Brazil is known for several attractions including a famous football team, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, and the incredible Iguazu Falls. It is a popular destination for travelers looking for excitement and adventure.
As the largest country in South America, Brazil occupies most of the northeastern region of the continent and shares borders with all countries except Chile and Ecuador.
There are many fascinating places to explore in Brazil, ranging from the Amazon rainforest in the North to beautiful tropical beaches along the Atlantic coast. Additionally, the Pantanal wetlands and bustling cities of the Southeast offer unique experiences for visitors.
17. Bonito
If you want to explore the beautiful Pantanal region in Brazil, you should visit the small city of Bonito in the southwest corner of Mato Grosso do Sul. Although the town itself doesn’t offer much to see or do, it is known for promoting sustainable ecotourism in Brazil.
Surrounding Bonito, you can find many natural wonders such as waterfalls, rivers, sinkholes, and caves filled with lakes that you can swim or snorkel in.
Hiking in the lush rainforest of Serra da Bodoquena National Park is also a popular activity, where you can spot colorful plants and animals. In Bonito, there are several companies that offer excursions focused on the rich ecology and ecosystems of the Pantanal.
Some of the most popular activities include snorkeling in Anhumas Abyss, taking a canopy walk in the rainforest, and exploring Blue Lake Cave, which is one of the largest flooded caves in the world.
16. Parati
Parati, also known as Paraty, is a stunning tourist destination in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state. It is located along the Green Coast and offers picturesque tropical forests, waterfalls, an emerald sea, and coastal mountains.
Originally a Portuguese colony situated on the Bay of Ilha Grande, the heart of Parati is its historic center. This area features charming cobbled streets and colorful colonial houses that have been transformed into bed-and-breakfast accommodations called pousadas.
The colonial defense forts are popular attractions, showcasing their original walls and cannons. The historic center is a pedestrian-only zone.
Surrounding Parati are beautiful parks and nature preserves, providing opportunities for visitors to hike and explore the mangrove forest, waterfalls, and observe wildlife. There are also indigenous villages that can be visited.
The bay itself offers stunning beaches for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and enjoying boat cruises.
15. Olinda
Located on the Atlantic Coast of Brazil, Olinda is a well-preserved colonial city in the state of Pernambuco. It was founded by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and used to be the state’s capital until it was attacked and burned by the Dutch.
After that, it lost its independence to its neighboring city, Recife. Olinda’s downtown area is situated on a beautiful hilltop surrounded by trees and is filled with colonial churches, colorful old houses, and artisan studios.
The city is known for its passion for art, with many shops and markets selling paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and handicrafts. Every year, Olinda hosts a vibrant Carnival celebration that stands out from those in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
Unlike the nighttime focus of those cities, Olinda’s festival takes place during the day and showcases the music, dances, and traditions of African culture.
The Carnival includes parades, elaborate costumes, giant puppet dolls, street parties, and the lively beats of maracatu and frevo.
Even outside of the Carnival season, Olinda maintains a lively culture, with weekends filled with parties, bars, nightclubs, and serenades of traditional songs in the streets.
14. Florianopolis
Florianopolis is the capital of Santa Catarina state in the south of Brazil. It is situated on both the mainland and an island, making it a beautiful place to visit. Many people consider it one of the best places to live in the country.
It is a modern city with lots of shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, yet it has a relaxed atmosphere. Each neighborhood in Florianopolis has its own unique characteristics.
The main highlight of the city is its stunning beaches, but it also offers attractions like dunes, waterfalls, mountains, and a large lagoon for exploration. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, paragliding, and various watersports.
Florianopolis is also known as the ‘Magic Island’.
13. Fortaleza
Fortaleza, located on Brazil’s northeastern coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and shopping opportunities. It is the fifth largest city in Brazil and offers a mix of colonial and modern architecture.
The city has two main squares, Praça do Ferreira and Praça José de Alencar, where visitors can find restaurants, shops, and even a movie theater. Fortaleza has 16 miles of urban beaches, including Praia do Futuro, which is the most popular among tourists.
These beaches not only provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing, but also offer hotels, restaurants, and markets.
Additionally, Fortaleza serves as a starting point for exploring the stunning beaches, sand dunes, and charming fishing villages along the Ceará coast. Another highlight of Fortaleza is its shopping scene, with the city being home to a thriving textile industry.
As a result, clothing here is affordable. Visitors can also find local handicrafts, fresh seafood, and produce in the city’s markets, while the Iguatemi Mall offers a diverse range of shopping options.
12. Manaus
Manaus, located in northwestern Brazil, is the capital of the Amazonas state and attracts many tourists because it acts as a starting point to explore the Amazon rainforest.
The city is known for its historical importance in the rubber industry during the 20th century, and it is now the largest metropolitan area in Northern Brazil. Some famous landmarks in Manaus include the Amazonas Opera House, the Adolpho Lisboa Market, and the Rio Negro Palace.
The port of Manaus is not only crucial for commercial activities but is also a popular starting point for river tours into the rainforest.
These tours offer amazing sights like the Paricatuba Waterfall, Love Cascade, and sightings of the Pied tamarin, Brazil’s most endangered monkey.
The “Meeting of the Waters” is another fascinating natural phenomenon where the Negro and Solimões rivers run alongside each other for over three miles without mixing. In addition to the rainforest and river, Manaus has public parks, a botanical garden, and a zoo.
Visitors can also enjoy beaches such as Ponta Negra, which offers various restaurants, bars, and hotels.
11. Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara is a charming, calm town located in northeastern Brazil. It is found in the state of Ceara and is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and a national park that shares the same name. Many people refer to it as Jeri or Jijoca.
This small and secluded seaside town is known for having some of the most beautiful landscapes in Brazil and has become increasingly popular among tourists.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Jeri is surrounded by delightful dunes and lagoons that offer a wide range of recreational activities. Popular activities include hiking, swimming, and various water sports.
Exploring the area on horseback or in dune buggies is a fantastic way to fully experience the splendid scenery. One remarkable attraction is Pedra Furada, also known as the ‘Arched Rock’, which serves as a symbol of the town.
Although visiting Jericoacoara can be challenging due to its remote location, the effort is absolutely worth it for its breathtaking landscapes, abundance of outdoor activities, and surprisingly vibrant nightlife.
10. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
Chapada dos Veadeiros in the center of Brazil is a beautiful place with lakes, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. It is known for its ancient rainforest-covered plateau and diverse ecosystems.
The national park within the region has many hiking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls hidden among the lush plants and animals. Moon Valley, named for its lunar-like landscapes, is another popular attraction.
Visitors must make sure to swim and bathe in the many waterfalls and rivers that are scattered throughout the area. When staying in Chapada dos Veadeiros, it is recommended to choose between Alta Paraiso and Sao Jorge, as they are located near all the main sights.
9. Chapada Diamantina National Park
Chapada Diamantina National Park was established in 1985 to protect the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems found in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers are attracted to the park because it offers a range of natural wonders, including beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. The park is located on a plateau, making it very mountainous, with peaks that reach over 2,000 meters.
The plateau is adorned with rugged cliffs and magnificent waterfalls, including the impressive 380-meter-tall Cachoeira da Fumaca, the tallest waterfall in Brazil. There are also plenty of caves, such as Lapa Doce and Pratinha, that add to the park’s rugged beauty.
Because of its diverse landscapes and picturesque scenery, Chapada Diamantina National Park has become a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can choose to camp or stay in small towns like Lencois and Vale de Capao.
Horseback riding, hiking, and swimming in the area’s rivers and pools are all popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
8. Salvador
Salvador, a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, is a popular tourist destination in Brazil. It has a beautiful Old City, stunning beaches, and a vibrant Carnival celebration. As one of the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador holds great historical significance.
Pelourinho, the Old City, showcases colonial architecture, impressive churches, and plazas where important events took place in the past. The district also offers a variety of dining options, bars, art galleries, and craft shops.
In contrast, the New City district is where you can find modern developments like shopping malls, entertainment venues, golf courses, and residential neighborhoods.
Located on the coast of the Bay of All Saints, Salvador provides fantastic beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Porto de Barra, Flamengo, and Stella Maris are among the most popular beach destinations.
However, the main attraction of Salvador is its annual Carnival celebration. This widely recognized event is renowned for its grandeur, involving music, dancing, parades, extravagant costumes, and lively street parties.
7. Foz do Iguacu
Iguazu Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. It is located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. People often compare it to famous waterfalls like Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls because of its immense size.
Surrounded by dense rainforest, Iguazu Falls stretches for almost three kilometers and is the largest waterfall system in the world. Every second, an incredible amount of water from the Iguazu River flows over the Parana Plateau and crashes upon the rocks and pools below.
While 80 percent of the falls are in Argentina, the Brazilian side provides the most magnificent views, especially at Devil’s Throat canyon.
Aside from admiring the magnificent falls and its thunderous sound, visitors can also enjoy a boat ride underneath the falls or go hiking in the steamy rainforest that envelops the area.
The Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu serves as the gateway to the falls and is a large city that is considered relatively safe by Brazilian standards.
6. Recife
Recife, known as the “Venice of Brazil,” is a city in the Pernambuco state and is one of the biggest and most significant cities on Brazil’s northeastern coast. It has many waterways, bridges, and is surrounded by tropical forests, islands, and rivers.
Recife has a rich history, with its old town being a must-see due to its colonial buildings that date back to when the city was a Dutch colony in the 17th century.
The historic district boasts notable landmarks such as the oldest synagogue in the Americas and a stunning baroque church, the Franciscan Convent of Saint Anthony. Saint Peter Square is also a popular spot with its colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Sao José Market is a great place to experience the local culture, as it offers traditional handicrafts, medicinal herbs, and locally produced food. Additionally, Recife is famous for its beautiful beaches, particularly Boa Viagem.
This beach has white sands, crystal-clear water, and a coral reef, making it a favorite among tourists with its abundance of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
5. Pantanal
The Pantanal, located in western Brazil and parts of Paraguay and Bolivia, is the world’s largest tropical wetland area. It is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination.
However, it can be challenging to navigate due to its remote location and being mostly covered in water during the rainy season. Visitors can only travel by plane or boat.
Despite these challenges, exploring the endless marshes and grasslands is worth it as it is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
Visitors are sure to encounter caimans and capybaras while exploring the different landscapes such as swamps, savannas, lakes, forests, and wetlands.
The highlight of any visit is spotting the South American jaguar, as the Pantanal is the best place on the continent to have a glimpse of this elusive creature.
4. Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is a beautiful and well-preserved colonial town located in the mountains of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The town became prosperous during the Brazilian Gold Rush, which brought wealth, power, and prestige.
The historic center of Ouro Preto is situated on hilly terrain and is characterized by steep and winding cobbled streets that pass by stunning old buildings and 18th-century churches.
Visitors can explore various museums that showcase the artworks of Aleijandinho and the city’s mining history. Many people come to Ouro Preto to experience its rich history, culture, and take guided tours of the mines.
In recent years, the town’s vibrant carnival has become increasingly popular and attracts more revelers to its ancient streets.
3. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a lively and thrilling city in southeastern Brazil that attracts many visitors. It offers famous mountains, beautiful beaches, and the famous Carnival festival.
The city is located on a large harbor and is surrounded by natural attractions like the Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains, as well as popular beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema.
Tijuca National Park, a vast urban forest with diverse plant and animal life, is also found within the city. The most recognizable landmark in Rio de Janeiro is the massive Christ the Redeemer statue sitting on top of Corcovado mountain.
Additionally, there are colonial fortresses, former presidential palaces, and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums.
Unfortunately, Rio is also known for its crime and favelas, which are poor-quality housing areas located on the slopes of the city’s mountains, often next to middle-class neighborhoods.
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its Carnival celebrations, which offer vibrant parades, costumes, music, and street parties. Even outside of the festival, the city is bustling at night with numerous bars and dance clubs to enjoy.
2. Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is both the largest city in Brazil and one of the largest cities in the world based on population. It is situated in southeastern Brazil and is famous for its tall buildings, delicious food, and vibrant cultural scene.
The city is a melting pot of different ethnic groups, including the biggest Japanese community outside of Japan. Paulista Avenue is a major street that separates Sao Paulo into its old and new regions.
This bustling avenue is filled with various establishments such as businesses, shopping centers, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants.
Although Sao Paulo is often associated with its urban landscape, it surprisingly houses numerous public parks and even sections of the Atlantic rainforest.
1. Brasilia
Brasilia was established as the capital of Brazil in 1960 and is located in the Brazilian Highlands. The city was planned and developed by former President Juscelino Kubitschek in the late 1950s with the intention of creating a utopia.
Brasilia has a modern infrastructure that takes the shape of an airplane, with different sections serving as various districts, such as government, commercial, residential, and cultural areas.
The city’s unique and innovative architecture attracts many visitors, with notable landmarks including Three Powers Square, where the Presidential Palace, Congress, and Supreme Court are located.
Other important buildings include the Palácio da Alvorada, which is the President’s official residence, and the TV Tower. The Brasilia Cathedral is another must-visit site, featuring a glass roof that resembles hands reaching up to heaven.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Brasilia also offers leisure activities through its large artificial lake and beautiful parks. Furthermore, the city serves as an important transportation hub for travel within Brazil.
