Brazil is one of the few places on the earth that can please all types of travelers—and fortunately, the same can be true about its attractions. Whether you’re in Brazil for a day, a month, or a year, you’ll discover plenty to keep you occupied for a lifetime, regardless of your style.
On a tight budget? Don’t worry, you’re covered. Looking for opulence? You’ll find it, I’m sure. History aficionados, outdoor enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, shopaholics, beachcombers, and everyone in between will enjoy the sites to visit in Brazil.
However, Brazil’s vast geographical size and plethora of activities and things to do and see might be its Achilles’ heel at times.
The benefit of having so many activities at your fingertips may sometimes be a disadvantage—it might be difficult to determine precisely what you want to do. So, what are the finest attractions in Brazil? Sit back, relax, and get another caipirinha as we tell you.
Iguazu Falls will get you wet.
“Poor Niagara,” to put it mildly. No matter where you are in Brazil, a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site will be well worth your time. The falls may be reached from the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu (Paraguay and Argentina also have access points).
Stay in a neighboring town and spend two days—or more—in the park to properly appreciate its magnificence. We advise avoiding helicopter trips since they have a detrimental impact on both the environment and the experiences of other tourists.
Hang ten on the beaches of Florianópolis.
After all, there are 42 of them! Don’t be afraid to grab a board and ride the waves in Floripa, whether you’re a seasoned surfer or simply looking for a really excellent story about how you learned. Praia Mole is a regular stop on the ASP World Tour, and Joaquina Beach’s surfing secrets were revealed in the 1970s;
Barra de Lagoa is still classified as a fishing community, so it’s the ideal site to learn to surf. With so many options, you’ll be able to locate the right location for partying, people-watching, or sunbathing. Check out the Holy Spirit Feast if you’re in the neighborhood roundabouts 40 days following Easter.
The Cathedral of Brasilia will humble you.
If you’ve ever taken a cathedral tour in Europe, Central or South America, you’ll notice that they all tend to look the same after a time. This is not the case with the Cathedral of Brasilia. It was completed in 1970, making it centuries younger than its New World rivals and somewhat shocking to the eye.
This cathedral, which is modern in style and construction, is a perfect visit for individuals who like architecture but can no longer pretend to be amazed by bell towers.
Ilha Grande is a great place to recharge your batteries.
In a nutshell, what is Ilha Grande? Astonishing. Perhaps we shouldn’t tell you that this lovely island was once home to a pirate’s hideaway, a leper colony, and a maximum-security jail, but that bit of history is too odd not to share—and it also makes Ilha Grande appear even more unbelievable.
With beautiful and untamed woods and beaches, as well as a restriction on motorised vehicles, Big Island is perfect for anybody in need of a lonely vacation.
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Dive right into Abismo Anhumas.
A visit to Abismo Anhumas will provide you with the three Ss: spelunking, snorkeling, and stalagmites. There’s an adventurer’s paradise here, as well as a stunning crystal-clear lake—but you’ll have to rappel to the cave’s bottom to view it.
Once there (best of luck), you can get a close look at the natural geological structures or get into the sea and snorkel (or dive!) to get a closer look at the elusive animals.
You could have a hard time finding a tour bus travelling this way, so you’ll have to increase the ante and rent a vehicle or catch a ride.
Aparados do Serra National Park offers hiking trails along with cliffs.
Aparados da Serra National Park, one of Brazil’s original national parks, is home to (and preserves) the renowned Itaimbezinho Canyon.
The location is tough to get, but it is well worth the effort because of the great biodiversity—here you may view waterfalls, subtropical forest, and endangered animals.
Because the park is now undertaking conservation measures, only 1500 people per day are permitted. We recommend arriving early and taking caution not to go too far ahead of yourself on the more difficult hiking paths.
At Fernando de Noronha, you may snorkel among sea turtles.
Fernando de Noronha is a magnificent archipelago of 21 islands off the coast of northeastern Brazil, and it is one of Brazil’s most “hidden” attractions. Because the population is only 3500, there won’t be much civilization around, so you’ll have the chance to be one with nature.
Due to the year-round warm seas, adventurers often go to the island for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’ve ever wanted to view marine turtles or dolphins up close and without crowds, here is your opportunity.
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Clip-clop your way through Paraty
If you don’t want to see the natural beauties of Brazil (those spiders can grow really enormous), Paraty is an excellent stop for people interested in history. Founded in 1597 and a former gold exporter, the town nonetheless maintains a typical colonial style.
We recommend spending a few days here if you like historical architecture, since it might take some time to adequately feast your eyes on the various cathedrals and forts.
Many travellers like the experience of horseback riding from jungle to sea if they can tolerate the elements for a short period of time (this is Brazil, after all…).
At Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, you may swim among sand dunes (what?).
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, one of Brazil’s most intriguing and surprising national parks, gives visitors vast sand dunes that may exceed 130 feet in height to explore. Heavy rains during the wet season change dune valleys into lagoons, leaving pools for swimming.
Water temperatures may reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it more like a bath than a relaxing swim, but it’s still fun and strange!
Keep in mind that you’ll need a jeep (or other 4-wheel drive vehicle) to get here. This will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting things to do in Brazil.
Travel through time in Ouro Preto.
If you think Paraty isn’t holding it down for colonial history, just wait till you see Ouro Preto. Ouro Preto, which translates as “Black Gold,” is another historic location of the Brazilian Gold Rush and maybe the best-preserved colonial town in the nation.
Churches in this town are still decked with gold, and contemporary structures must comply to historical requirements, placing this town at the top of most tourists’ lists of things to see in Brazil. Ouro Preto is also a favourite Carnaval destination.
Visit the Pantanal to see the animals.
Pantanal may be towards the bottom of our list, but it should be at the top of yours. Pantanal, which is about half the area of France, is the world’s biggest wetland and home to an abundance of exotic flora and species.
The greatest time to visit is during the dry season, when dirt roads are more readily accessible, although you may visit Pantanal all year. Whatever time of year you visit, you’re nearly certain to see capybaras, jaguars, otters, hyacinth macaws, howler monkeys, giant anteaters, and other wildlife. Amazon Rainforest, please have a seat.
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