12 Must-Visit Places in Brazil

For anyone seeking adventure and cultural exploration, Brazil is the place to go. The incredible cuisine, pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and stunning landscapes make it the ideal destination for a range of activities. 

With more than 70 national parks, Brazil boasts a plethora of outstanding natural scenery. Alongside its incredible wildlife and nature, you will also find some vibrant cities here. Being the largest country in South America means that there are plenty of places to explore. 

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, you’re likely wondering where to start. Luckily enough we have everything you need to know, this way you can visit with all the best places in mind. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding country and where to go whilst visiting. 

Rio de Janeiro

It comes as no surprise that when recommending where to visit in Brazil, the renowned Rio de Janeiro had to be on the list. This is the most visited city in the country and continues to attract tourists each year. 

Rio de Janeiro is home to diverse terrain with vast lakes, dense forests, stunning coastlines and city high-rises. There are also several amazing places in the city to make the most of the spectacular scenery. Take a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain where you can enjoy exquisite panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and its surrounding beauty. 

If you’re seeking the perfect blend of busy city life and contrasting natural wonders, Rio de Janeiro is the place to go. Popular attractions include the Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Ipanema and much more. 

São Paulo  

If you’re planning to visit Brazil to immerse yourself in the country’s culture, then there is no better place to do that than Sao Paulo. With over 100 museums, more than 200 movie theatres and almost 150 libraries, there are plenty of ways you can learn more about Brazil here. 

Not only is it easy to fill your time in Sao Paulo with so much to do and see, but it is also the largest city in Brazil. With this in mind, you can spend hours wandering through the streets whilst taking in the incredible architecture and stunning scenery. 

Known as the concrete jungle, Sao Paulo sits in contrast to part of the Atlantic rainforest. This creates the perfect blend of urban living alongside fascinating wildlife. The city attracts people from all over the world to party, explore and spend some time soaking up one of Brazil’s favourite tourist spots.  

Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its gold mining in the 18th century. This is a town boasting historical wealth with lots of intriguing attractions. If you’re pursuing ancient architecture and idyllic cobblestone streets, this is the place for you. 

Spend some time strolling through the town and visiting the historical churches. Marvel over the gold ornaments throughout the buildings in Ouro Preto, allowing for a true sense of luxury when visiting. Partake in a tour, where you can wander the museums and learn more about the heritage of this wealthy and prosperous part of Brazil. 

The town is nestled under the towering Serra do Espinhaco mountains, making it a place brimming with stunning natural landscapes. Once you have roamed the many attractions, be sure to explore the terrains surrounding Ouro Preto.  

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is one of the most popular places to visit in Brazil for those looking to make the most of the stunning shores and crystal clear waters. It is considered to be one of the best diving areas in South America, with a plethora of sea life to be found. 

You can locate the Fernando de Noronha islands off the northeast coast. The area is frequented by honeymooners or anyone seeking a couples getaway, as the scenery here is truly romantic. Expect to discover tropical beaches with white sandy shores and turquoise waters, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind when visiting Brazil.  

The volcanic archipelago can only be accessed by a flight from Recife. But the rugged coastline and pristine landscapes are more than worth the journey here. Catch glimpses of sharks, tropical fish, dolphins, turtles and more when exploring Fernando de Noronha. This is one of the top places to visit in Brazil for those looking for the country’s wildlife and untouched nature. 

Chapada Diamantina National Park

For backpackers, avid explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, Chapada Diamantina National Park is for you! Spend your time here exploring the many mighty waterfalls, stunning valleys, interesting rock formations and much more. There is so much to see here, you will find yourself needing more time just to experience it all. 

Marvel over the deep canyons at Chapada Diamantina or go plunging underground to explore the cavities of Poco Encantado and Poco Azul. A trip to this wonderful national park allows you to see some of Brazil’s best wild scenery, alongside the most incredible natural features. 

Manaus

Manaus is mainly known for being the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, and somewhere that should certainly be on your list when visiting Brazil. Situated in the northwest part of the country, Manaus is perched alongside the Negro River. 

If you’re looking to explore the rainforest, some great tours start in Manaus providing a fantastic excuse to explore the city before or after your trip to the Amazon. There are also some great tourist attractions here. Take a trip to the botanical garden, the zoo, or simply spend your time relaxing on one of the lovely beaches. 

With plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to enjoy, you will find tons to do when visiting Manaus. A trip here will provide you with a great mix of beautiful nature, excellent cuisine, rich culture and much more.  

Amazon Rainforest

If you happen to be visiting Manaus, you’re likely planning to take a trip to the Amazon rainforest. This is one of the most impressive sights in Brazil, providing you with some of the best natural scenery and wildlife in the world. 

Even the most seasoned of travellers will enjoy a trip to the Amazon, the pristine rainforest allows for an unmatched experience of Brazil’s nature. Spend your time on a tour of the forest where you can catch glimpses of hundreds of different species. The tours will also help you learn more about this impressive ecosystem. 

Bonito

Bonito is a small city situated in southwestern Brazil. For those pursuing the Pantanal region, this is a great place to start. The area itself doesn’t offer much to do in terms of activities or sightseeing, however, you will find a plethora of stunning natural wonders to explore. 

Be sure to spend some time checking out the gorgeous waterfalls, or take a snorkelling trip in one of the many water-filled caves. The landscapes across Bonito help to make up a special ecosystem that many visitors come here to experience.

Pantanal 

Once you have seen all that beautiful Bonito has to offer, a trip to Pantanal should be next on your itinerary. Here you can discover the largest wetland region in the world, alongside some of the best wildlife in Brazil. 

Catch glimpses of jaguars, caimans and anacondas, alongside hundreds of species of fish and birds in Pantanal. This is the perfect place to go for those looking to make the most out of Brazil’s wildlife and fascinating nature. 

Spanning more than 42 million acres, there are many ways to tour the Pantanal region and how you choose to do this is entirely up to you. Some prefer to travel by road, while others pursue a plane or motorboat, it depends on how much time you have and your travel preferences. 

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is a lively town, known for its vibrant nightlife. Here you will find some great bars to enjoy an evening of music, dancing and cocktails. This is a great place to go for those looking to wind down after a busy day and soak up some of the cultures around the town. 

You will also find some incredible food in Belo Horizonte. The town has everything from mouth-watering street food to fine dining establishments, meeting a range of tastes and preferences. The area is also home to beautiful sights such as its art gallery and lovely botanical garden. This is a great place to go for larger groups looking to spend some time exploring all whilst making the most of Brazil’s evening scene. 

Salvador

Salvador is another of Brazil’s beautiful historic cities. Alongside its ancient background, the metropolis also has stunning beaches, a vibrant atmosphere and a huge carnival celebration. Wander through the centre of Salvador where you will find plenty of colonial architecture and pretty squares that buzz as people go about their day. 

You will also encounter several excellent bars, restaurants and shops to explore, or perhaps spend some time learning about Salvador in the art galleries and museums. There is plenty to do here, alongside a great place to investigate the country’s history.

If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting around February and March, you will also get an unmatched experience of Salvador’s annual Carnival celebration. This is one of the largest in the world with dancing, parades and parties filling the streets. 

Florianopolis

Situated in southern Brazil, Florianopolis is the capital of Santa Catarina and continues to attract tourists year after year. Its pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere make it perfect for anyone seeking a chance to unwind.

There are around 60 beaches to explore in Florianopolis, meaning there is plenty of space for all to enjoy these beautiful coves. For anyone looking to get active whilst visiting here, you will also find some excellent hiking routes around the mountains surrounding the city. 

Florianopolis is a popular holiday resort in Brazil, ideal for those looking to soak up some sunshine and truly relax. Alongside its lovely sandy shores and beautiful scenery, the city also has some great bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. This is an excellent place to visit for those staying with family and friends or anyone pursuing plenty to do without having to travel too far. 

Foz do Iguacu 

Situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina is the stunning Foz do Iguacu. The area boasts exceptional landscapes and breathtaking scenery. One of the main attractions here is the Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Explore hundreds of stunning cascades, alongside the surrounding rivers and rainforests. 

You can also take a boat ride in Foz do Iguacu which will take you beneath the falls to the many beautiful hiking trails. This is the perfect place to go for anyone looking to explore more of Brazil’s great outdoors, with some of the world’s best natural features here. 

Summary

We hope that after reading our must-visit places in Brazil, you can now plan your trip here with all of these in mind. No matter where you choose to go, you will find a country brimming with lively cities, historical towns, stunning architecture and breathtaking natural scenery. 

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