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TRAVEL GUIDE

São Paulo or Rio? Planning a first trip to Brazil from Canada

Brazil is closer than it feels: Toronto to São Paulo is a single overnight flight. Here's how to choose between São Paulo and Rio, and what to sort out before you go.

By the Viorvo team · Updated

Getting there

  • Air Canada flies nonstop from Toronto to São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU), and adds seasonal winter flights from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro (GIG).
  • From other Canadian cities, trips usually connect in Toronto or through a US hub such as Miami, Houston or New York.
  • Entry: Canadians need a Brazil eVisa, required since April 2025. Apply online before you book anything non-refundable.

São Paulo or Rio?

  • São Paulo is Brazil's biggest city, best for food and culture: the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) on Avenida Paulista, the Pinacoteca, and Ibirapuera Park. It usually has the most flights and lowest fares from Canada.
  • Rio de Janeiro is the classic sightseeing trip: Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, Tijuca National Park, the Botanical Garden and the beaches by day.
  • Do both: the two cities are about an hour apart by domestic flight, so a week can cover both. Many visitors add Iguaçu Falls, also a short flight away.

When to go

  • Brazil's seasons are flipped. December to March is hot, humid summer, and Christmas, New Year and Carnival (February 6 to 10, 2027) are the most expensive times.
  • April to June and August to November are usually the best value, with comfortable weather in both cities.

Staying safe

  • The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution in Brazil because of crime. Keep your phone and valuables out of sight in public.
  • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, and check the licence plate before getting in.
  • Make sure your map app doesn't route you through a favela, and don't walk on beaches alone after dark.

Halal food

  • São Paulo has a large Arab-Brazilian community, and Lebanese and Syrian food, including halal options, is easy to find.
  • Mesquita Brasil, on Avenida do Estado in Cambuci, is the oldest mosque in Brazil.
Check live prices

See the lowest fares and cheapest months

Toronto → São PauloYYZ–GRUToronto → Rio de JaneiroYYZ–GIG

Each page shows the lowest round-trip and one-way fares from real searches, plus a month-by-month price chart. Or search any route.

Plan the rest

Where to stay, data and getting around

Our guides: São Paulo travel hub · Travel insurance for Canadians

Our guides: Rio de Janeiro travel hub

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Questions

Common questions

Do Canadians need a visa for Brazil?

Yes. Canadians have needed a Brazil eVisa since April 2025, applied for online before travel.

Is there a nonstop flight from Canada to Brazil?

Yes. Air Canada flies nonstop from Toronto to São Paulo–Guarulhos, and seasonal winter flights from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Brazil from Canada?

Usually April to June and August to November. Christmas, New Year and Carnival cost the most.

Sources

Checked October 15, 2026. Rules, prices and opening hours change, so confirm before you travel.

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