Just under a nine-hour flight from Miami, Brazil is rarely spoken about as a winter getaway option, but all that is about to change. Known for not selling itself as a tourism destination, the beauty of Brazil speaks for itself.
With December temperatures climbing above 80°F in Rio de Janeiro, you can be sure to catch a tan while enjoying the rhythm and vibes of Copacabana Beach as you bring in the festive season. Without further ado, let’s dive into the most exciting Brazilian escapes to discover this winter.
How to Travel Brazil
While commercial airlines might be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a winter getaway to Brazil, they might not be your best option. Lying on the Tropic of Capricorn, Brazilian summer is getting started just as things turn a little colder in the U.S. This means higher airfares to a country where flights are already far less frequent than places like Mexico or Costa Rica.
One great alternative to scattered airline timelines and dynamic pricing is securing an air charter provider for your winter holiday. Providers like Air Charter Service will ensure that you arrive on time and in style, while also supplying private jets so that you travel across the country without the hassle of public terminals and lengthy delays. It may seem a little extravagant, but if you’re traveling with friends and/or family, you can split the costs for a more affordable and definitely luxurious beginning and ending to your vacation.
Rio de Janeiro
December marks the start of summer in Rio. So, there’s no better time to stretch out and enjoy the world-famous atmosphere of Copacabana Beach than during the cold and dreary U.S. winter. This 2.5-mile stretch of sand is filled with eye-popping performers and skilled freestyle footballers showcasing their skills — no day is ever the same! In the evenings, head out to Lapa, the heart of Rio nightlife, for the nation’s favorite cocktail, the caipirinha. Dance the night away at one of the weekend street parties or head over to Rio Scenarium, a three-story samba club that’s been playing host to international visitors for nearly 30 years.
If you aren’t feeling too hungover, embark on a hike to the world-famous Christ the Redeemer, where you can soak up sweeping views of the city from the summit of Corcovado Mountain, over 2200 feet above sea level.
With over 75% of Brazilians identifying as Christian, you couldn’t be in a better place to enjoy Christmas in the sun. Locals cover the city with colorful lights and decorations and you mustn’t miss the world’s largest floating Christmas tree at the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
Visiting for Christmas? Stay a little longer and bring in the New Year to soak up the celebrations in the party capital of the world.
Curitiba
Just an 80-minute flight from Rio, this under-the-radar winter escape, known as ‘Vienna of Brazil’ offers the perfect respite for lovers of culture and nature. Stroll around the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) and marvel at the French-inspired gardens and huge glass house.
Be the envy of freezing friends at home as you rent a bike and cycle through the city’s Parque Barigui in balmy temperatures. The park surrounds a large lake where you can spot the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, if you’re lucky.
Once you’re tired of all the natural wonders on offer in Curitiba, head over to the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, named after Brazil’s most famous architect, who died aged 104 in 2012. Otherwise known as the ‘Eye Museum’, after its iconic design, the museum is home to a rotating cast of exhibitions that focus on visual design.
Round off your day of culture and nature with an evening at the opera. The Wire Opera House, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, is set amid a lush park and plays host to a packed summer schedule of some of the world’s best-loved operas.
São Paulo
Where better to spend winter than in Brazil’s largest and most dynamic city? One of Brazil’s greenest cities, São Paulo is just over an hour’s flight from Rio de Janeiro and a little over an eight-hour flight from Miami. During your winter getaway, you can expect consistent temperatures of 79°F to 81°. So, not too hot to explore yet warm enough to make your friends jealous.
Ibirapuera Park offers 390 acres of green spaces where you can rent a bike, go jogging, or even hire a paddle boat. Here, you’ll also find the Museum of Modern Art and the Afro-Brazil Museum.
No trip to Brazil is complete without attending a soccer match. ‘The Beautiful Game’ is the most important sport in the country. Catch a live game at Morumbi Stadium or Allianz Parque, home to the city’s two most famous clubs, São Paulo FC and Palmeiras.
Your Winter Brazilian Escape Awaits
From the sun-soaked beaches and party atmosphere that courses through Rio to the nature and culture of Curitiba, Brazil is the destination to check out this Winter. Pack plenty of sunscreen and embrace every moment.
