Cheap flights to Brazil

Stretching more than 8.5 million square kilometres (3.2 million square miles), the sheer magnitude of Brazil makes it the largest country in South America and one of the most diverse and populous countries in the world. Travellers coming off their flights to Brazil will be surprised to find an eclectic mix of Portuguese, native Indian, African, European, Middle Eastern and Asian immigrants who have been living harmoniously here for generations. Sao Paulo has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan while in the south: Rio Grande do Sul, Parana and Santa Catarina have the highest concentration of Germans and Italians.

The heart and soul of Brazil is undoubtedly Rio de Janeiro where the biggest party, Carnaval, takes place annually attracting thousands from around the world to book flights to Brazil. Further north is the city of Salvador, Bahia’s capital and once the country’s main port for bringing slaves over from Africa. The northeast of Brazil – Recife, Fortaleza and Natal – offers some of the most stunning beaches in the country.

Due to its size, the most economical way to travel around and stop in several cities is to acquire a Brazil Air Pass which most travellers do while booking their flights to Brazil.

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Brazil climate

Brazil is an enormous country and has many climate zones. Most of the country is tropical, with an average temperature in the north of 28 degrees and 20 degrees in the south. The country rarely has extreme weather, but summers in Rio can reach up to 40 degrees.

When is the best time to fly to Brazil?

Peak Season:

Since Brazil lies in the Southern Hemisphere its summer is December through to March and winter is from June through to September. The best time to book flights to Brazil is from December until Carnaval season; usually in February. However this is also when accommodation and flights are at their peak. Another popular time to visit is the week of Easter.

Off season:

May to October is winter in Brazil but if you’re looking for a bargain then it’s probably the best time to visit – prices are lower and temperatures are in the upper 20s; much milder than in summer.

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Getting around Brazil

Brazil is a vast country and the best way (but certainly not the cheapest) to get around is by domestic flights. Most visitors who plan on visiting a few different regions or cities should invest in a Brazil Pass which can be arranged through your travel agent or airline when booking your ticket.

In the major cities the best, and safest, way to get around is by taxi.

For long-distance travel buses are a good, reliable option and all major cities are linked by bus routes.

Rental cars are available at the airport although driving can be rather frustrating and dangerous at times.

How long is the flight to Brazil?

With cheap flights to Brazil from the Philippines, you can expect a travel time of around 26-36h, depending on your destination, airline, route and how many stopovers you are going to experience. If you want Brazil flight deals with Qatar Airways from Manila to Sao Paulo, you will probably have a journey of around 26h. Flights to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro from Manila are usually a bit longer, and even with quick airlines like Turkish Airlines, you can still expect to travel for about 32h. If you want to get to Rio de Janeiro from Cebu City, you will probably find yourself flying for around 36h with Turkish Airlines. Flying to Sao Paulo from Cebu city will also take a bit of time, even if you’re using Qatar Airways. You will probably have to travel for around 32h.

Where can you get direct flights to Brazil from?

Unfortunately, direct flights from the Philippines to Brazil are not currently available. If you are flying to Rio de Janeiro from Manila with Qatar Airways, you can expect a stopover in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and then Sao Paulo before making it to Rio de Janeiro; it’s a 16min drive from the airport to the centre of Rio once you arrive. If you want to reach Sao Paulo from Manila with Turkish Airlines, you can expect a stopover in Istanbul. Once you’re in Sao Paulo, it’ll be a one-hour train ride from the airport to the centre of the city. If you’re travelling from Cebu City, you will usually stop in Manila and Doha if you’re travelling with Philippine Airlines before arriving in Sao Paulo. If you want to go to Rio from Cebu City, you have a similar route except you will have another stopover in Sao Paulo before you reach Rio de Janeiro.

What is the best way to travel around Brazil?

If you’re looking to travel from Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, to Sao Paulo, a good idea would be to use Brazil’s extensive bus network. While it isn’t as fast as a plane, taking you around six hours to get between Sao Paulo and Brasilia, it is a reliable means of transport and is usually quite cost effective. You can also book a flight between the cities, taking around two and a half hours. If you want to get around the cities like Rio de Janeiro and visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue, you can use the bus, which will take around 42min, or the train, which will take around 53min, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking to hire a car during your stay, you will need to be over 18 years old and have had your licence for over a year.

What are some things to do in Brazil?

The beaches of Brazil are an awesome way of spending your holiday. Praia do Sancho is a beach famous for its views and nice swimming conditions. Spend a day (or five) with the sun, sand and sea to make the most of the Brazilian coast during your trip. If you’re interested in learning more about Brazilian culture, then check out Museu Afro Brasil, a museum dedicated to discussing and exploring black Brazilian history and culture. The museum covers topics like the slave trade and early Brazilian culture, as well as discussions around modern Brazil. If you happen to be in Brazil around Ash Wednesday, make sure you partake in the Carnival, a festival celebrating Brazilian culture held in Rio de Janeiro.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Brazil?

If you are a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines, then you will not need a visa when flying to Brazil; you will need a valid passport.

What is good to know if travelling to Brazil?

• Hike through the tropical jungle of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca in Rio. Although it’s located in the city its waterfalls and lush greenery make for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
• Take a cable car up 396 metres (1300 feet) to Pão de Açúcar or Sugar Loaf and see the most breathtaking views of the entire city beneath you. Then head up Corcovado Mountain and visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.
• If you’re a football fan then you can’t miss a game at the football mecca of the world: Maracanã Stadium. With 100,000 passionate fans screaming, dancing and singing, it’ll definitely be a game you’ll never forget.
• Lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy the serenity of kayaking in the Amazon. You can take a guided tour and explore the rainforest, then stop for a meal prepared by the tour’s chef. But if you’d rather get your adrenaline pumping then try hang gliding at 780 metres (2,624 feet) above the city of Rio.
• Invite yourself to the wildest party in the world – Carnaval. Each year the city turns into one big party with thousands participating in the samba parade and dancing till the early hours of the morning.
• Trivago is a useful website to start searching for hotels in Brazil. You get a quick overview of reviews and prices for hotels in the most popular cities including hotels in Rio de Janeiro or hotels in Sao Paulo.