Overview
Brazil is the largest and most diverse country in South America — a land of vibrant cities, golden beaches, the mighty Amazon and world-famous festivals. For UK travellers it's a bucket-list destination for culture, nature and adventure, with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as the main gateways for onward travel across the country.
Best time to fly to Brazil
Brazil is a year-round destination, though seasons vary by region. The drier months from May to September suit much of the country, while December to February is warm and lively — and home to Carnival. Fares rise around the festive season and Carnival, so shoulder months offer better value; see the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Main gateway cities & airports
UK travellers arrive mainly into São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU), the country's busiest hub, and Rio de Janeiro (GIG). Domestic flights connect onward to Salvador, Recife, the Amazon (Manaus) and the Iguaçu Falls.
Airlines and routes
British Airways and LATAM fly direct from London to São Paulo in around 11–12 hours. Connecting options — often better value — include TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon), Iberia (via Madrid), Air France (via Paris) and Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), serving UK airports including Manchester.
Popular places to visit in Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana and Sugarloaf.
- São Paulo: Brazil's cultural and culinary powerhouse.
- Iguaçu Falls: one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.
- The Amazon: unrivalled rainforest and wildlife.
- Salvador: colourful colonial streets and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Brazil
- Book roughly 2–4 months ahead for long-haul value.
- Avoid Carnival and the festive season if your dates are flexible.
- Compare direct and one-stop European routes.
- Midweek departures often beat weekend fares.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers currently do not need a visa for short tourist stays, but always check the latest entry rules before you fly.
- The local currency is the Brazilian real (BRL).
