Brazil 🇧🇷 – 45 Days of Adventure
Total Expenditure: $13,500 💰
My stay in Brazil was a mix of travel and living, which allowed me to immerse myself in the culture for an extended period. Below, I’ll share my detailed travel plan, complete with insider tips so your journey is as seamless as possible!
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🛃 **Visa Requirements for Brazil 🇧🇷**
For travelers from China, you can apply for a Brazilian visa in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. If you’re already in South America, Colombia, Bolivia, and Argentina also offer visa processing services. (I personally got mine in La Paz, Bolivia, for just $115.)
💰 **Currency Exchange Tips:**
– US dollars 💸 are widely accepted at exchange counters across Brazil. For the best rates, head to Paraguay, especially San Baro.
– For Chinese yuan, try exchanging at local Chinese restaurants—it’s convenient and hassle-free.
– Alternatively, use your UnionPay card to withdraw cash at ATMs at real-time exchange rates.
☎️ **SIM Card Options:**
There are three major providers in Brazil: TIM, Claro, and Vivo. I opted for Claro because of its reliability and affordability. You can purchase the SIM card directly from their stores. Online top-ups are available, and the initial card fee is only 10 reais. A 12GB data plan costs 30 reais and lasts for one month—perfect for staying connected during your trip!
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🚌 **Transportation Made Easy:**
– Local buses are affordable, with fares averaging around $1 USD per ride.
– Ride-hailing apps like 99 and Uber are popular; 99 often provides better deals than Uber.
– For journeys under 15 hours, long-distance buses are my go-to choice—they’re comfortable and economical.
– When flying within Brazil, always book tickets for the longest routes possible—the further you travel, the more cost-effective it becomes. My total transportation expenses came to approximately 4,000 RMB.
**Pro Tip:** Always aim for longer flights when booking domestic trips in Brazil—it saves money and offers great value for your budget.
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✅ **The Ultimate Travel Plan:**
1️⃣ **Bonito (2 Days)**
From Bonito, take a scenic 18-hour bus ride to Iguazu for 450 reais ($70 USD).
2️⃣ **Iguazu + Paraguay (2 Days)**
Explore the breathtaking Iguazu Falls and spend half a day discovering Paraguay’s charm. From here, catch another overnight bus to São Paulo for 440 reais ($75 USD).
3️⃣ **São Paulo (1 Day)**
A quick stopover in São Paulo allows you to visit iconic landmarks like the São Paulo Cathedral, stroll along Avenida Paulista on Sunday, and explore Japan Street. Then hop on a flight to Salvador for 480 reais ($80 USD).
4️⃣ **Salvador (2 Days)**
Immerse yourself in Salvador’s vibrant culture before boarding a 25-hour bus ride to Lencois Maranhenses for 650 RMB ($100 USD).
5️⃣ **Lencois Maranhenses (2 Days)**
Catch sunrise and sunset over this stunning desert landscape—splitting the experience into two half-days makes it even more magical. From here, fly to São Luís and then onward to Manaus for 980 reais ($165 USD).
6️⃣ **Manaus (4 Days)**
Don’t miss the unforgettable Amazon rainforest adventure—a 3-day, 2-night excursion that feels like stepping back into nature’s untouched paradise. Finally, fly to Rio de Janeiro for 780 reais ($130 USD).
7️⃣ **Rio de Janeiro (4 Days)**
End your journey in style with visits to Telegraph Stone (Trilha do Pico do Telegrafo), Pedra da Gávea, Copacabana Beach, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Wrap up by taking a 7-hour bus ride back to São Paulo for 220 reais ($35 USD).
*Why return to São Paulo? International flights from there are significantly cheaper than from Rio!*
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🌅 **Must-See Attractions:**
– **Bonito**: Dive into two unforgettable snorkeling experiences—Aquario Natural and Nasecentes de Serra.
– **Iguazu + Paraguay**: Spend one full day marveling at the majestic Iguazu Falls and half a day exploring Paraguayan markets.
– **São Paulo**: Discover the city’s rich history and modern vibes through its cathedral, bustling avenues, and cultural streets.
– **Rio de Janeiro**: Hike Telegraph Stone, admire Pedra da Gávea, relax at Copacabana Beach, and pay homage to Christ the Redeemer.
– **Salvador**: Wander through the historic Old Town and enjoy ocean views along the coast.
– **Lencois Maranhenses**: Witness nature’s beauty at dawn and dusk—splitting the experience enhances the magic.
– **Manaus**: Embark on a 3-day, 2-night Amazon jungle expedition—an absolute highlight of any trip to Brazil!
Embark on this incredible journey and create memories that will last a lifetime! 🌍✨
