If you’re planning a trip to this unique South American country, then you have plenty of options. From glistening beaches to exotic jungles, Brazil has something for everyone.
The bustling capital of Sao Paulo is a city that attracts urban explorers with its progressive cultural scene and fabulous cuisine. It also has a lively nightlife and is known for its excellent shopping.
Curitiba
Curitiba is a wonderful city to explore. It is a blend of historical sites and modernity, offering plenty to see and do!
The historic district of Curitiba has a plethora of museums, churches, street markets and traditional restaurants. You can spend days just wandering around here, absorbing the city's rich cultural heritage.
One of the best places to visit in Curitiba is Capao da Imbuia (Museum of Nature). Here, a 400m diorama of a remnant of the Araucaria forest displays natural elements and flora.
Moreover, the city has many parks to keep people and animals healthy. The Barigui Park is a great place for kids to run around and play, while the Passeio Publico has several lakes and bird species.
The city also has a food for waste programme, in which residents are encouraged to bring their garbage out and exchange it for tokens. This helps the community clean up and stay healthier.
Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is an island off Brazil’s Green Coast that consists of 193 square kilometers of jungle, beaches, and pristine wildlife. It is one of the best places to visit in Brazil for adventurers and ecotourism lovers.
In addition to the beach, visitors can also explore local rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and trails. They can even try a hike to Feiticeira, the largest waterfall in the area that towers 49-feet high.
A trip to Ilha Grande is an unforgettable experience. Not only do you get to enjoy a wide range of natural beauty, but you can also witness the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful place.
Vila do Abraao, the main town of Ilha Grande, is a sleepy place dedicated to laid-back leisure. Its earlier history as a notorious pirate den, leper colony and the Brazilian equivalent of Devil’s Island is all but invisible today.
Maragogi
Maragogi, in Alagoas, is one of the most classic examples of the idyllic landscape that predominates in northeast Brazil. The beaches are calm and surrounded by coral reefs, with fine sands. They also have natural pools, known as Croas and Gales, which form during low tide and can be reached by boat.
The cultural heritage is also very important here, with a fantastic museum dedicated to the culture and history of the region. It is divided into different themes such as traditional food, local lore and environment.
Salvador
Salvador is the capital of Bahia, a coastal state dotted with beaches and surrounded by rainforests. Its historic center, Pelourinho, is protected by UNESCO and flaunts a mix of Portuguese colonial architecture and Afro-Brazilian culture.
This city sits on a peninsula that shields a large natural harbor, Baia do Todos Santos (All Saints Bay), from the Atlantic Ocean. The bay and ocean coasts are separated by white sand beaches where locals hang out, picnic and surf.
The historic heart of Salvador, Pelourinho, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s crammed with 17th-century buildings that have been renovated to keep their original look intact. You’ll also find the striking Palacio Rio Branco, a former seat of the Bahian government and now one of the city’s most popular hotels.
Rio de Janeiro
The Best Places to Visit in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro has it all, from awe-inspiring beaches to exuberant street parties, and the world famous Christo Redeemer Statue. The city is also home to a number of stunning historical sites.
If you want to experience the beauty of this city and learn about its history, be sure to visit Parque das Esculturas (Sculptures Park). The Marco Zero Square is also one of the most popular attractions for locals and travellers alike.
Another must-see attraction is Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) for incredible views of the city and Christo Redeemer Statue. You can see this landmark by bus or train, but if you're feeling adventurous, a guided Early Access to Christ Redeemer Statue with Optional Sugarloaf Mountain Tour is the way to go.