As you plan your trip to Brazil, finding comfortable yet affordable accommodations may seem challenging given the variety of options across this vast country. However, with some insider knowledge and advanced planning, you can secure lodging that enhances your experience of this colorful culture. Whether you prefer an eco-lodge in the Amazon rainforest or a historic pousada in a colonial town, Brazil offers a variety of lodging for every taste and budget.
Search online for the best deals
To find the best deals on hotels in Brazil, start by searching online. There are many travel sites and booking platforms where you can compare rates and amenities for accommodations across the country. Some of the top sites for booking hotels in Brazil include:
- Booking.com; offers a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, across the country.
- Expedia; listings for thousands of hotels and hotel packages.
- Decolar; offers special rates and discounts.
- Hotel Urbano; works directly with many Brazilian hotels to offer some of the lowest rates.
Be sure to compare rates across multiple sites to find the best available deal. Also check the hotel websites directly, as they often match or beat the rates on travel sites.
Consider an Airbnb or vacation rental
To experience Brazil like a local, consider booking an Airbnb or vacation rental instead of a traditional hotel. These options provide more space and amenities for often lower prices.
Airbnbs and rentals allow you to stay in residential neighborhoods rather than commercial areas aimed at tourists. With an entire home or apartment to yourself, you’ll have plenty of room to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Vacation rentals typically have 2-3 bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, and patios. They feel cozy and homey, not cramped like some hotel rooms. You can also save money by splitting the cost with friends or family.
Beachfront pousadas for a relaxed seaside vibe
Beachfront pousadas provide stunning ocean views and easy access to the sand and surf. You can wake up to the sounds of waves lapping at the shore and fall asleep gazing at the starry night sky. Many beach pousadas have balconies, terraces, and hammocks where you can soak in the peaceful surroundings. Some even have beach chairs and umbrellas reserved for guests.
Check sites like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Lonely Planet for highly-rated beach pousadas at your desired destination. Look for keywords like “frente mar,” “beira mar,” or “praia” which indicate a beachfront location.
Camping in Brazil
The country offers some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, with secluded beaches, thundering waterfalls, and lush rainforests. One of the best ways to experience Brazil’s raw beauty is by pitching a tent at one of the many campsites situated in natural paradises.
Camping at Praia do Sancho
Praia do Sancho beach on the island of Fernando de Noronha is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. The beach allows camping, with spots located just steps from the shoreline.
Camping in Chapada Diamantina
In the heart of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina National Park is a hiker’s and camper’s dream, with stunning waterfalls, swimming holes, and sandstone cliffs. Camping is allowed at designated campsites along hiking trails. The park sees the most rain between March and August, so plan accordingly.
Top hotels and rentals for expats in Brazil
Brazil offers a wide range of hotel options to suit any budget or travel style.
Luxury hotels
For those seeking upscale accommodations, Brazil offers world-class luxury hotels. In Rio de Janeiro, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is an iconic beachfront hotel that has hosted royalty and celebrities since 1923. Its rooms feature marble bathrooms, antique furnishings, and balconies overlooking Copacabana Beach. The Fasano Rio de Janeiro is a chic boutique hotel in Ipanema with a rooftop pool, spa, and contemporary rooms with minimalist decor.
Serviced apartments
For longer stays, serviced apartments provide spacious, furnished rentals with hotel-like amenities. In São Paulo, the Blue Tree Premium Paulista offers stylish apartments with kitchenettes, housekeeping, and a fitness center. The Concept Paulista Prime provides short-term rentals in a high-rise building with a pool, sauna, gym, and game room. For families, the Athos Bulcão offers multi-bedroom apartments with playgrounds, sports courts, and a kid’s club.
Budget hotels
For budget-friendly stays, Brazil has many affordable hotel chains, including Ibis, Mercure, and Accor, with locations throughout the country. In beach towns, pousadas are small, family-run inns that offer basic but comfortable rooms, often with amenities like pools, gardens, and breakfast. Hostels provide cheap dorms and private rooms, especially in backpacker-friendly destinations like Rio, São Paulo, and Salvador.
You may also find these articles helpful