearby river. Chilled and laid back.
Trancoso (Centro)
This boutique pousada is located in central Trancoso, a stone's throw from the historic Quadrado Square. Guestrooms feature stylish interiors in an earthy palette with natural accents and a private balcony. Eat breakfast on the terrace or have a night-cap at the cosy bar; an inviting boutique hotel.
Rio de Janeiro (Lapa)
Boutique hotel and hostel situated in a classical building in Rio's Lapa district. The place to stay to feel the pulse of local life and meet its colourful characters; residents frequent the restaurant and rooftop bar. Brilliantly refurbished, rooms and public areas are eccentric, cool and stylish.
Rio de Janeiro (Lapa)
A four-star urban retreat located in Rio's lively Lapa district. Housed in a former 1930s Magnifico Hotel, rooms are spread between a new tower and a pink colonial-style building set around an inviting pool. There is a spa, piano bar and on Sundays the restaurant offers a superb Portuguese feast.
Sao Paulo State (Toque Toque Grande)
A contemporary chic collection of suites above the bay of São Sebastião. Stunning views, hammocks on private decks, lots of natural light and all the mod cons. Excellent seafood restaurant and verandah, gym, pool, and private hot tubs in some rooms. Ideal for total relaxation and beach life.
São Paulo (Pinheiros)
A chic small hotel set in an old townhouse on a quiet street in the hip Pinheiros district. Rooms have a rustic charm with wooden floors, whitewashed walls, and vintage pieces. Breakfasts are served and there is a quiet terrace for an evening drink. Great value and well positioned.
Rio de Janeiro (Lapa)
Boutique hotel and hostel situated in a classical building in Rio's Lapa district. The place to stay to feel the pulse of local life and meet its colourful characters; residents frequent the restaurant and rooftop bar. Brilliantly refurbished, rooms and public areas are eccentric, cool and stylish.
Rio de Janeiro (Lapa)
A four-star urban retreat located in Rio's lively Lapa district. Housed in a former 1930s Magnifico Hotel, rooms are spread between a new tower and a pink colonial-style building set around an inviting pool. There is a spa, piano bar and on Sundays the restaurant offers a superb Portuguese feast.
Jericoacoara (Jericoacoara)
Located nearby the spectacular dunes of Jericoacoara National Park, La Villa is an excellent hotel. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, catering especially well for families. Try your hand at kite-surfing or take a dune buggy tour from the hotel. Ideal for family holidays.
Jericoacoara
Comprised of luxurious cabanas, Hurrican Jeri is a delightful beachside hotel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering guests their own private realm in which to relax. Try your hand at kite surfing or simply sunbathe on the beach. A seaside charmer.
Trancoso (Centro)
This boutique pousada is located in central Trancoso, a stone's throw from the historic Quadrado Square. Guestrooms feature stylish interiors in an earthy palette with natural accents and a private balcony. Eat breakfast on the terrace or have a night-cap at the cosy bar; an inviting boutique hotel.
Trancoso (Trancoso)
A small boutique property with stunning sea views. Pretty rooms feature light wooden furniture set against white washed walls. The best have hammocks tied up by the large windows. Reasonably priced and spitting distance from the beach, this is a winning choice.
Buzios (Canto)
This charming B&B is located in Búzios, Brazil. Run by Scandinavian hosts, the hotel has a European feel. The homely and inviting guestrooms are spread across three properties; book a suite in the garden house for heritage furnishings. Unwind by the pool or in the cosy sitting room; a welcoming B&B.
Buzios (Centro, Armação dos Búzios)
A chic guesthouse with the best views on the Buzios peninsula. Rustic chic rooms, a lovely garden, terraces and infinity pool. A romantic spot for a chilled break in a lovely seaside town.
