Brazil Just Got a Whole Lot Easier to Visit

Gazing upon the lush green rainforests, quaint colonial towns, and rhythm-filled cities of Brazil is becoming a whole lot easier, thanks to the fact that the Brazilian government has announced that it’s waiving its visa requirements for visiting citizens from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan as of June 17, 2019.

The waiver comes at the perfect time, as travelers’ interest in the country is at an all-time high. The latest figures show that bookings for this July when compared to last July’s bookings, are up by 97 percent in the US and 57 percent in Canada.

That’s because Brazil truly is a country to get excited about. Here are just a few good reasons why you should be planning your trip to this wonderful—visa-free!—destination…

1. Beautiful Beaches

Yes, we all know about the super-stylish urban beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, and Fortaleza, but when it comes to shimmering sands and glistening waters, Brazil has a lot more to offer than your average destination. Yes, Brazil boasts some 4,000 miles of drop-dead gorgeous coastline, so consider heading off the beaten track to one of its many laid-back beach towns, like Trancose, Boipeda, and Jericoacoara. You can even find a stretch of sand to sit on in the wilds of the Amazon, on the banks of the Rio Negro in the city of Manaus.

2. Wondrous Waterfalls

The world’s largest waterfall system, Iguazu Falls, sits where Brazil and Argentina meet in the heart of the South American continent. Spanning almost three kilometers of jungle, the region boasts 275 waterfalls, some of them up to 80 meters high, depending upon the time of year.

However, the main attraction in the area has to be the ‘Devil’s Throat’, which is best seen from the Brazilian side of the falls. This astounding system of 14 waterfalls is one of the most spectacular sights to behold on the face of the planet. The water of these thundering falls drops 107 meters with such force that it produces a 30-meter-tall cloud of mist and rainbows.

3. Breathtaking Rio

Shimmering beaches, thick, forested mountains, and samba beats that don’t stop until the sun comes up… Rio de Janeiro is a city that simply has to be experienced firsthand.

Sip a coffee and take in the view of Copacabana Beach from the Forte de Copacabana; sample traditional cheese loaf in the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa; see the largest graffiti mural in the world (3,000 square meters) in the Praça XV Square area; hike up Corcovado Hill to visit the famous Christ the Redeemer statue; and go bar-hopping with views of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Botafogo neighborhood.

4. Wild & Wonderful Manaus

Almost seven million square kilometers of nine South American countries— Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana—form the mighty Amazon. Home to the greatest biodiversity on the face of the planet, the Amazon Rainforest covers almost half of the country of Brazil.

Known as the ‘Heart of the Amazon’ and the ‘City of the Forest’, Manaus is the gateway to the jungle. This urban sprawl on the edge of civilization flourished during the 19th century due to the rubber trade, so it’s home to a surprising amount of impressive architecture, including the beloved Amazonas Theater.

Pass by 60-meter-high kapok trees as you sail down the river, visit indigenous tribes, and keep your eyes peeled for jaguar, tapir, capybara, boa constrictor, harpy eagles, and howler monkeys. Or go for dinner in one of the ‘Flutuantes’ restaurants that sit right on the water. You can spot friendly pink dolphins right from your table while you eat.

EXPLORE BRAZIL WITH INDUS TRAVELS

Do you dream of hearing the thunder of Iguazu Falls? Of spotting pink dolphins as you eat your dinner? Of sambaing until dawn in Rio de Janeiro? Yes? Then come with us to Brazil. Not only will you have the experience of a lifetime, but you will have a sophisticated itinerary that has been lovingly-created by Indus’ Brazil experts. To find out more about our tours to Brazil, please feel free to contact us at any time.

About the Writer: Vickie Sam Paget

Vickie is a freelance writer and editor based in Vancouver, BC. When she’s not creating dynamic travel or tech content, globetrotting or gazing at the North Shore Mountains, you can usually find her curled up with a good book or sipping a pint of the good stuff in her local Irish bar.