Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil

Contents show

Embarking on Brazil’s Delights: Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil

If your heart yearns for lush tropical jungles, vibrant cities, idyllic tropical islands, or paradisiacal beaches, then a Brazilian adventure awaits. Journey through colonial villages that transport you to a bygone era, encounter red-rock canyons reminiscent of another world, and be captivated by mesmerizing waterfalls and rainforests that tempt you to linger indefinitely. As an extra treat, experience the exhilaration of Carnaval, a nationwide celebration that pulsates throughout Brazil.

1. Rio de Janeiro

Panoramic view of Botafogo Bay with Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nowhere else compares to Rio. We welcome you to our land of towering peaks, dazzling beaches, pulsating nightlife, and football fans. Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by verdant mountains, earning it the nickname “Marvelous City.” The city’s coastline is also rather long. The beaches are a major draw for visitors. The beach is like a second home to the residents (cariocas) and offers endless entertainment and activities. You may go mountain biking along the beach, trekking in the Tijuca jungle, paragliding, rock climbing, or sailing to one of the many nearby islands. The city’s samba sound, which draws inspiration from Africa, is ubiquitous. If you’re interested in the nightlife, check out Lapa, the city’s red-light district. Every night there will be street parties with live music.

2. Salvador

View of the colorful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of Pelourinho, Salvador Bahia, Brazil.

Salvador, the capital of Bahia state, is known across Brazil for its unparalleled vitality. The historic district of Pelourinho is where you’ll discover most of the city’s colonial buildings and the reason the area is so well-known: it’s the capital of Portugal’s New World. Large squares branch off into little cobblestone lanes, buildings are a kaleidoscope of colours, and churches like San Francisco have baroque details like gilded woodwork. An incredible cultural shift is occurring here. There are Capoeira martial artists and Olodum drummers performing in the streets, and wild celebrations are held often. The amazing cuisine, religious events and rituals, and vibrant dancing all bear witness to the region’s distinctive Afro-Brazilian heritage.

Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil: São Paulo State

Sao Paulo state at night with skyscrapers and illuminated streets.

Brazil’s state of Sao Paulo is only one of many amazing aspects of the country. It delivers some of the finest and best that the nation has to offer. So Paulo is now a boom town, with a rise in all sectors of the economy, including trade, manufacturing, the arts, the financial sector, and, of course, tourism. However, you may like to take a break from the city and visit Serra da Mantiqueira. Take advantage of the gorgeous peaks in this mountain range that reach above 2500 metres in elevation and use them as your own mountain retreat. Ilhabela is another option for a luxurious island getaway. Also, the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, namely the town of Iporanga, is a great option. You may spend some peaceful days in Ubatuba, which has beautiful beaches set against a jungle background.

4. Sao Paulo City

View of Pinheiros River and Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge in Sao Paulo City.

Sao Paulo, the state capital, is the lifeblood of Sao Paulo State. It’s not only the biggest city in Brazil, but also one of the largest in the globe. The biggest concentration of Japanese people outside of Japan may be found here, making this area somewhat of a cultural melting pot. Incredible fine dining establishments and premium pubs sit alongside cutting-edge art galleries and experimental theatres. This is the place to go to get a feel for urban sophistication. Sao Paulo, Brazil, is home to 20 million people and has all the drawbacks of a major metropolis, such as traffic and pollution, but if you’re prepared to dig a little deeper, you’ll find a culture here that can hold its own against that of New York.

5. Brasilia

Brasilia skyline with modern architecture buildings and reflecting pool in the foreground.

Brazil’s capital city was constructed in the 1960s and is a well planned and structured metropolis. Easily recognisable landmarks in Brasilia are arranged in the shape of an aircraft. Each sector of the aircraft represents a unique community, such as a residential area, a political or financial centre, an arts district, or a commercial hub. Visitors and practising architects alike are drawn to the city’s unique structures. The Square of the Three Powers is a must-see. Several important government buildings, including the Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House, are located here.

Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil: Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a major Brazilian city. In addition to its lively cultural activities, the city also has excellent beaches and fantastic shopping. Meireles, Mucuripe, Iracema, and, of course, Praia do Futuro are all great options if you’re looking to relax on the sand. Beginning your day with a walk around Centro, the city’s historic core, you may conclude it in Praira de Iracema, a neighbourhood bursting to the seams with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Explore the picturesque fishing towns and undulating dune beaches of the Ceará coast once you’ve gotten your fill of Fortaleza’s beaches.

7. Paraty

Street of historical center in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The state of Rio de Janeiro, on Brazil’s Green Coast, is a famous tourist destination. There are waterfalls galore in Paraty, as well as emerald seas, massive coastal mountains, and lush tropical forests. The town’s historic district, which dates back to when it was a Portuguese colony, remains at its core today. Built in the 17th century amid the height of the Brazilian gold rush, it has colourful colonial houses and cobblestone streets. The inhabitants have turned many of the homes into pousadas, which are similar to bed & breakfasts. All of the streets in the historic area are car-free and perfect for a leisurely walk. The atmosphere is so old-fashioned, you could think you’ve gone back in time for real. Visit the colonial forts, many of which still have their original cannons, and the beautiful Capela de Santa Rita, built in the 18th century.

8. Recife

Aerial view of the House of Culture in Recife.

“The Venice of Brazil” has many positive qualities. There are rivers and islands immediately outside the city limits, while a network of canals, bridges, and islets may be found inside. Wonderful culture and excellent beaches complement the charming historic district. Known as Recife Antigo, the historic district is situated on a peninsula next to the port. Most people think that Boa Viagem Beach, with its white beaches and coral reef, is the best in town. Recife is an incredible spot to spend Carnaval since it is a huge city with many attractions.

Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil: Olinda

Aerial view of Olinda Lighthouse, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Olinda, a colonial town established by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is located 6 km from Recife. The hilltop, historic district is home to several worship facilities, cultural institutions, and dining establishments. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. Lots of other churches and monasteries and beautifully painted homes from the 18th century add to the town’s overall attractiveness. Olinda, formerly a major player in the sugarcane business, is now a quaint artist town with a vibrant art scene. If you want a convenient place to stay while seeing Recife, choose one of the pousadas in Olinda’s historic district. And the localised version of Carnaval is worth noting. Festivities centre on traditional African music and dancing and take place largely throughout the day.

10. Manaus

Aerial view of historic buildings in central Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

Manaus, on the Negro River, is often seen as the starting point for adventures into the Amazon Rainforest. Rio Negro Palace and the Amazonas Opera House are only two of the many impressive buildings in Amazonas’ capital and biggest city. The Meeting of the Waters is a three-mile area where the Solimes and Negro Rivers flow parallel to one another without merging into a single river. Each river flows into the other until they meet to create the Amazon. The majority of visitors are just passing through on their route into or out of the Amazon. If you find yourself with some spare time, visit the beachfront museum and the zoo, both of which allow many of the animals to wander freely.

11. Iguazu Falls

A breathtaking view of Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina.

The 2.7 kilometres of this breathtaking natural beauty are near the border with Argentina. The Iguazu River is home to a set of waterfalls known as Iguazu Falls. The lush green forest, diverse animals, and stunning waterfalls create an enticing environment. Foz do Iguaçu is a great home base for exploring the area’s many waterfalls, such as the 80-meter-tall Devil’s Throat. You may take a trip on a tourist rubber boat called a “Zodiac” and see some of the hundreds of waterfalls there.

Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil: Bonito

Boat floating on Sucuri river in Bonito, Mato grosso do sul - Brazil.

The charm of Bonito may be found in its one main street. It is a showcase of sustainable tourism in Brazil and a central location for the region. This is the place to be if you like exploring the great outdoors and spending time on the water. Explore the enormous, stalactite-filled Abismo Anhumas cavern, where visitors may plunge into an underground lake and even try their hands at abseiling. The waters of the Rio da Prata are perfect for snorkelling. Macaws nest in the depths of the Buraco das Araras, and if you’re a birdwatcher, you won’t want to miss seeing them. Visit the Serra da Boduquena National Park as a cherry on top.

13. São Luís

Thus São Luís’s colonial palaces have been meticulously renovated, so the city’s historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s worth your time to check out the local art, craft, and museum exhibits. Reggae and Bumba Meu Boi music events are only two examples of how São Luís keeps its mostly Afro-Brazilian culture alive. Don’t leave without seeing the Centro de Cultura, a museum dedicated to the three most important celebrations in Brazil. The Archaeological Museum and the Casa das Tulhas, a market hall from the 19th century, are well worth a look. When you’re ready, take a day trip over the Baa de São Marcos to Alcântara to view the mediaeval town in all its tropical deterioration.

14. Jijoca de Jericoacoara

Aerial view of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Ceará, Brazil with the ocean in the background.

It’s one of Ceara, Brazil’s magnificent beaches, and it’s a bit of a secret. This beach, which was named by the Washington Post as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful, is characterised by calm waters, white sand dunes, and magnificent blue lagoons. Because of its importance as a breeding ground for big turtles, the area was designated as an Environmental Protection Area in 1978; it has also been a national park since 2002. Because of these factors, the region has been relatively undisturbed and secluded. In Jeri, where the power grid is barely two decades old, laws prohibit using anything other than moonlight to illuminate the city’s streets.

Amazing Places to Visit in Brazil: Curitiba

The state capital of Paraná, this bustling metropolis is also a major entertainment hub. The Guara Theatre and the Wire Opera, a steel tube structure with a transparent ceiling, are also worth a visit. Planners all across the world see Curitiba as a model of urban efficiency.

There are tonnes of parks and trees; creative responses to urban issues like pollution and poverty; and a pedestrian-only area that spans six blocks. A refreshing stay here is the perfect way to round up your Brazilian journey.

What is the number 1 attraction in Brazil?
Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is often considered the number one attraction in Brazil. This iconic monument stands atop Corcovado Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and the stunning landscape of Rio.

Where is the nicest place in Brazil?
Determining the “nicest” place is subjective, but many consider the city of Rio de Janeiro to be one of the most beautiful and vibrant places in Brazil. Its combination of stunning beaches, lush landscapes, iconic landmarks, and lively culture make it a favorite among travelers.

Where do most people visit in Brazil?
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in Brazil, attracting tourists with its famous Carnival, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer statue. The city’s energetic atmosphere, cultural richness, and diverse attractions make it a top destination.

Where do people travel in Brazil?
In addition to Rio de Janeiro, people travel to various regions in Brazil, such as:

Amazon Rainforest: Exploring the world’s largest tropical rainforest for unique wildlife and indigenous cultures.
São Paulo: Brazil’s largest city offers cosmopolitan vibes, cultural attractions, and diverse cuisine.
Salvador da Bahia: Known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, historic center, and vibrant music and dance scene.
Iguazu Falls: A natural wonder shared with Argentina, these powerful waterfalls are a breathtaking sight.
Pantanal: A vast wetland region teeming with wildlife, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Brazil’s sheer size and diverse landscapes provide a plethora of travel options, from urban adventures to nature exploration and cultural immersion.

Plan your trip with ontravelx and get ready for a journey full of breathtaking sights and priceless memories.

Check-in date

Check-out date

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM