Brazil is huge, and getting the airports, connection times and paperwork right makes a big difference for students and teams. Here is a practical overview.
Brazil at a glance
- Main international gateways: São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU), Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), Brasília (BSB) and Salvador (SSA).
- Busiest fare periods: December to February, including Carnival, and July.
- Often better-value periods: March to May, and August to November.
- Seasons: Southern Hemisphere. Heavy rain in the Amazon basin runs from about December to May.
When to fly
Brazil’s peak is the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December to February, which includes Carnival, plus the July school holidays. March to May and August to November are often better value.
Weather varies enormously. The Amazon basin, including Manaus, has heavy rain from about December to May, and southern cities such as São Paulo and Porto Alegre can be cold from June to August. Students should book early around the December and July holidays, and mission teams should check conditions for their specific region.
Routings, entry and customs
LATAM, American, United and Delta are among the airlines flying non-stop from US hubs such as Miami, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Houston to São Paulo and Rio. Schedules change, so confirm what is operating.
Entry requirements for US passport holders have changed in recent years, so check the current visa rule on the official Brazilian government site, and allow time to apply if one is required. Other nationalities have different rules.
Brazilian customs monitors incoming goods, and commercial-looking quantities can be questioned. If you are bringing donated equipment, carry documentation showing it is for charitable distribution through a recognized Brazilian organization, keep an itemized list, and declare it.
Airports and getting around
São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) is the main gateway. If you connect from an international arrival to a domestic flight on airlines such as Azul, Gol or LATAM, you may need to clear immigration and customs, collect and re-check bags, and go through security again, so allow generous time, often 2.5 to 3 hours or more.
Distances are long, and many groups use domestic flights between states. In cities, pre-booked private transport or ride-hailing apps are common, and long road legs are best arranged with your host.
How to pay less on flights to Brazil
- Avoid the Southern Hemisphere summer. Fares peak from December to February, which includes Carnival, and again in the July school holidays. March to May and August to November are often better value.
- Compare the non-stops. LATAM, American, United and Delta have flown non-stop from hubs such as Miami, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Houston to São Paulo and Rio, so compare departure cities.
- Allow time on connections. Connecting from an international arrival to a domestic flight can mean immigration, customs, re-checking bags and security again, often 2.5 to 3 hours or more. A tight cheap connection can cost you the flight.
- Match the region to the season. The Amazon has heavy rain from about December to May, and the south can be cold from June to August.
For the general method, see how we find cheap flights. Send us your dates and a specialist compares the options for this route.
Before you go
Check passport validity and Brazil’s current visa rule through the official government portal for every traveler. Visa requirements for US citizens have changed in recent years, so rely on the current official page, and we do not quote fees here.
Yellow fever: the CDC recommends vaccination for travelers to large parts of Brazil, including the Amazon, the Pantanal and many inland and southeastern areas, and some other countries ask for a certificate when you leave Brazil for them. Vaccinate at least ten days before you travel.
Malaria: risk is mainly in the Amazon region. Most city itineraries, including São Paulo and Rio, are not in the main risk area, but jungle and river travel is.
Other advice: hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are commonly recommended, and dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a concern in many areas, so insect protection matters. See the CDC page for Brazil for current notices. Book a travel clinic visit four to six weeks before departure, because some vaccine courses take time.
Health notes below reflect the CDC’s Travelers’ Health pages as we last checked them (October 2026). Notices and outbreak levels change quickly, so read the current page before you book vaccines.
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Airline routes, schedules, baggage rules and entry requirements change, so your specialist confirms the current options when they quote your trip.
Planning a trip? See our Brazil flights page, our mission travel and student travel page, or send us your dates for a quote.
Questions, answered.
When are flights to Brazil most expensive?
December to February, including Carnival, and July school holidays are the busiest. March to May and August to November are often better value.
Do US travelers need a visa for Brazil?
Entry rules for US passport holders have changed in recent years. Check the current requirement on the official Brazilian government website, and allow time to apply if a visa is needed.
How long should I allow to connect at São Paulo?
Changing from an international to a domestic flight at Guarulhos can involve clearing immigration and customs and re-checking bags, so allow generous time, often 2.5 to 3 hours or more.
