9 cities to visit for up to R$1,000

“It’s not easy for anyone” is one of the most frequently repeated phrases of late. Yes, it really isn’t. And anyone keen to travel and get out and about is well aware of this, as it’s really tricky to make travel plans that fit within a budget. But as well as being Brazilian and never giving up, we’re also on the lookout for destinations that can make our lives easier, and we’ve managed to find some great trips to take for up to R$1,000. To start with, here’s an important point to bear in mind when choosing a cheaper trip – apart from knowing that it’s possible to find good hostel options, of course. The best thing is to visit those cities where it’s fun to explore on foot, wander up and down the streets, and observe the people, the culture, the architecture, the nature… Anyway, get your feet ready and choose some comfortable shoes!
When working out these figures, we’ve based our calculations on trips lasting between 5 and 6 days on a ‘backpacker’s budget’, that is, staying in hostels with shared rooms, eating meals throughout the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), getting around the city by public transport with two tickets a day, and some random but modest spending ;). Bear in mind that some savings that might seem trivial, such as using the hostel kitchen for a few meals, can add a few extra days to your trip or even allow for a day of splurging in the city. It’s up to you how you manage your budget!
“Are you saying you can travel on R$1,000 INCLUDING THE TICKET?” No, sorry. =(
But anyone who goes to such lengths to travel already knows all the tricks for finding discounted flights, knows the cheapest dates and chooses a price that fits their budget, even if it means splitting it into 500 interest-free instalments on their credit card, right? And when a great price pops up for one of these cities, go for it – R$1,000 really is enough!

1. Discover the history of Mexico City – Mexico

Let’s head to Latin America! Mexico City is one of the world’s largest cities, offering a truly enriching experience for anyone who loves city breaks. But beyond all the chaos of a big city, the Mexican capital is also a treasure trove of culture and history; after all, traces of pre-Columbian civilisations and Spanish colonisation are everywhere. So, it’s worth starting with a stroll through the Plaza de la Constitución to admire the architecture and soak up the city’s atmosphere. To find out a bit more about the Mayan and Aztec civilisations, visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacán (just outside the city) as well as the Museo del Templo Mayor and the National Museum of Anthropology. Moving along the timeline, pay a visit to the museums that shed more light on Spanish colonisation and other periods in Mexico’s history, such as the National History Museum, the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, the National Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Mexico City. And, of course, no trip to the country would be complete without seeing the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera up close. And to recharge your batteries, there’s nothing better than authentic Mexican food, right?
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: from R$40 per night. Here is the full list of hostels in Mexico City.
Food: R$70 per day (But featuring the very best of Mexican cuisine!)
Transport: R$5 per day

2. It could be the Caribbean, but it’s Cartagena de Indias – Colombia

How can I talk about Cartagena, a place I barely know but already love to bits? Here goes: fancy exploring a historic centre full of stunning traces of the past? You’ll find it there. Fancy a stroll through a walled city, steeped in centuries of Spanish colonial history in Latin America? It’s got that too! Or would you prefer a lively city, with bars and people drinking and having fun in the streets? Yep, you guessed it, Cartagena. And what if I told you that all this is right next to those Caribbean waters with crystal-clear seas, white sands and a little slice of paradise on Earth? Yes, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS! Seriously, what on earth are you doing that you haven’t booked your ticket there yet?
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: R$40 per night. Here’s the full list of hostels in Cartagena.
Food: R$50 per day
Transport: R$5 per day

3. The stunning blend of Istanbul – Turkey

How about exploring Asia and Europe without even leaving the city? This geographical curiosity is one of the highlights of Istanbul, Turkey, which is divided by the Bosphorus Strait, separating the European and Asian sides. Due to its strategic location, Istanbul has been the focus of numerous conflicts over the centuries, leaving a legacy that is visible throughout the city. As a result, travellers can expect an incredible blend of the traditional and the modern; amongst the impressive Byzantine palaces, religious customs and cuisine bursting with flavours and aromas, Istanbul is also home to a vibrant nightlife. And, of course, don’t forget the unmissable visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. An important point: Turkey is not part of the Eurozone. Consequently, the local currency is the Turkish lira, which is much more affordable than in other countries on the continent.
Approximate travel costs
Hostel: from R$50 per night. Here is the full list of hostels in Istanbul.
Food: R$60 per day
Transport: R$10 per day

4. Relax, and relax a lot, on Pipa Beach – Rio Grande do Norte

If you’ve got this far already feeling a bit fed up because there weren’t enough beaches or because the idea of spending your holiday walking isn’t really your thing, you’d better start cheering up! At Pipa Beach, just a stone’s throw from the capital, Natal, all you need to do is stroll leisurely down to the sand, put on your sarong and alternate between sunbathing and taking plenty of dips in the clear, warm waters off the coast of Rio Grande do Norte. If you’re feeling up to it, it’s worth a trip to Chapadão, a cliff overlooking the picture-perfect sunset at Praia do Amor, or a visit to Praia do Madeiro. When it’s time to enjoy the evening, just head down Avenida dos Golfinhos and face the difficult choice of which bar to choose to continue relaxing in. That’s right, at Pipa Beach you’ll discover that life can be easy for a few days – and for less than R$1,000.
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: from R$40 per night. Here’s the full list of hostels in Pipa.
Food: R$50 per day
Transport: Nothing at all! You can walk from one amazing beach to another \0/

5. Itacaré – Shade and cool water in Bahia

You can never get enough of the beaches in the North-East, can you? So here’s another option, this time in the Land of All Saints. Itacaré lies between Ilhéus and Salvador, part of the famous Cocoa Route. Unlike what you’d expect from most beaches in the region, in Itacaré the cliffs and dunes are replaced by the typical Atlantic Forest landscape. You’ve probably already realised that the watchword here is ecotourism, haven’t you? So get your legs ready, put on some comfortable trainers and get in the right frame of mind. As a reward, you can look forward to incredible beaches, waterfalls and all the delights of being out in nature. On lazy days, you can also enjoy the beaches closer to the town centre and really take the expression ‘shade and cool water’ to heart. As for surfers, you won’t want to forget your board, as the place is known as one of Bahia’s top surfing spots.
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: from R$50 per night. Here’s the full list of hostels in Itacaré.
Food: R$60 per day, eating VERY well
Transport: Nothing at all! You just need to choose between heading to the nearest beach or tackling one of the trails

6. Art, history and cachaça in Ouro Preto – Minas Gerais

Walking through the streets and cobbled slopes of Ouro Preto feels like a journey back to 17th- and 18th-century Brazil, with the classic façades of the colonial houses. One of the best-preserved historic towns in the country – a status that earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site – it is impossible not to be impressed by the traces of Ouro Preto’s past as one of Brazil’s wealthiest cities, evident in the extravagant décor of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pilar and the Baroque art of the Church of São Francisco de Assis. A stroll through neighbouring Congonhas to see Aleijadinho’s 12 Prophets up close is also a must. Between one historic building and the next, make the most of the street markets, art studios and distilleries in this Minas Gerais town, which exudes warmth and liveliness – and not just during Carnival!
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: from R$40 per night. Here is the full list of hostels in Ouro Preto.
Food: R$50 per day
Transport: R$6 – but only if you want to explore the nearby towns.

7. Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, museums and plenty of street life!

Although some attractions are a bit pricier, Rio has plenty of free things to do, so you can strike a balance between the two and have a great trip. For a start, you don’t have to pay a thing to stroll along its beaches and take a dip, which is always nice. And whilst many people forget, Rio isn’t just about beaches. A walk through the Tijuca Forest, getting up close to the Atlantic Forest, doesn’t cost a penny either. Not to mention the various museums, such as the Banco do Brasil Cultural Centre, and, of course, a stroll through the city centre, full of historic buildings and landmarks such as the Municipal Theatre, the Paço Imperial and Cinelândia… Oh, and Rio’s vibrant nightlife is out on the streets – just ask the Lapa neighbourhood…
Approximate travel costs

Hostel:from R$50 per night. Here’s the full list of hostels in Rio de Janeiro.
Food: R$65 per day
Transport: R$9

8. Discovering the giant that is São Paulo

You simply can’t miss out on a trip to Brazil’s biggest city, can you? And just like Rio, São Paulo has loads of great free things to do, such as visiting the famous Ibirapuera Park, getting lost in the Pinacoteca and seeing one of Brazil’s most comprehensive art collections up close, and even feeling a bit like you’re in China or Japan in the Liberdade neighbourhood (a great option for a nice lunch, by the way!). It’s worth saving some money for other activities, such as visiting the MASP and, of course, eating a pizza (without ketchup)!
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: from R$50 per night. Here’s the full list of hostels in São Paulo.
Food: R$60per day, but it’s worth spending a bit more – after all, São Paulo is one of the world’s top culinary destinations!
Transport: R$8

9. Florianópolis is perfect for sports enthusiasts

Look, you can sum up Florianópolis in one sentence: its nickname is ‘Ilha da Magia’ (Magic Island). Let’s face it, that alone is enough to pique your curiosity, isn’t it? But it’s worth remembering that the city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, has a lovely lagoon with a perfect waterfront for enjoying a beer at sunset, and bucolic neighbourhoods bearing the mark of colonial times, such as Ribeirão da Ilha, which doesn’t even feel like it’s in a big city. Floripa also has an extra attraction for sports enthusiasts, as it’s full of trails leading into the forest and its waters are perfect for sports such as surfing and kitesurfing, not to mention the fun of sandboarding. A visit to the Central Market to sample its famous oysters rounds off a perfect day in the city.
Approximate travel costs

Hostel: from R$40 per night. Here is the full list of hostels in Florianópolis.
Food: R$50 per day
Transport: R$9

Let’s go!