Edition March 2026

In early December 2025, my friends and I set out for Brazil, basing ourselves in the iconic neighbourhood of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, with a brief stopover in São Paulo aboard LATAM Airlines. What followed was an immersion into the colour, rhythm and layered cultural identity of one of South America’s most dynamic nations.

Rio de Janeiro is a city of striking contrasts and undeniable beauty, famed for its dramatic landscapes, tropical climate and vibrant cultural heritage. During our stay, we divided our time between its celebrated beaches and some of its most iconic landmarks, each offering a deeper understanding of the city’s character.

Among the highlights was standing before Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, where sweeping panoramic views reveal the scale and splendour of the city below. We also visited the vividly tiled Escadaria Selarón, renowned for its colourful mosaic artistry, and explored the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow, whose immersive exhibitions examine science, sustainability and the future of humanity.

Getting around

Transportation throughout Rio de Janeiro was both efficient and accessible, making it easy to navigate between beaches, neighbourhoods and landmarks.

We relied primarily on Uber – a convenient and cost-effective option. The widespread use of digital ride-hailing platforms across Brazil’s major cities has significantly enhanced urban mobility, offering both residents and visitors a practical and reliable way to move around.

Card payments are widely accepted across Brazil, making transactions easy and minimising the need to carry cash. The local currency, the Brazilian Real, is considerably stronger than the South African Rand, an important consideration for South African travellers when planning and budgeting for their trip.

During our visit, the weather was largely pleasant, with warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies. Occasional showers punctuated the days, a typical feature of the season, adding a refreshing rhythm to our time in the city.

Travel compliance

From a public health and travel compliance standpoint, travellers to Brazil are required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination, a mandate common across many South American countries. This highlights the importance of thorough advance planning and adherence to international health regulations before embarking on the journey.

One challenge we encountered during our trip was the language barrier. Portuguese is the country’s primary language, and English is not widely spoken, which occasionally made communicating with locals difficult. Learning a few key phrases or using translation tools can enhance the travel experience.

Visa-free travel

Brazil continues to offer visa-free entry for South African passport holders, making travel more convenient and fostering closer cultural and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Overall, our experience in Brazil was both enriching and unforgettable, providing deep cultural insights and a firsthand appreciation of a country that plays a significant role in both regional and global affairs. ❖