Things to Do in Brazil: The 22 Best Highlights

Brazil Attractions on a Map

To give you a quick overview of where each attraction in Brazil is located, we’ve marked them all on a map for you.

Since Brazil is enormous, you probably won’t be able to see every highlight in just a few weeks.

So feel free to read our article on the best travel destinations in Brazil — there we give you more inspiration about the country’s most beautiful regions.

The Classic Attractions in Brazil

Like every great destination, Brazil has a handful of places you simply can’t skip. Here are the iconic highlights in Brazil you’ll want to put at the top of your list!

Cristo Redentor

The Cristo Redentor statue is without a doubt the number one thing to do in Brazil — and honestly, it’s one of the most famous attractions in the world. Along with highlights like Machu Picchu in Peru or Chichén Itzá in Mexico, it’s one of the seven new wonders of the world.

From almost anywhere in Rio de Janeiro, you can see the Christ statue perched on a hill over 700 meters high. From below, the massive Cristo Redentor actually looks surprisingly small.

But get up close and the 30-meter-tall statue is truly awe-inspiring. You can reach it by train, the official van, or on foot. The entrance fee varies depending on the season and day of the week.

Christ Statue ticket incl. cog train ride

You can find everything you need to plan your visit in our detailed article about the Christ statue in Rio:

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain — Pão de Açúcar in Portuguese — is one of the dramatic granite peaks that shoot straight up into the sky right in the middle of Rio de Janeiro.

While you can hike up many of Rio’s peaks on foot, the big Pão de Açúcar is only accessible by cable car, which makes a stop at the smaller peak along the way — that one you can walk up to.

Sugarloaf is a stunning photo subject from below, and the panorama from the top is simply breathtaking.

Book your cable car ticket for Sugarloaf Mountain

Copacabana

Yes, we’ll admit it — a lot of the best things to do in Brazil are in Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana is no exception — it’s probably the most famous beach in Rio and arguably in the entire world.

With granite peaks and a sprawling metropolis as the backdrop, life plays out at full volume at Copacabana. Brazilian funk blares from speakers everywhere, and the beach vendors seem to sell just about everything.

The good news: Copacabana is very long and wide, so you’ll always find your spot even when it’s busy — and if you want a change of scene, the neighboring Ipanema beach is just as great.

That’s it for Rio highlights for now. For more tips on Rio de Janeiro, check out our Rio articles:

Iguaçu Falls

The spectacular Iguaçu (in Portuguese) or Iguazú (in Spanish) waterfall complex straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina.

That makes it not only one of the most popular points of interest in Brazil, but also one of the top highlights in Argentina. The complex consists of around 270 waterfalls, some of which are even taller and wider than Niagara Falls in the USA.

The main tourist town at the falls is called Foz do Iguaçu and sits right at the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Our hotel tip: The Pousada Nanai is on the Brazilian side and has a pool and affordable rooms with breakfast included.

Amazon

The Amazon refers to the mighty river, the vast rainforest, and also the largest state in Brazil — all rolled into one unforgettable region.

One thing is certain: if you want to venture deep into the jungle, Brazil is the place to do it.

Untouched nature and incredible wildlife — an excursion through the rainforest is a real adventure. If that feels a bit too intense, you can also take a boat trip along the Amazon River and soak in the stunning scenery from the water.

Book a multi-day Amazon jungle tour from Manaus

Old Town of Salvador

The prize for the most beautiful historic center in a major Brazilian city goes without question to Salvador. In Portuguese it’s called Pelourinho, and it sits on a hill right in the heart of the city.

Colorful houses, old churches, and a fantastic view of the Atlantic — Salvador’s old quarter is simply stunning.

During the day it’s mostly tourists wandering the streets, but Pelourinho really comes alive in the evening. It feels like the whole neighborhood is dancing and drinking Caipirinha — this is where you experience Brazil at its most authentic!

Parque do Ibirapuera

Ibirapuera Park is a beautiful green escape in the mega-city of São Paulo. Alongside large lakes and plenty of open space, the park is also home to a planetarium and the Museum of Modern Art.

From Parque do Ibirapuera you also get a fantastic view of the São Paulo skyline — and it’s super easy to spend a few hours here away from the urban buzz.

Nature Highlights in Brazil

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Brazil is an especially incredible destination — the landscapes here are simply unlike anything you’ll find in Europe. Here are the best natural must-sees in Brazil.

Pantanal

Pantanal means swamp in English — which might not sound that appealing at first, but this region is actually a fantastic alternative to the Amazon.

It’s an absolute paradise for wildlife fans, with exotic animals like caimans and rare birds around every corner. Even jaguars show up here sometimes — something that’s extremely rare anywhere else in the world.

The wetland savanna lies mostly in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in central Brazil, with a small portion extending into Paraguay and Bolivia.

Our hotel tip: The Garden is located in the town of Bonito and makes a great base for exploring the wetlands.

Lençóis Maranhenses

Northern Brazil isn’t just dream beaches and rainforest — there’s also a desert here, and a seriously spectacular one at that!

In Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, heavy rains fall during the rainy season from January to May, filling the lagoons in the sand desert with water — and it looks really, really cool.

If you visit outside the rainy months, the desert is less dramatic, consisting — like most deserts — of white sand dunes.
Our hotel tip: The family-run guesthouse Toca do Vaidoso is in the small town of Barreirinhas — a great base for exploring Lençóis Maranhenses.

Chapada Diamantina

Serious mountain scenery and hiking regions are rare in Brazil — but Chapada Diamantina in the state of Bahía is a wonderful exception.

Here you’ll find beautiful mountain landscapes, massive waterfalls, and exciting caves and grottos — a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Our hotel tip: A great base for the national park is the town of Lençóis, with plenty of accommodation options. We recommend the Villa Justen Pousada.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a gorgeous island off the coast of Rio and the perfect escape from the roaring city for a few days.

Even though it’s very popular with Rio visitors, you’ll still find plenty of peaceful dream beaches, hiking trails, and untouched nature here. It’s honestly one of our personal favorites in Brazil.

You can stay overnight on the island or visit on a day boat tour.

Book the boat tour to Ilha Grande

Beach Paradises in Brazil

With an almost endless Atlantic coastline, Brazil is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches and coastal towns. Here are our top beach picks for Brazil.

Jericoacoara

The fishing village of Jericoacoara sits on Brazil’s northern coast, about 300 kilometers west of Fortaleza. Since the town is tucked into a vast dune landscape, even getting there is part of the adventure — the last stretch is by jeep over a sand track.

The village is especially popular with backpackers for its dream beaches and laid-back vibe. A real standout is the Laguna Azul, a few kilometers from the village, where you can sip coconut water from hammocks in the water.

Our hotel tip: We recommend the Pousada O Refúgio. Beautiful, creative decor and very affordable — many rooms even have their own pool.

Pipa

Pipa is one of the most popular beach towns in northeastern Brazil, located about 80 kilometers south of Natal. It’s a pure beach destination — and for good reason.

The stunning beaches backed by red coastal cliffs make for incredibly photogenic scenery, and the waves off Pipa are excellent for surfing.

Pipa is also known for its lively nightlife. Music and Caipirinha flow well into the early hours.

Our hotel tip: The Pousada Arriba Pipa is a cozy, centrally located place to stay in Pipa — great value for money.

Florianópolis

Florianópolis is a favorite destination for expats, beach lovers, and surfers on a trip to Brazil. No wonder — this island in southern Brazil is lined with one gorgeous beach after another.

From calm, sheltered waters in the north to powerful surf on the east coast, Floripa — as the locals call it — really does have it all.

One absolute dream beach on Floripa is Lagoinha do Leste. Since you can only reach it via a hiking trail, it stays wonderfully uncrowded and feels like paradise. The viewpoints along the trail also offer a sweeping vista of the bay.

Our hotel tip: We recommend the Pousada Lozalti on the beach at Barra da Lagoa. The location is fantastic and the rooms and grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

Itacaré

Itacaré is probably the most popular beach town in Bahía. It’s tucked away in lush nature and is a genuine paradise with its palm-lined beaches and great surf.

Bahía is also known for its excellent cuisine, so you’ll find great restaurants and bars in Itacaré serving classic Bahian dishes.
Our hotel tip: The Terra Boa Boutique Hotel has beautiful outdoor grounds with a pool and seriously good value for money.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is an absolute dream for many Brazilians — most save it for their honeymoon.

The island lies far off Brazil’s coast in the Atlantic and is pricier than the rest of the country — but in return, it’s a true paradise for snorkeling and swimming.

White sandy beaches, turquoise water, and unspoiled nature in every direction — you simply won’t find as many beautiful beaches anywhere else in Brazil as you will on Fernando de Noronha.

Our hotel tip: The rooms at Pousada Amar Noronha are beautifully decorated, and there’s a great pool plus a delicious breakfast.

Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas is a favorite among Brazilian vacationers and still a genuine under-the-radar pick for international visitors. The beach here is absolutely one of the most beautiful in the country.

At low tide, gorgeous natural pools form along the long beach, and the calm, clear water is perfect for snorkeling along coral reefs.

At high tide, the natural pools disappear — that’s a great time to wander through the coastal town instead.

Our hotel tip: A beautiful hotel with a pool is the Pousada Xalés de Maracaípe, located slightly south of Porto de Galinhas on a quiet neighboring beach.

Canoa Quebrado

Canoa Quebrada is a small coastal town in Ceará, famous for its 30-meter-high red rock cliffs. The cliffs are a fantastic photo subject and hugely popular with paragliders — if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s absolutely worth a try!

International tourism hasn’t fully discovered this spot yet, which means you’ll mostly be sharing the beach at Canoa Quebrada with Brazilians — and that’s a good thing.

Our hotel tip: We highly recommend the Pousada Alternativa. Spacious rooms, a good breakfast, and a terrace with ocean views.

The Best Cultural Highlights in Brazil

South America doesn’t have quite as many historic buildings and cultural sites as, say, Italy or Portugal — but there are still some genuinely impressive historic sites and cool architecture to discover in Brazil!

Cathedral of Brasília

A lot of people assume that Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo is the capital of Brazil. It’s actually Brasília — a comparatively small city in the interior of the country.

Even just for its political significance, a detour to Brasília is worthwhile. And on top of that, the capital is home to one of what we consider the most extraordinary sights in Brazil: the Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida.

This modern structure has nothing in common with the traditional churches we know from Europe — it’s a striking, one-of-a-kind building that is undeniably an architectural masterpiece.

Our hotel tip: The Windsor Plaza Brasilia is ideally located in the heart of Brasília, has a pool, really beautiful rooms, and great value for money!

Ouro Preto

The colonial city of Ouro Preto sits in the interior of the country, tucked into the hills of Minas Gerais — and it’s a true architectural gem.

The city is packed with old churches and historic buildings. It’s an excellent place to slow down, escape the noise of Brazil’s big cities, and feel like you’ve stepped back a few decades.

Ouro Preto also has fantastic food and some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll meet anywhere in Brazil.

Our hotel tip: The Casa do Chá Ouro Preto is right in the center in a historic building, and the breakfast is absolutely delicious.

Olinda

Olinda is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, just a short distance from the city of Recife in the state of Pernambuco.

Its old town was built in the Baroque style and is a real treasure. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the many beautiful churches and charming alleyways are some of the best photo spots in the country.

Our hotel tip: We recommend the Hotel 7 Colinas. Great value for money, a good location, and beautiful outdoor grounds with hammocks and a pool.

Paraty

Another beautiful small town worth your time is Paraty, on the coast at the southern tip of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

The absolute highlight here is its historic center, home to stunning colonial churches and characteristic white houses with colorful window frames. Paraty also sits on a breathtaking bay, and there are plenty of waterfalls to discover in the surrounding area.

Our hotel tip: The Planeta Banana Paraty is a lovely place to stay with beautiful outdoor grounds, a great breakfast, and cozy rooms.