10 Best Things to Do in Brazil
What is Brazil Most Famous For?
As the world’s fifth-largest country by area, there’s a whole multitude of best things to do in Brazil. It’s the most visited country in South America, and for good reason. Visitors looking for natural beauty will be charmed by the Amazon Rainforest, the vast wetland of the Pantanal and Iguazu Falls.
The city of Rio de Janeiro is the largest draw for tourists, and as you step onto its vibrant streets, you’ll see why. Visitors can frolic along Copacabana Beach, be wowed by the Christ the Redeemer statue and, of course, party and dance during the Rio Carnival.
What are the best things to do in Brazil?
1. Rio de Janeiro
Large seaside city with beaches and famous attractions
Ideal para: História, Vida noturna, Foto
As Brazil’s second-largest city, Rio de Janeiro is a bucket-list place for many. Sunbathe the afternoon away on its famed gorgeous beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema. Then, travel to must-see landmarks like the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue before boarding a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for spectacular views.
Rio is also a celebrated sports town, having hosted FIFA World Cups and the Summer Olympics, so be sure to catch a football game while you’re here. Of course, we can’t talk about Rio without mentioning its world famous annual Rio Carnival celebrations that take place just before Lent. The city is awash with colour and music, so it’s the perfect time to try out samba and marvel at the parades.
Rio de Janeiro
2. Boat trip on the Amazon
The world’s second-longest river
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
An exciting boat trip on the Amazon River can vary from luxury-class cruises to more private affairs aboard an exclusive river boat. Either way, a ride along the Amazon is going to provide plenty of highlights for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, so be sure to bring your camera with you.
Boat trips will provide different experiences, depending on the time of year. High-water season might provide more opportunities to see birds and other animals, while low-water season is a great time for fishing. Regardless of the season, boat trips are a great way to discover Indigenous communities and their culture, beautiful rainforests and maybe even an Amazon pink river dolphin.
Boat trip on the Amazon
3. The Pantanal
The world’s largest tropical wetland
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
A vast wetland spanning more than 42 million acres, the Pantanal is larger than half of the United States and several European countries put together. If you’re looking for wildlife, the Pantanal is home to the largest concentration of crocodiles in the world, and jaguars are also plentiful. Guided horseback tours are a great option if you’d like to admire these impressive creatures.
More than a million visitors are drawn to the Pantanal each year, most of whom come to see over 4,700 plant and animal species that are living in the area. Bird lovers and photographers will enjoy seeing colourful toucans and macaws. In some areas, why not take a scenic drive or fish for catfish and piranhas?
The Pantanal
4. Mercado Municipal, Sao Paolo
Large market in a historic building
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação
Attracting 50,000 visitors a week, Sao Paulo’s Mercado Municipal regularly tops lists as one of the best things to do in Brazil. Set along the Tamanduatei riverbanks, the huge market building features 72 stained glass windows, so make sure you take a picture.
The environment is both bustling and vibrant, and visitors are greeted with a plethora of colourful food options. The stalls are full of spices, seasonings, sausages, cheeses, wines, meat and fish, perfect for supplying a picnic or sampling street food. Some of the traditional delicacies served at the market include mortadella sandwiches, cod fritters and giant pastries. The market is also famous for both conventional and exotic fruits, if you crave something sweet.
Localização: R. da Cantareira, 306 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01024-900, Brazil
Abre: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +55 11 4580-1390
Mercado Municipal, Sao Paolo
5. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Protected area known for its dunes and lagoons
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Casais
Lencois Maranhenses National Park is a vast landscape on the northeastern coast of Brazil that covers more than 375,000 acres and features tall, white sand dunes. During the rainy season, the valleys between the dunes fill with water and create freshwater lagoons, creating a mind-blowing sight.
The park is a favourite for ecotourists, as it’s home to 4 endangered species: the scarlet Ibis, the neotropical otter, the oncilla and the West Indian manatee. Tours from local hotels are available, and guides can help direct visitors to trails between swimmable lagoons or even to a restaurant in the middle of an oasis. If you’re really daring, why not give sandboarding a go?
Localização: Barreirinhas - State of Maranhão, 65590-000, Brazil
Telefone: +55 98 3349-1267
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
6. Pelourinho, Salvador
Historic city within a city
Ideal para: Foto, História
An area within the city of Salvador, Pelourinho is known for its colourful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Designated at UNESCO World Heritage site, it underwent a major restoration in the 1990s and has since become a much-visited tourist attraction.
Pelourinho has many shops and galleries selling local arts and crafts, so you’re sure to find an awesome souvenir while you’re here. You’ll also see more than 800 buildings with restored facades and interiors, many of which serve as small museums and cultural centres. Historic buildings that are must-sees include the Church and Convent of Sao Francisco and the Rio Branco Palace, so do bring your camera.
Pelourinho, Salvador
7. Iguaçu Falls
Waterfalls on the border of Argentina and Brazil
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto
The breathtaking Iguazu Falls make up the largest waterfall system in the world. Most of the Iguazu River is in Brazil, but most of the falls are in Argentina. On the Brazilian side, visitors can take shuttle buses to various viewing platforms, the most impressive of which can be accessed via elevator. At the top, you’ll be met with amazing views of the cascading water and surrounding greenery.
Nearly 3 times wider than Niagara Falls, seeing them is a real once-in-a-lifetime moment. After taking in the beauty of the falls, visit Bird Park, or Parques das Aves as it’s also known, one of the largest bird parks in Latin America.
Localização: Misiones Province, Argentina
Telefone: +54 11 5258-7318
Iguaçu Falls
8. Inhotim
Art and nature combined
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas
A contemporary art museum and botanical garden in Brumadinho, Inhotim first opened to the public in 2006 and is now one of the biggest open-air museums in the world. Seamlessly blending art and nature, you’ll be awed when touring the lush landscapes. Two dozen pavilions contain sculptures and installations showcasing shaped foliage walls, tinted and frosted glass and microphones amplifying the sounds from 200 metres below ground.
Around 700 works by more than 60 artists from nearly 40 countries are featured, along with the botanical garden that houses over 5,000 plant species from every continent. Eateries and restaurants are spread throughout the park. To learn more, book a guided visit.
Localização: Rua B, 20 Fazenda Inhotim, Brumadinho - MG, 35460-000, Brazil
Abre: Wednesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +55 31 3571-9700
Inhotim
9. Pipa
Small village with famous beaches
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
A laid-back beach town with a population of about 5,000 on the northeastern coast of Brazil, Pipa is both vibrant and welcoming. You’ll fall in love with the colourfully painted homes and various street art the moment you see them.
Visitors flock to Pipa for the nearby beaches. The clear waters, white sands and cliffs attracted surfers decades ago, and Praia de Pipa is now one of Brazil’s most famous beaches. Others nearby rival its beauty, though, especially as dolphins often like to put on a show at Baia dos Golfinhos or Madeiro Beach. Definitely visit a few while you’re in Brazil but take caution along the cliffs, and in the large waves and changing tides.
Pipa
10. Carnival of Brazil
A week of celebrations in Rio and throughout Brazil
Ideal para: Foto, Vida noturna
You’ll find Carnival celebrations the week before Lent in cities throughout Brazil, from the Recife and Olinda Carnivals to the Bahia Carnival to the Sao Paulo Carnival, and beyond. The Rio Rio Carnival is often dubbed as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.
Every Carnival features elaborate costumes, plenty of dancing and incredible street parties, and you’ll be mesmerised by the scores of sequinned parade floats. More than 70 schools participate in Rio Carnival’s signature samba competition, while Salvador’s festivities include raucous live music. No matter where you are in Brazil, you’ll soon be swept away by the rhythm of the world’s biggest party.
Carnival of Brazil
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