Brazilian visa
Brazil has a reciprocity policy when it comes to visas. What does that mean? It means that if Brazilians have to jump through fiery bureaucratic hoops to enter your country, you will have to do the same to enter theirs.
Citizens from the U.S., Canada, and Australia (among other nations) must obtain a visa in order to enter Brazil. There are many different types of visas (tourist, business, academic, etc.) and the costs, requirements, and regulations vary depending on which type you get. In general, it is best to apply for your Brazilian visa from your home country. This is actually a requirement for some types, though I have U.S. friends who have managed to get their Brazilian tourist visas in Argentina and Europe.
Seriously though, plan in advance. The process can involve a smorgasbord of intermediate steps and unexpected headaches (trips to the notary and post office, long lines, limited embassy hours). Just think of it as a warm-up for the bureaucratic fun that awaits you in Brazil.
Hasta la visa, baby.
