If Brazil has been on your mind for a while now, but you weren’t sure where to start or what you wanted to see here, we have you covered. It can certainly be overwhelming when planning a trip, especially to a country of this size, so it is best to start with some of the main attractions and go from there.
Brazil is a country world-renowned for its incredible culture, diverse landscapes, local cuisine, and its love for football, but there are so many more things to be discovered in this wonderful South American country. No matter your preferences, you will find a way to keep yourself entertained, and how could you not, with these incredible attractions Brazil offers.
Due to it being such a vast country and the sixth most populous country globally, this captivating destination has many regions with their own set of memorable landmarks. One of the best ways to delve into the culture is to contact a local ‘Destination Expert.’ You can connect with someone who will suggest unique regional attractions and guide you towards some hidden gems along the way.
Let us show you the ten main attractions that Brazil is known for.
Iguazu Falls
This incredible waterfall needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous globally, straddling the Argentinian and Brazil border. If you didn’t know already, this group of falls makes up the most extensive waterfall system in the world, and the longest drop is 82 m (ca. 269 ft) high, which makes it a phenomenal sight to see.
No doubt, Iguazu will be on your list because what Brazil bucket list would be complete without it? When you arrive here, you will not only have the chance to walk around the falls and view them from different platforms, but you can also take a boat trip below them or a helicopter above them, all of which make for a terrific experience.
For a fabulous tour that includes this natural world wonder, check out this Iguazu Falls tour.
The Amazon Rainforest
Again, another major attraction of Brazil that needs no introduction is the Amazon Rainforest. A gigantic 60% is situated in Brazil, with the second-largest portion being located in Peru. This moist broadleaf tropical rainforest is home to various wildlife species, over 390 billion individual trees, 350 different ethnic groups, and unparalleled diversity, which keeps people coming back for more. The sheer size of this rainforest means that you could return each year for the rest of your life and still only see a small part of it. This region is unlike any other globally and is one of Brazil’s major attractions.
Many tours include a trip to the Amazon, but here is a couple of the best:
Christ the Redeemer
No trip to Rio de Janeiro is complete without a visit to one of the city’s major attractions and, of course, the country – Christ the Redeemer. Created by a French Sculpture and built by a Brazilian engineer, this art deco statue soars above the city of Rio and has become an iconic image throughout the world. As part of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this statue, which weighs an incredible 635 metric tons, has become a symbol of Christianity worldwide. We would say you do not miss out on this statue when in Rio, but there is no way you can overlook this one.
Here is a terrific tour that takes in the vibrant city of Rio as well as Christ the Redeemer:
Pantanal Wetlands
This natural region, situated primarily in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, makes up the world’s most extensive flooded grasslands and is home to various wildlife, waterfalls, caves, plateaus, and flooded forests. This is a region that is so worth exploring. You will get to see a landscape like no other, take a boat trip through the surreal wetlands, and even seek out the famous Jaguar and capybara caiman, howler monkeys, and even anacondas. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and while many are distracted by the incredible region of the Amazon, the Pantanal Wetlands can sometimes be overlooked. However, it still proves to be a unique attraction in Brazil.
This wonderful tour to the Pantanal Wetlands is so worth checking out.
Paraty
Paraty is a town that runs along the coastline of Brazil, along with the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is a beautiful combination of rich and authentic Brazilian culture, a spectacular setting with a backdrop of mountains, and many historical things to discover. The historic center, famed for its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and relaxed atmosphere, is a world away from the busy cities of Rio, San Salvador, or São Paulo.
This largely undeveloped island is just off the coast of Rio state and is a fantastic place to discover for a couple of days in between sightseeing. Ilha Grande, known as the Garden of Eden, is a place with wild nature to hike through, crystal clear waters to swim in, and 130 km of coast to be explored. It is located along the Costa Verde, renowned for its virgin rainforests, green waters, and wildlife, and the island, a preserved national park. Not many experiences will compare to a visit to Ihla Grande, and that is why so many travelers add it to their list, making it one of Brazil’s top attractions.
Check out the Experience Ihla Grande tour for more inspiration.
Jericoacoara Beach
As one of the best beaches in the world, yes, you heard that right, is it any wonder that this is one of the top attractions in Brazil. Brazil is famous for its long coastline, complete with fantastic beaches and islands, but this one stands out as one of the country’s best virgin beaches. Known as Jeri for short, this majestic beach, which is hidden behind the dunes of the west coast, has plenty of stunning blue lagoons to dive into. Be sure to look at this tour for an incredible adventure trip in Brazil that incorporates trekking, 4×4 driving, and a visit to this phenomenal beach.
Lencois Maranhenses national park
As a top-rated attraction for eco-tourists, the Lencois Maranhenses National Park is an experience that you will not forget. It is home to some of the world’s endangered species and 70km (43miles) of coastline, and a remarkable landscape complete with dunes. For an unforgettable trip to one of Brazil’s top natural attractions, look at the Ecosystem in the northeast Brazil trip.
Petropolis
The Imperial City is a fantastic place to discover in the state of Rio de Janeiro and is considered the safest city in the state. While you might have been sightseeing around Rio or enjoying the natural landscapes of Ihla Grande or the Costa Verde, this attraction offers you the chance to take a historical trip back in time. The Brazilian Royal family chose this region to build their summer house back in the 1800s. There are many historical places to enjoy while you are there, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa de Petropolis. This is a tour in Brasil that incorporates it all.
