best place to visit in south brazil

South Brazil Itinerary: travel through the REAL South

When you think about Brazilian destinations to travel to, the country’s south portion is rarely brought up to discussion , mainly because most tourists are unaware that it is a destination that pleases every taste and will most likely provide you some amazing moments.

In the real south of Brazil, You can visit the exquisite beaches in Florianópolis, explore nature’s wild in Foz de Iguaçu , be amazed by the great flower fields in Joinville, and even have a full-German gastronomic experience in Gramado .

In this post, we’ll be taking a look at some major points of interest if you’re keen on the idea of getting to know the real south of Brazil . We’ll go over some of the touristic attractions, the highlights in each of them, and what’s the best time to visit , in case you want to start planning.

To facilitate your planning, w e’re going to sort out our itinerary based on the region’s leading states (Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul), listing the cities and places you need to know in each one of them.

Santa Catarina (SC)

Even though it has over 500 shores in its whole state territory, Santa Catarina can’t be limited to just a beach destination . Here are the top destinations you should consider in Santa Catarina.

Florianópolis

With an extensive coastline and a nice mix of hype and deserted beaches, Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s major beach locations , leaving nothing to be desired to the famous Rio de Janeiro shores.

Aside from the beautiful coastal landscape, Florianópolis also offers open-air activities, museums, city markets, and historical touristic spots . It’s a great spot to enjoy by yourself, with a companion or a group.

Best Time To Visit Florianópolis: March and April

What to do in Florianópolis:

• Visit the Cruz e Souza Palace
• Visit the Santo Antônio de Lisboa village
• Take the boat ride at Lagoa da Conceição
• Take the Floripa By Bus city tour around town

Best Beaches to Visit in Florianópolis:

• Joaquina beach
• Daniela beach
• Moçambique beach
• Ingleses beach

Balneário Camboriú

Being dubbed as the “Brazilian Dubai” by locals (due to the landscape filled with skyscrapers), Balneário Camboriú is an amalgam of big-city energy, laidback beach vibes, and a very agitated nightlife .

The city’s electronic music scene grew so prominent in the past years that in 2012, Forbes magazine wrote a piece on it, calling Balneário Camboriú Brazil’s EDM capital .

Best Time To Visit Balneário Camboriú: between December and February

What to do in Balneário Camboriú?

• Take the cableway at Parque Unipraias to get to the observatories
• Take the Pirate Ship tour
• Go to the Beto Carreiro theme park
• Go to the city’s most famous clubs, such as Tribus Bar and Club 1007

Rio Grande do Sul (RS)

Having Santa Catarina as its neighbor state, Rio Grande do Sul is the birthplace of the famous traditional Brazilian barbecue , which we’ve covered in this mouth-watering post . Here are the places that’ll make you fall in love with Rio Grande do Sul:

We’ve mentioned Gramado while going over the places you could go to see snow while in Brazil. Still, this city is so much more than a chilly haven down south, having even been elected as one of the country’s favorite destinations.

Like most locations in the south of Brazil, Gramado has close ties with the German culture , mainly because this portion of the country was colonized by the Germans back in the day. Over the years, Gramado has maintained this bond, which the city’s architecture and cuisine can easily validate .

Best Time to Visit Gramado : from July to September

What to do in Gramado:

• Take the city tour through the touristic spots and the Mini Mundo tour
• Spend the day at Canela, a neighbor city
• Go skiing in Snow Land
• Visit the gardens and parks, like GramadoZoo and Parque Gaúcho

Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre is the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul and one of Brazil’s most forested areas. Greenfields like Parcão and Redenção Parks are just a few of the many places you can relax, exercise, and even plan a nice picnic if you’re into it.

The city also houses one of the most important theaters in the country, the São Pedro Theater, built in the mid-1850s and still is the stage of performances, orchestras, and plays.

Best Time to go to Porto Alegre: between March and June

What to do in Porto Alegre?

• Take the city tour on a double-decker bus
• Visit the city’s Mercado Público building
• Eat at one of the oldest Brazilian restaurants, the Gambrinus
• Visit the Brique Fair, every Sunday on the Redenção Park

Paraná (PR)

Foz do iguaçu.

Housing one of the World’s Seven Wonders, the Iguaçu Waterfalls, Foz do Iguaçu is a destination for nature lovers and outdoor aficionados . Besides the cataracts marvel, you can also visit safaris and natural parks and do all things nature-related .

With a territory that embraces a part of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay , Foz do Iguaçu can also be viewed as the middle ground to all 3 countries, making it easy to pay a quick visit to each one of them if you’re up to it .

Best Time to Visit Foz do Iguaçu: from June to August

What to do in Foz do Iguaçu :

• Visit the Three Frontiers Landmark
• Visit the Iguaçu Waterfalls both on the Brazilian and Argentinian sides
• Visit the Chen Tien Budist Temple and the Muslin mosque
• Take the Macuco Safari tour

Having once held the title of “ world’s capital of coffee ,” Londrina is the ultimate place to eat and drink very well while visiting Brazil’s real south portion .

The city has great vineyards with artisanal wine tasting, award-winning restaurants that serve the most delicious meals, and of course, an amazing cup of coffee . The city’s chilly temperatures are a perfect match for this gastronomic trip.

Best Time to Visit Londrina: between May and July

What to do in Londrina:

• Visit the city’s Botanical Gardens.
• Visit the  Casa Müller  Vineyard
• Have a nice cup of coffee at the Marabu Farm
• Visit the Igapó I and II lakes.

Well, that’s it for our quick tour of the main cities you should include on your itinerary while visiting the south side of Brazil! As you can see, this part of the Brazilian country offers many options for every type of trip, so take your time planning and come down to visit 😉

While you’re here, we thought we’d might interest you with these:

All you need to know about snow in Brazil – Does it snow in Brazil? Can you go skiing or build a snowman? Read up and find out!

5 Vacation Ideas In Brazil For All Kinds Of Travelers – If you have a hard time making travel arrangements that will please everyone, look no further; we got you!

Can I Go To A Casino In Rio? – make your bets and roll the dice! Can you gamble in the city of wonders?

Cover Image: Sur da Ilha – Florianópolis | Credit: Pxhere

Bruno Reguffe

What's up, everyone! I'm Bruno, and I'm a nutritionist living in Rio de Janeiro. I've been a longtime friend of Ana's, and I'm excited to help her expand on all things Brazilian with y'all, as well as sharing some of our culture and a few personal experiences while living in the country!

Recent Posts

A Complete Guide to Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro

If you've ever heard of the Girl from Ipanema, you probably know a little something about Copacabana's neighbor district. This affluent area located on the south portion of Rio de Janeiro has one of...

Driving Across Brazil? Buckle Up: You Are In For A Road Trip!

Road trips are always a fun experience. You get to see the scenery and explore places that you may not have seen if you were flying. You get to experience the little things that may have been...

Highlights of Southern Brazil

Great beaches, snow, waterfalls and Fenachopp!

The states of Santa Catarina , Rio Grande do Sul , and Parana lie in the sub-tropical area of southern Brazil where snow sometimes falls on the higher elevations.

Europeans from Poland, Italy and Germany found this climate agreeable and settled here, bringing with them their customs, food preferences and languages. And their genes. Brazilians from this region often are blond and blue-eyed.

The state of Parana offers water, hills and more water in the form of splendid beaches and great waterfalls.

• Iguazu Falls , or Foz do Iguaçú, seen here, are an international attraction. The Brazilian side of the falls has the better overview of the cataracts, and is somewhat cheaper, if rougher, than the Argentine side.
• Curitiba is a pleasant, well-ordered city, with a cobblestoned historical section called Largo da Ordem
• From Curitiba, take the train down the steep mountain to the port of Paranaguá . Ilha do Mel in the bay of Paranaguá has great beaches, scenic walks and is a summertime favorite.

Rio Grande do Sul

The southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, shares a cattle ranch tradition, along with the traditional gaucho tradition, with neighboring Argentina and Uruguay. You might visit cattle ranches, eat barbeque called churrasco ] and drink chimarrão , a strong herbal tea, or wine from one of the local wineries. You can also practice your Italian in the mountain villages where many of the residents speak it full-time.

The capital, Porto Alegre , is a good jumping off spot for the state's attractions:

• Serra Gaúcha mountains, popular with hikers, trekkers and bikers
• Parque Estadual de Caracol has a splendid waterfall easily accesible. Parque Nacional de Aparados da Serra boasts great scenery in Itaimbézinho's narrow canyon and the Canyon da Fortaleza. The park also preserves one of the last forests of Auracária trees, something like a very tall pine tree.
• Jesuit missions, particularly São Miguel das Missões, in the western part of the state

Santa Catarina

has some of the best beaches in Brazil, and is one of the most popular vacation destinations for Brazilians. It is one of the more affluent states, so amenities are plentiful. It's called the most "European" of Brazilian states.

• The capital, Florianopolis, is located partly on the mainland, and partly on Ilha de Santa Catarina, where you'll find wonderful beaches, particularly Joaquina beach host to surfing championships.
• Joinville hosts many festivals, including Fenachopp , an Octoberfest celebrating its Germanic heritage, Festa das Flores honoring the flowers grown locally, and a large Festival de Dança , where thousands of dancers participate in Blumenau and Pomerode retain their German traditions and language. Visitors enjoy visiting these towns for a taste of the Old Country.
• The seaside resort of Balneário Camboriú is popular as the site for conventions and other large group events.

July in Brazil: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Iguazu Falls Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip

12 Best Things to Do in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Slum Tourism: What Is It, and Is It Okay?

6 Famous Literary Solo Trips That You Can Recreate

Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro

25 Adventures to Have in South America

The Top Golf Courses in Southern California

5 Best Art Museums in Brazil

Is It Safe in Rio de Janeiro?

A Sloth Sanctuary in Ilhéus

Nightlife in Sao Paulo: The Best Bars, Clubs, & More

The 8 Best Things to Do in Recife, Brazil

15 Places to Visit in Southern California

The 8 Most Adventurous Things to Do in Brazil

Praia do Forte Guide

Brazil South Travel Guide

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• South America
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Just wanted to say that it was incredible. Trip Provider was also incredibly good, and really made their best effort to solve any problems. We were very im...

The states forming the South of Brazil – Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul – are generally considered to be the most developed parts of the country. The smallest of Brazil’s regions, the South maintains an economic influence completely out of proportion to its size. This is largely the result of two factors: the first is an agrarian structure that, to a great extent, is based on highly efficient small and medium-sized units; and the second is the economically active population that produces a per capita output considerably higher than the national average. Without widespread poverty on the scale found elsewhere in the country, the South tends to be dismissed by Brazilians as being a region that has more in common with Europe or the United States than with South America.

Superficially, at least, this view has much to substantiate it. The inhabitants are largely of European origin, and live in well-ordered cities where there’s little of the obvious squalor prevalent elsewhere. Beneath the tranquil setting, however, there are tensions: due to land shortages, people are constantly forced to move vast distances – as far away as Acre in the western Amazon – to avoid being turned into mere day-labourers, and favelas are an increasingly common sight in Curitiba, Porto Alegre and the other large cities of the South. From time to time these tensions explode as landless peasants invade the huge, under-used latifúndios in the west and south of the region, and it is no coincidence that it was here that the Landless Movement (Movimento dos Sem Tera) first emerged.

For the tourist, though, the region offers a great deal. The coast has a subtropical climate that in the summer months (Nov to March) draws people who want to avoid the oppressive heat of the northern resorts, and a vegetation and atmosphere that feel more Mediterranean than Brazilian. Much of the Paraná’s coast is still unspoilt by the ravages of mass tourism, and building development is essentially forbidden on the beautiful islands of Paranaguá Bay. By way of contrast, tourists have encroached along Santa Catarina’s coast, but only a few places, such as Balneário Camburiú, have been allowed to develop into a concrete jungle. Otherwise, resorts such as most of those on the Ilha de Santa Catarina around Florianópolis remain fairly small and do not seriously detract from the region’s natural beauty.

The interior is less frequently visited. Much of it is mountainous, the home of people whose way of life seems to have altered little since the arrival of the European pioneers in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Cities in the interior that were founded by Germans (such as Blumenau and Joinville in Santa Catarina), Italians (Bento Gonçalves in Rio Grande do Sul) and Ukrainians (Prudentópolis in Paraná) have lost much of their former ethnic character, but only short distances from them are villages and hamlets where time appears to have stood still. The highland areas between Lages and Vacaria, and the grasslands of southern and western Rio Grande do Sul, are largely given over to vast cattle ranches, where the modern gaúchos keep many of the skills of their forebears alive. The region also boasts some spectacular natural features, the best known being the Iguaçu waterfalls on the Brazilian–Argentine frontier and the incredible canyons of the Aparados da Serra.

Travelling around the South is generally easy, and there’s a fine road network. Most north–south buses stick to the road running near the coast, but it’s easy to devise routes passing through the interior, perhaps taking in the Jesuit ruins of São Miguel.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Brazil, created by local experts

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

Discover more places in Brazil

• Florianópolis
• Rio Grande do Sul
• Santa Catarina
• The Serra Gaúcha

The Rough Guides to Brazil and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Brazil?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

©Nat Photos/Getty Images

One of the world's most captivating places, Brazil is a country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests and wild, rhythm-filled metropolises.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Brazil. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca

Rio de Janeiro

The Tijuca is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green…

Pão de Açúcar

Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on…

Copacabana Beach

A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length: over…

Parque Nacional do Iguaçu

Brazil's second-oldest national park, created in 1939, protects one of South America's most magical and majestic sights, Iguaçu Falls, part of the largest…

Ipanema Beach

Ipanema & Leblon

One long stretch of sun-drenched sand, Ipanema Beach is demarcated by postos (posts), which mark off subcultures as diverse as the city itself. Posto 9,…

Reserva Extrativista Baixo Rio Branco-Jauaperi

This newly minted extractive reserve is an outstanding place to immerse yourself in the best the Amazon has to offer, with excellent wildlife-watching –…

Cristo Redentor

Flamengo & Around

Standing atop Corcovado (which means ‘hunchback’), Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio, a placid expression on his well-crafted face. The mountain rises…

Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina

Spanning over 1520 sq km and containing within it innumerable species of plants and animals, deafening waterfalls and vast, rugged plains, Parque Nacional…

Top picks from our travel experts

15 things to do in brazil that will amaze you.

Parque das Aves

Foz do Iguaçu

This 5-hectare bird park, located 300m from the entrance to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, is home to 800-plus species of birds, including red ibis, bare…

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Sampa’s pride, this museum possesses Latin America’s most comprehensive collection of Western art. Hovering above a concrete plaza that turns into an…

Farol das Conchas

Built in 1872 on orders from Dom Pedro II, this lighthouse stands picturesquely atop a hill at the island’s most easterly point. From here you have…

Museu do Futebol

Tucked under the bleachers of colorfully art deco Pacaembu Stadium, this fantastic museum is devoted to Brazil’s greatest passion – football (soccer). Its…

Maracanã Football Stadium

Rio’s Maracanã stadium is hallowed ground among football lovers. The massive arena has been the site of legendary victories and crushing defeats. Maracanã…

The epicenter of Rio’s Carnaval, the Sambódromo was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1984. During big parades, come here for fantastic views…

Beco do Batman

One of São Paulo's premiere street-art locations, 'Batman's Alley' has slowly risen from secret location for band promotional shots and Brazilian films to…

Cumbuco, 35km from Fortaleza, has a long wide beach with soft sand, an expanse of dunes and a few lagoons that make it very popular for buggy rides and…

Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara

One of Brazil's most important national parks, this 1300-sq-km reserve contains more than 40,000 rock paintings among spectacular panoramas of immense…

Parque Nacional do Itatiaia

Rio de Janeiro State

Brazil’s oldest national park, Itatiaia shelters a stunning variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests to spare and rugged upland peaks. Most visitors…

Itaipu Binacional

With a capacity of 14 million kilowatts, this binational dam is the world's second-largest hydroelectric power station, and the one that produces the most…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Whether you prefer magnificent nature or exciting cities, Brazil has an experience lined up for you. Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Brazil.

Things to Know

Visiting a community to better understand the lives of the people who live there – that's the sort of positive impact tourism is supposed to have. 

Transportation

Find your way around in Brazil with this guide to the country's transportation.

Visa Requirements

Brazil offers different visas depending on the purpose of travel and country of origin. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a visa for Brazil.

Money and Costs

Everything you need to know to make your money go further in Brazil.

Best Road Trips

From coastal drives to winding mountain roads, getting behind the wheel in Brazil opens up a world of natural wonders. Here are Brazil's best road trips.

Traveling with Kids

With top tips on safety and places to go, find the perfect activities for all age groups on your family trip to Brazil.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Brazil

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Brazil

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Tips & Advice

Mar 1, 2024 • 9 min read

Don't get overwhelmed by the scale of Brazil – get organized! Here are our top 10 favorite places to visit in this South American sensation.

Dec 2, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 9, 2023 • 4 min read

Nov 8, 2023 • 5 min read

Oct 7, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 6, 2023 • 4 min read

Sep 28, 2023 • 12 min read

Sep 28, 2023 • 3 min read

Sep 20, 2023 • 9 min read

Mar 15, 2023 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Brazil

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Brazil with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Brazil and beyond

Top 20 Breathtaking Places to Explore in Brazil

Famous for its love of dancing, fun, festivals, and football, Brazil is one of those bucket list countries most want to visit in their lifetime.

It’s a unique land known for its firsts and originality. Home to the world-famous Rio Carnival, Samba, Capoeira, and, of course, Caipirinha, I spent many months traveling around this extraordinary country. Here are my choices for the best spots…

1. Rio de Janeiro

The city offers something for everyone. Do you want to go hang-gliding and see the stunning skyline from above? Then do it – the birds-eye view of Rio is hard to beat! Trekking? That is also a possibility.

Fancy visiting one of the seven wonders of the world? Go ahead, but set a few hours aside since the ride up to Christ the Redeemer takes a while.

Are you bored of hectic city life? Then I suggest taking a tour of the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and then finishing the day enjoying the nightlife in Lapa, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro with bars and clubs catering to all tastes.

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Brazil’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service !

2. Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco

Situated 70 kilometers south of Recife, the town was until the 1990s an isolated fisherman village. Now, it is accessible to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the amazing beaches the town has to offer.

Snorkeling is a must here. Only a couple of hundred meters out in the sea is a reef, and when the tide is low, natural pools are created on the beaches behind the reef.

These natural aquariums feature a stunning selection of colorful fish. Other activities include water sports, trekking, Capoeira, and much more.

3. Lençóis National Park, Maranhão

Lençóis – located in the North of Brazil – provides a view that will leave you gasping for air. The national park is a “desert” unlike any other.

Rain collects in the alleys between the dunes, resulting in what could have been a desert: an area where the dunes are varied and turquoise lagoons are as far as the eye can see.

The lagoons are home to many different species of fish, and one species stays dormant in the moist areas of the sand during the dry season, only to surface when the lagoons once again emerge.

The stark contrast between white dunes and crystal clear lagoons makes Lençóis a must-see experience!

4. Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul

Pantanal is located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, except for small parts of the wetland that belongs to Bolivia and Paraguay.

It’s the world’s largest wetland and the place to go if you are interested in wildlife. The open marshes make it easy to spot the animals, and the unspoiled region of Pantanal doesn’t have a large human population, which means the wildlife flourishes.

The wetland offers beautiful landscapes and the chance to see a great variety of birds and other animals. You’ll also see reptiles and jaguars in their natural habitat.

5. Salvador, Bahia

Salvador is the first colonial capital of Brazil and one of the oldest cities in North and South America. Known as the country’s capital of happiness, it offers numerous outdoor parties, and the city´s street carnival is the largest in the world.

 The beauty of the city is partly due to its location by the sea but it is much more than that – it has a rich music and architectural culture and a historic area filled with colorful colonial houses and cobblestoned streets.

6. Chapada Diamantina, Bahia

The gorgeous National Park Chapada Diamantina takes its name from the cliffs in the region and from the diamonds that were once found there.

When visiting the national park, you will be provided with a smorgasbord of beautiful views of the landscapes from different cliffs. You will see canyons, waterfalls, natural swimming pools, caves, and wonderful untouched landscapes!

7. Jericoacoara, Ceara

This is a remote little beach town in the Ceara state. You can get here by bus from Fortaleza to Jijoca. It’s not an easy journey, but it is worth it!

This paradise-like town has not yet been destroyed by tourism.

The streets of sand, the beautiful beach, the kite-surfing, the breathtaking sunset views from the sand dunes, the Capoeira at the beach, the amazingly huge and starry night sky, and the hammocks in the lagoon, which are just a beach buggy ride away, are just some of the reasons why Jericoacoara is one of the country’s hidden treasures.

8. Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco 

Would you want to visit a beautiful beach that just the sight of it will make you gasp for air? Do you want to swim with stingrays, sharks, and colorful fishes?

Do you want to see dolphins, sea turtles, and albatrosses? Well, here you can!  Fernando de Noronha is a group of islands that belongs to Brazil.

The archipelago consists of 21 islands, islets, and rocks of volcanic origin. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is a paradise on earth for anyone interested in diving and animal life.

9. Iguazú Falls, Paraná

This is a world-famous beauty spot! The Iguazú Falls, consisting of more than 270 waterfalls of different sizes that border Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, are a truly amazing spectacle.

If you are in Brazil (or any of the other bordering countries), do not miss the opportunity to see one of Mother Nature´s greatest expressions of beauty in our world.

10. Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

This gorgeous coastal town was first settled in 1667, so it has a lot of history. It truly offers something for everyone, including cobblestone streets, magnificent forests, amazing waterfalls, and an emerald-green sea.

There is a lot to do and even more to look at when you visit Paraty, and even though it is compact enough to be enjoyed on foot, you’ll still find a lot of enjoyment and fun activities every step of the way.

There’s even a city center that provides information on how the town became what it is today.

11. Búzios, Rio de Janeiro

A resort town with roughly 34,000 residents, Búzios is the place to go when you want calmness, serenity, and a break from the hustle and bustle of a tourist’s life.

Many of the people who live there are fishermen, and it offers all sorts of water activities, including swimming and surfing.

In fact, this town offers a little bit of everything, including shopping, restaurants, bars and lounges, art museums, and just about anything else you need to make your vacation unforgettable.

12. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 

Located in the southern part of Brazil, Florianópolis has 60 beaches and is noted for its surfing opportunities. Its economy is based mainly on tourism and information technology, so tourists can find a lot to do there.

Radical sports and nature offer some of the best opportunities for tourists, as do activities such as mountain climbing, hang-gliding, rowing, and paragliding.

It is connected to the continent by three bridges, one of which is the famous but now-closed Hercilio Luz Bridge.

13. IlhaBela, São Paulo

Also known as Beautiful Island, translated to in Portuguese, IlhaBela has a population of roughly 32,000 and offers attractions such as 360 waterfalls, numerous forests, hiking trails of all difficulty levels, and course, beaches.

There are 41 beaches on the main island, so whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or watch dolphins and whales, you’ll never run out of things to do.

With beautiful waters and even more beautiful skies, this is the place to be if you like sand and surf.

14. Maragogi, Alagoas 

Maragogi sits in the northwestern section of Brazil and offers many beaches and living tropical reefs. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving, or enjoy the many sights that give the place some ambiance.

Maragogi is filled with natural beauty and offers plenty of activities, too. You can enjoy sea cliffs that seem to reach the sky and take a boat ride to get up close and personal with the coral reefs. Whatever you do there, it’s a very hard place to forget! 

15. Trancoso, Bahia

Trancoso has two things going for it: lots of beaches, and an advanced way of thinking about reducing their carbon footprint.

It has many festivals to enjoy throughout the year, but its main attractions are all of the beaches surrounding the area, each seemingly more gorgeous than the previous one.

With white sand, reefs, and water that always seems to be at the perfect temperature, this is the perfect place to be when lots of time in the water and sun is what you’re looking for.

16. Campos do Jordão, São Paulo

A municipality in southeastern Brazil, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil, reaching 5,341 feet above sea level. Among the many tourist activities are hiking, mountain climbing, treetop cable swings, motorbike, and ATV riding.

There is also a festival that takes place every winter that celebrates classical music. In addition to a cool cable car, the town offers bars, restaurants, discos, and other activities that make for great nightlife.

In other words, this town truly offers something for everyone.

17. Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

One thing you will never be short of in this country is stunning paradise-esque beaches. Ilha Grande is an island located in the sea outside the state of Rio de Janeiro where you will find tropical beaches that will tempt you to purchase your pousada and enjoy the tranquil island lifestyle for the rest of your days.

Previously a prison island, it offers good snorkeling conditions and opportunities to see coral, tropical fish, whales, and even penguins.

The island, which has no roads or motorized vehicles, provides hiking trails to different beaches and villages. On the island, you are likely to spot both monkeys and hummingbirds.

18. Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro

Mostly known as the town that is home to Brazil’s national football team, this city sits between mountains and hills, has lush green grass, and has some of the most beautiful scenery you’ve ever experienced.

There is a national park found on the part of the city near the city limits, and mountain structures such as Devil’s Needle and God’s Finger are worth visiting.

There are also lakes, statues, and lake houses that are nothing short of extraordinary, and the farms in the area provide a little bit of nostalgia to this now-modern city, which I think is always a win-win situation! 

19. Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro 

Also known as The Imperial City, it is home to nearly 300,000 residents and offers activities to pique anyone’s interests.

These include theaters, museums, and lots of festivals and carnivals. You can also enjoy some very unique architecture. If you love palaces, national parks, or old monasteries, this is, I think, the place to be! You can visit these places individually or join a tour guide.

This large city offers all the advanced benefits of any other large city, so you’ll never run out of things to do. Regardless of which month you visit the city, you’ll always have something interesting to do, I loved this place!

20. Amazon Rainforest 

Although Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches and outstanding landmarks, the Amazon rainforest is another famous place to visit. The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world.

The forest is split into 60% of the Brazilian territory, 13% of Peruvian land, and 10% of Colombian soil. The remaining 17% is distributed between French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia.

There are so many things to explore in this giant jungle, and one of them is to spot pink dolphins or go bird watching, as the forest is home to over 800 bird species. The best time to visit is during the low-water season, which is from July until December.

Emma-Clair Ni Clearaigh - writer and photographer With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year, now she balances travel and travel writing with teaching and a passion for vintage interior design. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages – Paris, her true city of lights. Find Emma-Clair on Instagram or Facebook . Hotel Reviewing Experience - Asked by tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including the Catalonia Tourist Board ,  Visit Finland, Visit Zurich and Atout France. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos .

22 thoughts on “Top 20 Breathtaking Places to Explore in Brazil”

Going to Visit brazil next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to know the best things to there thanks for this information. As Know I know What to do there.

WOOOOW the OXXXmmm place Brazil one day i will enjoy these natural beauty

Hope everyone get a chance to come to Brazil specially to Jericoacoara!

Oh Jericoacoara is so beautiful and this PIC is so… Bleh. We can find great pics on google.

Visitem Ibicoara, localizada na Bahia,chapada diamantina.

Rio and Ouro Preto are my top choice 😉

Thanks Escape Hunter! Good choices 🙂

So many reasons to visit Brazil! I’d love to visit Salvador and Ilha Grande especially. Gorgeous photos!

Very true, there’s so much more to the country!

Thanks for the suggestions Gabriel!

Wow what a country, I really must visit one day!

Hope you make it one day Scott!

They all look beautiful! Would love to visit and every one of them!

What a beautiful place, would love to go there.

Ilha Grande is a new find for me.. wow! so beautiful. Brazil is definitely one to really explore – thanks for the post, a great eye opener!

Thanks Adam!

There is also Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso, not only in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Congratulations though for the overall text and pictures!

I want to go to all of these places! Brazil has been on my list for a long time now! Thanks for sharing.

Happy travels 🙂

I admire travelers who focus on South America, it’s such a gorgeous region with so much to see. Thanks for the inspiration!

Wow, I’ve fallen in love just with the pictures alone! It would be nice to get back to Brazil one day. Clearly Rio has so much to offer I could need an extended trip there.

I’m in love with Rio de Janeiro!!! Hope to make it there soon, perhaps in 2015!

What lovely photos and a great read! I wish I had spent longer in Brazil when I went last year as only saw Rio and Iguazu and would have loved to have visited some other parts including Salvador and Pantanal. I also can’t believe Ilha Grande was right there and I didn’t even know about it till just now! It looks stunning 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brazil

Written by Michael Law , Lana Law , and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 29, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The largest country in South America, Brazil occupies almost half the continent. Nearly all of it is in the Southern Hemisphere, and much of it is tropical, with vast stretches of rainforest filled with exotic plants and wildlife.

Brazil's 7,400-kilometer Atlantic coast is lined with golden-sand beaches , and its interior is filled with mineral resources. Gold from Brazil's mines still lines the churches of Portugal, the colonial power that ruled Brazil until 1822. This strong Portuguese influence is evident in Brazil's colonial architecture , in decorative arts such as the glazed tiles in its churches and convents, and in the language.

For tourists, Brazil is both a tropical paradise and an exciting cultural destination with attractions for all tastes, from idyllic beach holidays and jungle explorations to world-class art museums and the pulsing rhythms of Rio's Carnival.

To discover the best places to visit and things to do, use this handy list of the top tourist attractions in Brazil.

1. Cristo Redentor and Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro

2. sugar loaf, rio de janeiro, 3. iguaçu falls, 4. copacabana, rio de janeiro, 5. amazon rainforests, 6. carnaval, rio de janeiro, 7. brasília's modernist architecture, 8. jericoacoara, 10. salvador's pelourinho, 11. ouro preto, 12. museu do amanhã (museum of tomorrow), 13. ibirapuera park, são paulo, 14. museu oscar niemeyer, curitiba, 15. botanical garden of curitiba, 16. porto de galinhas & pernambuco beaches, 17. art museums of sao paulo, 18. belo horizonte.

With arms outstretched 28 meters, as if to encompass all of humanity, the colossal Art Deco statue of Christ, called Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), gazes out over Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf, and the bay from the summit of Corcovado. From here, you have possibly the best view in the city .

The 709-meter height on which it stands is part of the Tijuca National Park, and a railway climbs 3.5 kilometers to the top , where a broad plaza surrounds the statue. Completed in 1931, the 30-meter statue was the work of Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and is constructed of reinforced concrete and soapstone.

The steep ride up to the statue on the railway is part of the attraction as it passes through a lush forest, home to a wide variety of tropical birds, butterflies, and plants.

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

The easily recognized emblem of Rio de Janeiro, the rounded rock peak of Sugar Loaf juts out of a tree-covered promontory, rising 394 meters above the beaches and city. From the summit are outstanding views of Rio and the harbor , as well as a stunning view of Christ the Redeemer. This is an absolute must-do when visiting the city but plan to do this on a clear day and preferably in the morning.

Part of the attraction is the thrill of riding the cable car between Sugar Loaf and the Morro da Urca , a lower peak from which a second cableway connects to the city.

Rio's first settlement began below these peaks, near the long Praia da Urca beach, and you can tour one of the three early forts there, the star-shaped Fort São João .

Iguaçu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. At the point where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet, the Iguaçu river drops spectacularly in a semicircle of 247 waterfalls that thunder down into the gorge below. Just above the falls, the river is constricted to one-fourth of its usual width, making the force of the water even stronger.

Some of the falls are more than 100 meters high and they cover such a broad area that you'll never see all of them at once, but you do get the broadest panorama from the Brazilian side. Catwalks and a tower give you different perspectives, and one bridge reaches all the way to one of the largest falls, known as the Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat).

You can cross to the Argentinian side for closer views from catwalks that extend farther into the center of the falls. The two sides offer different perspectives and views, so most tourists plan to see both.

The falls are protected by the UNESCO-acclaimed Iguaçu National Park , where subtropical rainforests are home to more than 1,000 species of birds and mammals, including deer, otters, ocelots, and capybaras.

In early November 2023, water flows that were ten times normal levels caused significant damage to many of the walkways in and around the falls. The most famous, the Devil's Throat, has reopened but the Garganta del Diablo will be closed for quite some time with no reopening date announced as of writing.

It's hard to think of Rio without conjuring up an image of Copacabana. This is Rio's playground, a popular escape from the heat filled with sun-worshipers, swimmers, and kids building sand castles. A seemingly endless assortment of beach shacks offer chair and umbrella rentals, snacks, drinks, and even free showers.

Downtown Rio's most famous section follows Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana and is bordered all along one side by four kilometers of white sand and breaking surf .

The beach is separated from the buildings and traffic by a broad promenade paved in black and white mosaic in an undulating pattern reminiscent of streets in Lisbon, Portugal. Along this promenade, the famed Copacabana Palace is protected as a national monument. Inside this hotel's lobby, you can easily imagine seeing the royalty and film idols who have stayed here.

About 20 kilometers southeast of Manaus, the dark Rio Negro waters meet the light muddy water of the Rio Solimões, flowing side by side for about six kilometers before mixing as the Amazon. Boat trips from Manaus take you to this point, called Encontro das Aguas , meeting of the waters.

Other boat trips take you into the heart of the rainforests and the network of rivers, channels, and lakes formed by the three rivers. In the Rio Negro, the Anavilhanas Islands form an archipelago with lakes, streams, and flooded forests that offer a full cross-section of the Amazonian ecosystem.

You can see monkeys, sloths, parrots, toucans, caimans, turtles, and other wildlife on a boat trip here. Also close to Manaus, the 688-hectare Janauari Ecological Park has a number of different ecosystems that you can explore by boat along its narrow waterways.

An entire lake here is covered with giant water-lilies found only in the Amazon region. While in Manaus, be sure to see its famous Teatro Amazonas , the Italian Renaissance-style opera house, designed to put Manaus on the map as South America's great center of culture.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Manaus

Few shows match Rio's pre-Lenten Carnaval (Carnival) extravaganza for color, sound, action, and exuberance. Make no mistake, this is not just another rowdy street party, but a carefully staged showpiece, where spectators can watch the parades of competing samba dancers from a purpose-built stadium designed by none other than Brazil's best-known architect, Oscar Niemeyer.

Called the Sambódromo , this long series of grandstand boxes provides ringside seats to a 700-meter parade route where dancers and musicians from the competing samba schools strut their stuff in a dazzling explosion of brilliant costumes.

If mob scenes are less appealing to you than more spontaneous celebrations (that are equally riotous and colorful), you'll also find Carnivals in Salvador , Bahia, Recife, and other Brazilian cities.

Brazil's new city of Brasília was carved out of the wilderness and completed in less than three years to replace Rio de Janeiro as the country's capital in 1960. The ambitious plan by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer became a showpiece of city planning and avant-garde architecture, and it remains today as one of the world's few cities that represent a completed plan and a single architectural concept.

Without the normal mix of residential and business districts, the entire governmental section is composed of major architectural highlights, which are the city's main tourist attractions . Some of the most striking surround Praça dos Tràs Poderes : the presidential palace, supreme court, and the two sharply contrasting congress buildings, plus the Historical Museum of Brasília and the Panteão da Liberdade (Pantheon of Freedom), designed by Oscar Niemeyer.

That architect's best-known building in the city is the circular Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida , whose curved concrete columns rise to support a glass roof. Another of Niemeyer's landmark works is the Palácio dos Arcos , surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who worked with Niemeyer on several projects throughout Brazil.

The round Memorial dos Povos Indígenas (Museum of Indigenous People) is patterned after a traditional Yąnomamö round house. But many consider Niemeyer's finest work to be the Monumento JK , a memorial to President Juscelino Kubitschek, the founder of Brasilia. Brasilia has been named a UNESCO World Heritage city.

If you've ever dreamed of a beachside village where all the streets are sand and like with good restaurants, decent hotels, and the odd donkey wandering around, Jericoacoara is the place for you. Jeri, as it's commonly referred to is, located within the confines of the spectacular Jericoacoara National Park , access is only through a huge expanse of massive sand dunes in a 4WD vehicle or, for the more adventurous, on the back of a beach buggy.

Each night the town comes alive when the mobile vendors set up shop on the sand and the band starts to play. Grab a bite from one of the small BBQ stands and catch the sunset as it sinks into the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, or even better secure a rooftop patio seat. Later on wander the sandy, pedestrian-only streets and enjoy a dinner with your toes in the sand. After dinner, check out one of the many boutiques featuring a variety of beach and resort clothing.

Windswept beaches run for hundreds of miles north and south of Jeri and this draws wind sport enthusiasts from around the world. Jeri is considered by many to be the best place in the world to go kiteboarding and as a result, draws a diverse set of participants from across the globe.

To experience the dunes or explore freshwater lagoons, where you can set up beachside at a restaurant and go for a swim, hire a buggy for the day , and go on an excursion. You can also head down towards Guiru or further along to Tatajuba to see or enjoy more kiteboarding. It's a fun trip that involves a river crossing on a small, flat barge.

You can fly directly to Jericoacoara . As an alternative, you can fly into Fortaleza and hire a car and driver to run you up the coast, which is about a five-hour drive . The best option is to stop off for a night or two along the way in some of the other beach towns like Cumbuco or Guajiru , both of which are popular kiteboarding areas.

Beyond the beaches of Copacabana, the glorious white sands merge into the just-as-famous beaches of Ipanema. The same wave design of Copacabana's wide promenade continues here, separating the sand from the line of hotels, restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and cinemas that make this a popular social zone year-round.

Farther along, beyond the Jardim de Alá Canal, which drains Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, are the beaches of Leblon . With more locals and fewer tourists, these beaches are favorites for families. Sunday is especially busy, with an antiques market at Praça de Quentaland and the Feira de Artesanato de Ipanema , alive with music, art, handicrafts, and street food.

The waves at Ipanema and Leblon can be very strong and unpredictable, so be careful where you swim. Follow the locals and stay out of the water where you don't see others swimming. If surf is what you're looking for, head to the stretch between Copacabana and Ipanema, where the surfers hang out.

The Cidade Alta (Upper Town) of Brazil's former colonial capital has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional collection of 17th- and 18th-century colonial buildings, the finest such ensemble in South America.

Called the Pelourinho, this old quarter is where you'll find Salvador's most beautiful churches and monasteries, built at a time when Brazil was the source of Portugal's riches, and the plentiful gold was lavished on the colony's religious buildings.

The finest and most opulent of the city's churches is São Francisco , built in the early 1700s and filled with intricate carvings covered in gold. In the choir and cloister, you can see excellent examples of Portuguese tile panels, called azulejos.

This was the friary church, and next to it is the church of the Franciscan Third Order. It's impossible to miss the riotously carved façade covered in statues and intricate decoration. The interior is just as ornate, surpassing even the Portuguese Baroque in its opulent detail.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Salvador

The wealth of Brazil's state of Minas Gerais in its glory days of the colonial period is easy to imagine from the interiors of the churches in its old capital, Ouro Preto. Entire walls are washed in gold that flowed – along with diamonds – from the mines surrounding the city in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Cascading down the sides of a steep valley and surrounded by mountains, Ouro Preto is a jewel of a colonial town, but its steep narrow streets and mountain setting – however captivating for tourists today – didn't meet the needs of a growing provincial capital. The government moved to the newly built capital of Belo Horizonte, leaving Ouro Preto in its time capsule.

The 17th-century Baroque and Rococo churches of São Francisco de Assis and Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar are the best examples, but the entire town is so rich in colonial architecture that Ouro Preto has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The steep streets, so precipitous in places that they become stairways, are lined by gracious colonial mansions, and white churches crown its hills with Baroque bell towers.

The futuristic architecture of the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro gives a clue about its contents. Thought-provoking exhibits invite visitors to think about what the world might be like in the future, exploring scenarios of how our planet may change in the next half-century.

Examining these times of fast-moving changes in society, technology, and the physical world, the museum prompts viewers to consider various paths into the future, and how each opens up based on the choices made every day as individuals and as a society.

This eye-catching science museum overlooking the waterfront was designed by Spanish architect and artist, Santiago Calatrava.

Address: Praça Mauá 1, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most visited park in South America, Ibirapuera Park is a vast green space designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, with buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The park is a showcase for modern architecture and a center for Brazilian culture.

Amid its monuments, gardens, playgrounds, trails, and lakes are museums and performance spaces that include Oscar Niemeyer's Auditório Ibirapuera , one of São Paulo's best concert venues. A Japanese Pavilion with sculptures, clothing, and traditional crafts is set in rock gardens with a fishpond.

The Museu da Aeronáutica e do Folclore , the Aeronautics and Folk Art Museum , features thousands of examples of folk arts and exhibits on traditional cultures from across Brazil. The lower floor is devoted to aeronautical equipment and model airplanes. A separate museum, the large Museu Afro-Brasil , features the culture and history of Afro-Brazilians and their contributions.

Address: Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral, São Paulo

Paving the way for the unconventional building shapes created by later futurist architects such as Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, Oscar Niemeyer left his native Brazil with a treasury of his most iconic buildings. One of these was built as the New Museum, completed in 2002 when Niemeyer was 95 years old, and renamed in tribute to him in 2003.

Balanced on a massive 60-foot pillar, the gallery is formed by a pair of joined arcs that resemble the shape of the human eye, hence its popular name, Museu do Olho – Eye Museum. Access to this raised structure is by a series of curved ramps. Inside the eye, the 2,000-square-foot gallery focuses on architecture, design, and the visual arts, and displays many of Niemeyer's works.

Niemeyer added a later rectangular gallery on the grounds to display changing exhibitions of works by contemporary Brazilian artists. In addition to visiting during its daytime open hours, try to see the Museu Oscar Niemeyer after dark, when it is spectacularly lighted.

Address: Rua Marechal Hermes 999, Curitiba

Reflecting the style of 17 th - and 18 th -century French palace gardens, Curitiba's Botanical Garden was opened in 1991. Formal beds are outlined by low sculpted hedges, in a geometric design inspired by the city's flag. The landscape is enlivened by fountains, waterfalls, and ponds, and in the park surrounding the gardens are forests of native trees, with walking paths.

The focal point of the botanical gardens is the main greenhouse, an Art Nouveau-style conservatory made of glass and white metal, reminiscent of the Crystal Palace in Victorian London. Its unusual shape includes three domes that merge into the rectangular base. Inside are plants native to the region.

Even the grass in the Garden of Native Plants of Curitiba is a native variety, and its flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The Garden of the Senses (Jardim das Sensações) is a 200-yard path through a wisteria tunnel, where more than 70 plant species are chosen for their fragrance or tactile appeal. Visitors are invited to try walking through it blindfolded to fully appreciate the garden by using their other senses.

Behind the main greenhouse is the Frans Krajcberg Cultural Space, displaying more than 100 large sculptures created from the remains of trees that were burned or illegally cut, calling public attention to the destruction of Brazil's native forests.

The crystal waters, tall palm trees, and broad stretches of silver sand are only a few of the reasons why Porto de Galinhas is frequently cited as Brazil's best beach. For a country with more than 7,000 kilometers of Atlantic coast, much of it sandy beaches, that's saying a lot.

The town stretching along the beach is laid-back, colorful, and just the right blend of old-fashioned beach town fun and chic boutiques. Its hotels and resorts lie close to the land instead of soaring in high-rise blocks.

Jangadas, picturesque sailboats, will take you out to reef-top pools where brilliant tropical fish swim around your feet in ankle-deep water. You can also take a boat to a lagoon where tiny seahorses swim, and you can scuba dive to explore impressive coral reefs or shipwrecks, kayak in the lagoons and estuary, or buy a fanciful kite from a beach kiosk to fly in the steady breeze. Nearby Maracaipe is popular with surfers.

Porto de Galinhas is just one of the beautiful beaches on Pernambuco's 187-kilometer coast. Closer to Recife, 17th-century Olinda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking a popular beach. The main beaches in Recife itself are Praia da Boa Viagem, São José da Coroa Grande, and the Carne De Vaca.

São Paulo holds some of the best collections of fine arts in Latin America, and the buildings in which they are housed are architectural landmarks as well. The Museu de Arte, MASP, displays the continent's most comprehensive collection of western art, with representative works by artists from the Renaissance through modern masters.

There are 73 bronze sculptures by Degas and works by Renoir, Manet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and Miró. From its beginning, the museum has concentrated on works of mid- to late-20th-century artists, and the building designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi is a Modernist landmark.

Oscar Niemeyer designed the Pavilhão da Bienal de Artes in Ibirapuera Park , home to the Museu de Arte Contemporânea. More than 8,000 works of art - one of Latin America's largest collections of 20th-century Western artists - includes Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, Miró, and Modigliani along with major Brazilian painters.

Set above Versailles-inspired formal gardens, Museu do Ipiranga houses paintings and decorative arts.

For another kind of art, don't miss Batman's Alley , an open-air gallery of street art by local and international artists. It is in the bohemian Vila Madalena neighborhood, where you'll also find art galleries showing the works of well-known and rising Brazilian artists and craftspeople.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in São Paulo

The capital of the state of Minas Gerais gave the pre-eminent Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer his first commissions, and today, these early Niemeyer buildings draw tourists and fans of Modernist architecture to the city.

His first major work, which immediately set him apart from conventional architects, was the parabolic-curved São Francisco de Assis church, beside a lake in the Pampulha neighborhood. On the hillside above it, and connected by gardens designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, is Niemeyer's earlier casino building, now an art museum.

Overlooking the large Praça da Liberdade in the city center is the sinuous apartment building, Edificio Niemeyer , one of his most famous early works. The clean geometric lines of his later Palácio das Artes mark the edge of the Municipal Park, housing the Minas Gerais Craft Center featuring works of contemporary craftsmen.

The postmodern Rainha da Sucata – Queen of Scrap Iron – is another landmark building in Belo Horizonte, this one the work of Éolo Maia and Sylvio Podestá. It now houses the mineralogy museum.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Belo Horizonte & Easy Day Trips

More on Brazil

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

17 Best Places to Visit in Brazil

Famous for being home to one of the world’s top football teams, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and the remarkable Iguazu Falls, Brazil is an exciting world travel destination. As South America’s largest country, Brazil covers a majority of the continent’s northeastern region and borders all of its countries except for Chile and Ecuador .

From the Amazon rainforest in the North to the tropical beaches along the Atlantic , to the Pantanal wetlands and the vibrant metropolises of the Southeast there are plenty of interesting places to visit in Brazil .

17. Jericoacoara

Located in the northeast of Brazil in the state of Ceara, Jericoacoara is a lovely, laidback place nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and a national park of the same name. Often referred to as Jeri or Jijoca, the small and secluded seaside town boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Brazil and is an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Besides its beautiful beaches, Jeri is surrounded by delightful dunes and lagoons that offer countless recreational opportunities, with hiking, swimming and watersports all very popular. Exploring the area on horseback or in dune buggies is a fantastic way to see as much of its splendid scenery as possible; Pedra Furada – or the ‘Arched Rock’ – is the standout sight and symbol.

While its remote setting makes visiting Jericoacoara a challenge, it is well worth the effort for its sumptuous scenery, wealth of outdoor activities, and surprisingly lively nightlife.

16. Sao Paulo

Not only is Sao Paulo the largest city in Brazil, but it is also one of the largest in the world according to population. Located in southeastern Brazil, Sao Paulo is known for its skyscrapers, gastronomy and robust culture scene. Home to many ethnic groups from all over the globe including the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.

Dividing the city between its old and new districts, Paulista Avenue is the city’s busiest strip, brimming in businesses, shopping malls, art galleries, theaters and restaurants. Although Sao Paulo is known for its concrete jungle, it is also home to a large number of public parks and even portions of the Atlantic rainforest.

15. Brasilia

Located in the Brazilian Highlands, Brasilia was installed in 1960 as Brazil’s capital. Brazil’s former President Juscelino Kubitschek of the late 1950s ordered the city to be planned and developed into what some refer to as a utopia. Brasilia’s modern day infrastructure is designed in the shape of an airplane in which each of its sections serve as different districts such as government, commercial, residential and cultural.

Brasilia’s new and creative architecture attracts many visitors. Most significant is the Three Powers Square, which houses the Presidential Palace , the Congress and the Supreme Court. Other important buildings include the Palácio da Alvorada, the President’s official residence and the TV Tower. The Brasilia Cathedral with its glass roof that resembles hands reaching up to heaven is a must visit.

In addition to all its concrete, steel and glass, Brasilia also features a large artificial lake and several beautiful parks that all offer a variety of leisure activities. The capital is also an important transportation hub for travel within Brazil.

14. Ouro Preto

Tucked away among the mountains of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is the most picturesque, popular, and well-preserved colonial town in Brazil. As it was one of the main centers of the Brazilian Gold Rush , wealth and riches poured into its streets – along with the power and prestige that came with it.

Strung out across a series of hills, its historic center is full of steep, winding cobbled streets that meander past gorgeous old buildings and 18th-century churches. The small city also has several interesting museums for visitors to check out; many of these focus on the artworks of Aleijandinho or Ouro Preto’s mining past.

Many people visit the city for its rich history and culture or to visit the numerous mines via a guided tour. In recent years, Ouro Preto’s colorful carnival has attracted more and more revelers to its ancient streets.

Lying in the southwest corner of Mato Grosso do Sul, the small city of Bonito is a great place to go in Brazil if you are looking to explore the gorgeous Pantanal region. While there’s not all that much to see or do in the town itself, it has long been the posterchild of sustainable ecotourism in Brazil.

Awash with natural wonders, the area surrounding Bonito is home to sparkling waterfalls, gushing rivers, and huge sinkholes and lake-filled caves that you can go swimming or snorkeling in. Hiking in the lush rainforest is also popular, with lots of colorful fauna and flora to be spied in Serra da Bodoquena National Park .

Many companies operate out of Bonito’s pousadas, and excursions usually focus on the Pantanal’s rich ecology and ecosystems. Among the most popular are snorkeling below underwater stalagmites at Anhumas Abyss, enjoying a canopy walk in the rainforest, and exploring Blue Lake Cave – one of the largest flooded caves in the world.

12. Fortaleza

Nice beaches, dynamic shopping and lively culture all make Fortaleza one of Brazil’s popular tourist destinations. The capital of the Ceará state on the country’s northeastern coast, Fortaleza is Brazil’s fifth largest city, well-known for its forró music .

Featuring a mix of colonial and modern day architecture, Fortaleza offers plenty of things to see and do. Praça do Ferreira is the city’s main square where restaurants, shops and a movie theater are all located. Praça José de Alencar is another popular square where street performers can be observed.

Fortaleza’s 16 miles of urban beaches are one of the reasons many tourists flock to the city. The most popular beach is Praia do Futuro , but other favorites are Iracema, Mucuripe and Meireles. Not only are the beaches great for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and surfing competitions, but they also offer hotels, restaurants and markets. Fortaleza also serves as the jumping-off point for many visitors to truly spectacular beaches, rolling dunes and idyllic fishing villages along the Ceará coast.

The shopping experience in Fortaleza is another of its main attractions. Because the city is home to a large textile industry, clothing is cheap here. Local handicrafts and fresh seafood and produce can be found among the city’s markets while the Iguatemi Mall offers a little of everything.

11. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Home to sparkling lakes, dramatic waterfalls , and stunning landscapes – as well as some of the oldest and most biodiverse tropical ecosystems in the world – Chapada dos Veadeiros really is a treat to explore. Covering a huge area in the center of Brazil, the marvelous microregion can be found in the state of Goias, some three hours drive north of the nation’s capital Brasilia.

Chapada dos Veadeiros’ main attraction is the wonderful national park of the same name that lies atop an ancient rainforest-coated plateau . Scarred by jagged cliffs and crumbling canyons, the park is fascinating to hike around, with lots of awe-inspiring waterfalls hidden away among its verdant flora and fauna.

Other highlights include the appropriately named Moon Valley , which is home to lunar landscapes. Swimming and bathing in any one of the numerous waterfalls and rivers that dot the area is a must-do. The two main places to stay when visiting Chapada dos Veadeiros are Alta Paraiso and Sao Jorge, a small city and village which lie not too far from all of the main sights.

A paradise of tropical forests, waterfalls, emerald sea and coastal mountains, Parati is a popular tourist destination located along Brazil’s Green Coast in the Rio de Janeiro state. Also spelled Paraty, this beautiful city is a former Portuguese colony established on the shores of the Bay of Ilha Grande.

The heart of Parati is its historic center with cobbled streets and multicolored colonial houses, many of which now serve as bed-and-breakfast accommodations called pousadas . Some of the most visited attractions here are the colonial defense forts that still boast original walls and cannons. The historic center of Parati is pedestrian-only .

Surrounding the city are several beautiful parks and nature preserves where visitors can hike and explore the natural setting of mangrove forest, waterfalls and wildlife. There are also indigenous villages here that can be visited. The bay offers gorgeous beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving and boat cruises.

Nicknamed the “ Venice of Brazil ” because of its numerous waterways and bridges, Recife is the capital of the Pernambuco state and one of the largest and most important cities on Brazil’s northeastern coast. Situated amid tropical forests with many islands and rivers, Recife is an interesting place to visit because of its historic old town, beaches and vibrant culture.

Recife was a Dutch colony during the early 17th century, and nowhere is this more evident than the city’s historic district where many colonial buildings still remain. Some of the most significant structures include the oldest synagogue in the Americas and one of Brazil’s most beautiful baroque churches, the Franciscan Convent of Saint Anthony.

Saint Peter Square is also noted for its history and picturesque setting of colorful buildings, shops and restaurants.

The city’s main market, the Sao José Market , is a popular place to find traditional handicrafts, medicinal herbs and locally produced food. Recife’s beaches are considered some of the best in Brazil. Lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, Boa Viagem is the most popular beach with its pristine white sands, clear water and coral reef.

8. Chapada Diamantina National Park

Created in 1985 to protect, preserve, and promote its spectacular scenery and rich ecosystems, Chapada Diamantina National Park lies in the northeast of Brazil in the center of the state of Bahia. Popular among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the park encompasses everything from dramatic mountain ranges and sweeping valleys to teeming rivers and towering waterfalls.

As it is set atop of a plateau, the park is very mountainous, with its tallest peaks reaching more than 2,000 meters. Crumbling, rugged cliffs line the plateau, as do lots of epic waterfalls ; the awe-inspiring 380-metre-high Cachoeira da Fumaca is the tallest in Brazil. Cavernous caves also punctuate its rugged terrain, with Lapa Doce and Pratinha two of the largest.

Thanks to its diverse landscapes and gorgeous scenery, Chapada Diamantina National Park is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Visitors can choose to either camp or stay in one of the small towns, such as Lencois and Vale de Capao. Horseback riding and hiking are popular pastimes, as is swimming in the rivers and pools of the area.

One of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial cities, Olinda is located on the country’s Atlantic Coast in the northeastern state of Pernambuco. Founded by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, the city served as the state’s capital until it was burned by the Dutch, thereafter losing its sovereignty to its nearby neighbor, Recife.

Perched on a picturesque hilltop surrounded by trees, Olinda’s historic downtown is a treasure trove of colonial churches, colorful old houses and numerous artisan studios. Because of its love affair with art, Olinda packs many shops and markets selling paintings, ceramics, sculptures and handicrafts.

Every year, Olinda hosts its lively Carnival celebration that differs somewhat from those of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador in that Olinda’s festival is best at daytime and features the music, dances and traditions of African culture . Olinda’s Carnival involves parades, lavish costumes, giant puppet dolls, street parties and the rhythms of maracatu and frevo.

However, even outside of the Carnival season, Olinda offers an animated culture where every weekend buzzes with parties, bars, nightclubs and singing groups who perform serenades of traditional songs in the streets.

6. Pantanal

Covering a vast swathe of western Brazil, as well as parts of Paraguay and Bolivia , the Pantanal is the world’s largest and most diverse tropical wetland area. Due to its stunning scenery and incredible wildlife, the region is increasingly popular to visit, although its remote and watery nature does pose a few challenges.

During the rainy season, around 80 percent of the floodplains are submerged, so the only way to get around is by plane or boat. It is worth it, however; the endless marshes and grasslands are home to an astounding array of fauna and flora.

Besides exploring the scenic landscapes ranging from swamps and savanna to lakes, forests, and wetlands, visitors are also sure to spot many caiman and capybara . The highlight of any trip is spotting the South American jaguar ; the Pantanal is the best place on the continent to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature.

5. Florianopolis

The capital of Santa Catarina state, Florianopolis lies in the south of Brazil, with half of the city set on the mainland and the other on a beautiful island . Due to its scenic setting, it is a very popular tourist destination and is widely considered one of the best places to live in the country.

An important economic, cultural, and political center, Florianopolis is a modern city with lots of large shopping malls and chic restaurants, as well as lively bars and nightclubs. Despite this, it is a lovely laidback place, and each of its neighborhoods has its own distinct identity.

The main attraction, however, is the wealth of fabulous beaches . While relaxing in the gorgeous scenery is divine, Florianopolis also has stunning dunes, sparkling waterfalls, and forested mountains – as well as a large lagoon for visitors to explore. Hiking and cycling around the ‘Magic Island’ (which it is also known as) are popular activities, as are paragliding and watersports.

The capital of the Amazonas state in northwestern Brazil, Manaus is an important tourist destination because it serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest .

As a result of the region’s flourishing rubber industry during the early 20th century, Manaus today is Northern Brazil’s largest metropolitan area, featuring distinguished landmarks like the Amazonas Opera House , the Adolpho Lisboa Market and the Rio Negro Palace.

Not only is the port of Manaus an important commercial hub for several manufacturing industries, but it also serves as the most popular starting point for river tours into the Amazon rainforest. Some of the most striking things to see on these tours include the Paricatuba Waterfall, Love Cascade and glimpses of the Pied tamarin, Brazil’s most endangered monkey. Another significant sight is the Meeting of the Waters , which is a natural phenomenon where the two rivers of Negro and Solimões run side by side for more than three miles without mixing.

Besides the rainforest and river, Manus also offers public parks, a botanical garden and a zoo. Several beaches are here as well such as Ponta Negra with a number of restaurants, bars and hotels.

3. Salvador

A historic Old City, beautiful beaches, lively culture and one of the world’s biggest Carnival celebrations all fashion Salvador into one of Brazil’s top tourist destinations. One of the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador is Brazil’s third largest city and the capital of the Bahia state.

Formerly a major center of sugar and slave trade, Salvador today still bears traces of its history in Pelourinho or Old City, which features colonial architecture, stunning churches and plazas where important events once occurred. Also found in the old quarter are many restaurants, bars, art galleries and handicraft shops. Contrastively, Salvador’s New City district is where all the modern day developments of shopping megaplexes, entertainment venues, golf courses and residential neighborhoods are located.

Situated on the coast of the Bay of All Saints, Salvador offers fantastic beaches that are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Some of the most popular include Porto de Barra, Flamengo and Stella Maris.

One of Salvador’s main crowd-pullers is its annual Carnival celebration . Acclaimed as one of the largest in the world, this extravagant event involves music, dancing, parades, costumes and street parties.

2. Foz do Iguacu

One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, Iguazu Falls straddles the Argentine-Brazilian border. It is often compared to Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls, such is its staggering size and scale. Surrounded by dense rainforest, its endless series of cascades stretch for almost three kilometers, making it the largest waterfall system in the world.

Every second, incalculable gallons of water from the Iguazu River course over the Parana Plateau, plunging onto the rocks and pools below. While 80 percent of the falls are in Argentina , it is the Brazilian side that offers the most spectacular views, with Devil’s Throat canyon being the highlight.

Besides gazing in awe at Iguazu Falls and taking in the deafening roar, visitors can take a boat ride beneath the falls or go hiking in the steamy rainforest that surrounds them. The gateway to the falls on the Brazilian side is Foz do Iguaçu, a big and reasonably safe city by Brazilian standards.

1. Rio de Janeiro

There is no destination on earth more animated and exciting than Rio de Janeiro. Located in southeastern Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city of South America due to its famous mountains, beaches and Carnival festival.

Rio de Janeiro is situated on one of the world’s largest harbors surrounded by natural attractions that include the Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains and famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema . Within this sprawling metropolis is Tijuca National Park , one of the world’s largest urban forests, teeming in native flora and fauna.

The city’s iconic landmark is the enormous Christ the Redeemer statue sitting atop Corcovado mountain. Other important landmarks include colonial fortresses, former presidential palaces and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Sadly, most people also know Rio for its crime and favelas. The favelas are areas of poor-quality housing, slums usually located on the city’s many mountain slopes, juxtaposed with middle-class neighborhoods.

Rio de Janerio is home to one of the world’s largest Carnival celebrations , renowned for its vibrant parades, costumes, dancing, music, fireworks and street parties. Outside of the festival, the city buzzes nightly with an abundance of bars and dance clubs.

Map of Places to Visit in Brazil

Brazil Travel Video

Share this post:.

11 Most Awesome Places to Stay in Brazil

5 Most Beautiful Regions in Brazil

10 Most Beautiful Islands in Brazil

17 Best Cities to Visit in Brazil

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Brazil

27 Top Tourist Attractions in Brazil

14 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Brazil

10 Best Beaches in Brazil

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Brazil: DIY Itinerary

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Southern Brazil

Reader interactions.

October 11, 2019 at 3:37 am

I would also recommend Maceió. Beautiful beaches, great nightlife and safer than the big cities. But, you can’t go to Brasil for the 1st time and not go to Rio (my hometown for 16 years/Copacabana). As one person said above, do your homework before you go and you should be safe. Don’t dress like a gringo… just saying!?

February 16, 2019 at 3:44 pm

I highly recommend you guys to go to Porto de Galinhas (translates to…Hen’s Harbour, yeah), i’ve been there a couple of times and it’s one of the most beautiful places i’ve ever been, with amazing beaches, some handicraft fairs (that show a lot of brazilian’s northeastern culture) and splendid sights and hotels.

March 30, 2018 at 8:04 am

I recommend “Porto de Galinhas-Pernambuco” and “Maragogi-Alagoas”. Paradise! They are safe places. Really Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are very dangerous.

June 29, 2017 at 7:44 pm

@Laura Morgenstern, I have to say that there are some places that are dangerous. But people generalize about it. Like most countries, there ares some dangerous neighborhoods but it is not the entire country. There are very safe cities, and I’m sure that if you speak with local people they will tell you where you have to avoid going to. There are amazing places in Brazil that some people don’t know about such as Gramado, Aguas de Lindóia, Brotas – radical sports in the water, Balneário camboriu

June 11, 2017 at 1:23 pm

Isla do Mel……amazing! Curitiba, fantastic city.

January 10, 2017 at 3:52 pm

And about Espirito Santo… Beaches. Guarapari and Vila Velha and beautiful mountains like Domingos Martins with a wonderful wine by the fireplace

December 22, 2016 at 12:19 am

I went to Brazil for three weeks this summer and there weren’t any cases that made me feel uncomfortable or where I felt unsafe. I was in both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janiero during my trip. I wouldn’t recommend going to certain parts of both cities because there are gangs but if you do your research you’ll be able to figure out where not to go and what is safe.

My trip was absolutely amazing and I would recommend going if you ever get the opportunity.

October 20, 2016 at 9:33 am

Gramado is the best city

June 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm

I think Brazil is a beautiful place, but ‘s very dangerous. It’s true?

November 23, 2015 at 11:07 am

Thank you for recommending all these interesting places. My husband I are thinking to go to Brazil next year but I do not wish to go to big cities – may go to Rio for a few days only and then travel to other small places. Which ones would you recommend – We are not beach people. Like the culture and ”naturaleza” from these places people are recommending? which is the best time to go?

October 13, 2015 at 8:21 pm

Forget about the big cities in Brazil… The best and safest tourism here is in small and fantastic places. Keep noted: 1. Bonito – Is, by far, the most amazing place in Brazil!!! There you can swim in small rivers with several fishes and enjoy the real nature 2. Fernando de Noronha – Is an isolated island in the north east of Brazil. Destination of the Hollywood movie stars. You can swim with dolphins or sharks. Amazing beaches and is a very calm place. 3. Iguaçú falls (Foz de Iguaçú) – Much bigger than niagara falls and really beautiful. You can feel the power of nature there. 4. Chapada dos Veadeiros – A lot of water falls and a mistic place. Great site to meditate and to be in touch with yourself.

All these places are safe and really cheap if you have Dollars or Euros. Forget the big cities…

June 12, 2015 at 12:07 am

I do not speak English , I am using a translator , sorry . Anyway , I wanted to leave my opinion ‘m from São Paulo SP Brazil ( love this place <3) , and put the ranking as: 1 – Maranhão – National Park Maranhenses 2 – Amazonas – Manaus, located in the center of the largest tropical forest in the world 3 – Bahia – Morro sp 4 – Bahia – Chapada Diamantina National Park 5 – Pernambuco – Porto de Galinhas 6 – Ceará -the beach of Canoa Quebrada 7 – Rio de Janeiro – Paraty 8 – Minas Gerais – Sao Tome das letras 9 – São Paulo – SP ( Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park) 10 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ

Sao Paulo has little beauty , but it's where you find the best hotels, bars, parties and museums in Brazil.

May 15, 2015 at 6:47 pm

I think that you should mention Mato Grosso do Sul ( Bonito the city) , crystal clear waters, a lot of different animals. It s amazing and perfect

July 30, 2014 at 3:49 pm

Christ the Redeemer statue sitting atop Corcovado mountain is wonderful and unbelievable! I really want to visit that place 🙂 Great!

July 24, 2014 at 10:16 am

I think you should put Graemado and Canela (two cities of Rio Grande do Sul) too! It doesn’t have beaches, but it’s like a cold paradis. It’s VERY beautiful and there are a lot of cultural attractions. I would recommend the dates around Easter and Christmas (specially the last one), because there’s really maaaany beautiful things. During the winter it’s very cold and good to stay there! It’s awesome

May 27, 2014 at 10:58 am

Brazil is Amazing and Fascinating!! I hope I visit it soon and the first place ide love to visit is amazingly the Rio De Jeneiro!! ..its the most wonderful place I’ve heard of and apart from this comes the iguazu Falls..SPLENDID..its Paradise On Earth!..

May 23, 2014 at 6:18 pm

You should visit the south too, specially Rio Grande do Sul, where many cities still conserve the german and italian culture! June and july is the best time of the year

May 14, 2014 at 12:21 pm

Wow, I never knew there were so many beautiful cities in Brazil! I visited Floripa and it IS beautiful!

Please add it between 2 and 6!!

May 8, 2014 at 11:30 am

I agree with you! There are a lot of beautiful cities in Brazil to visit!! Not just São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro! Floripa is very beautiful too

April 14, 2014 at 7:44 am

Thanks for mentioned Sao Paulo!

January 7, 2014 at 2:01 pm

I also would put Floripa between 3 and 6 for sure!

December 26, 2013 at 10:15 pm

I want to understand how Florianopolis isn’t in that list…

December 10, 2013 at 5:55 pm

I appreciate your information about the top ten in Brasil.. But I would like to inform another city: Ouro Preto, very interesting,, cultural and beautiful , the first capital of the important Minas Gerais state. Rich Baroque, churchs from the XVII and XVIII, is a place very important to the cultural tourism. All the gold from Brasil to Europe, in these centuries came from OURO PRETO ( black gold) regions , the name of this city, in the heart of Brazil, between mountains, near the new Capital of Minas Gerais State: Belo Horizonte.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Best Places to Visit in the South of Brazil

• Post last modified: April 15, 2024
• Post author: Danielle Zito
• Post published: February 16, 2023
• Post category: South America

Sharing is caring!

There are so many amazing places to visit in the south of Brazil , that it can be hard to choose! We recently did a road trip through the south of  Brazil , and experienced a variety of stunning beaches, cool art, and fun cities.

In this guide we're going to share with you the top places to visit in the south of  Brazil , as well as some of the hidden gems that we found along the way.

We'll share how to best get around, some local adjustments, and all you need to know for staying safe. So without further ado, let's jump into our complete guide for the best places to visit in the south of  Brazil !

*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you.  Links are only used on products & services that we've used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience.  Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!

Where is Brazil?

Brazil  is the biggest country in  South America , and stretches from all the way near the equator to down towards the south fo the continent. The country is located along the coast of the Atlantic, and the south of  Brazil borders Uruguay , Paraguay , and Argentina .

Brazil is an enormous country, and there are a ton of amazing places to visit in the south of Brazil.

How to Get to the South of Brazil

There are a number of ways to visit the south of  Brazil . The two cheapest and most popular airports to fly into to start your trip are Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro , which have plenty of domestic and international flights.

Other smaller airports to reach the south of  Brazil include Porto Alegre (the most south), Foz do Iguazu (bordering Paraguay and Argentina ), or Curitiba.

Flight Tip:  Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Brazil". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly to. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your destination!

Search for a flight to Brazil:

Getting from Argentina to the South of Brazil

If you happen to be traveling from Argentina, then we have a little trick for you! Domestic flights are usually the cheapest, and Iguazu has two airports- one in Argentina , and one in Brazil . 

In order to start traveling to some of the best places to visit in the south of  Brazil , we fly to Puerto Iguazu in  Argentina . and cross into Brazil through the land border. From the airport in Brazil, it will then be much cheaper to fly to different destinations like Sao Paulo , Curitiba, or Rio de Janeiro .

Travel Planning Services

Travel More . Spend Less .

Let us help you plan your dream trip.

Entry Requirements for Brazil

Before traveling to a new destination, it's important to keep in mind any of the requirements that you may need to meet in order to enter. Here are both the visa and Covid requirements to put into consideration when traveling to the different places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Visa Entry Requirements For Brazil

The first time that I traveled to  Brazil I actually needed a visa to visit. The last time I went though, I brought my visa, only to find out that US nationals no longer need them!

The different countries that are exempt from tourist visas in Brazil  include  Andorra .  Argentina , Australia, Austria , Bahamas , Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda , Bolivia , Canada,  Chile ,  Colombia ,  Costa Rica ,  Denmark ,  Ecuador , Finland, France,  Germany ,  Greece , Japan, Iceland , Ireland ,  Italy , Liechtenstein , Luxembourg , Monaco, Morocco , Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway , Paraguay , Peru , Philippines,  Portugal , San Marino, South Africa,  Spain ,  Suriname , Sweden,  Switzerland , Trinidad and Tobago,  United States ,  United Kingdom , Uruguay , and Venezuela.

In addition, people from the Mercosur region don't need to bring their passport, as they can simply bring their ID card. The countries which are included in Mercosur are Argentina , Uruguay , and Paraguay .

Covid Entry Requirements For Brazil

All passengers who are over the age of 12 need to present either a Covid vaccination card, or a negative RT-PCR test. If you aren't vaccinated, you'll need to take a test within one day of traveling, and the results must be in either English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Also, it's important to know that the security inside most of the airports will still require you to wear a mask, so it's better to have one just in case. No one actually enforces anything after security, or even on the flights, but simply to go through security we were asked.

There are no longer any specific requirements required for entering Brazil.

All Your Travels

In one book.

Transform your travel memories into a unique book, with personalized pages, country by country.

Local Adjustments for Visiting the South of Brazil

Whenever traveling somewhere new there may be things that differ from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to the different places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Language in Brazil

The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. We speak Spanish, and found that there were a pretty good amount of people that spoke either English or Spanish (mostly Spanish due to the number of tourists from Uruguay and Argentina ). We do suggest learning some of the basics to get by though, as you may be able to haggle better in certain areas.

Currency in Brazil

The currency used in  Brazil is the Brazilian Real. Currently (April 2023) the exchange rate is 5.14 Brazilian Real for every 1 USD or Euro, and 6.34 Brazilian Real for every British pound.

We found that some of the more popular places to visit in the south of Brazil accepted credit cards in restaurants and hotels, and even some for tours. 

However, if you go to smaller towns, or are shopping on the streets. it may be cash only. We do suggest having some cash on you for those selling things on the beach, for tipping, or other small expenses.

Electrical Outlets in the South of Brazil

Brazil is interesting because it actually has a mix of different outlets depending on where you go. The majority are the outlets have two round prongs and a grounding pin, which are for plug types C & N.

Also, we did find a few places throughout the south of Brazil that had international outlets, which accepted both US and European appliances. Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Water Potability

The water isn't really safe or advised to be consumed throughout most of the places to visit in the south of Brazil. We suggest buying large jugs of water, and refilling a reusable water bottle so that you can always stay hydrated.

Tipping Culture in the South of Brazil

The tipping culture in Southern Brazil is pretty similar to many different countries around the world. We suggest tipping an average of 10% while in restaurants, and to do so in cash.

Will You Buy Us A Coffee? ☕

As coffee lovers, we always enjoy the energy of caffeine. It helps us get the best free travel guides out there for you! 😄

Now you know almost everything you need to know about the basics of traveling in Brazil. Here are the best places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Rio de Janeiro

Our number one pick for the best places to visit in the south of Brazil is definitely Rio de Janeiro . If it is your first time visiting the south of Brazil, then this is the perfect place to start.

While many argue this isn't technically considered the south of Brazil, we'd like to include it since it's a great city that you can start from if you plan on doing a southern itinerary.

Sugarloaf Mountain has some of the best views of Rio de Janeiro, and is connected by sets of cable cars.

Rio de Janeiro is one of our favorite cities, and it has so much to offer for all types of travelers. You can find beautiful beaches, do amazing hikes, see colorful street art, and even visit on of the seven wonders of the world. While it technically isn't considered the south, it's definitely a great gateway to the best places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Rio is one of our favorite places to visit in the south of Brazil.

We've been to Rio de Janeiro 3 times already, an never get sick of this amazing city! Want to learn more about all fo the great things to see in do? Make sure to take a peak at our Rio de Janeiro travel guide.

Sao Paulo is also another city that technically is not considered the south, but is huge connection to the best places to visit in the south of Brazil. The city is the center of business in Brazil, and is one of the most popular and crowded cities in the country. Not only that, but it's actually one of the most well-connected airports in Brazil and in South America .

Sao Paulo makes the perfect place to start or end your trip around the south of Brazil, and is great for a day or two. Head to the colorful area of Beco do Batman, get epic views at the top of the skyscrapers, or have a wild night out at their bars and clubs. This city is vibrant, fun, and a great addition for places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Iguazu Falls

When it comes to nature. this is definitely the top of the list for the best places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Iguazu Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world, and are shared by both Brazil and Argentina . Both sides are stunning in their own way, and deserve a visit. 

Iguazu Falls is one of the top places to visit in the south of Brazil.

In order to get here you can take a short flight to Foz do Iguassu airport, or take an overnight bus from Curitiba like we did.

Want to learn more about the incredible Iguazu Falls? Make sure to check out our complete guide:

Located half way between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro , Paraty is a true hidden gem of a destination. Full of lush jungle, waterfalls, and a large collection of tropical islands, Paraty has it all for nature lovers. The Old Town is full of color and charm, and you can also visit a number of cacacharias. Paraty is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and can be easily reached by bus in just 4-5 hours from either Sao Paulo or Rio.

Paraty has a ton of great things to do for all types travelers.

Want to learn more about Paraty? Check out our full travel guide we've written!

Catch a ride to Paraty:

Formally known as Armacao do Buzios. this is a beautiful area on an ocean peninsula east of Rio de Janeiro . Just a couple hours from Rio, it's known as an upscale vacation destination with a number of beaches and resorts to enjoy. This area is particularly popular amongst locals, as well as Argentinian tourists.

Look for a place to stay in Buzios:

Ilhe Grande

Located just 2 hours south of Rio de Janeiro is a low-key tropical paradise called Ilha Grande. This island may seem small, but it's full of trails, lush greenery, and great beaches for both surfing and relaxing, making it the perfect getaway from the busy city of Rio de Janeiro .

Ilhe Grande can be reached by ferry from Angra das Reis (no cars allowed), and you can get a direct bus from Rio de Janeiro to Anrga das Reis.

Another thing that Ilha Grande is known for is for its trekking trips. There are plenty of different great ones that you ca do, and these last anywhere from 5-7 days typically.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is another one our favorites places to visit in the south of Brazil . This island is so much more than we imagined. Tropical beaches, beautiful views, and exclusive parties are just some of the things that you can expect in this popular Brazilian island.

We suggest saving at least 4 days to visit here, as there are so many things to do! Florianopolis has a small airport, and can also be reached by bus from Porto Alegre, Curitiba, and other big cities in the area.

Florianopolis is one of the most popular places to visit in the south of Brazil.

Want to learn more about Florianopolis? Make sure to read our full guide!

Balneario Camboriu

Located just an hour north of Florianopolis , Balneario Camboriu is an awesome city with skyscrapers towering along the beach. Walk along the picturesque jetty, enjoy the scenic cable car views or soak up the sun at one of the beautiful beaches. We suggest coming here for 2 days to make the most of this awesome place.

Balneario Camboriu has a skyline along the beach that you can admire from the jetty.

Curitiba is the capital of the southern region or Parana, and was the city we flew to Iguazu Falls from. While the city isn't huge, it is known for its notable botanical gardens. If you happen to spend a night here we suggest you to check out Janela Bar. It's actually a big chain in Brazil, but the original is here. With an edgy vibe, delicious burgers, and great cocktails, this place is such a great time.

If you do go, make sure to ask for Diego. He manages this branch and he is an incredibly good time. 

One thing to note about Curitiba is that the weather is unlike any of the other places to visit in the south of Brazil! It is significantly colder, and even in January (the height of the summer) it was pretty chilly at night.

Look for a place to stay in Curitiba:

Looking for one of the most unique places in the south of Brazil? Well, this one will truly shock you.

Blumenau will teleport you right to Germany. That's right- this city was settled by Germans, and the town has historic German-style buildings, and even a touristic village full of rides, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. It's the perfect stop to make for an afternoon on a road trip, or to take a day trip from Balneario Camboriu or Florianopolis .

Blumenau is a German inspired town in the south of Brazil.

Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre is the capital of the most southern state of Brazil , Rio Grande do Sul. While it's not at the top of the list for our favorite places to visit in the south of Brazil , it is a big city, and can be very cheap to fly into to start your south Brazilian adventures.

Porto Alegre has a cathedral, museums, and some great restaurants and bars to hang out in. If you're into culture, then Porto Alegre is a great place to add to your list.

Here are a few fun tours that you can sign up with:

Look for a place to stay in Porto Alegre:

The Best Places to Visit in the South of Brazil: Hidden Gems

We love a good hidden gem, and truly found some great ones while road tripping around the south of Brazil ! Here are a few fun ones to add to your list.

Camping do Morro Sao Bernardo

Hidden in the mountains an hour outside of Blumenau is one of the most beautiful camping spots you'll ever see.

This place is perched so high up, that you can actually find yourself above the clouds! The owner even places two swings with lights there, so you can actually feel like you are swimming in the clouds. It truly is a magical place, and one of our favorite hidden gems of southern Brazil.

This campground is situated above the clouds.

Parque Estadual Turistico do Alto Ribeiro

This is one of the spots that we happened to stumble upon on accident. While driving from Sao Paulo to Curitiba we saw a waterfall sign, so we continued to follow.

Tucked away from the highway was actually a state park! It had beautiful views, and a set of waterfalls that you could admire from several different platforms. Additionally, in the area there are other really great spots like caves and other waterfalls.

We actually came here because our friends have a house here. Just north of Balneario Camboriu is a small beach town that is away from the crowds of the other busy each cities in the south of Brazil.

Penha is perfect for relaxing. and also has some beautiful viewpoints in the area to admire the coastline from.

Praia de Maguaratiba

When we were driving from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty, we wanted to stop for the sunset, so we decided to stop at a beach. We had to park at the gas station and walk 7 minutes to get there. When we arrived there was a massive empty beach surrounded by green hills. We couldn't believe we were the only ones there, and definitely think it was worth a stop if you need a break on your road trip.

Praia de Maguaratiba is located on the way to Paraty from Rio de Janeiro.

Getting Around the Best Places to Visit in the South of Brazil

When we were trying to make our itinerary for visiting the top places to visit in the south of Brazil, we had quite a few places that were on our list.

Renting a Car in the South of Brazil

Because of having limited time, we decided that renting a car was the right decision for us. We rented a car in Rio de Janeiro , and dropped it off at the airport in Curitiba before our flight to Iguazu .  However, we did have a friend join us in Paraty, and we found that the bus system was also pretty good.

A pro of having a car was that we were able to find some hidden gems along the route, and not have to worry with the huge amount of luggage that we had. The roads were overall pretty good, and driving wasn't;t too stressful.

The cons were that the drives were long, so we used a lot of time traveling, and spent a lot on gas. Finding safe parking was also a challenge in some places, so we suggest searching for hotels that have private parking to keep your vehicle safe.

Rent a car in the south of Brazil:

Traveling the Different Places to Visit in the South of Brazil Via Public Transport

When it comes to traveling around the south of Brazil , distances are rather long, so our suggestion is to take the overnight buses. This way you'll be able to save on accommodation, and not waste your days on the road. Buses are also a great option if you're one or two people traveling, and want to save a bit of money.

Here are some popular bus routes that you can book in the south of Brazil:

•   Rio de Janeiro to Paraty
•   Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
•   Rio de Janeiro to Florianopolis
•   Rio de Janeiro to Curitiba
•   Rio de Janeiro to Porto Alegre
•   Rio de Janeiro to Buzios
•   Paraty to Rio de Janeiro
•   Paraty to Sao Paulo
• Florianopolis to Porto Alegre
• Florianopolis to Curitiba
• Florianopolis to Rio de Janeiro
• Florianopolis to Sao Paulo
• Curitiba to Porto Alegre
• Curitiba to Rio de Janeiro
• Curitiba to Sao Paulo
• Curitiba to Florianopolis
• Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro
• Sao Paulo to Curitiba
• Sao Paulo to Paraty
• Sao Paulo to Florianopolis
• Sao Paulo to Porto Alegre
• Buzios to Rio de Janeiro

Stay Up To Date📫

We have a  non-spammy  weekly newsletter, where we give travel tips, and exclusive content and discounts .

Food & Drink in the South of Brazil

Brazil is an enormous country, so the cuisine varies quite a bit! We found that the south of Brazil had a lot of fried foods, meat, and seafood in the coastal towns. Here are some of the Brazilian specialties you should try:

• Acai: super refreshing and healthy frozen treat made from berries of the Amazon
• Cocos: Fresh coconuts can be found pretty much on any beach for around 10 Real
• Coxhina: fried teardrop shaped dough with shredded chicken inside
• Pastel: fried pastries which are similar to empanadas, and great for on the go
• Brigadeiro: small and round  traditional Brazilian dessert with creamy  chocolate  inside
• Churrasca: Brazilian Steakhouse where they slice unlimited amounts of meat at the table- this is an absolute must! (unless you're a vegetarian of course)
• Casquinha de Siri:  Our favorite seafood dish! Creamy crab cakes served inside the shell
• Ostras Gratinadas: Oysters baked and smothered in cheese

How To Travel Cheaper and Better in 15 minutes!

How much more would you travel, if it costed you less resources?

With our Free eBook, you will learn how to save money and time on your future trips . Plus, you'll see the exact system we use.

Grab your copy for free when you sign up for our newsletter 👇

Is the South of Brazil Safe?

Safety varies a lot in Brazil, even from one street to the other. Overall, most places to visit in the south of Brazil you'll need to be extra cautious. Be mindful of which areas are favelas, and always keep an extra eye on your belongings.

Super touristy areas are usually the safest ones, while the outskirts you'll need to be careful of. However, even in the tourist hotspots, you'll need to know which streets are the safer ones. Never was around at night alone, and always stay in lighted areas. Don't wear flashy jewelry, or anything that will grab people's attention too much. Never leave belongings on site in your car if you rent one, and try to stick to paid parking lots.

Brazil is a beautiful country, and there are so many friendly people. We absolutely recommend it, and don't think it's so danger that it should deter you from coming. Simply keep an extra eye out, and be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

Transform your photos

One click is all it takes  to make your photos look stunning. Get our latest package of Lightroom presets, Into The Wild .

Other Things to Know About Exploring the Best Places to Visit in the South of Brazil

Now you know all of the best places to visit in the south of Brazil, how to get around, and how to keep yourself safe. But don't go anywhere yet! We have a few other things to share with you.

Weather in the South of Brazil

Most areas of Brazil hardly ever get cold. Winters are very mild, and the most you'll need is a light jacket (except for Curitiba and Sao Paulo where it gets abnormally cold at times). The summer months of December-March get extremely humid and hot, and the sun is super strong.

Try to take the weather predictions with a grain of salt, as sometimes the forecast can say 10 days of rain, when in reality it may just rain for a couple of minutes.

Brazil has very tropical weather, especially from December to March.

The Best Time to Visit the South of Brazil

The best time to visit the south of Brazil definitely varies on what kind of trip you are trying to have.

For parties, the two best times to visit are during New Years, and during Carnival in February. Brazil truly knows how to have a good time, and these celebrations are definitely something you won't want to miss out on.

When it comes to weather, we personally think the shoulder months like November or April are the best, as they aren't as humid, but still hot enough to enjoy the beaches.

New Years is one of the best times to visit Rio de Janeiro.

Packing For a Trip to the South of Brazil

Here are some of the things you'll want to pack while discovering all of the amazing places to visit in the south of Brazil .

• Sunscreen (We spent one hour without sunscreen and were peeling for the entire two weeks after)
• Towel (or you can buy Brazilian Cangas)
• Bathing Suits (the smaller the better for Brazilians)
• Flip flops (or you can buy Havaianas )
• Power bank (we use Anker power banks , as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Zippered bag or backpack (to secure your belongings)
• Lock (to secure your belongings in hotels or shared rooms in hostels)
• Sneakers (there are some amazing hikes)
• Nicer beachy clothing  to go out in (some clubs have dress codes)
• Action Camera  (for all water activities) we use the  Insta 360 X3  because it's small & waterproof
• Drone  (You can get epic shots at the beaches! We use the  Mavic Mini Pro 3  because it's super light and high quality)
• Waterproof phone pouch  (we use the  Waterproof Underwater Pouch Dry Bag Case Cover" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank">Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch )
• Travel Adapter  (we use  New%20Year%20Sale%20-%20Order%20Over%20$39+%20Save%2010%%20Off! " rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" class="">Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
• Water Bottle  (we use Cafago Water Bottles because they hold the temperature well)

Looking To Travel Somewhere?

Off The Beaten Trips  is our travel agency.

But this isn't anything like you've ever experienced before. You'll have an epic trip without having to break the piggy bank.

Unique locations. Epic adventures. Lifetime  memories.

Travel Planning Tools

Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!

So are you ready to explore all of the amazing places to visit in the south of Brazil? We loved this area of the country so much, and even after two weeks we have so much more to explore.

Want to learn more about the destinations in the area? We have a Rio de Janeiro travel guide , and Florianopolis travel guide , as well as a few brand new travel guides coming out in the next few weeks. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter  to stay up to date with our new posts, and for exclusive deals on our products and services.

Ready to start planning your trip? Well, Scratch Your Mapa has got you covered. With our customized travel planning services you can now have your most unforgettable trip ever, without having to do all of the hard work. We work on flat rates, and make up the cost with all of the money we save you- so it's practically free! Take a look at our different travel planning packages , or  shoot us an email  for your free consultation.

Here are some other articles you'll also love:

January 26, 2023

A Complete Guide for Things to Do in Florianopolis, Brazil

Are you looking for the best things to

January 19, 2023

Lagoinha do Leste: The “Secret Beach” of Florianopolis, Brazil

Welcome to one of the most beautiful viewpoints

January 12, 2023

The Island of Campeche, Florianopolis: A Hidden Gem of Brazil

Brazil is known for many famous locations, but

February 5, 2021

How to Get to the French Guiana Brazil Border

Traveling through the Guyanas is no easy task!

October 9, 2020

Pedra do Telegrafo: The Most Epic Hike in Rio de Janeiro

Pedra do Telegrafo is an epic viewpoint of

May 21, 2020

Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting? A Complete Guide for Traveling to Rio

Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting? Well, welcome

Like this article? Please share it with your family and friends, so that we can continue to keep creating free travel guides for you! It takes just a second, and would mean the world to us. Thanks for being here!

You Might Also Like

100 Baños de Soledad: The Beer Spa You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Carnival in Brazil

Is There a Lot to Do in Montevideo? A Guide to the Perfect Weekend Getaway

• South America
• The 15 Best Destinations To...

The Best Destinations to Visit in Brazil

Brazil boasts more than 70 national parks and dozens of monuments, including one of the Seven New Wonders of the World – Christ the Redeemer , in Rio de Janeiro . Together, these attractions create one of the most appealing and exciting destinations in South America . People come from every corner of the world to discover the superlative coastline, sprawling metropolises and thick jungles, which are home to monkeys, jaguars and river dolphins. So where to go in Brazil? The vast landscape holds many prized spots, but the places below are some of the very best.

1. rio de janeiro.

Architectural Landmark

2. Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is known for its bar scene rather than thumping nightclubs, which comprises dozens of bars packed together to create the ideal late-night drinking spot for socializing and winding down at the end of the week. For food , you’ve come to the right place as everything from mobile stalls to sophisticated restaurants serve up classic Minas Gerais cuisine molded around home comfort and slow-cooking. If art is more your thing, hire a car to Inhotim , a large interactive art gallery set within a botanical garden.

3. São Paulo

They don’t call São Paulo the concrete jungle for nothing. This often misunderstood city, home to over 12m people, is regarded as the business and financial capital of Brazil. Yet that sweeping definition overlooks the quirks and curiosities that make São Paulo the buzzing cosmopolitan city that it is. For culture, it has some of the country’s finest art galleries and museums, and you can excite your palate at one of many international restaurants celebrated for their haute cuisine. For a change of pace, head to Praça Roosevelt for hipster bars and an alternative, liberal crowd. Pace yourself, as you’ll need stamina for the nightlife here, which gives São Paulo its reputation as a city that doesn’t sleep.

5. Fernando de Noronha

Natural Feature

6. Florianopolis

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Located in the south of Brazil, Florianopolis , the capital of Santa Catarina is known for its picturesque beaches, pastel-hued sunsets and popular holiday resorts. Enjoy the many sun-kissed beaches on 54km (34mi) Santa Catarina Island. Or pick up the pace at Lagoa da Conceição, a saltwater lagoon with strong winds ideal for windsurfing and pleasant boat trips.

7. Foz do Iguaçu

Down in the south of Brazil, straddling the border of Argentina and Paraguay, is the small town of Foz do Iguaçu , one of the most visited spots in the country. That’s because it’s home to the Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls, one of the world’s largest waterfall systems, comprising hundreds of mighty cascades. Venture out onto the wooden platform that juts over the 80m-tall (262ft) Devil’s Throat fall, where mist clouds the bottom on a rainy day. Then marvel at the exotic feathered friends at the bird park, which has several ongoing conservation projects. Other highlights include a trip to the Itaipu Dam, an imposing hydroelectric dam, and quick bus trips over to the border towns of Argentina, and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, known among savvy shoppers for its cheap and cheerful shopping opportunities.

9. Chapada Diamantina

10. mount roraima.

This imposing mountain swallows up the border with Venezuela, but also stretches out to Guyana and Brazil. Located in the far north of Brazil, it’s remote and hard to get to, which makes it even more appealing to adventurers and hikers. Those who make the effort to go there will enjoy solitude and nature in its rawest form, with untouched rocky landscapes, mind-boggling heights and sweeping views that capture three countries at once. All this without a soul in sight.

11. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

12. pantanal.

One of the most striking ecosystems in Brazil, the vast Amazon rainforest continues to be an imposing, mysterious jungle, despite deforestation and illegal mining in the area. This complex ecosystem comprises hundreds of species that co-exist in a network unlike any other in the world. Sustainable tours in the region are actually good for the forest, providing an income to resource-lacking locals who come to depend on tourism instead of hunting endangered animals. It also gives you the chance to explore a magnificent part of the world that river dolphins , monkeys and brightly colored tree frogs all call home.

It may not be many people’s first thought of where to go in Brazil, yet that makes it all the more appealing. Manaus is a city in the northwest of Brazil, and sits on the banks of the Negro River. Check out the nearby natural phenomenon known as the “meeting of the waters”, where the dark, nutrient-rich waters of the Negro River flow into the brown, murky waters of the Solimões River, creating one, long stretch that is half black, half brown. Linger by the riverbank at sunset for a wonderful visual treat and explore the elegant Amazon Theatre for a spot of culture.

15. Curitiba

For a country of more than 210m people, it’s easy to forget that Brazil is not all like Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba is a good reminder of that. Located in the south of the country, Curitiba is hailed as being among the top cities in the world when it comes to urban planning, including examples of sustainable architecture, leafy parks brimming with trees and an efficient recycling system. With its efforts to address homelessness and create organized public transport links, it’s a safe and functioning city in which to sit back and soak up the culture.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

The most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.

Places to Stay

The best campsites and cabins to book in brazil.

The Best Hotels to Book in Brazil for Every Traveler

The Best Resorts in Brazil

The Best Villas to Rent for Your Vacation in Brazil

The Best Private Trips to Book for Reunions

Food & Drink

The best brazilian desserts you need to try.

The Best Destinations for Travellers Who Love to Dance

The Most Beautiful Sunsets on Earth

See & Do

Everything you need to know about rio’s pedra do telégrafo.

The Most Beautiful Coastal Cities to Visit With Culture Trip

The Best Private Trips to Book for Your Dance Class

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1656710
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

• Amazon River
• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls
• Brazil Travel Guide

14 Best Places To Visit In Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, dominating the central and eastern portions of the continent. From the massive and legendary Amazon Rainforest in the north to the jaw-dropping tropical beaches along the Atlantic coast to the Pantanal wetlands, there are plenty of marvelous Brazilian vacation destinations , where you’ll see some of the most beautiful nature in the world. Here is an insight into some of the most amazing places to visit in Brazil.

Iguazu viewpoint

Foz do Iguacu (Iguazu Falls)

The Iguazu Falls are the largest system of waterfalls in the world , stretching almost 9,000 feet in width. This impressive natural phenomenon straddles the Argentine-Brazilian border and is made up of hundreds of powerful cascades that tumble down into the fast-moving body of water below. Every second, incalculable gallons of water from the Iguazu River course over the Parana Plateau. While 80 percent of the falls are in Argentina, it is the Brazilian side that offers the most spectacular views, with Devil’s Throat canyon being the highlight. Take a bus to the trailhead, where you can then walk a short trail to come face to face with a full panoramic view of the giant waterfalls. Then go the full Brazilian on a walking tour along the catwalks. Hear the falls resonating through the rainforest and revel in the full spectacle. Walk to the balcony of the ominously named Devil’s Throat; shaped like a horseshoe, and including 14 waterfalls, this is the largest, most impressive, and dramatic water curtain in the whole system.

Angra dos Reis

The 365 islands that make up Angra dos Reis are located in the southwest region of Rio de Janeiro. The biggest of these islands, Ilha Grande, has an illustrious history and some beautiful natural features, including the sweeping views from Pico do Papagaio, and the Castelhanos Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in Brazil. If you’re into snorkeling and diving, you can explore the clear waters and coral reefs of Lagoa Azul, and see a multitude of marine creatures. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike through the jungle to the Cachoeira da Feiticeira, a 50-foot-tall waterfall with a natural pool at the bottom, where you can rappel down the steep cliff’s edge and swim in the pool beneath the cascade.

Clear Bonito waters

Bonito is the ecotourism capital of Brazil , and its stunning nature can be fully explored within the Serra da Bodoquena National Park. There are caves with lakes and amazing stalactite formations, lush forests, mountains, and grasslands, home to wildlife such as capybaras, and ocelots. You’ll also find beautiful waterfalls and incredibly clear rivers and pools alive with thriving shoals of tropical freshwater fish, while the skies above are graced by colorful parrots and macaws. You can go diving or rapelling in the Abismo Anhumas, a massive cave with dangling, rocky stalactites descending from its roof down towards an underground lake.

The turquoise waters

Fernando de Noronha

About 200 miles off the coast of Brazil’s mainland, Fernando de Noronha is a slice of paradise ; a small volcanic collection of 21 islands characterized by jagged, rocky coasts and lovely natural beaches. Because of its distance from the mainland, Fernando de Noronha is very secluded and great efforts are made to preserve the natural wilderness of this beautiful place. The area is home to a diverse and rich ecosystem that includes dolphins, reef sharks, tropical fish, and rays, and is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Endless dunes make amazing photos

Lencois Maranhenses National Park

On the northern coast of the Atlantic is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park , an immense area of desert-like land, which is known for its sloping white sand dunes that stretch tall and wide, and shallow rainwater lagoons that nestle between the valleys of the sandbanks. They form seasonally during the rainier seasons, due to a thick, hard, dense layer of rock not far beneath the sand. The lagoons are at their largest during the summer months, and after July, when they connect to rivers like the Negro River, there are even fish that live in the shallow pools.

Teatro Amazonas

The capital of the Amazonas state in northwestern Brazil, Manaus serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest and embarkation point for most Brazilian Amazon cruises . The port is located on the dark waters of the Negro River, just east of where it meets the muddy waters of the Solimões River to form the mighty Amazon. This meeting point is known as the “Meeting of the Waters,” which is a natural phenomenon where the two rivers run side by side for nearly four miles without mixing.

Tribes of the Amazon

Amazon Rainforest

One of the most ecologically complex regions in the world, the Amazon rainforest, one of the best places to visit in Brazil , is an extraordinary natural wonder. The dense forest provides fertile grounds for thousands of endemic species, while the Amazon River is home to an incredible freshwater life, including the elusive pink river dolphins.

Caimans of Pantanal

Covering an extensive swathe of western Brazil, before sprawling into Bolivia and Paraguay, the Pantanal is a huge tropical wetland and wildlife haven rich in a diverse ecosystem of rare and wonderful creatures and an astounding array of flora. Here you can spot hundreds of species of birds, in addition to large mammals such as jaguars and capybaras. Some of the most famous residents are the thousands of caimans. During the rainy season, around 80 percent of the floodplains are submerged, so the only way to get around is by plane or boat.

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Stretching across the center of Brazil, Chapada dos Veadeiros is a vast national park that lies atop an ancient rainforest-coated plateau. Scarred by jagged cliffs and deep crumbling canyons, hardy vegetation, sparkling lakes, and imposing quartz crystal formations, some of which are over a billion years old, the park is fascinating to hike around. Lots of dramatic waterfalls are hidden away among verdant flora and fauna, which includes several orchid species, macaws, jaguars, and armadillos. Other highlights include Moon Valley, which is a lunar landscape. Swimming and bathing in any one of the numerous waterfalls and rivers that dot the area is a must-do.

Jalapão State Park

Jalapão State Park in the state of Tocantins, is an untouched wilderness known for its deep-orange dunes, raging rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The natural landscapes of ‘Cerrado’, the Brazilian savannah, features rivers, rock formations, and numerous species of fauna, such as jaguars, maned wolves, and macaws.

Dunas de Genipabu

Just a short drive from Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the Genipabu dunes are an ever-changing collection of sand dunes, which are shaped and reshaped by the daily winds that come off the coastline and whip over the sands. You can slide down the sand dunes all day long, or you can raise your excitement level by taking a wild ride on a dune buggy. where experienced buggy drivers (bugueiros) will take you on a thrilling roller coaster ride around the wavy dunes.

Porta de Galinhas

With its crystal-clear waters and white, pristine beaches, Porta de Galinhas has deservedly earned the title of one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. When the tide comes in, the shoreline fills up with warm pools, locked between walls of coral and filled with a thriving ecosystem of marine life. If you’re into snorkeling, it’s possible to see marine turtles here, as well as seahorses.

Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima is an imposing tabletop mountain surrounded by sheer cliffs to create an island floating in the sky above the plains of the Gran Sabanais. It is one of the most mysterious and alluring mountains on Earth, and is said to be the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Novel, ‘The Lost World’. Mt Roraima extends across the borders of Brazil, Venezuela, and the less-explored Guyana.

Rocky plains and canyons

Chapada Diamantina National Park

Chapada Diamantina National Park lies in the northeast of Brazil in the center of the state of Bahia. The Park teems with an extraordinary range of biodiversity from rare orchids to large animals such as giant anteaters and armadillos. Crumbling, rugged cliffs line the plateau, as do cavernous caves and lots of epic waterfalls; the awe-inspiring 1250-ft-high Cachoeira da Fumaça is the second highest waterfall in Brazil. The spectacular mountain ranges and sweeping valleys, fast-flowing rivers, and large flat top rock formations with long, sloping plains beneath them, create breathtaking views and scenery.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

You may also like

Best Places To Visit In The Pantanal To See Wildlife

One of the largest, most pristine, and most biologically vibrant wetlands in the world, the Pantanal offers South America’s all-around best wildlife-viewing opportunities. The “Kingdom of Waters,” as it’s sometimes called, easily […]

5 Best Places To Visit The Amazon Jungle To See Wildlife

One simply runs out of superlatives describing the rainforest of the Amazon Basin (the so-called “Amazon jungle” of popular conception). About the size of the conterminous United States, this biggest river basin […]

8 Luxury Amazon Rainforest Hotels: Where To Stay In The Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest is by far one of the most mysterious and exciting locales to visit in all of South America. Teeming with abundant wildlife, exotic trees and plants, and even indigenous […]

11 Tourist Attractions In The Amazon Rainforest You Must See

When it comes to untouched nature in a wildlife-rich environment, the Amazon Rainforest is one of the last places on earth to explore. Even hearing the word Amazon conjures up images of […]

Pantanal Honeymoon | Lodges & Itinerary Ideas For Lovers

Are you looking for a honeymoon destination full of romance and adventure at the same time? Perhaps one in a remote location in a South American country full of different landscapes and […]

Pantanal Family Travel: Top 7 Things To Do With Kids

If you’re looking for a new destination for your family vacation this year, why not consider one of the most remote and naturally unique regions in all of South America? The Pantanal […]

Where To Stay In The Pantanal

While exploring the Pantanal wetlands region in Brazil, where you lay your head at night is an important decision to make. While you may worry your options are limited, consider that several […]

5 Amazing Attractions You Must See In The Pantanal

If you’re looking for a South American adventure unlike any other and a location not teeming with crowds, then head to the Pantanal region of Brazil. Tucked within the western part of […]

Brazil Vs Argentina: Which Side Of The Iguazu Falls Is Best?

Brazil vs Argentina, it’s a long-standing battle. The two countries compete in regards to almost everything: from their football teams to their natural wonders, from their tourist attractions to their barbeques, to […]

On the Lookout for Expert Advice & Offers?

Join over 20,000 discerning travelers and be the first to receive our monthly exclusive discounts, inspiring travel content and expert tips, straight to your inbox.

• Charter (Private)

Home » Blog » The Best Places to Visit in Brazil

The Best Places to Visit in Brazil

When people think of Brazil , images of sun, sea and samba are often the first things that come to mind. But the best places to visit in Brazil encompass a far wider range of sights and activities, beyond the golden beaches and the country’s world-famous lust for life.

Brazil is the most bio-diverse nation on Earth, with ecosystems including the Amazon rainforest (of which 60% is in Brazil), the Mata Atlantica forest, a vast tropical savanna called the Cerrado, and the massive tropical wetland known as the Pantanal. For wildlife enthusiasts, few countries can compete with Brazil’s range of mammals, birds, fish and amphibians, with iconic species like toucans, macaws, capybaras, howler monkeys and pink dolphins.

Alongside all of the natural attractions, Brazil offers a cultural experience that ranges from quaint colonial towns to heady nightlife and the endless allure of Carnaval. And wherever you go, the Brazilian passion for dancing will never be far away, whether it’s samba in Rio, forró in the Northeast, carimbó in the Amazon, or internationally famous bands and DJs in sprawling São Paulo.

To help you decide where to go in this huge and fun-filled country, here is our guide to the best places to visit in Brazil .

Table of Contents

1. Rio de Janeiro

2. iguazu falls, 3. manaus & the amazon, 4. salvador da bahia, 5. the pantanal, 6. são paulo.

Spread out below the ever-present gaze of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro is the most iconic city in Brazil. Known for the white sand beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana and the beautiful people that walk along them, Rio is a hedonistic city that’s bursting with samba, soccer and sensuality. The stunning setting is also home to more than just beaches and tiny bikinis. You can go surfing, cycling and rock climbing in and around the city, and the Tijuca Forest is located within the city limits, offering scenic treks with stunning views across Rio.

Widely considered the world’s largest waterfall system, Iguazu Falls is a truly impressive sight. The Iguazu River roars over the waterfall’s 1.7-mile span, filling the area with rainbow-flecked spray and the thunderous noise of falling water. Iguazu Falls can be visited from either Brazil or Argentina, as it sits on the border between the two countries. But the best panoramic views are had from the Brazilian side.

Founded in 1669, Manaus is today the largest city in the Amazon. It’s a hot and often hectic place, and the port of call for ships that have come all the way from the ocean, some 750 miles to the east. For tourists it serves as the starting point for expeditions into the rainforest. You can arrange your trip in the city, stock up on supplies, and then set-off up or down the river before making your way into the jungle for a truly unforgettable experience. Expeditions can last for just a day or two or more than a week, and range from tough treks through the dense foliage to luxury cruises along the river.

Salvador has an atmosphere all of its own, thanks in no small part to the city’s rich history. It was founded by the Portuguese in 1549, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. It’s an architectural gem, with old colonial casas and gold-laden churches. But it was African slaves, rather than the colonial powers, who ultimately shaped the spirit of Salvador. Their culture has permeated the city, and Salvador is now the heart of the Afro-Brazilian community. The Afro-Brazilian influence can be seen in the local food, the religious traditions of Candomblé, and the combined dance and martial art of capoeira .

The world’s largest tropical wetland covers a vast area, located mainly in Brazil with small parts in Bolivia and Paraguay. Known as the Pantanal, it is sparsely populated with no major settlements, but inhabited by a vast array of species, including around 1000 bird species, 300 mammal species, almost 500 reptile species and 400 species of fish. Few places in the world offer better wildlife spotting opportunities, and you can potentially see iconic animals like the giant rover otter, giant anteater, and the elusive but spectacular jaguar.

While Rio de Janeiro takes the plaudits for good times and bronzed bodies, residents of São Paulo are justifiably proud of their sprawling city. Home to some 20 million people, the São Paulo metropolis is a financial and cultural powerhouse. It isn’t the easiest city to fall in love with, but take some time and you’ll discover a modern city with a multicultural core, with an abundance of world-class restaurants, nightclubs, museums, galleries, art-house cinemas and theaters. If it’s cultural sophistication that you’re looking for, then you might just fall for Brazil’s biggest city.

Travel to Brazil with South American Vacations to experience the best places to visit in this diverse country. South American Vacations offers personalized small group or private tours to all parts of Brazil.

See Also: The Official Brazilian Tourism website.

Recommended Tours

Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires

The Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls

Don’t forget to share this post.

Tony Dunnell is a freelance writer based in Peru since 2009. He’s the owner of New Peruvian and also writes for various magazines and websites. When he’s not walking his dog in the jungle town of Tarapoto, he’s off exploring other parts of Peru and South America.

Hand-Picked Related Posts

Ten Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Pantanal Wildlife: 8 Mammals That You Are Likely To See The 6 Best Beaches In Rio De Janeiro Iguazu: The Most Beautiful Waterfall On Earth Fusing Colonial And African Pasts In Salvador Da Bahia, Brazil Manaus, Brazil: Unlikely Heart Of The Amazon

Brazil Tours