What to pack for Brazil

Core Packing Essentials (For All Regions)

Documents & Money

• Passport with at least six months validity and your Brazilian visa, if required.
• Digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and flight itineraries.
• Travel insurance details, including policy number and emergency contact.
• Credit cards and a debit card for ATM withdrawals. We advise you to notify your bank of your travel dates to ensure your cards function correctly abroad.
• A small amount of Brazilian Reais (BRL) for initial expenses like taxis or snacks upon arrival.
• A secure travel wallet or money belt for peace of mind.

Health & Safety

• All necessary prescription medications in their original packaging. We also suggest bringing a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note.
• A basic first-aid kit containing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and motion sickness medication.
• Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. This is non-negotiable, especially for trips to the Amazon, Pantanal, or even coastal areas, to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
• High-SPF (30+), broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
• Hand sanitizer for convenience when soap and water are not available.
• Anti-diarrhea medication.

Electronics

• A universal travel adapter. Brazil uses Type N sockets, which are unique to the country.
• A portable power bank for charging your devices during long excursions or travel days.
• Your smartphone and all necessary charging cables.
• A waterproof phone case or pouch, particularly useful for beach days or activities in the rainforest.

Clothing & Footwear (Tailored to Your Itinerary)

For Cities (e.g., Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo)

• Lightweight, breathable tops and t-shirts for daytime comfort.
• Comfortable walking shoes or stylish sneakers are essential for exploring urban landscapes.
• A pair of smart-casual shoes or sandals for evenings out.
• Lightweight trousers, shorts, or jeans.
• A light jacket, cardigan, or pashmina for aggressively air-conditioned restaurants and cooler evenings.
• A secure cross-body bag or anti-theft daypack. We must stress the importance of this for your safety and security in crowded urban areas.

For Beaches & Coastal Areas (e.g., Bahia, Northeast Brazil)

• At least two swimsuits to ensure you always have a dry one ready.
• A beach cover-up or a canga (a Brazilian sarong). The canga is a wonderfully versatile local essential, used for lying on the sand, as a towel, or as a stylish wrap.
• Flip-flops (like the iconic Havaianas) and/or water-resistant sandals.
• A wide-brimmed sun hat to protect your face and neck.
• UV-protection sunglasses.
• A lightweight, casual dress or outfit suitable for beachside bars and restaurants.

For the Amazon Rainforest & Pantanal

• Two to three pairs of long-sleeved, lightweight, light-colored shirts. Light colors are known to attract fewer insects, and long sleeves protect from both bites and the sun.
• Two pairs of lightweight, quick-dry hiking trousers. Avoid jeans, as they are heavy and take a very long time to dry in the humid environment.
• A reliable, lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
• Sturdy, waterproof, and well broken-in hiking boots.
• Several pairs of long, breathable socks that can be tucked into your trousers for added protection from insects.
• A dry bag to protect your electronics and important documents from the pervasive humidity and potential rain.
• Binoculars for an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.
• A headlamp or small flashlight, indispensable for night walks or navigating lodges with limited power.

For Southern Brazil & Cooler Elevations (e.g., Iguazu Falls, Curitiba)

• Layering is key to comfort. Pack t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, and a fleece or mid-weight jacket.
• A waterproof or water-resistant jacket is essential, especially for visiting Iguazu Falls. Be advised that the powerful mist from the falls will get you wet.
• Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes.
• Trousers or jeans appropriate for cooler temperatures.

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and your other daily essentials.
• After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel to soothe skin after a day of sun exposure.
• Any preferred feminine hygiene products. While these are available for purchase, finding specific brands might be difficult, so it is best to bring your own.
• Lip balm with SPF protection.

What to Leave at Home

• Expensive or flashy jewelry and watches. This can attract unwanted attention, and it is wiser to adopt a more understated approach for safety.
• High heels, unless you are attending a specific formal event. Most city streets and sidewalks are uneven and not conducive to such footwear.
• Heavy, bulky clothing like wool coats, unless you are traveling to the far south during the coldest months of winter.
• Anything you would be heartbroken to lose. It is always best to travel with items that are not sentimentally irreplaceable.