Top 10 Places to Visit in Brazil

Today I’ll share with you the top places to visit in Brazil. Yes, the other day, thinking of destinations I’ve just been to and need to write about, I realised one thing: what about the place I come from?

With all the hype about Brazil a few years ago with the World Cup and Rio Olympics, I’ve been a bad, bad Brazilian boy (you won’t mind if I call myself that way, right?).

So, to try to redeem myself, I’d like to show you the top 10 places to visit in Brazil. I do appreciate it’s a huge country – larger than the continental USA, to be more specific. But even if you are on a long-term South American trip, I highly recommend you visit at least 3 or 4 of the places below, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. And since most Brazilians don’t speak English, see here how to stay thank you in Portuguese. So let’s start!

Top Places To Visit In Brazil

1- Iguazu Falls, One of The Natural World Wonders

It is said that Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed “poor Niagara Falls”, in sheer awe, as she enjoyed the views over Iguazu Falls. And surely, she had more reasons than one to say so: Iguazu Falls are taller and wider than Niagara.

Comparisons apart, Iguazu is located in the state of Parana and borders Argentina and Paraguay. With no doubt one of the most incredible natural attractions in South America.

See here the different transport options to travel to the Iguazu Falls.

2- Salvador, A Brazilian Cultural Hub

The capital of Bahia state is also the capital of African-Brazilian culture. That’s reflected in many traditions, the food and the music. Yes, the music, for Bahia is the homeland of many of Brazil’s musical elite (think Caetano Veloso, Carlinhos Brown, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethania, just to name a few). Salvador is also famous for its many beaches and a walk around the colonial quarter of Pelourinho is a real must. Oh, did I say it’s also “capital” of capoeira?

3- Ouro Preto: The Best Preserved Historical Town

The former capital of Minas Gerais state is the country’s best-preserved colonial city. It was also the first place in Brazil to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site. This university town attracts mostly local tourists and its sleepy feel gives way to one of the country’s most hedonistic Carnival celebrations. The nearby town of Mariana, also of colonial heritage, makes for a nice afternoon tour.

4- Lençóis Maranhenses

Did you know Brazil has a desert, with sand dunes and all? This little secret is yet to more widely known internationally. But Brazilian tourists come here to enjoy the fresh water lakes created by rainfall. Its relative isolation, in the state of Maranhão, makes it the ideal place for some indulge in some me time in your (nearly) private desert lake.

5- Fernando de Noronha, The Most Beautiful Island in Brazil

Ask any Brazilian what their dream destination in the country is, and chances are you’ll hear the name Fernando de Noronha. 380km (236m) from the coast, the archipelago is a haven for marine life and one of the best places in Brazil to go diving and watch dolphins. The island is also the place of choice for turtles to lay their eggs, and is home to one of Brazil’s most important initiatives to protect them.

6- Pantanal

Those who would like to discover the Brazilian fauna, will feel at home in Pantanal. Occupying an area larger than Portugal, these plains are the country’s largest wetlands. Its diverse fauna, ranging from leopards to caimans, have attracted tourists interested in eco-tourism and nature, especially after it was made famous by a Brazilian TV series in the 90s. Birds thrive in this ecosystem, and birdwatchers will discover species that only exist here. Other activities you will enjoy are being a rancher for a day or, if you dare, swimming with piranhas. Yep. I’ve done it.

7- Bonito: A Beautiful Eco-Tourism Spot

Bonito, in Portuguese, means beautiful. This small town in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is one of Brazil’s eco-tourism hotspots. Its rivers have some of the most transparent and clear waters in the world, and are heaving with fish, making it popular with divers and snorkelers. You can also go rappelling or explore caves and underground lakes the size of a football pitch.

8- Chapada Diamantina National Park

Another popular eco-tourism destination is the Chapada Diamantina National Park, located in the centre of Bahia state. The area is the source of several rivers and offers opportunities to go hiking and swimming. One of the most famous attractions is the 380m Veu de Noiva waterfall. But with views like those on the photo, do you need more convincing?

9- Top Places To Visit In Brazil: The Amazon

A trip to the Amazon rain forest is a trip of a lifetime. Start exploring the Amazon forest in a tour leaving from Manaus, and see the “encontro das águas”, where rivers Solimões and Negro meet, but their waters don’t mix. Learn about the fauna and flora, see how locals adapted their river way of life and, with a special permit, you may even be lucky to visit a native Indian reserve.

10- Top Tourist Attractions In Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Latin America’s most hedonistic city, needs no introductions. Home to hard-working people who party as hard, the city is a magnet to those looking for fun. Everyone loves the astonishing views from Christ, Redeemer, and the Sugar Loaf. But few people know that Rio has a thriving cultural life, with top-quality museums such as the  Museum of Modern Art and Oscar Niemeyer’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Okay, most people come because of the perfect weather, the beaches, Carnival and nightlife. And that’s just fine, thanks.

What about you, have you been to Brazil? What are your favourite places?

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