Chile to open its borders to foreign tourists on November 1. Travel Restrictions Update

Chile to open its borders to foreign tourists on November 1st
Travel Restrictions Update

If Patagonia, Easter Island, Santiago, or Buenos Aires is on your travel wish list, you can finally start planning that trip. Chile and Argentina have announced that effective November 1, vaccinated international travelers can enter without having to quarantine

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Chile’s Covid Protocols (as of October 20th, 2021)

Chile’s reopening comes just in time for South America’s summer season, a popular period for visiting Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. October through March are the warmest months in Patagonia. Travelers can expect pleasant temperatures in the 70s, making it an ideal escape from the chilly winter weather.

 

Thanks to Chile’s positive results with regards to the containment of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) announced changes in the Protected Borders Plan with the opening of the border for foreign tourists with some entry requirements as of November 1st, 2021.

Requirements for entering Chile

  • All foreigners who want to enter Chile should show their complete vaccination program, which they must validate before entering Chile at mevacuno.gob.cl to obtain a mobility pass, which becomes active after the mandatory confinement. Vaccines must be those approved by the Chilean Public Health Institute (ISP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA)**;
 
  • Negative PCR up to 72 hours before flight departure time;
 
  • Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of US dollars $30,000;
 
  • Upon entering the country: maintain isolation until receiving a negative PCR test result, performed upon arrival in Chile;
 
  • Chileans and foreign residents can enter Chile via any border crossing with Sworn declaration;
 
  • Negative PCR taken up to 72 hours before international flight;
 
  • If they arrive without a Mobility Pass, they will have to carry out a seven-day quarantine.

* A Mobility Pass may be granted upon providing proof of being inoculated with any of these vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen (Johnson&Johnson), Oxford/AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, CanSino y Generium (Sputnik-V) and a minimum of 14 days have passed from either the second dose (for two-dose vaccines) or inoculation (for one-dose vaccines).

 

* Children under 6 years of age will be able to leave the country without the «Mobility Pass», an essential requirement that was not granted until now. The Under-Secretary indicated that this age group does not yet have an approved vaccine, so they will not be able to count on the vaccination certificate granted by the «Mobility Pass».

As of October 19th, 2021 …

International airports that can receive foreign visitors are:

  • Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago.
  • Iquique Airport.
  • Antofagasta Airport.
  • Punta Arenas Airport (this facilitates the transfers to Torres del Paine).

• 96% of the target population have been vaccinated in the Magallanes region – where Las Torres National park is located in Patagonia.

• 90% of the target population have been vaccinated in Chile with the 1st dose and 70% with a complete vaccination schedule

You may want to read about Argentina’s covid protocols and updated covid restrictions:

• LEARN MORE

Do you want to travel to Chile? We are regional travel experts and pride ourselves in designing tailor-made trips that are a perfect fit for our clients. If you’re interested in planning an adventure combining several regions in Chile, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists for a free consultation. We are glad to help you with your lifetime trip in Chile.

Traveling to Argentina during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

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Traveling to Argentina during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

Last updated: [10/18/2021]

Foreigners will be allowed to enter the country starting Nov. 1 without quarantining, as long as they comply with protocols. Facemasks are no longer required for individuals who are alone in open-air settings, and social gatherings have no restrictions.

Authorities in Argentina have significantly relaxed COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide in response to an important decrease in cases during recent months. The Argentine government has announced that it will reopen Argentina’s borders to all fully vaccinated foreign travelers effective Nov. 1, 2021. Until that time, most nonresident foreign nationals, other than fully vaccinated travelers from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, remain prohibited from entry. Only citizens and legal residents of Argentina, as well as select foreign nationals, are allowed to enter Argentina, with only limited exceptions.
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Country-Specific Information

Please see “Entry and Exit Requirements” below for further details and continue to monitor this blog for additional updates.

All airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for foreigners in Argentina? Yes.

• Both PCR and antigen tests are widely available in the City of Buenos Aires. Outside of the City of Buenos Aires, U.S. citizens may find varying availability of testing.

• U.S. citizens may obtain COVID-19 tests at many private labs (diagnósticos/laboratorios). U.S. citizens should be prepared to pay the cost of the test and then work with insurance companies to seek reimbursement if applicable. The following is a non-exhaustive list of labs providing testing in the Buenos Aires area:

• Centro de Diagnostico Rossi

• Laboratorio Hidalgo

• Diagnostico Maipu

• IADT (Instituto Argentino de Diagnostico y Tratamiento)

• Central Lab

• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes.

• Within the City of Buenos Aires, if using a private lab, results are generally available within 24 hours. If using a public hospital, the time frame for receiving results can vary between eight and 72 hours. Please note that private and public facilities may experience delays in returning test results if demand for tests increases.

• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page. Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity.   To submit information in support of an exemption, email  BuenosAiresCDCwaiver@state.gov.

• Test results are generally provided electronically. Test results are provided in Spanish.

• Current proof of a COVID-19 vaccine does not satisfy the testing requirement for all passengers arriving to the United States.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Foreign citizens, with direct relatives (spouse, parents, minor children, and adult children) who are Argentine citizens or residents, may enter Argentina for a temporary visit under exceptional circumstances if certain conditions are met. U.S. citizens should be advised that whether entry will be authorized is a discretionary decision made by Argentine immigration officials at specific ports of entry; the U.S. Embassy cannot intercede in this process. If the requested entry is denied, the passenger will be ordered to depart on the next available flight or means of transport. In addition, travelers seeking entry under this program must present: a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or legal documentation of common law marriage or partnership (with required apostille) as evidence of the direct relation with the Argentine citizen. Travelers are also required to present a copy of the National ID Card (DNI) of the Argentine relative, return travel reservation/tickets, negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel, and evidence of medical travel insurance that includes hospitalization and quarantine coverage for COVID-19. The traveler must also present at the port of entry a letter of request that provides the necessary reason for the visit, dates of entry and departure to and from Argentina, address where the traveler will stay, and any additional relevant information required for the immigration official to evaluate the request. The Government of Argentina announcement of this program is available at the following link.

• Test results are generally provided electronically. Test results are provided in Spanish.

• Current proof of a COVID-19 vaccine does not satisfy the testing requirement for all passengers arriving to the United States.

• International travelers to Argentina are restricted to the following ports of entry: Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza International Airport, San Fernando International Airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli “El Plumerillo”, Tte. Benjamín Matienzo International Airport, Buquebus Ferry Terminal; and the land border crossings of Paso de los Libres – Uruguayana, Sistema Cristo Redentor, San Sebastián, and Gualeguaychú – Fray Bentos.

• Foreign citizens traveling under this program are required to pay a fee to Argentine Immigration Office upon arrival.

• U.S. citizens residing in Argentina who enter the country will be exempted from quarantine so long as they have been fully vaccinated and the second dose has been given 14 days before arrival in Argentina. Argentine Authorities will require evidence of vaccination. See the Government Order here.

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 72 hours prior to departure is required for all arriving international travelers. Upon arrival all passengers will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test administered by local health officials. All passengers are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test between the fifth and seventh day after arrival. All passengers must bear the costs of the COVID-19 test. Travelers may carry out social activities but they are prohibited from attending mass events or using collective land transport.

• All unvaccinated travelers, including minor children, are required to quarantine for seven days upon arrival.

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 72 hours prior to departure is required for all arriving international travelers.

• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.

• All passengers arriving in Argentina will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test administered by local health officials. All passengers must bear the cost of the COVID-19 test.

• U.S. citizens who are legal residents in bordering countries are currently allowed to enter Argentina if they have been in the bordering country 14 days before arrival in Argentina and will be exempted from quarantine so long as they have been fully vaccinated and the second dose has been given 14 days before arrival in Argentina. Argentine Authorities will require evidence of vaccination. See the Government Order here.

• Passengers traveling for business who have received prior permission to enter from Argentine immigration authorities will be exempted from the quarantine requirement as long as they meet the vaccines requirement mentioned above.

• The full text of the announcement can be found here (in Spanish).

• Permission must be granted by Argentine immigration authorities and travelers should be prepared to show any relevant documentation related to their employment and purpose of travel.

• The U.S. Embassy has no role in this exemption request and all inquiries should be directed to Argentine immigration authorities here.

• U.S. citizens will be allowed to enter Argentina as from November 1, 2021 and will be excepted from quarantine so long as they have been fully vaccinated and the second dose has been given 14 days before arrival in Argentina. Argentine Authorities will require evidence of vaccination. See the Government Order here.

• Argentine immigration authorities require that all travelers entering or exiting Argentina submit an electronic sworn statement within the 48 hours before their arrival/departure. The form is available here. Travelers may be required to present the confirmation e-mail they receive from this system to board a flight.

• All passengers transiting Argentina must comply with the same requirements as those passengers entering and remaining in Argentina.

• Multiple countries in the region have implemented travel restrictions with little advance notice. To stay informed of the latest travel restrictions, visit the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 webpage for the country of your intended destination or stopover.

• As of July 8, 2021, Argentine Immigration authorities (Migraciones Argentinas) announced the termination of the automatic 30-day visa extension for all non-residents with visas originally set to expire after March 17, 2020. See details on the most recent decree here and contact  Migraciones with any questions.

Movement Restrictions:

• Is a curfew in place? No.

• While there is no nationwide curfew, cities and departments on high alert given the epidemiological and sanitary situation may be subject to curfew. Additional information regarding the epidemiological and sanitary levels within Argentina can be found here (in Spanish).

• Anyone residing or traveling in Argentina should consult with local authorities for the most up to date information regarding the status of each city or department as they may move between mandatory quarantine and social distancing measures depending on the current conditions. For more information, visit this page (in Spanish).

• Plan to limit your movements in accordance with the latest guidelines in your city.

• Masks or other face coverings are mandatory nationwide in public spaces, including public transportation and passenger vehicles.

• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No.

• Additional information about interprovincial travel can be found here  (In Spanish). Individual provinces may require additional local permits to enter or transit.

Quarantine Information:

• U.S. citizens residing in Argentina who enter the country as from Friday September 24 will be exempted from quarantine as long as they have been fully vaccinated and the second doses has been given 14 days before arrival in Argentina. Argentine Authorities will require evidence of vaccination.

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 72 hours prior to departure is required for all arriving international travelers. Upon arrival all passengers will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test administered by local health officials. All passengers are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test between the fifth and seventh day after arrival. All passengers must bear the costs of the COVID-19 test. Travelers may carry out social activities but they are prohibited from attending mass events or using collective land transport.

• All unvaccinated travelers, including minor children, are required to quarantine for seven days upon arrival.

• Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival or are determined to have been in close contact with a COVID-positive traveler will face a mandatory quarantine in a government determined location. Passengers must bear the cost of the mandatory quarantine. Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival must also undergo and bear the cost of a COVID-19 genomic sequencing test.

• Provincial authorities and the City of Buenos Aires authorities may require any arriving passengers to quarantine in government mandated locations even if passenger have tested negative for COVID-19. Passengers must comply and bear the cost if ordered to quarantine.

• Passengers must undergo an additional COVID-19 PCR test on day seven of their quarantine as a condition for ending their quarantine period.

• In addition, provincial authorities may introduce additional quarantine measures and travel restrictions with little prior notice. Please check the website of your province’s Ministry of Health for more details.

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes.

• Several commercial carriers, including American, United, Delta, and Aerolíneas Argentinas, offer direct flights to the United States.  Passengers electing to book a flight with a stopover in another country should verify with their air carrier and that country’s immigration authorities their ability to transit at their stopover point. For booking questions and documentary requirements, contact your air carrier.

• Individual provinces may require additional documentation.  Each province has varying health, testing, and documentation requirements for entry, transit, and departure.  You must check with the authorities of each province you intend to travel from, to, or through what requirements may apply to you. The national government is maintaining a list of entry requirements for various provinces here.

• Is public transportation operating? Yes.

Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable):

• Failure to adhere to quarantine, social distancing, movement restrictions, and other health guidance may result in fines and/or criminal penalties, up to and including arrest and jail time.

Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

Top 10 Tours to do in Buenos Aires: Experiences That Shouldn’t Be Missed

Top 10 Tours to do in Buenos Aires: Experiences That Shouldn't Be Missed

We created a list of top tours to do in Buenos Aires that you shouldn’t miss while visiting this ever-growing city. Some attractions may sound familiar (yet still worthwhile), like the Colon Opera House and Recoleta Cemetery, but some are hidden gems, like an amazing Palermo Food Tour and an off-the-beaten path graffiti neighborhood in Colegiales.

Whether it’s your first time in Buenos Aires or you already have your favorite steakhouse, here's how to explore different sides of Argentina's cosmopolitan capital.

Overview Tour of Buenos Aires

This is the most complete tour of Buenos Aires and our favorite one. It has a duration of 4 hours and it will introduce you to a wide array of Buenos Aires neighborhoods and major attractions in town. This overview tour includes ample time to not only drive but also have a walk through a sampling of historic districts which shed light into the development of Buenos Aires. Engaging and knowledgeable guides will provide an unforgettable experience.

This tour is ideal for adults as well as families.

Walking Tour of Recoleta Cemetery

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You might think why a cemetery is recommended as a “must see” when there are so many attractions and things to do in Buenos Aires. But the Recoleta Cemetery is a truly amazing place. Recoleta Cemetery, in the heart of Buenos Aires, is arguably the world's most beautiful place to rest in peace. The Carrara marble mausoleums and massive monuments erected by past generations are unlike anything we have experienced before. The 14 acres of the cemetery are organized in squares, which are divided by wide tree-lined avenues flanked by mausoleums of different architectural styles are built on the most expensive square meter in the city. Here are buried the most illustrious sons and daughters of Buenos Aires (from presidents, writers, scientists, artists, Nobel laureates, warriors of independence). And as if that were not enough, among the most revered tombs is that of Eva Duarte, also known as Evita Perón. It is the most visited mausoleum.

The duration of this Walking tour is 2 hours.
This tour is ideal for adults and young adults (teenagers and older).

Jewish Tour of Buenos Aires

A local Jewish guide will provide a full understanding of Jewish life in Buenos Aires. The tour includes entry into the most important Jewish Institutions and sites, stunning synagogues, the Shoah Museum, educational institutions, residential areas, Jewish restaurants, Jewish delis and much more.

Duration of Jewish Tour: 4 hours.
This tour is great for adults and families. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

The Evita Tour

Although Eva Peron has been called the most powerful Latin American woman of her time, perhaps ever, many people in North America and Europe had never heard of her until the musical was performed. Who was Eva Peron and why was she one of Argentina’s most powerful and famous leaders? From her upbringing as a humble country girl, to the leader of the Argentinean masses, you will be shown the real story of Eva Peron.

Duration of this tour: 3 hours.

Afternoon with the Masters

Led by a contemporary art enthusiast, this tour is ideal for art connoisseurs, fine art collectors, or any person seeking an exclusive experience. The tour provides an opportunity to visit studios of recognized local painters in Palermo, silversmiths in San Telmo and plastic artists in the district of Villa Crespo. Your guide will help you gain insight into Latin American masterpieces and explore the vision of Argentine contemporary art.

Palermo Grafitti Tour

This guided tour reveals the extraordinary history of the city's active urban art culture from its political origins to the modern context in which Buenos Aires has become one of the most exciting cities in the world for street art. You will visit off the beaten track spots to see hidden graffiti spots and extraordinary murals. The tour also gives guests the opportunity to meet the artists themselves and purchase affordable artwork. The graffiti tours have been developed in close collaboration with emerging and established artists in the city, allowing us to share their stories and personal motivations, along with the most spectacular art the city has to offer.

Duration of this Tour: 3 hours.
This tour appeals to children, teenagers, and adults: the whole family will have a "hands-on" experience.

Guided Tour of the Colon Opera House

The Colon Theater in Buenos Aires is one of the most important opera houses in the world. Its rich and prestigious history and exceptional acoustic and architectural characteristics place it among theaters such as the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Paris Opera and the Vienna State Opera.
This pre-booked ticket includes a guided tour of the theater facilities, including the great hall, the main lobby, the Gallery of Busts and the Golden Room, while an experienced guide explains the details of the architecture, the construction of the place, the most important artists who performed in the theater, and most extraordinary events that shaped the history of the place.

This tour is fantastic for adults and children alike.

Buenos Aires and its Architecture

Long regarded as “the Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is home to some of the most original and outstanding European-style palaces as well as post-modern towers and buildings. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline of Buenos Aires and raise the eyes to discover the most impressive buildings that few people know about.

Tour is ideal for adults and families with kids (6+ years old)
While parents admire the architecture, the history and interesting facts, your tour guide will have stories and games that kids can relate, keeping them entertained and learning something new.

Beyond the City… where to go if you want to leave town

Day Trip to Tigre & San Isidro

Just 20 miles north of Buenos Aires, is the city of Tigre. The town is a very popular destination for tourists and locals who want to leave the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the Paraná wetlands. Tigre has beautiful colonial mansions located on the narrow banks of the river and winding channels where you can kayak, water sports and have lunch in local restaurants surrounded by nature. You can have a different day of leisure sailing through the Parana River surrounded by green vegetation and beautiful landscapes.

Tip: One of Tigre’s most visited sights is the Mercado de Frutos, once a fruit market and important agricultural stop in the 1900s. Nowadays the purpose of the market has shifted to artisan crafts. Reed, wicker, wood, and cane furniture are plentiful, and the usual souvenirs for tourists are sold.

Visit an Authentic Estancia

Visit a private Estancia, see the surrounding countryside, and gain insight into Gaucho culture and traditions. The experience is special for those who want to savor exquisite Argentine wines and barbecues while relaxing and enjoying nature. If you are interested in Polo, daily polo lessons and practices are available from September to May.

* The word estancia is very much used in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and in southern Chile to mention a vast agricultural area, it is quite similar to the notion of ranch in North America. Around San Antonio de Areco town, you will find some of the oldest estancias of Argentina. Indeed, few of them opened their doors to travelers a few years ago, allowing them to discover the rich customs and traditions of the campo Argentino for one day or an overnight stay.

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Any of these experiences and tours can be customized. You can choose pick up times, duration and the main sites of interests to include in each tour*. Just contact us and let us know your preferences and we will put together a fabulous tour for you. The Jewish Tour of Buenos Aires is the only tour whose starting time is subject to visits authorized by the Jewish Institutions.

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

Places to visit in Brazil

Places to visit in Brazil

Every time I think of Brazil, I smile thinking about the vibrant sunsets on Praia do Espelho, the genuine joy of the Cariocas (Rio dwellers) dancing on Copacabana beach, the celebration of Salvador de Bahía waiting for the new year, the colonial houses and colorful buildings of Paraty and the baroque architecture of Ouro Preto.

Brazil is more like a "continent country" where there are many nations in one. Each state has its history, food, personality, culture, music and gastronomy that differentiates it from the other. There is a state for each traveler: places with dreamy beaches; cities such as Sao Paulo with the best contemporary art of South America; colorful festivals and places to visit with a great variety and abundance of wildlife like Pantanal and Amazonas.

Brazil really has it all and it is a destination that I adore for the diversity of its landscapes, the culture in its cities and above all for its people. Having spent many years traveling around this extraordinary country, here is my choice for the best and most beautiful places to visit in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro

Home to the world-famous Carnival, Rio de Janeiro has been officially named the World Capital of Architecture for 2020 by UNESCO. Its designation is a recognition of the historical and modern architectural heritage of Rio and aims to reflect on the future of architectural culture, landscaping and urbanism. Rio de Janeiro will also host the World Congress of Architects, an event that occurs every three years.

Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Wonderful City), the city is lined with white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and it is surrounded by massive green mountains. Rio de Janeiro has spectacular views from almost every angle. From the slopes of Corcovado Mountain, you will admire the striking 125-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer, which overlooks Rio's pristine long crescent beaches. Or you can reach Sugar Loaf summit with cable cars and have a great panoramic view of Guanabara Bay.

In Rio you will marvel at the largest street murals, find many local artisan workshops, excellent restaurants and a handful of unique fashion boutiques that showcase the extraordinary talent of Rio de Janeiro’s designers.

At night, you can listen to samba through the streets of Lapa district or you can visit a concert venue like Rio Scenarium and see live shows of local bands. And if you visit Rio in February, just in time for Carnival, you will witness Brazil's energetic carnival that draws people from all over the world.

Cristo Brasil

Paraty

Paraty is one of the best preserved and most beautiful 17-century colonial towns in Brazil. In addition, it is surrounded by dreamy beaches and secluded islands. This combination makes visiting Paraty one of the best things to do in Brazil. It is considered a getaway from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo since it is a 4 hour-drive from each of them. Most of the accommodations are small boutiques built into colonial homes. To me, it is a must-do if you visit Rio de Janeiro.

São Paulo

São Paulo is the largest urban center in the country and constitutes the most important economic center in all of Latin America. It concentrates a huge textile, chemical, metallurgical, iron and steel and food complex. It is also the commercial health and financial center and the most important communications center in the entire country.

When it comes to culture, São Paulo has some of the best contemporary art galleries and museums in the country (São Paulo Museum of Art is a gem), and you can excite your taste buds at one of the many international restaurants famous for fine cuisine.

Due to the intense traffic of the city, I recommend that you dedicate at least two days to visit its most important attractions.

Cataratas del Iguazu (Iguassu Falls)

Divided between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls (Cataratas del Iguazu in Spanish) are one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The majestic falls are one of the most spectacular places in Latin America and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Due to its location in the middle of the jungle and the enormous volume of water and its many waterfalls, it is a must on any trip to Brazil. An experience that will always be remembered.

Iguazu Lado Argentino y Brasilero

TIP: If you have time, visit both sides of the National Park. Over the Brazilian side you will enjoy jaw-dropping panoramic views of the falls. While on the Argentine side, you can literally walk into the heart of the falls and have the best frontal view of the “Devil’s Throat”, the largest jump in the Iguazu Falls.

Pantanal (Mato Grosso)

For those looking for an adventure similar to that of an African safari, the Pantanal is the best destination in Brazil.

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world and is home to the largest concentration of wildlife on the continent, with some calling it the best-preserved wetland in the world. Also, because the terrain is fairly flat with thinner and lower fauna than that of the lush Amazon, it is easier to spot jaguars, giant anteaters, green anacondas, and howler monkeys that call it home. You'll want to work with a travel specialist that can help you arrange transportation from Rio, São Paulo, or the nearby Cuiabá airport (a four-hour flight from Rio), several days of excursions, and staying at a lodge to explore the region.

The best time of the year to visit Pantanal is from May to early August to avoid the rainy season.

Ouro Preto

It is located 100 km southeast of Belo Horizonte, the state capital. It is part of the cultural heritage of humanity endorsed by Unesco. It is the center that brings together the best baroque heritage in Brazil, reflected in its temples and ancient mansions that belonged to those who were enriched with gold.

Brasilia (only for those interested in architecture)

If you travel between different regions of Brazil, you will probably have to make a stopover in Brasilia. Unless you are an architect or have a special interest in visiting the works of Oscar Niemeyer, I do not recommend that you go to Brasilia.

The capital of Brazil is an entirely planned city, established in 1960 as a centrally located seat for the government and based entirely in functionality.
For architecture lovers and brutalist aesthetes, it's a must visit: Brasilia is home to iconic buildings from Brazilian national treasure Oscar Niemeyer, who designed most of the city, including the Cathedral of Brasilia and its National Museum.

Manaos: Entry for the Brazilian Amazon

The city of 2 million people is located in the heart of the Amazon (it is right in the center of the largest jungle in the world). Manaus is one of the tourist attractions to see in Brazil for its colonial past, its markets, and for being the starting point for all jungle tours.

Salvador de Bahia

Salvador de Bahia is the cradle of colonial Brazil; it was the first capital of the country. The city is home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year. And of course, the colonial heritage is noticeable everywhere, including the strong African influence brought by the slaves. In addition, it is surrounded by beaches that will take your breath away. In short, one of the best places to visit in Brazil.

Porto de Galhinas

This beach town was classified seven times by Viagem e Turismo magazine as the best beach in Brazil. It is located one hour from Recife by road and it has 11 miles of white sand and turquoise water.

Porto de Galhinas is known for its pristine reef pools, best explored on a small “jangada” sailboat, promising fantastic snorkeling, diving, and warm-water swimming (average water temperature is around 79 degrees Fahrenheit). This northeastern seaside town is located 1 hour drive from Recife.

Trancoso (The best beaches of Brazil)

Perched on top of a cliff and surrounded by the exuberant beauty of the coast of the Brazilian state of Bahia, Trancoso is the ideal place to enjoy tranquil and scenic beaches well-suited for social distancing.

A former fishing village turned trendy Brazilian getaway, the modest 16th-century seaside town of Trancoso remains a hidden gem of preserved colonial architecture, lush greenery, and spectacular secluded beaches and natural pools with coral reefs.

Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, Diane von Furstenberg, Neymar, Beyoncé or Will Smith are regulars of Trancoso and they own the best and most isolated houses in the place.

The most famous beach is Praia do Espelho, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Brazil. Other beaches near Trancoso that I highly recommend visiting are: Pitinga, Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia dos Nativos.

Fernando de Noronha

The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a paradise of great beauty and was declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. In order for the place to preserve its nature, the number of visitors is limited and an environmental preservation fee must be paid to enter the island.

It is very common to find some of its beaches among the most beautiful in Brazil and in the world, like Praia dos Porcos, Leões and Sancho Bay, twice voted the best beach on the planet by TripAdvisor's and Traveller's Choice Awards.

The easiest (and almost only) way to get there is by plane, flying from Natal or Recife (there are daily flights). There are no boat lines that cover the route on a regular basis.

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