Brazil is a destination that combines endless tropical beaches, bustling cities, wildlife-filled jungles and natural wonders that will leave you in awe. Its ecological and cultural diversity and colonial history make it a fascinating place to explore. As Brazil is an enormous country – the fifth largest in the world – deciding where to go and what to see can be a challenge. To help you with this decision and make your travel planning easier, I’ve put together some ideas on some of the best places to visit in Brazil.
Iguaçu Falls
A view of a series of misty waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical vegetation at Iguazu Falls.
Located in the south of Brazil, on the border with Argentina, the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls (also called Iguazu Falls) is a real masterpiece of nature. With its 270 individual waterfalls and the tropical flora and fauna around it, this place looks like something from the Avatar movie. It’s by far the most impressive waterfall you’ll ever seen, no matter how many you’ve seen.
At Iguaçu National Park, a walkway zigzags through a lush rainforest and offers panoramic views of the falls, including Devil’s Throat – the most powerful part of the falls. Thrill-seekers can also take a boat tour to the base of the waterfalls. For the best experience, visit both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls to see this natural wonder from different angles.
Rio de Janeiro
The iconic city of Rio de Janeiro is the most popular tourist destination in Brazil and the country’s second-largest city. Rio has one of the most beautiful natural settings of any city in the world. With its sandy beaches, turquoise sea, patches of verdant rainforest and tall granite mountains, it’s an incredibly scenic city and definitely one of the highlights of Brazil.
In addition to the wonderful scenery, Rio also has lots of good restaurants, a buzzing nightlife scene, museums, galleries and the world-famous Carnival that takes place every February or March… Feb. 13-21 this year.
When you’re in Rio, take a cable car to the Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy a jaw-dropping panorama of the city, visit the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and take in the bustling vibe of the legendary Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
The Amazon
There’s no doubt that the Amazon Rainforest is one of the most famous places in Brazil. It’s by far the largest rainforest in the world and one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Wildlife enthusiasts will love visiting this place, since there’s a great chance of spotting pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, sloths and other exotic animals.
The main gateway to the Brazilian Amazon is the city of Manaus, from where you can take tours to explore the unspoiled rainforest or spend some days in a remote jungle lodge surrounded by nothing but lush nature. Another cool area to visit in the Amazon is Alter do Chão, which has beautiful sandy river beaches with crystal clear water.