Last checked: October 2026
Where you stay in Brazil affects both safety and cost, so choose a base carefully. This guide explains the main bases by city and what the official advice says about each area. We did not find official hotel price data, so we do not quote room rates, and you should compare current prices on the partner sites below. Always check recent guest reviews for location and security.
How to Choose a Base
- Location first: The UK and US advisories name specific areas where theft is common, so pick a hotel in a well-lit area with easy access to licensed taxis.
- Security: The UK says theft from hotel rooms is common in the north-east, so use the room safe and keep valuables out of sight.
- Timing: Carnival and New Year hotel rates in Rio can double or triple, often with minimum stays of four nights or more, according to the Rio Times.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is the most popular base. The UK says pickpocketing and theft are most common around Copacabana, Ipanema, Lapa and Santa Teresa, which are also among the most popular areas for visitors. That does not mean you should avoid them, but it means you should choose a property with good reviews, use taxis at night and carry little. The US State Department also warns of drink-spiking robberies in Rio and tells travellers to avoid favelas.
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is a large business and cultural city. The UK lists theft hotspots around Avenida Paulista, the historic downtown, Rua Augusta, Se Cathedral, Praca da Republica, the Estacao da Luz metro area and Pinheiros, so ask your hotel which nearby streets are comfortable at night.
Brasilia
Brasilia is spread out and built around cars. The UK says pedestrians are targeted citywide, especially in the central and southern commercial centres, and the central bus station has many theft incidents. The US State Department advises avoiding the satellite cities, including Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao and Paranoa, at night. Choose a hotel with transport options and avoid walking at night.
Salvador and the North-East
Salvador is the main base for the Historic Centre and the Pelourinho district. The UK says theft from hotel and motel rooms and muggings are the most common incidents in the north-east and advises avoiding quiet or deserted areas and using taxis after dark. The Rio Times describes the north-east as warm all year, with a short rainy spell in June and July.
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is the base for Iguacu National Park. The US State Department exempts Foz do Iguacu and the Pantanal national parks from its warning about areas near land borders. Book a hotel close to the transport you plan to use for the park, and confirm whether you can leave luggage if you have a late flight.
The Pantanal and the Amazon
Nature stays in the Pantanal are usually in lodges that include meals and excursions, and the dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife. For the Amazon, the UK advises against all but essential travel on several river routes in Amazonas State, so confirm the route and operator before you pay for a lodge or boat.
What to Ask Before Booking
- Is the hotel in a well-lit area, and how far is it from licensed taxis?
- Does the room have a safe?
- Is breakfast included, and what is the cancellation policy?
- Are there minimum stays on your dates, such as at Carnival or New Year?
- How do I get from the airport to the hotel at night?
Hotel Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
See also our hotel deals page for current offers.
Official Safety Advice
The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (issued 31 August 2026), with crime and kidnapping risk indicators. See the Brazil travel guide.
Booking Tips
Compare at least two partner sites for the same dates and check whether taxes and fees are included in the total. Read recent guest reviews for comments on security, noise and the walk to transport, because the official advisories show that theft risk varies by street. Choose free cancellation where you can, especially when your dates depend on domestic flights, and keep a copy of the confirmation. For Carnival, New Year and July school holidays, book early, because rates in Rio can double or triple and minimum stays of four nights or more are common.
If you arrive at night, arrange a licensed taxi or a pre-booked transfer, and ask the hotel to confirm the route before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area is best to stay in Rio?
Copacabana and Ipanema are popular, but the UK names them as theft hotspots, so choose carefully and follow the safety advice.
Is it safe to stay in a favela?
The US State Department tells travellers to avoid informal housing developments at any time.
Do hotel prices rise at Carnival?
Yes. Rates in Rio can double or triple, often with minimum stays of four nights or more, according to the Rio Times.
Should I use the hotel safe?
Yes. The UK reports theft from hotel rooms in the north-east, so use the safe and keep valuables out of sight.
How far ahead should I book?
For Carnival, New Year and July school holidays, book as early as you can. See the Brazil itineraries.
