←Brazil travel guide
Maranhão, Brazil
São Luís
A colonial port capital of Maranhão with tiled colonial facades.
ArchitectureCultureHistory & Heritage
São Luís is the capital of Brazil's Maranhão state, set on an island on the northeast coast. Its historic centre, founded by the French and rebuilt by the Portuguese, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its azulejo-tiled colonial buildings. It is also a gateway to the nearby Lençóis Maranhenses dunes.
Check Brazil visa requirements →
Best time to visit
July to December
Region
Maranhão
Main airport
São Luís (SLZ) (SLZ)
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Brazil. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Brazil.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around São Luís
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Brazil
From April 2025, Brazil requires an eVisa for citizens of several countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia, reversing its previous visa-free policy. Citizens of the EU, UK, Japan, and many others remain visa-free for tourism. Always check your specific passport via the Yoogo visa checker.
Visa-free visitors can typically stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the possibility of extending to 180 days within a 12-month period. Overstaying results in fines and potential banning from future entry.
A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a valid eVisa or visa if required, and a completed electronic entry form (SISMIGRA) which is often integrated with the eVisa application.
Safety in Brazil varies significantly by city and neighbourhood. Tourist areas like Ipanema, Leblon, and the historic centre of Salvador are generally safe during the day. Avoid displaying valuables, be cautious after dark, and stay aware of your surroundings. Exercise increased caution and follow local advice.
The Brazilian Real (BRL, symbol R$). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed in smaller towns and for many street vendors.
Portuguese is the official and only national language. Brazilian Portuguese differs notably from European Portuguese in pronunciation and vocabulary. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by educated city-dwellers, but is not widespread.
Brazil's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. May to September (dry season) is generally best for most of the country. Avoid the Amazon and northeast in the wet season (November–April). Rio Carnival typically falls in February or March and is spectacular but very busy.
Attend Rio Carnival, visit Christ the Redeemer, explore the Amazon rainforest, see Iguazu Falls, relax on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, explore Pelourinho in Salvador, discover the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, and watch a football match in one of the iconic stadiums.
São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the largest international hub. Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Brasília International Airport (BSB) also serve major international routes.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities vary in quality outside major cities, and costs can be high for private care. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is advisable in remote areas.