The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Brazil

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sights in Brazil, Iguaçu Falls is also one of the most powerful waterfall systems on Earth. Spanning nearly 3 kilometres along the Brazilian and Argentine borders, this colossal natural wonder is formed by 275 separate cascades crashing through the landscape. The falls are enveloped by the Atlantic rainforest, a rich subtropical microclimate home to toucans, butterflies, coatis and even the elusive jaguar.

Need to Know: While the falls are best observed from Brazil for panoramic views of the entire cascade, the Devil’s Throat on the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls offers an immersive experience, with walkways across that wind across an 82-metre drop.

Fernando de Noronha is the largest island in a volcanic archipelago protected as a national marine park and ecological sanctuary – definitely one of the best places to visit in Brazil. Its famously clear waters have made it a premier Brazil attraction for those seeking world-class diving and respectful observation of sea turtles and playful dolphins. Stay at secluded Pousada Maravilha and enjoy this volcanic paradise.

Need to Know: Visitor numbers are capped at around 450 people per day to preserve the archipelago’s unique environment, so we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, a breathtaking ecosystem covering 6 million square kilometres, sheltering 10% of all known species. You can explore it on a river cruise or taking guided hikes into the jungle. As one of the most beautiful sights in Brazil, the Amazon transforms with the seasons. We recommend a stay at Cristalino Jungle Lodge – one of our favourite rainforest lodges in the world – for its expert-guided excursions and remote jungle setting.

Need to Know: For the best experience, visit between June and November when drier skies allow for uninterrupted exploration of its stunning wildlife and landscapes.

Home to some of the most surreal scenery in Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses is a vast coastal landscape of sweeping white sand dunes. Each year, following the rainy season, the valleys fill with fresh water, creating thousands of crystal-clear temporary lagoons. This transformation creates one of the most beautiful places in Brazil – with extraordinary desert-like dunes and shimmering pools perfect for swimming, found nowhere else on Earth.

Need to Know: To see the lagoons at their fullest, visit between June and September. Access is typically by 4×4 or in a small plane from São Luís.

Recognised as the world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal is one of the most beautiful sights in Brazil. Here, jaguars patrol riverbanks while capybaras and giant otters thrive by the water. The birdlife is just as spectacular, from towering jabiru storks to beautiful hyacinth macaws. Accommodation is often in fazendas (ranches). One of our favourites is Caiman Lodge, where daily safaris with expert guides also contribute to one of the region’s longest-running jaguar conservation projects.

Need to Know: Unlike the dense Amazon, the Pantanal’s vast, open landscapes make spotting iconic fauna remarkably easy, especially during the dry season from July to October.

Few cities combine culture and scenery in Brazil like Rio de Janeiro, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. While famous for its Carnival and renowned landmarks, the city offers plenty of experiences including hiking through the lush Tijuca National Park, dancing live samba in Lapa or relaxing on the sands of Ipanema Beach. We recommend lunch at Refettorio Gastromotiva – a unique Rio dining experience turning surplus food into gourmet meals while training young chefs.

Need to Know: The best time to visit for pleasant weather and less visitors is from April to May or September to October.

Once a quiet fishing village, Jericoacoara (affectionately known as ‘Jeri’) offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Brazil. It’s a protected national park with a landscape of rolling sand dunes, freshwater lagoons and wide, windswept beaches. The name itself is believed to mean ‘lair of the turtles,’ a nod to the sea turtles that have long nested along its pristine shores. We recommend staying at Chili Beach, a beachfront resort well-suited for couples planning a romantic honeymoon in Brazil.

Need to Know: For relaxing beach days with lighter winds, visit in June or early July. From mid-July to December stronger winds create ideal conditions for world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Salvador’s historic Pelourinho district is a beautiful maze of pastel-coloured buildings, bursting with a rich Afro-Brazilian culture. It’s one of the top places to enjoy Bahian cuisine and the rhythms of capoeira and samba filling the city’s town squares. We recommend a  hands-on Bahian culinary experience led by an expert chef. Taste Brazilian, Mediterranean, African and Asian flavours, aptly reflecting the region’s great cultural diversity. We love to stay at the Fasano Salvador because it’s close to the stunning landmarks like Pelourinho and the San Francisco church.

Need to know: For a particularly festive atmosphere, visit in June to experience the city-wide Festas Juninas (June Festival).

Bonito is rightly celebrated as one of the most beautiful places in Brazil. The region sits on a vast limestone plateau that acts as a natural filter, creating some of the most transparent rivers and springs in the world. You can drift along the Rio da Prata or explore the ethereal depths of the Blue Lake Cave, an excellent natural pool for diving and snorkelling.

Need to know: For the most powerful waterfalls, visit from December to March. The clearest waters and best snorkelling conditions are typically between April and September.