we're going to brazil!! it's honestly been our most requested trip EVER and we're so excited!! christ the redeemer, sugarloaf mountain, sunsets on copacabana, car-free island life on ilha grande and boat days around paraty. it's giving the ultimate girls trip.
the best brazil packing list for solo gals <3
we're going to brazil!! it's honestly been our most requested trip EVER and we're so excited!! christ the redeemer, sugarloaf mountain, sunsets on copacabana, car-free island life on ilha grande and boat days around paraty. it's giving the ultimate girls trip.
packing for brazil is mostly about beach life, but there's one extra thing to think about: being a little bit safety savvy with what you bring. leave the flashy stuff at home, pack a bag that zips and you're golden. and our favourite tip? don't overpack flip-flops... there's a three-storey havaianas store in rio, and every single gal leaves with a new pair (or three!!)
whether you're joining our brazil trip or heading out solo, here's our honest guide on exactly what to bring!
3 things you MUST know before packing for brazil
- keep it low-key: leave expensive jewellery and designer bags at home. simple, everyday pieces and a secure crossbody bag mean you can relax and enjoy every moment!
- it's beach life, so pack bikinis first: copacabana, lopes mendes and the paraty boat trip mean you'll be in swimwear most days!!
- pack comfy shoes for cobbles and trails: paraty's old town is all uneven cobblestones, and the walk to lopes mendes beach is a short jungle trail.
clothing: beaches & chill vibes!!
- 4β5x bikinis / swimsuits: brazil has the cutest beach culture, so bring your favourite sets for copacabana, ilha grande and paraty!
- 2β3x sarongs / cover-ups: perfect for walking from the beach to lunch and lounging on the boat.
- 3x lightweight shorts: linen shorts or baggy jorts are perfect for the heat.
- 4β5x vest tops & tees: easy basics to throw on over a bikini.
- 2β3x summer dresses: for the welcome dinner, cachaΓ§a tasting in paraty and nights out in ilha grande
- 1x activewear set: for the jungle trail to lopes mendes and paddleboarding on ilha grande. (not essential as aslong as you have good footwear the hike isnt too bad!!)
- 1x light jumper or denim jacket: for air-con buses and cooler evenings, especially in sΓ£o paulo.
- 1x warmer layer (june to august only): brazil's winter months can feel chilly in sΓ£o paulo at night!
footwear: what do you ACTUALLY wear?
- 1x flip-flops (or buy them in rio!!): your everyday beach shoe.
- 1x comfy trainers: for the jungle walk to lopes mendes, sightseeing in rio and paraty's cobbles.
- 1x flat sandals: for dinners and evenings out. paraty's streets and heels do NOT mix! i
DO NOT BRING: heels or flashy jewellery
toiletries & health essentials
- SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen: the brazilian sun is strong and you'll be snorkelling on the paraty boat trip.
- mosquito repellent: essential for ilha grande's rainforest and evenings in paraty.
- after-sun: for those long copacabana days!
- electrolyte sachets: the heat and humidity can dehydrate you fast.
- motion sickness tablets: for the ferry to ilha grande and the boat day.
- stomach remedies: just in case, while your tummy adjusts to new food!
electronics & safety essentials
- universal travel adapter: brazil uses type N sockets (and some type C), so UK plugs won't fit.
- phone strap or lanyard: phone snatching can happen in busy areas, so a crossbody phone strap is a total lifesaver!!
- crossbody bag with a secure zip: keep it in front of you on busy streets and at markets.
- waterproof phone pouch: for boat days and paddleboarding.
- 10β20L dry bag: for the paraty boat trip and taxi boats on ilha grande.
- power bank: for long travel days and ubering home after dinner.
brazil packing FAQs
what should i wear on the beach in rio?
bikinis are the norm in brazil bring a sarong or cover-up for walking to lunch, and never leave your bag unattended on the sand. with the gals, someone's always on bag duty!
can i wear jewellery in brazil?
we'd recommend leaving expensive or flashy jewellery at home. simple, everyday pieces are totally fine and mean you can relax and enjoy your trip!
what shoes do i need for brazil?
flip-flops, comfy trainers and flat sandals. the walk to lopes mendes is a short jungle trail and paraty's cobbled streets are uneven, so comfy footwear is a must!
what bag should i bring to brazil?
a soft-shell suitcase or 40β60L backpack works best. you'll take a boat to ilha grande, which is car-free, so something easy to carry is perfect!!
ready for brazil?! check out our upcoming brazil group trips or read our solo female travel safety hub <3
see you in rio gals!!
