The highlights of visiting Brazil

Brazil’s enormous territory is only outdone by the range of adventures it offers. From cruising the mighty Amazon or looking for jaguars in the Pantanal to basking on the beaches of Bahia or exploring ancient cobbled lanes, there are many highlights of visiting Brazil. Head for the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro to live it up at the party to end all parties, gaze open mouthed at the spectacle of Iguaçu Falls, or delve into the historic heart of Salvador, where Afro-Brazilian culture thrives. With an unrivalled mix of natural and cultural highlights, Brazil can tick all your holiday boxes and then some. Let’s unpack the endless possibilities of visiting this gargantuan nation with our list of what to see in Brazil…

Rio de Janeiro – for color, celebration and diversity

The incredible panorama of Rio scattered between its dramatic peaks and glittering bays really gets the pulse racing. Get to know the irrepressible spirit of this exuberant city with its famous beaches, the huge crescent of iconic Copacobana Beach, the young and stylish Ipanema Beach, and the gorgeous sunsets of surfing beach, Praia do Arpoador.

Another unmissable excursion is to ride the train to the Corcovado Mountain to take in the city from the world famous Christ the Redeemer statue, whose outstretched arms overlooking the sprawling city make for an iconic symbol of Rio. 

Elsewhere, there are countless museums, markets, churches, parks and cafes to explore; the multicolored and photo-ready Selarón Steps, a hand-tiled staircase created by artist Jorge Selarón; a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, or a break in Tijuca National Park, one of the biggest urban rainforests in the world.

The Pantanal – the world’s largest wetland

An unfathomably large region of wetlands and lagoons, the Pantanal covers a mind boggling 200,000 square kilometers – that’s around the size of England and Scotland combined.

It may not have the bigger number of species when compared with the Amazon rainforest, but wildlife viewing is much easier here as the vegetation is less dense particularly during the dry season. Creatures to look out for include a dazzling variety of birds, capybara, caiman and the stealthy yet numerous jaguar. Try both a day and night safari to see the biggest range of animals, insects and birds, or you could also take a boat tour – considered the best way of finding the elusive jaguars. Otherwise, you could do as the local cowboys do and explore the Pantanal wetlands via horseback. 

Visit in the dry season (June to October) for maximum accessibility and the best chances of seeing an incredible range of wildlife.

Iguaçu Falls – witness nature’s vast majesty

One of the world’s most dramatic natural phenomena, these falls should need no introduction. The Iguaçu Falls is immense, with its 2,700 metre curtain of water thundering over an 80 metre drop, making it the second largest waterfall in the world by volume of water. It’s so huge that most of the falls cross over the border into Argentina, yet here on the Brazilian side, you have incredible panoramic views and dramatic walkways. 

The Devil’s Throat is the biggest of around 300 separate waterfalls that make up Iguazu, and if you are in a courageous mood you can experience it up close from the dedicated viewing platforms. Surrounding the falls are swathes of rainforest, absolutely packed with flora and fauna – from numerous monkeys and coatis, to tapirs, giant anteaters, toucans, parrots and butterflies. This makes it a rewarding destination for a wildlife spotting excursion on foot, after you’ve had your fill of the incredible feat of nature roaring alongside you. 

Salvador – a center of Afro-Brazilian history, heritage and culture

Located in the Bahia region, this center of colonial history, Salvador, enjoys a great location above the water. Its characterful old town, Pelourinho, emanates a sense of resistance and cultural celebration along its cobbled lanes and UNESCO listed colorful buildings. 

This town was founded way back in 1549 and was the first capital of colonial Brazil. Once central to the Atlantic Slave Trade, today it thrives with residents of Afro-Brazilian heritage, who honor their culture through food, music, dancing, festivals and traditions every day. There is a different church for every day of the year, some of which are sumptuously decorated inside and out, as well as a lively market down at the harbor level. As you saunter around Salvador you’ll absorb the magic of the flamboyant street life, the sound of samba or the stomping from troupes of capoeira dancers, as drummers erupt into impromptu performances.

There’s always something to catch your eye in Salvador, but it’s the atmosphere of resilience and power despite historic adversity that really sticks in your memory. The beaches nearby are fabulous, too.

Minas Gerais – for rolling hills and fresh coffee

Literally translating to ‘General Mines’, this region of Brazil is significant for its minerals and its mountains. Undulating hills of green, speckled with rustic, whitewashed towns brings a real flavor of Europe to this area of inland Brazil. These are the cidades históricas – old gold mining towns dripping in colonial splendor and rustic charm. The most picturesque, and therefore popular, of the historic towns in Minas Gerais state are probably Ouro Preto, Mariana, Tiradentes and Diamantina.

Wander the cobbled lanes and appreciate the ornate styling of the colonial stucco facades, or take some time to investigate the wonderful Baroque churches of the region, many of which appear simple on the outside but hide sumptuous interiors. 

This is also the best region to sample Brazil’s excellent coffee! It’s one of the most fertile regions for coffee cultivation in the whole country, not to mention the glorious natural splendor of this area, known for its rugged mountains, rolling hills, and deep valleys. If you’ve got the time, step out onto Serra da Canastra National Park, where you can find beautiful waterfalls and forests, and get a chance to sample the famous canastra cheese.

Paraty – a stunning, historic port town

Just at the point where densely wooded mountains plunge into the sea, creating a shoreline of coves and peninsulas, the Portuguese founded a port in 1660 to serve the gold mines inland – the town of Paraty.

Today the exquisite setting and charming architecture, not to mention the location within easy reach of both Rio and Saõ Paolo and the great beaches, exert a considerable pull – and it’s generally considered to be one of the most delightful spots in Brazil. Beyond its historical and architectural beauty, the area is home to a vibrant arts scene, with local galleries and craft markets where the inhabitants sell their wares. There’s also a lively cultural atmosphere with festivals and events dotted throughout the year.

When you’ve finished strolling the lovely lanes and admiring the Portuguese colonial architecture, take a boat to one of the nearby islands where there are more stunning beaches and a relaxed island vibe.

Lençóis Maranhenses – beautiful sand dunes and pools

Every year from May to September, the dazzling white sand dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the north of Brazil are transformed by rainfall into a landscape dotted with shimmering pools of blue. It’s the gorgeous aesthetic quality of this area, and the solitude, that makes it one of the highlights of Brazil. 

The dunes sit over impermeable rock so the water doesn’t drain away, and a whole seasonal ecosystem bursts into life when the rain collects in the hollows. Fish that lie dormant during the dry season teem in the clear water, and as the pools fill and join up with waterways, other fish find their way here. It’s a unique habitat in a wild and beautiful landscape.

The Amazon Rainforest – the icon of South America

Known as ‘the lungs of the Earth,’ the Amazon basin is a truly gigantic area of tropical rainforest which produces 20% of the world’s oxygen. It spreads way beyond the borders of Brazil, but the majority of the forest is within Brazilian territory, the focus of which is the city of Manaus, gateway to the Amazon region.

Take your pick of exciting Amazon adventures, from cruising the river to camping in the rainforest, trekking, fishing for piranha or even kayaking. For the best experience, exploring the Amazon means slow travel; immersing yourself in the sounds and sensations of the jungle, taking guided night walks and paddling quietly through the winding tributaries. Though large wildlife such as jaguars, anacondas, sloths, capybaras and tapirs definitely thrive here, they can be hard to spot. Really the main attraction of the Amazon is the sheer diversity of insects, birds and plant life – you’ll be overwhelmed by what you find.

Make it happen

There’s a special energy in Brazil and it has to be seen to be believed. Want to feel that famous Brazilian vibe for yourself? Our specialist local Brazil experts will put all their on-the-ground knowledge to good use when they design your itinerary to fit your priorities. Get in touch with them directly to find out more.