10 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Travel in Brazil in 2025
Traveling across Brazil in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank. With the rise of domestic tourism, budget-friendly destinations are gaining popularity, offering unforgettable experiences without draining your wallet. In this guide, we present 10 budget-friendly destinations to travel in Brazil, complete with practical tips on costs, attractions, and ways to save on lodging, transportation, and dining. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family, or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, this article is your roadmap to exploring Brazil on a budget. Get ready to discover stunning beaches, historic towns, and charming mountains, all at prices that fit your pocket!
Why Travel on a Budget in Brazil in 2025?
Domestic tourism in Brazil is booming. According to IBGE, the tourism sector grew 12% in 2024, driven by Brazilians choosing nearby destinations due to a stronger real and the high cost of international travel. Places like Jericoacoara, Ouro Preto, and Florianópolis cater to every taste, from sun-soaked beaches to quaint mountain villages. Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality—with smart planning, you can enjoy incredible experiences while spending less.
Benefits of Choosing Budget Destinations
Financial savings: Cut costs on lodging and transport, leaving more for experiences.
Sustainability: Support local communities and reduce your carbon footprint with regional travel.
Flexibility: Affordable destinations allow more frequent trips, even on a modest income.
How We Chose These Destinations
To create this list, we considered:
Average cost: Destinations with lodging starting at $20/night and dining under $10/day.
Accessibility: Locations with affordable transport options, like buses or low-cost flights.
Attractions: Places with free or low-cost activities, such as beaches, trails, and museums.
Popularity: Destinations with high search volume, like “budget destinations in Brazil” (20K monthly searches, per SEMrush).
Now, let’s dive into the 10 budget-friendly destinations to travel in Brazil in 2025!
1. Jericoacoara, Ceará
Jericoacoara, or “Jeri,” is a paradise in Northeast Brazil, known for its crystal-clear beaches, dunes, and lagoons. Despite its fame, you can visit Jeri on a budget, especially during the off-season (March to May).
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Paraíso Lagoon (free entry), Pedra Furada, and sunset at Sunset Dune.
Average cost: $30/night (hostels), $6/day (local dining).
How to get there: Flight to Fortaleza ($80 round-trip, off-season) + bus transfer ($10).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at hostels like Hostel Jeri Brasil ($16/night).
Eat at local stalls, like Barraca do Kite, with dishes for $4.
Skip expensive buggy tours; opt for free walks to lagoons.
Things to Do
Hike to Pedra Furada (30 min, free).
Swim in Paraíso Lagoon, with hammocks for iconic photos.
Watch the sunset at Sunset Dune, a free daily event.
Keyword: budget destinations in Northeast Brazil (5K searches, KD 30).
2. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
Florianópolis blends beaches, trails, and urban culture, making it a versatile budget destination. The island’s northern areas, like Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, offer affordable options.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Canasvieiras Beach, Lagoinha do Leste trail, and Public Market.
Average cost: $24/night (guesthouses), $8/day (dining).
How to get there: Flight to Florianópolis ($70 round-trip) or bus from São Paulo ($20).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at guesthouses like Pousada dos Sonhos ($20/night).
Cook in hostel shared kitchens to cut food costs.
Use public buses ($1 per ride) instead of ride-sharing apps.
Things to Do
Relax at Canasvieiras Beach, ideal for families.
Hike the Lagoinha do Leste trail (free, 2 hours).
Visit the Public Market for $2 pastéis.
Keyword: budget places to travel in Southern Brazil (3K searches, KD 25).
3. Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Ouro Preto is a historic gem with baroque churches, museums, and cobblestone streets. It’s perfect for travelers seeking culture and history on a budget.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: São Francisco de Assis Church, Inconfidência Museum, Passagem Mine.
Average cost: $20/night (hostels), $5/day (Minas Gerais cuisine).
How to get there: Bus from Belo Horizonte ($8, 2 hours) or flight to BH ($60).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at hostels like Viva Ouro Preto ($16/night).
Eat at self-service restaurants ($4/kg).
Visit museums on free-entry days (e.g., Tuesdays).
Things to Do
Stroll through Tiradentes Square (free).
Tour the Passagem Mine ($8, guided).
Explore churches for $2 entry.
Keyword: budget historical destinations in Brazil (2K searches, KD 20).
4. Ilhéus, Bahia
Ilhéus is renowned for its beaches and ties to author Jorge Amado. It’s a budget-friendly destination in Southern Bahia, less crowded than Porto Seguro.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Millionaires Beach, Jorge Amado Culture House, cocoa farms.
Average cost: $22/night (guesthouses), $6/day (dining).
How to get there: Flight to Ilhéus ($80) or bus from Salvador ($16).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at guesthouses like Pousada do Mar ($20/night).
Eat at beach kiosks (dishes for $3).
Join free cocoa farm tours.
Things to Do
Relax at Millionaires Beach (free).
Visit Jorge Amado Culture House ($1).
Hike through cocoa farms (free).
Keyword: budget beaches in Bahia (4K searches, KD 30).
5. Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Paraty combines beaches, waterfalls, and a charming historic center. It’s ideal for nature and culture lovers on a budget.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Historic Center, Sono Beach, Tobogã Waterfall.
Average cost: $24/night (hostels), $7/day (dining).
How to get there: Bus from Rio ($10, 4 hours) or São Paulo ($12).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at hostels like Che Lagarto Paraty ($18/night).
Eat at local restaurants (dishes for $4).
Skip pricey boat tours; walk to accessible beaches.
Things to Do
Wander the Historic Center (free).
Swim at Tobogã Waterfall (free).
Hike to Sono Beach (2 hours, free).
Keyword: budget destinations in Rio de Janeiro (5K searches, KD 35).
6. Lençóis, Bahia (Chapada Diamantina)
Chapada Diamantina is a nature lover’s paradise with waterfalls, caves, and trails. Lençóis is the perfect base for exploring the region.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Sossego Waterfall, Lapa Doce Cave, Pai Inácio Hill.
Average cost: $20/night (guesthouses), $6/day (dining).
How to get there: Flight to Salvador ($80) + bus to Lençóis ($16).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at guesthouses like Pousada dos Duendes ($18/night).
Eat at local diners ($3/dish).
Opt for self-guided trails to avoid costly guides.
Things to Do
Hike to Sossego Waterfall (free, 3 hours).
Visit Pai Inácio Hill ($2).
Explore Lençóis’ town center (free).
Keyword: budget destinations in Chapada Diamantina (3K searches, KD 25).
7. Morro de São Paulo, Bahia
Morro de São Paulo is an island with vibrant beaches and a laid-back vibe. It’s budget-friendly despite its popularity.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Second Beach, Lighthouse Zipline, Natural Pools.
Average cost: $26/night (hostels), $7/day (dining).
How to get there: Ferry from Salvador ($10) or flight to Salvador ($80).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at hostels like Hostel Morro ($20/night).
Eat at Second Beach stalls ($4/dish).
Skip boat tours; visit accessible beaches.
Things to Do
Relax at Second Beach (free).
Swim in Natural Pools (free at low tide).
Try the zipline ($10).
Keyword: budget islands to travel in Brazil (2K searches, KD 20).
8. São Thomé das Letras, Minas Gerais
São Thomé is known for its mysticism, waterfalls, and panoramic views. It’s a budget destination for nature and spirituality seekers.
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Véu de Noiva Waterfall, Pyramid, São Thomé Cave.
Average cost: $18/night (guesthouses), $5/day (dining).
How to get there: Bus from Belo Horizonte ($12, 5 hours) or São Paulo ($16).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at guesthouses like Pousada dos Anjos ($16/night).
Eat at vegetarian restaurants ($3/dish).
Take self-guided trails (free).
Things to Do
Visit Véu de Noiva Waterfall (free).
Watch the sunset at the Pyramid (free).
Explore São Thomé Cave ($2).
Keyword: budget mystical destinations in Brazil (1K searches, KD 15).
9. Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco
Porto de Galinhas is famous for its natural pools and white-sand beaches. It’s affordable outside peak seasons (January, July).
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Porto Natural Pools, Muro Alto Beach, Jangada ride.
Average cost: $24/night (guesthouses), $7/day (dining).
How to get there: Flight to Recife ($80) + transfer ($10).
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at guesthouses like Pousada Porto Sol ($20/night).
Eat at beach kiosks ($4/dish).
Visit natural pools at low tide (free).
Things to Do
Swim in Porto Natural Pools (free).
Relax at Muro Alto Beach (free).
Take a jangada ride ($6).
Keyword: budget beaches in Pernambuco (3K searches, KD 25).
10. Campos do Jordão, São Paulo
Campos do Jordão is perfect for those seeking cool weather and mountain charm, with budget options outside peak season (July).
Why Visit?
Top attractions: Elephant Hill, Amantikir Park, Baden Baden Brewery.
Average cost: $26/night (guesthouses), $8/day (dining).
How to get there: Bus from São Paulo ($10, 3 hours) or car.
Money-Saving Tips
Stay at guesthouses like Pousada Vila Natal ($22/night).
Eat at diners ($4/dish).
Visit free parks like Horto Florestal.
Things to Do
Visit Elephant Hill (free).
Stroll through Amantikir Park ($10).
Explore Capivari center (free).
Keyword: budget destinations in São Paulo (5K searches, KD 30).
How to Plan Your Budget Trip
Follow these steps to plan your affordable adventure:
Set a budget: Cap daily spending (e.g., $40/day).
Research flights: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner for cheap fares.
Book early: Lodging offers up to 30% discounts 60 days in advance.
Travel off-season: Visit between March-May or August-November for lower prices.
Use public transport: Buses and subways are cheaper than ride-sharing apps.
Table: Cost Comparison of Destinations
Destination
Lodging ($/night)
Dining ($/day)
Transport ($ round-trip)
Jericoacoara
30
6
100
Florianópolis
24
8
70
Ouro Preto
20
5
16
Ilhéus
22
6
80
Paraty
24
7
20
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest destination in Brazil in 2025? Ouro Preto and São Thomé das Letras are among the cheapest, with lodging from $16/night and many free attractions.
How can I save on travel in Brazil? Plan ahead, travel off-season, use public transport, and eat at local diners.
Which destinations are family-friendly? Florianópolis and Porto de Galinhas offer safe beaches and kid-friendly activities.
Conclusion: Start Planning Your Trip Today!
These 10 destinations prove you can explore Brazil in 2025 without overspending. From Northeast beaches to Minas Gerais’ historic towns, there’s something for every traveler. Pick your favorite destination, research flights and lodging, and use our tips to plan a budget-friendly adventure.
Next steps:
Choose a destination and check fares on Google Flights.
Book lodging early on Booking for discounts.
Read our guide on saving on airfare for more tips.
Loved this guide? Share it with friends and comment with your favorite destination! Happy travels!