Safety is primarily the first concern for travellers visiting South America. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends short- and long-term travellers to seek vaccination three weeks before the actual travel date.

The most common diseases and virus in South America are Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, and rabies are some of the common conditions that can easily be contracted in almost every region of South America. And prevention is what we aim for in this article.

Travel Vaccinations for South America has its characteristics, and we breakdown some of the essential aspects you should learn when planning your South America trip.

DISCLAIMER: We claim no expertise in the medical industry, this article is to merely inform you to stay safe during your trip. We highly recommend you talk to your GP for a better understanding of vaccines. Getting the shots we mention in this post will be your own responsibility.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE DECIDING WHICH VACCINATIONS FOR SOUTH AMERICA YOU SHOULD GET

Before knowing what type of vaccines you should get, it is best first to know your itinerary. And consult a licensed travel clinic to know which vaccines can be combined.

Which Countries Are You Going To

If you’re spending a lot of time volunteering in wildlife zones, you may want to get anti-rabies vaccinations. And take note of yellow fever, which is common in tropical countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, French Guiana, Suriname, and Valenzuela.

Weather in Your Destination

Mosquitos are prevalent in tropical regions, especially in Brazil. The warm temperature in Brazil makes it easily for mosquitos to grow and develop Malaria and Vectorborne diseases rapidly.

Mosquitos are also carriers of chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. Climate shifts, warming of the temperature, and changing weather conditions have fueled more dengue outbreaks in 2019 for South America.

Costs

It is cheaper to get a shot in South America compared to other countries; however, the language barrier can hinder TO non-local-speaking tourists. Also, getting the vaccines in South America are more reliable since they’ve known which shots to give you which depends on how long you’re staying or activities you’re doing

Some also suggest that it is better to get vaccines in South America rather than your home country for a simple reason that they don’t want their travellers contracting a disease in their homeland or spreading disease.

The Side Effects

It is best to know some of the side effects of vaccination, so you won’t get worried once you feel body reactions. Pills and vaccines can differ from potential side effects, and this includes the following;

Cholera Vaccines– There’s a slight chance you’ll experience mild stomach upsets followed by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and nausea.

Hepatitis A Vaccine – Some people experience soreness and redness on the injection site in the skin. Lessen common concerns are tiredness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and raised in temperature.

Rabies Vaccine – In rare cases, some people experience mild fever, headache, vomiting, rash, and body pain.

Typhoid Fever – About 1% experienced an increase in temperature, and a minimum of people say they feel abdominal pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhoea. 

Yellow Fever Vaccine – There are about 10-30% of people felt its side effects (headache, muscle pain, soreness of the injection site, and a mild fever.

Shots vs Pills

You can visit your travel clinic or local GP 6 weeks in advance to prepare yourself for the vaccinations required for South America, costs, and have the time to cleanse yourself from substances like alcohol. Your travel clinic may recommend pills if you’re scared or have a phobia of needles.

VACCINATIONS FOR SOUTH AMERICA YOU SHOULD GET

Tetanus, Diphtheria pertussis, Hepatitis A, and typhoid are some of the diseases and vaccinations needed for South America. Type of vaccinations also depends on the length of stay, type of accommodation, the health of the travellers, temperature, and sanitary of the region you’re travelling.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccines produce necessary protection in your body, which eliminates the risk of contracting this disease. This type of vaccine also prevents you from infections from hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A is common in regions that don’t have a high level of sanitation, specifically in water and sewage systems.

• Must get if travelling during: September to November(Spring), December – February(Summer)
• Must get if: going to rural areas, forest, or camping
• Range cost US: $50-$100
• Range cost Europe: €45
• Range cost to get in South America: $165

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B transmission is through direct blood to blood contact, open sores, or body fluid, while Hepatitis A is Airborne and waterborne. The virus of Hepatitis B manifests in your body by infecting your liver, which can get fatal. This virus can also infect animals, including chimpanzees, tree shrews, Peking ducks, and horses.

• Must get if travelling during: throughout the year
• Must get if going to: the Amazon and other rural regions of South America 
• Range cost US: $50-$100
• Range cost Europe: €40
• Range cost to get in South America: $165

Typhoid

Persons with typhoid virus can commonly transmit the disease with direct contact with its feces. This type of infection lives inside our intestines and bloodstreams. No animal can carry and spread Typhoid.

• Must get if travelling during: throughout the year
• Must get if going to: rural areas, forest, or camping
• Range cost US: $25
• Range cost Europe: €30
• Range cost to get in South America: $33

Cholera

Cholera vaccination is administered through injection or shot for immunization. Cholera virus is caused by eating food and drinking water contaminated with Cholerae. You can also get the virus from shellfish and plankton.

• Must get if travelling during: warm months.
• Must get if going to: the tropical region with limited access to clean water
• Range cost US: $25-$40
• Range cost Europe: €25
• Range cost to get in South America: $30-$50

Yellow Fever

Mosquito bites spread this type of disease. Vaccination prevents you from contracting this disease and recommended for people aged nine months or older visiting or staying in South America and Africa.

If you are from Europe or the US and flying directly to a South American country or Africa, you probably don’t need to get this, however, if you fly from your home country, then to Brazil (for example), and then want to enter Colombia, you must have this shot and Travel certificate that you had this shot.

• Must get if travelling during: throughout the year
• Must get if going to: densely populated areas with high mosquito population
• Range cost US: $40-$70
• Range cost Europe: €40
• Range cost to get in South America: $77

Rabies

Vaccination helps prevent rabies for a period of time after exposure to bites of dogs or bats. You can get this from the exposure of the saliva of infected animals.

• Must get if travelling during: throughout the year
• Must get if going to: Valenzuela and will be around animals that haven’t injected with an anti-rabies shot
• Range cost US: $280-$3000
• Range cost Europe: €40
• Range cost to get in South America: $181

Polio

Polio vaccines are given to children to protect them from poliomyelitis. This virus can spread from person to person, and polio cripples the carriers of the disease. It invades the person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. Polio vaccines are for lifetime immunization.

• Must get if travelling during: All throughout the year
• Must get if going to: Valenzuela
• Range cost US: $40-$100
• Range cost Europe: €40
• Range cost to get in South America: $20

Whooping Cough, Tetanus, and Diphtheria

DTap and Tdap vaccine helps in the protection of whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria for people travelling to South America. Whooping cough or pertussis is a contagious disease that affects the body’s respiratory tract. 

• Must get if travelling during: All throughout the year
• Must get if going to: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Panama, and Mexico
• Range cost US: $71-$117
• Range cost Europe: €40
• Range cost to get in South America: $30-$100

Malaria

Malaria vaccines require four shots and are low in efficacy. The vaccine acts as a shield for Plasmodium falciparum, and it’s the deadliest parasite in the world and widespread to Africa and South America. You can also simply bring Malaria pills with you.

• Must get if travelling during: All throughout the year
• Must get if going to: The Amazon river
• Range cost US: $45-$85
• Range cost Europe: €55
• Range cost to get in South America: $40-$100

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL SHOTS PER COUNTRY IN SOUTH AMERICA

Vaccinations will depend on the traveller’s itinerary or destination. You may want to get Malaria shots before going to the regions of the Amazon where mosquitos are high in number. Or rabies vaccinations if you’re worried about the bats in Latin America.

NOTE: The costs below are if you are getting them in these countries and not in your home country.

Shots for Argentina

• Hepatitis A – $55 
• Hepatitis B – $165 
• Typhoid – $33 
• Yellow Fever -$77 
• Rabies – $50-$180 
• Polio – $20-$40 

Shots for Bolivia

• Hepatitis A – $55 
• Hepatitis B – $165 
• Typhoid – $33 cost 

Shots for Brazil

• Yellow fever – free if from local/government clinics, $77 if from a private clinic 
• Hepatitis A – 55$ 
• Hepatitis B – 165$ 
• Tetanus – $30-$100

ALSO READ: Things to know before travelling to Brazil and Brazil visa guide

Shots for Chile

• Diphtheria/Tetanus-$30-$100 
• Hepatitis A- 55$
• Hepatitis B-$165
• Rabies-$181

Shots for Colombia

• Yellow Fever- You can get vaccinations for free from the major bus station, airport, and government clinics. $30 for private clinics
• Hepatitis A- 55$ -$104
• Typhoid Fever- $20 
• Malaria- $40-$100 

Shots for Ecuador

• Malaria- $40-$100
• Yellow fever – $77
• Hepatitis A – $55
• Hepatitis B- $165

Shots for Guyana

• Hepatitis A -$165
• Typhoid -$33
• Yellow Fever – $4.80

Shots for Paraguay

• Yellow Fever – $30- $40
• Typhoid – $33
• Rabies – $30-$100
• Hepatitis A – $55

Shots for Peru

• Yellow Fever – $20-$150 
• Malaria-$40-$100
• Hepatitis A -$55
• Hepatitis B – $150
• Typhoid- $100

ALSO READ:

• Things to know before travelling to Peru
• Everything you need and want to know about Machu Picchu hike
• When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu
• Different ways to get to Machu Picchu
  

Shots for Suriname

• Yellow Fever – $20-$150
• Cholera – $30-$40
• Typhoid Fever- $33
• Hepatitis A- $55

Shots for Uruguay

• Yellow Fever – $40 – $70
• Typhoid – $33-$40

Shots for Venezuela

• Hepatitis A – $60
• Typhoid – $33
• Yellow Fever- $77

hope these vaccinations for South America can help you plan well for your safety on your next trip. Prices may vary in each destination; the prices are based on the actual average cost of vaccines.

Is the article helpful? Comment below, we would like to hear feedback from a fellow traveller!

DISCLAIMER: We claim no expertise in the medical industry, this article is to merely inform you to keep you safe during your trip. We highly recommend you talk to your GP for a better understanding of vaccines. Getting the shots we mention in this post will be your own responsibility.

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My first country in South America is Brazil and my first city in Fortaleza – a place many first time goers to Brazil will head to, but I did. In the beginning, I’ve thought of moving here for my next home base for three months, however, I’ve decided to move to Colombia instead. I’ve already booked the flight, so, I said, why not stay and explore Fortaleza for two weeks. For one reason I stayed for a month.

Despite its bad image for its crime rate, Fortaleza receives a pretty good amount of tourists and backpackers from Europe and North America. If you are flying from Germany or Portugal, there are direct flights for affordable prices. Check this site I always use to book and find cheap flights to everywhere in the world.

In this article, you will find the hostels in Fortaleza I highly recommend, three of them that I personally stayed while the others are based on my reliable research and visits to the hostel itself. If you are heading to other party of Brazil, you may want to check out this Rio De Janeiro tourist attractions that you should not miss.

RELATED POST: Brazil visa application online; everything you need to know about it

Note: All prices are in US Dollars, prices may change without prior notice.

TIP: Use the table of contents to navigate faster.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR A HOSTEL IN FORTALEZA BEFORE BOOKING

Before you book the hostel you want to stay, check out these things that you should look into beforehand. Fortaleza is a big city, the tourist area is not so much. To make sure that you will have a great time and a comfortable sleep, ask yourself these questions or tick these four things on your list.

RELATED POST: Best Hostels Around The World

Location

Fortaleza is a beach town which means, you want the hostel to be close to the best as much as possible. If you are only staying in this city while waiting for another flight, you might want to look into accommodations close to the airport instead.

The hostel should also not be too far from grocery or convenience store or ATM or bars and restaurants. It should also be easily accessible by public transportation. The location of the hostel is an important thing to consider.

ALSO READ: Travel vaccinations for South America

Type of Hostel

What kind of hostel do you prefer? A party hostel, chill vibe hostel, or a hostel that feels like it’s a homestay? These are the types you can look for and can be found in Fortaleza.

If you want to meet foreign travellers, you have to carefully look for a hostel that had many foreign travellers before. If you want a hostel where you can meet locals, there is one for that too.

Reviews​​​​​

Even for me, reviews are very necessary. I rely on what travellers who have stayed in this hostel experiences and what they have to say. Reviews also help you understand what type of hostel it is or if its exactly what you are looking for.

Many travellers just go for the cheapest one which is no problem of course, but many travellers also complain a lot about the place. A hostel is probably affordable for a reason. Check reviews both on Hostelworld and booking.com, sometimes, I also check reviews on Google Maps and Facebook pages. I’d rather be sure than have an awful holiday or trip.

Price

Price is very important in every traveller. Not only because it can affect their budget but also because a cheap hostel might lead to problems while an expensive one might not meet all your needs.

On my early days of travelling, I was living on a budget. I stayed in very cheap hostels which I couldn’t complain even if there is no toilet paper in the bathroom or the breakfast is basically a bread of the bed is hard as a floor. It’s simply you get what you pay for.

BEST HOSTELS IN FORTALEZA – COMPARISON TABLE

WHICH ARE THE BEST HOSTELS IN FORTALEZA

Check out each hostel in Fortaleza below and see what are their best feature and find out their cons. I wrote a small description and I added how many reviews they have, their ratings, prices, distance from the beach, and type of hostel for you to decide which one is the best.

The total number of reviews are combined from Booking.com and Hostelworld while the ratings are added from these two platforms as well; B+H= X out of 20.0.

All hostels are equipped with a functioning kitchen for guests to use. It is often that hot shower is not available in the hostels in Fortaleza.

Albergaria Hostel

I personally stayed in Albergaria Hostel for 7 nights. I really like my stay, the dorm room beds are one of the best beds I’ve slept on in a hostel. Their common area is tidy and cleaned every day, they also let the air conditioner in the room run all day and night.

PRICE: $9 per dorm bed, can choose between with AC or non-AC

RATINGS: 17.1 out of 20.00

PROS:

CONS:

• it’s the most reviewed hostel in Fortaleza – 1,701
• it’s 400 m from the beach and 700 m from a big grocery store
• great place to meet foreign travellers
• breakfast included
• the receptionist speaks great English and very helpful at all times
• there is a pool and hammocks to relax
• there is a small bar area
• each bed in the dorm room has its own curtain and reading lamp
• massive lockers are inside the room

• there is only one fridge for all the guests
• the microwave oven and fridge needs an extensive cleaning
• some dorm rooms don’t have a window to air out
• the pool is tiny and needs a cleaning

Refugio Hostel

Defining its name it means “a safe place to take refuge”. This hostel is loved for its buffet breakfast, affordable price, comfortable bed, the option between fan dorm room or air-conditioned room, and English speaking staffs. There are lockers available to use in the common area.

PRICE: $8 per dorm bed, can choose between with AC or non-AC

TOTAL RATINGS: 17.7 out of 20.0

TOTAL REVIEWS: 687 reviews

PROS:

CONS:

• buffet breakfast
• comfortable common areas; hammocks, sofas, garden chairs
• well-decorated
• friendly and helpful staffs
• plenty of little convenient stores around

• 1.3 km from the beach

Iracema Hostel

I’ve stayed in Iracema Hostel for six nights which I enjoyed. It is a family run hostel which gave me the impression that it was more like a homestay than a hostel. The sweet Brazilian family who manages it lives next door, despite the barrier language, I had a pleasant stay and will recommend it to those who prefer to meet locals. However, make sure that you don’t mind a non-English speaking hostel unless of course, you can speak or understand Portuguese.

PRICE: $6 per dorm bed, can choose between with AC or non-AC

TOTAL RATINGS: 15.2 out of 20.0

TOTAL REVIEWS: 436 reviews

PROS:

CONS:

• 400 m from the beach
• very affordable for its location
• feel like home
• fast internet/wifi
• 600m from a big grocery store
• simple breakfast included

• no English speaking staff
• mostly local stays here
• small beds and rooms
• the air conditioner is only turned on between 9pm-9am
• limited chances to meet foreign guests

Hostel Dragao Do Mar

This hostel is 900 m from the beach, a cosy hostel designed with hammocks. The rooms and common areas are well-cleaned throughout the day. All dorm rooms have air conditioner while there are plenty of stores around the area to shop. The lockers are inside the room.

PRICE: $10 per dorm bed

TOTAL RATINGS: 9.0 out of 20.00, for some reason, there has been no new reviews from the past 12 months on their Hostelworld page, hence, no Hostelworld rating available

TOTAL REVIEWS: 461 reviews

PROS:

CONS:

• buffet breakfast included
• comfortable beds
• clean and organised common area
• good location
• English speaking owners, however, the staffs do not speak English

• non-English speaking staffs
• the air conditioner is only turned on at night until mid-morning
• a bit of walk to the beach

Full Sail Hostel

If you are looking for a party hostel, Full Sail is just for you. They have an on-site bar that sells drinks and beers and plays music. They also give away free caipirinhas (a famous Brazilian cocktail), hold drinking games, and sometimes take their guest out for a pub crawl. They are 1 km from the beach and only a few minutes away from places to eat and markets to shop.

PRICE: $9 per dorm bed, you can choose between fan room or air-conditioned room

TOTAL RATINGS: 16.1 out of 20.0

TOTAL REVIEWS: 438 reviews

PROS:

CONS:

• great to meet local and foreign travellers
• English, French, and Portuguese speaking staffs
• host parties and games and happy hour
• breakfast included

• not recommended for those who prefer a quiet place to stay
• cleaning of the common area and rooms need more attention
• the air-conditioned rooms are timed

Good Hostel & Bar

Good Hostel & Bar is the newest hostel in Fortaleza which opened at the end of July 2018. What I love about new hostels is how clean everything is and how comfortable the beds. More than these qualities, this hostel is loved for their impeccable service and great location. They also have a swimming pool!

PRICE: $7 per dorm bed, you can choose between fan room or air-conditioned room

TOTAL RATINGS: 19.3 out of 20.0

TOTAL REVIEWS: 38 reviews

PROS:

CONS:

• 800 m from the beach
• great breakfast included
• super friendly and helpful staffs; English speaking
• hot shower and fast internet
• plenty of places to eat and shop around the area
• everything is brand new

• no ventilation in rooms with AC
• only one fridge for all the guests to share

Aloha Hostel

Aloha Hostel is the most affordable hostel in Fortaleza. It is also well located and all rooms are equipped with air conditioner – there is no better deal that you can find the city. On Booking.com, it states that a buffet breakfast is included, however, on Hostelworld, it says that breakfast is included. Make sure to ask about this before booking your room or bed.

PRICE: $7 per dorm bed, all rooms are with AC

TOTAL RATINGS: 15.9 out of 20.0

TOTAL REVIEWS: 143 reviews

PROS:

CONS:

• 200 m from the beach
• most affordable since all rooms are with AC
• enough shops around and restaurants to eat
• beds are with curtains and lockers under the bed
• well-designed and properly cleaned

• mostly local guests
• it is unclear if the staffs speaks English
• it is unclear if breakfast is included or not

I really hope that you found this article about best hostels in Fortaleza, Brazil useful. If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section below.

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BRAZIL VISA APPLICATION ONLINE:
Cost, Requirements, Tips [2019]

Photo credit: Pexels via Pixabay.com

Photo credit: Afranca via Wikimedia Commons

Brazil visa sticker | Photo credit: Monocletophat via Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit: Pexels via Pixabay.com

Are you going to Brazil or this awesome country on your bucket list? Great, because it’s an amazing destination! It truly has it all: from pristine jungle to gorgeous beaches and from bustling cities to laidback islands. Not to mention it is one of The Best Countries for Coffee in The World! But before you go to Brazil, it may be very handy to be well prepared. Is it safe enough? What do you need before passing the border?

In this article, Maaike from travel blog Travel a Lut discusses all important details about travelling in Brazil.  While you can also read about the practical information about Brazil from my other recommended travel blogger.

BEST TIME TO GO

Brazil has two seasons: a dry season and rainy season. In the south, all the way from Rio de Janeiro to the border of Argentina, the rainy season starts in October and ends in January. In the northeast of the country, the area of Fortaleza and Salvador, the rainy season starts in April, so that’s way earlier. Are you not going to the north? You’ll have better weather all year round.

The best months to go to Central and South Brazil are May, June, July, August and September. Did you know this is also the best time to spot jaguars? The best months for the north of the country are from July to December. So try to plan your trip in July or August to have the best weather in the whole country.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU TRAVEL

Brazil is a huge country so the distances are unreal. Are you a budget traveller? You will need more time because you’ll spend a lot of time in busses. But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, you can fly between some cities to save time.

In general, I would say to travel for at least four weeks. During four weeks you can cover Central and South Brazil. If you also want to go to the north of the country, go for at least six weeks. I know this is a long time, but it’s too bad if you miss all the beautiful spots that Brazil has to offer.

VISA FOR BRAZIL

It depends on where you’re coming from, but most of the time you don’t have to apply for a visa which is valid for five years. You must go to a Brazilian Embassy or get an evisa online and your passport needs to be valid for at least six months on the date you enter Brazil.

Just this year (June 2019), Brazil removed the evisa requirement and offer free visa to most traveller.s

Find more information about Brazil visa

ACCOMMODATION

It’s best and recommended to book accommodation even just the first two nights to avoid finding yourself lost in a city you’ve never been to. I normally use booking.com (often, you don’t need to pay anything upfront) and Hostelworld (for a great collection of affordable hostels).

RELATED POST: Best hostels in Fortaleza, Brazil

MUST PACK

Because Brazil has a lot of nature, think of Pantanal and the Amazone, you definitely need a lot of insect repellent. In Brazil itself, you can’t find repellent with a lot of DEET in it, so I recommend to buy this at home. It is also essential upon travelling to Brazil to have vaccinations, as safety has to be your first concern. And best to cover yourself with travel insurance in case an unfortunate event takes place.

Sunscreen and sunglasses are also very important. The sun in Brazil is very strong, so make sure you have a lot of sunscreen with you. I recommend using the protection of 30 or 50. A lot of Brazilians use oil to get an extra tan. You can do this as well, but make sure you use normal sunscreen underneath. If you are going to travel around South America but concern about not overpacking, check this light packing guide.

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Definitely pack summer clothes, like short pants, dresses, short sleeves etcetera. But you also need long trousers for the bus rides (they can be very cold because of the air conditioning) and a sweater. Don’t forget to bring good shoes if you’re going to Pantanal, Chapada Diamantina or the Amazone, and flipflops or sandals are also a great idea.

MAKE A PRE-LIST OF TOURS YOU WANT TO DO

o not overwhelm yourself, it’s best to look at the tours and attractions that might interest you. It will also help you maximise your days in Brazil while making sure you will get to see and experience everything that you hope to while here.

I mostly use GetYourGuide because they have a massive worldwide collection of great tours another option is Viator which is well-known in delivering great tours.

BRAZIL DRESS CODE

You can dress however you want to in Brazil. Moreover, the people in Brazil love to walk in bathing clothes, even in the city! You see them walking with no clothes on, especially in Rio de Janeiro. You can definitely wear whatever you want to and make sure your legs are shaved!

VACCINES

Don’t forget to check your doctor for more information about vaccines for Brazil. It is also essential upon travelling to Brazil to have vaccinations, as safety has to be your first concern. And best to cover yourself with travel insurance in case an unfortunate event takes place. Here are some vaccines you definitely want to consider: tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis A, diphtheria and typhoid. You also have to get medications for malaria, as malaria is common in Brazil and consider a vaccine for rabies. If you are going to see wild animals in Brazil, you definitely want to make sure you have the vaccines for this kind of trip.

GET YOURSELF A TRAVEL INSURANCE

You don’t want to get bitten by a dog or monkey and get very sick or even die real soon. These are the vaccines that are all recommended by some doctors. Check with your own GP and see if you actually need it, depending on the places you want to visit during your round-trip.

A yellow fever vaccination is required, so don’t forget this one! This one is definitely the most important vaccination. If you are going somewhere else after Brazil like to ​Colombia you will need to present a Yellow Fever Vaccine Certificate, get one at home or you can get on in Brazil for free but it takes 10 days before you can leave Brazil after the shot.

ALSO READ: Travel Vaccinations for South America

HOW TO STAY SAFE

Brazil is not a safe country for tourists. Especially in Rio de Janeiro and the surroundings a lot of stuff gets stolen. Also, my stuff has been stolen in Rio de Janeiro, so you really have to be careful. Make sure you don’t wear a lot of valuable items when you’re walking down the streets.

Are you with someone? Bring one phone for the two of you, so you’ll always have a phone when this one gets stolen. Don’t walk with credit cards, leave them at your hotel. Do you need to take cash from a machine? Take your money, bring this to your hotel (including your card) and then get out again. 

In Brazil, a lot of people drink alcohol, but they’re not annoying. They love to have a good time, so go with the flow. In Rio de Janeiro a lot of men will probably offer you drugs, like cocaine,  say no and walk further. They won’t bother you.

If you are a member of LGBTQ+ community and worried about the safety situation for yourself, I highly recommend you check out this gay guide to Rio De Janeiro for more accurate information.

Homeless people can be a bit scary sometimes. They yell at you, want money from you and they can be a bit aggressive. Never give money, because they will probably buy drugs from it instead of food. The best way is to simply ignore them and walk further or go the other way around if you notice a homeless person is aggressive. 

If you’re in the big cities, always ask your hostel or hotel if you can walk down the streets in the evenings. Which areas are safe and which areas should you skip? This is always helpful, they know the city the best.

HOW TO GET AROUND

In Brazil, they’re a lot of ways to get around. For big distances, you can take the aeroplane. For example: go from Rio de Janeiro to the Iguacu-falls by plane and from the Iguacu-falls to Campo Grande. From here you can fly to Salvador, so you have covered Central and South Brazil.

Look at Skyscanner for the best rates and companies. But you can also take the bus. Brazil has a lot of busses and this is a very common way to get around. The bus rides are very long, but if you bring a blanket or sarong for the night you’re all good.

You can take taxis everywhere in Brazil. Just ask them if they want to put on the meter so you always have a fair rate. In my experience, the taxis never scam you, so that’s great. They even have an application for taxis. Order the taxi on the app, where you can see the price before you even get in. They put the meter on anyway, but you pay the price the app shows. And most of the time that’s cheaper.

An Uber is also possible, but only in the cities. It’s not illegal and the UBER is fine, so this is safe. But I’ve noticed that the prices are the same comparing to a normal taxi, so I prefer taking the taxi.

ENJOY YOUR TIME

Most importantly, enjoy this awesome country. It’s not the cheapest country, but it’s not as expensive as everyone says. Make sure you don’t bring a lot of valuable stuff when you’re going outside and you will be totally fine. Have fun and take care.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maaike Lut is a Dutch travel writer, exploring the world as much as possible. She’s traveling full-time for more than six months now and she can’t get enough. She love to travel with her backpack, but she’s also in for a good road trip. On her travel blog Travel a Lut, Maaike give her best tips for destinations all over the world, but she also give practical tips, like how to fly as cheap as possible. Find out more about her on Facebook and Instagram.

All photos in this post are copyrighted to travelalut.com, unless stated – A Mary Road used them with permission

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Rio de Janeiro is a city which inspires awe, desire, and maybe a little fear when its name is motioned. Sure, it has its moments, but the two weeks I spent there before and during carnival was some of the most fun I have had throughout South America.

The Carnival was easily my most favourite time in Brazil. Being there at the right time can be a little tricky for people. Luckily though, there is so much more to see and do in Rio De Janeiro you won’t even know you missed the Carnival.

Although I rushed things a little bit with the onset of Carnival, a week to 10 days is a perfect stay in Rio De Janeiro and just enough time to see and do everything on this list plus much more. But if you have very limited time, check this Rio De Janeiro itinerary for 2 days.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Firstly, let me guide you through some of the basics of Rio De Janeiro so your time there will be a little smoother. I most definitely recommend Uber, it’s super safe and much cheaper than the cabs and it was available day and night. Perfect for making your way around the streets and especially back from the beach in the evenings.

Rio Airport is located about 15 minutes’ drive from Lapa the main backpacker hangout, while Copacabana and the beach areas are perhaps a further 10 minutes’ drive. 

WHAT ARE THE TOP RIO DE JANEIRO TOURIST THAT YOU MUST NOT MISS

For the basis of this article, we will pretend that you are in Lapa and any distances or times are based from here. Anyway, that’s enough, let’s get into the fun stuff.

ROCINHA FAVELA TOUR

This is one of a few tours I have done in South America which resulted in a heated discussion with other travellers about the merits of visiting a poor/dangerous area.

Favelas have a bad reputation and what these tours do is dispel these myths and show that its ordinary, everyday people living and working in a unique environment.
The favelas can be seen from all over the city as they climb the huge mountains around Rio De Janeiro. Like the Pablo Escobar tours in Colombia enterprising locals have built a business around the notoriety.

With our guide, we explored the narrow walkways, towering buildings and met some excited locals along the way. Yes, we saw some bullet holes and a large police presence but at no time did I feel unsafe.

We also got to see where some of the tour company’s money went as they have built a large play area and kindergarten for children in the neighbourhood. The children would otherwise not be able to get an education.

An eye-opening experience and one of the more unique things that you can do in Rio.
The tours can be organised through the reception of most hostels and hotels and it cost $30. The bus and guide will pick you up and drop you back to your accommodation so no need to worry about the logistic aspects of the trip.

CLIMBING MORRO DOIS IRMAOS

This next adventure also involves a Favela but on a much smaller scale. My day hiking Dos Hermanos was probably one of the most fun and entertaining out of my whole time in Rio De Janeiro and should be done. Not hungover though like the group I was with.

As I was smart and didn’t want to feel ill I stayed in bed and mustered the group early the next morning. The excursion took about six hours in total but was definitely worth it.

The day started by getting an Uber to Vidigal, A favela located close to Copacabana beach.  At the entrance to Vidigal, you will find a group of moto-taxis who will take you to the top of the Favela for 5 real. I wouldn’t attempt to walk it as it is super steep.

From here there is a football pitch you must walk around the find the path up the rest of the mountain. The hike itself took about 2/ hours.

But the views are breath-taking and so is the hike. As you can see from the pictures. I highly recommend doing the hike before mid-day as the heat can be a little overwhelming.
After getting a little rest and plenty of pictures we descended from the mountaintop and made our way through Vidigal all the way back to Copacabana. Coming down was far easier than going up.

There are plenty of stores, restaurants and kiosks throughout Vidigal, so you can always stop for a bite to eat just like we did. In total including the Uber, it cost no more than 20 Real for the incredible day hiking.

ATTEND A BLOCO

Okay, Blocos are usually associated with Carnival. They are essentially roaming block parties; large groups of people follow whoever or whatever is playing music.

During Carnival, I discovered that these take place all year round but build up as it comes closer to carnival season.

If you have the chance of attending a Bloco is definitely an exciting experience. The parties usually consist of a lot of fancy dress for both male and females and a whole lot of dancing. Obviously, they are a little crazier during carnival. Some of the largest Blocos will have over a million people.
Dress to impress when attending a Bloco. I had no idea it would be some extravagant.

They can be themed parties, so everyone is dressed similar such as the Super Mario party of the superhero theme. It’s a great way to get a little taste of carnival without having attended.
If you can’t find a Bloco then a night out in Lapa is probably the closest thing you can attend. Plenty of fun can be had and as it’s a tourist location is relatively safe.

VISIT THE BEACHES

Finally, you must, of course, visit the beaches of Rio De Janeiro. They are some of the most beautiful in South America and that’s is coming from a person who doesn’t particularly like beaches. Try and get there early in the day as some of the prime spots will be taken and you will be left scouring for a spot.

It’s almost impossible to get the perfect solo beach shot in Rio De Janeiro as they are all quite busy but it’s a great place to relax for a few hours and truly enjoy your time.

Copacabana is, of course, the largest tourist trap but there are plenty more to discover once you arrive. Again, Uber is the best way to get to any of the beaches or you can go by metro. It was quite busty during carnival so we decided not to use it while we were there.

I hope that you found this Rio De Janeiro tourist attractions that you must not miss the article useful. But remember to enjoy Rio, experience the amazing people, colourful night-life and stunning views all across the city.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eoin is an Irish blogger who has been on the road since 2013. On his blog he focuses on outdoor adventures and the struggles of creating an online business. He can usually be found in Ireland or South America. Follow his journey on dollysquest.com or on Facebook,  Pinterest, and Instagram.

All photos in this post are copyrighted to dollyquest.com, unless stated – A Mary Road used them with permission

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