Useful Information for Backpacking Brazil

We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.

You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.

Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.

We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

Your adventure starts in Rio and wraps up in São Paulo. Let the good times roll from beach to city!

That would be São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

Yes! One week before the trip, you’ll get a welcome email from us, including a WhatsApp group QR code and all the info you need. You can also join our Facebook group in the meantime.

Like any destination, Brazil requires standard travel precautions. Stick to well-travelled areas, avoid displaying valuables, and travel with a group tour for added safety and local expertise. Our guided tours let you experience the best of Brazil with security and insider knowledge. Check the latest FCDO advice before you travel.

December to March is summer in Brazil with the best beach weather and Carnival season. However, April to November offers fewer crowds, great deals, and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring cities and outdoor activities.

Brazil is surprisingly affordable. Budget travellers can expect to spend $40–60 USD per day on accommodation, food and local transport. Our 9-day Brazil group tour offers excellent value with accommodation, activities, expert guides and unforgettable experiences included.

While Portuguese is the official language, you don't need to be fluent to enjoy Brazil. Learning a few basic phrases helps, and travelling with a guided tour means you'll have English-speaking guides to help with communication and cultural insights.

Brazil uses the real (BRL). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants to beach kiosks, so you need less cash than you might expect. Locals often pay by Pix, an instant bank transfer, but you can nearly always pay by card instead.

Keep a little cash for small vendors, islands and tips. Use ATMs inside banks, shopping centres or airports during the day, and if a card machine offers to charge you in pounds, choose reais.

In most restaurants and bars a 10% service charge (serviço) is added to the bill. It is technically optional, but most people pay it, so there is no need to tip on top unless the service was exceptional.

Guides, drivers and boat crews appreciate a small tip for good service, but it is not expected. Your group leader can suggest amounts.

It is best not to drink tap water in Brazil. It is treated in the big cities, but pipes and storage tanks vary, and most Brazilians drink filtered or bottled water themselves.

Hotels and hostels often have a filter or water to refill from, so bring a reusable bottle. Ice and drinks in established bars and restaurants are generally fine.

Most unlocked phones work in Brazil. Check your UK network's roaming charges first, as Brazil is usually outside roaming bundles. A travel eSIM set up before you fly is the simplest option, and avoids the paperwork of registering a local SIM.

Coverage is good in the cities and along the coast, and patchier on islands and remote beaches. Most accommodation has Wi-Fi.

Speak to your GP or a travel clinic about 6–8 weeks before you travel, and check the Brazil advice on TravelHealthPro for current recommendations on vaccines and avoiding mosquito bites.

Mention every country on your route at the appointment, as some neighbouring countries ask for proof of certain vaccinations if you arrive from Brazil.