When you arrive at a Brazilian beach from the cold and gray Northern Hemisphere, your first instinct will to be to sprawl in the sand for a day, but try to exercise some self-control and expose yourself to the sun gradually. The tropical sun, particularly during the summer months, can cause a lot of damage. Brazilians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world; many don’t use sunscreen because of its exorbitant cost.

Using a strong sunscreen (bring it from home) that filters out UVA and UVB rays is essential. SPF 30 is the minimum you should use. Even so, if you’re foolish enough to stay in the sun between the deadliest hours of 11 a.m.–2 p.m., you will still get burned. On many beaches, you can rent a parasol or head to a thatched barraca for shade come high noon. Children and those with fair, sensitive skin should use a much higher SPF. A hat is always essential, whether you’re on the beach or practicing any outdoor sport, and you’ll be practically blinded without a pair of sunglasses with a protective filter.

Remember to drink lots of liquids all the time, even if you’re not thirsty. Beer and caipirinhas might be refreshing, but alcohol actually dehydrates. An ideal replenishing drink is água de coco.