Brazil travel books

7 Best Travel Books About Brazil


“They have a joy for life in Brazil unlike any country I’ve ever seen.”


The largest country in South America, the fifth-largest in the world and home to 220 million people, Brazil is a country of stunning natural beauty and world-renowned unique identities. From the bustling metropolises of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to the deepest corners of the Amazon Rainforest, the diversity in Brazil’s society is mirrored in its incredible biodiversity. Brazil’s lush and vibrant wildlife makes it the most megadiverse country on Earth. Home to the thirteenth-most amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it should be no secret why Brazil captures so many travellers’ wanderlust. Join us today at What We Reading for the best Brazilian travel books to take with you on your next journey! 


Lonely Planet Brazil – Lonely Planet 

The bestselling travel guide on Brazil from the world’s leading travel experts, Lonely Planet’s Brazil is a comprehensive companion for those looking to get to the heart of the journey. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro or spots off the beaten path, Lonely Planet Brazil is the most up-to-date resource for travellers. 

High-quality colour photographs are sure to inspire your wanderlust, Lonely Planet’s collection of Brazil travel experts have curated the ultimate collection of itineraries and maps, insider tips on where to go and what to avoid as well as several crucial insights and tips for everything from the culture to the budgeting requirements to ensure your trip is as personalised and magical as possible. 

brazil books - lonely planet brazil
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Secret Rio – Manoel de Almeida e Silva, Márcio Roiter And Thomas Jonglez

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited destinations, inspiring countless travellers every single year. However, in this edition of the Secret Guides series, readers are shown an altogether different side of the region. Secret Rio reveals a hidden secret hill hidden from the beaches and carnivals, offering one of the most inspiring travel guides for those looking to see a different side of the city. 

From an assortment of buried ‘little angels’, renowned Art Deco buildings, contemporary modernist ceramics, an Amazonian talisman at Copacabana, vestiges of the Carioca river, and some of the most breathtaking and lesser-known views of Brazil’s second-largest city, Secret Rio will undoubtedly inspire your next trip! 

Brazil – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture – Sandra Branco And Rob Williams

Culture Smart! is a travel series for provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behaviours, helping readers ensure they arrive at a destination aware of courtesies and sensitive issues. One of the best Brazilian books for successfully striking up a rapport with the locals and avoiding many of the common tourist traps, Culture Smart’s travel guide illuminates the culture and society across the country. 

From the most treasured customs, values and traditions to the major dos, don’ts and taboos from every corner of the country, it is the perfect read for understanding life in Brazil. 

I Love Brazil Travel Guide: Rio de Janeiro Travel, Sao Paulo, Portuguese Phrasebook, Travel Guide Brazil For Backpackers – S. Giger

For one of the most passionate and compact guides to the country, the I Love Brazil Travel Guide is one of the best Brazil books. Author S. Giger delivers a blogger-style approach to creating a journey of a lifetime across the country, showcasing all the highlights, spots and activities they have visited themselves. 

Encompassing Rio, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Ilha Grande, Paraty, Itacaré, and Chapada Diamantina, this trip is a culmination of Giger’s research, utilising the likes of TripAdvisor, other reliable travel figures as well as his own experiences with the locals. From drinking fresh coconuts or Caipirinhas, dancing Samba or Forró with locals to diving into some of the most crystal-clear pools and beaches on the planet, the I Love Brazil Travel Guide is a first-hand account of how to make any trip to Brazil a success.

Walking The Amazon: 861 Days – Ed Stafford

In April 2008, adventurer Ed Stafford began his effort to become the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon. What followed was a scarcely believable two-year journey that saw him trek the South American continent to the river’s mouth. During this journey, he overcame physical and mental torment, outwitted jaguars, pit vipers, alligators, and electric eels, as well as faced detention for murder and harassment by local tribesmen.

The result, however, was one of the most illuminating and adrenaline-pumping guides into the devastating effects of deforestation and the lives of indigenous communities across most of the biodiverse regions of the planet. Ed Stafford’s memoir sheds light on the might and beauty of the world’s greatest river and is sure to inspire wanderlust for any travellers looking to inject some adrenaline into their travels. 


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Brazil Travel Guide 2023-2024: A Comprehensive Guide To The Country’s Best Attractions – Bruce Terry

For anyone feeling overwhelmed or overawed at where to begin when it comes to tackling the country, Bruce Terry’s tailored travel guide remains one of the best Brazil books to turn to! From mesmerising UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and exhilarating water sports to pristine beaches, this travel guide compiles all the best attractions and must-see spots in one single guide. Terry’s guide fuels wanderlust and presents the country’s magic to every type of traveller. It also offers practical advice, emphasizing safety and security in every chapter. The guide is designed to eliminate the hassle and stress of travel planning for the reader, ensuring that the reader can enjoy all the sights and experiences with the most essential tips and insights.

Brazil: A Celebration Of Contemporary Brazilian Culture – Eder Chiodetto

One of the best Brazilian books for capturing the mesmeric vibrancy of the South American country is Eder Chiodetto’s 2014 book. Taking readers right to the heart of one of the most diverse and exciting countries on the planet through the eyes of the people who know it most intimately, the book is a comprehensive overview of Brazilian culture. 

Specialists from inside Brazil’s biggest cities deliver Brazil with clarity and passion, covering fashion, photography, architecture, music, street art, and celebrations. This makes it an invaluable resource for ensuring an authentic travel experience.


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