Brazil things to see and do

Things to see and do

Amazon Rainforest (Manaus region)

From Manaus, travellers can venture deep into the world's largest rainforest, a vast mosaic of rivers, jungle lodges and astonishing biodiversity. Boat trips reveal pink river dolphins, towering trees and quiet tributaries alive with birdlife. A visit here offers not only adventure but a humbling sense of the Amazon's scale and significance.

Bonito

Renowned for its exceptional water clarity, Bonito is a haven for eco-tourism. Visitors can drift along pristine rivers filled with colourful fish, snorkel in limestone caverns or explore dramatic sinkholes and waterfalls. Strict environmental controls help keep the region unspoilt, making it one of Brazil's most rewarding outdoor destinations.

Brasília

Purpose-built in the 1960s, Brasília feels like no other capital. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, its sweeping curves, monumental plazas and futuristic forms are striking both from the ground and the air. Visitors can tour its landmark buildings, stroll around the man-made lake, and experience a city that is as much an architectural experiment as a functioning capital.

Chapada Diamantina National Park

A wonderland of table-top mountains, rocky canyons, waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, Chapada Diamantina is one of Brazil's top hiking destinations. Trails lead to panoramic viewpoints and underground caverns, while rivers and natural swimming holes offer refreshing stops along the way. It is a paradise for walkers, photographers and nature lovers alike.

Fernando de Noronha

A remote archipelago far off Brazil's northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is a sanctuary of turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches. Strict conservation limits keep visitor numbers low, preserving excellent diving, sea turtle nesting sites and some of the continent's clearest snorkelling spots. It feels like a slice of untouched paradise.

Florianópolis

Spread across a large island in southern Brazil, Florianópolis blends laid-back beach life with lively urban culture. Its coastline is dotted with more than 40 beaches, ranging from calm family-friendly bays to surf spots that attract riders from around the world. With seafood markets, scenic trails and a youthful atmosphere, the island appeals to a wide range of travellers.

Iguazu Falls

Straddling the border with Argentina, Iguazu Falls is a thunderous spectacle of more than 250 cascades crashing through lush rainforest. Walkways bring visitors close to the spray, while viewpoints offer unforgettable vistas of the Devil's Throat. Wildlife thrives in the surrounding national park, making it a place of both power and beauty.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

A landscape straight from a dream, Lençóis Maranhenses is a vast expanse of white sand dunes dotted with shimmering rain-fed lagoons. The colours shift throughout the day, and swimming in the warm, crystalline pools is a highlight of any visit. Best explored between June and September, it is one of Brazil's most surreal natural wonders.

Ouro Preto

This hilltop town in Minas Gerais is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, where baroque churches, ornate fountains and elegant mansions line steep cobblestone streets. Once the heart of Brazil's gold rush, Ouro Preto retains an old-world charm and offers travellers a glimpse into the country's artistic and historical heritage.

Pantanal

The Pantanal is one of Earth's richest wildlife regions, a sprawling wetland where jaguars, giant otters, capybaras and countless birds thrive. Eco-lodges and guided safaris make wildlife viewing accessible, especially during the dry season when animals gather near shrinking water sources. Its open landscapes offer some of Brazil's best chances for memorable encounters.

Paraty

Nestled between rainforest-clad mountains and a sparkling bay, Paraty is one of Brazil's most atmospheric colonial towns. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and baroque churches create a timeless feel, while nearby islands and waterfalls offer easy escapes into nature. Calm, slow-paced and charming, Paraty is ideal for those seeking both culture and tranquillity.

Recife & Olinda

Recife blends modern city life with sandy beaches and a lively cultural scene, but it is neighbouring Olinda that steals the spotlight. Perched on a hillside above the coast, Olinda is a UNESCO-listed gem of colourful houses, art studios and historic churches. Its winding lanes and festive spirit, especially during Carnival, make it a joy to explore.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a city of drama and beauty, where mountains plunge towards the Atlantic and neighbourhoods spill onto golden beaches. Christ the Redeemer stands watch from above, while Sugarloaf Mountain offers panoramic views that seem almost unreal. Between samba rhythms, oceanfront strolls and forested trails, Rio feels endlessly alive and unmistakably Brazilian.

Salvador

Steeped in Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador combines history, music and seaside charm. The Pelourinho district's pastel-coloured buildings and cobbled streets set the scene for lively festivals, drumming circles and capoeira displays. With beaches on its doorstep and a warm, rhythmic atmosphere, the city captivates from the moment you arrive.

São Paulo

Vast, modern and full of contrasts, São Paulo is Brazil's cultural and culinary powerhouse. Its skyline stretches to the horizon, yet tucked among the high-rises are leafy districts, independent galleries and some of South America's best restaurants. From Avenida Paulista to the lively markets of Liberdade, the city rewards curiosity at every turn.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.