When I first thought about traveling through Brazil, I was intimidated. It’s huge, diverse, and I kept hearing how expensive it could be. But once I actually spent time living and traveling around the country — especially as an exchange student with a tight budget — I realized something: Brazil is one of the best countries in the world for budget travelers.
If you know where to go and how to travel smart, you’ll experience nature, history, culture, and food that rivals any destination in the world — and without emptying your wallet.
Here are 7 places in Brazil I’ve personally visited (or planned for seriously) that offer beauty, adventure, and culture at a fraction of the cost you’d expect.
Why Brazil is Perfect for Budget Travelers
I’ve traveled around Europe and Latin America, but Brazil stands out for how far your money can go — especially if you’re not afraid to go a little off the beaten path.
Here’s why traveling Brazil on a budget actually works:
- ✨ Affordable stays: “Pousadas” and hostels are cozy, local, and inexpensive.
- 🥘 Cheap eats: Street food is not just cheap — it’s delicious and diverse.
- 🌿 Free attractions: Nature in Brazil is wild, stunning, and often costs nothing.
- 🚍 Accessible travel: Long-distance buses cover the whole country and save money.
Now, let’s jump into the places I recommend most.
1. Jericoacoara (Ceará) – The Chill Beach Town You’ll Fall in Love With
Imagine a beach with no roads, just sand paths, barefoot travelers, and sunsets so magical they draw a crowd every night. That’s Jericoacoara — or “Jeri” if you want to sound like a local.
What to Do:
- Watch the sunset from Duna do Pôr do Sol (sunset dune).
- Relax in a hammock floating in Lagoa do Paraíso.
- Take a walk (or buggy ride) to the Pedra Furada, a natural rock arch.
- Join locals watching capoeira at night in the square.
My Tips:
- Book a pousada within walking distance of the beach.
- You don’t need to pay for every tour — a lot is walkable.
- Avoid the fancy beachfront cafés and eat moqueca (fish stew) from food stalls.
📅 Best time to visit: June–December (dry season), but it’s beautiful year-round.
2. Chapada Diamantina (Bahia) – Waterfalls, Caves, and Mountains
This national park is massive and honestly one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve been. Located in the heart of Bahia, it’s a dream for nature lovers.
What to Do:
- Hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of Brazil’s tallest waterfalls.
- Swim in blue natural pools surrounded by jungle.
- Explore Gruta da Lapa Doce and the crystal waters of Pratinha Cave.
- Base yourself in Lençóis, a charming colonial town.
My Tips:
- Join a group tour or find local guides — it’s cheaper and safer.
- Bring good walking shoes and a refillable water bottle.
- Most hikes are free if you’re experienced — download offline maps.
📅 Best time to visit: May to September for dry trails and clear views.
3. Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro) – A Car-Free Island Paradise
If you’re flying into Rio but want somewhere peaceful and budget-friendly, Ilha Grande is perfect. It’s just a few hours from the city but feels like another world.
What to Do:
- Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach — untouched, soft sand, and insanely blue water.
- Snorkel at Lagoa Azul.
- Walk the island’s jungle trails (they’re free!).
- Explore Vila do Abraão — cute cafés and backpacker vibes.
My Tips:
- Bring snacks from the mainland — island shops are pricier.
- Stay in hostels near the village center.
- Hike to beaches instead of taking boat taxis (if you’re up for it!).
📅 Best time to visit: April to October. Avoid peak holidays and rainy months (Dec–Feb).
4. Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais) – Colonial Beauty on a Budget
History, art, cobblestones, and the best pão de queijo I’ve ever had — Ouro Preto is a magical little town frozen in time.
What to Do:
- Tour historic baroque churches like São Francisco de Assis.
- Visit small museums and gold mines from Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush.
- Try local sweets and cheeses in the central market.
- Walk everywhere — it’s steep, but the views are worth it!
My Tips:
- Look for pousadas in old homes — charming and often super cheap.
- Most attractions cost just a few reais.
- Bring good shoes — those cobbled hills are no joke.
📅 Best time to visit: Avoid big holiday weekends (prices rise fast).
5. Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) – Island Life Meets Adventure
Locals call it “Ilha da Magia” — the island of magic — and it really lives up to the name. Floripa is perfect for backpackers and surfers, but also great for chill days by the sea.
What to Do:
- Surf at Praia Mole or explore Joaquina Dunes.
- Visit hidden beaches like Lagoinha do Leste via jungle hikes.
- Explore Ribeirão da Ilha, a fishing village with colonial roots.
- Party in Lagoa da Conceição, the backpacker-friendly center.
My Tips:
- Stay in hostels around the Lagoa — fun and affordable.
- Use public buses (Uber gets expensive over long distances).
- Cook at least one meal a day — hostel kitchens are usually great.
📅 Best time to visit: November to March for beaches. April and May for lower prices.
6. Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul) – Brazil’s Ecotourism Gem
Bonito means “beautiful” in Portuguese — and wow, it delivers. Think snorkeling in clear rivers, caves with deep blue lakes, and jungle all around you.
What to Do:
- Snorkel in Rio da Prata or Rio Sucuri.
- Visit Gruta do Lago Azul, a cave with vibrant blue water.
- Go tubing or float trips down calm rivers.
- Spot wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and giant otters.
My Tips:
- Go during low season for big discounts.
- Book group tours — solo prices are way higher.
- Pick your top 2 or 3 activities — it’s tempting to do everything, but it adds up.
📅 Best time to visit: May–August (less rain, cooler weather, clear water).
7. Paraty (Rio de Janeiro) – A Colonial Town with Beaches & Waterfalls
Halfway between Rio and São Paulo, Paraty feels like a postcard — cobbled streets, preserved Portuguese architecture, beachy vibes, and tons of nearby nature.
What to Do:
- Stroll the historic center — cars aren’t allowed!
- Take a boat tour to tropical islands and secluded beaches.
- Hike to waterfalls in the surrounding rainforest.
- Sample local cachaça from small distilleries.
My Tips:
- Use the bus to get there from Rio — cheap and easy.
- Stay in budget pousadas in the center or nearby neighborhoods.
- Look for “prato feito” meals (simple lunch plates) to save on food.
📅 Best time to visit: April to November. Summer months are busy and more expensive.
Bonus: Budget Travel Tips That Have Saved Me 💰
🚌 Use long-distance buses – They’re clean, safe, and way cheaper than domestic flights. I once traveled 10 hours for less than $20.
🍛 Eat at “por kilo” buffets – You pay by weight and eat exactly what you want.
🛏️ Stay in hostels or family-run pousadas – These often include a great breakfast.
🗓️ Travel off-season – April, May, September, and October have fewer tourists and better deals.
Brazil on a Budget: You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Explore
The truth is, you can have unforgettable travel experiences in Brazil without fancy hotels or luxury tours. I’ve watched the sun set from a dune, hiked to hidden waterfalls, and danced at beachside bars — all while sticking to a student’s budget.
You don’t need five-star resorts to fall in love with Brazil. You just need curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of adventure.
So go ahead — pack your bag, learn a few Portuguese phrases, and get ready to discover a side of Brazil that’s beautiful, authentic, and surprisingly affordable. 🌎✈️🇧🇷