What to do in Brazil Top 20 must-sees and must-dos.

Useful links

Rio de Janeiro, the capital

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s mythical party city! Located in the south-east of the country, Rio de Janeiro is famous for its colorful carnival, its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer and its lively beaches. Here you can discover Copacabana beach, an iconic beach with colorful umbrellas, beach bars and outdoor activities like volleyball and surfing, or Ipanema beach, a quieter beach with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. You can also visit Christ the Redeemer, a 30-metre-high statue perched on top of Corcovado, or Sugarloaf, a rock formation in the shape of a sugar loaf with panoramic views over the city and Guanabara Bay.

São Paulo, the cultural capital

Located in the south-east of the country, it is considered Brazil’s economic and cultural capital. São Paulo is famous for its iconic skyscrapers, such as the Banespa Tower and Edifício Italia, which offer breathtaking views of the city. You can also admire street art in the Vila Madalena district, visit the São Paulo Art Museum and discover the wonders of Ibirapuera Park.

Salvador da Bahia

Salvador de Bahia, on Brazil’s northeast coast, is a city rich in history and culture. Its historic Pelourinho district is packed with colorful colonial buildings and Baroque churches, bearing witness to its Portuguese colonial past. The city is known for its lively music scene, especially during Carnival, and its Afro-Brazilian culture, which manifests itself through music, dance and religious rituals. Its superb beaches, such as Porto da Barra and Flamengo, add to Salvador’s appeal by offering picturesque coastal scenery.

Florianópolis, the seaside town

Brazil’s emblematic seaside resort! Located on the island of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis is famous for its sandy beaches, breathtaking ocean views and lively nightlife. Joaquina beach is one of the most famous in the region and offers incredible surfing opportunities with its impressive waves.

Natal and its dunes

Natal is famous for its sandy beaches, spectacular sand dunes and lively nightlife. Ponta Negra beach is the most famous in the region and offers incredible opportunities for surfing and other water sports. You can also visit Genipabu beach, a white sand beach bordered by impressive sand dunes and offering thrilling buggy rides.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is a series of 275 waterfalls located between Brazil and Argentina, in the middle of the rainforest. Ranging from 3km in length to 80 metres in height, they offer a breathtaking spectacle for all travellers. The resulting immensity of water is so great that a rainbow can be seen at the bottom of the falls, where a fog has been created.

Rio carnival

Rio’s famous Carnival is the world’s most popular festival. Carnival brings together music and dance performances in the streets of the city for several days. Giant floats and parades are on hand, as are costume balls, and locals and travellers from all over the world party the night away. Millions of people take part in this carnival, which usually takes place between February and March.

Ilha Grande

Located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Ilha Grande is an ideal island for snorkeling and hiking. Its translucent waters and jungle make it a popular destination for tourists. However, the island is very natural and untouched by urbanization. Three regions of the island are classified as protected sites and have been entrusted to the administration of the National Environment Institute.

The Pantanal and its wilderness

Far less well known than the Amazon, but just as impressive, the Pantanal is a must for wilderness enthusiasts. It’s an ideal place to observe wildlife, as the landscape is unobstructed and the concentration of animals is the highest in the world. Over 600 species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals such as the jaguar can be seen. It’s advisable to visit during the dry season between May and September to avoid the sweltering heat and aggressive mosquitoes.

Lençois Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a nature reserve located in the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil. Covering some 1,550 square kilometers along the Atlantic coast, it is home to one of South America’s most spectacular and unique landscapes.

The park is famous for its pristine white sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a breathtaking desert landscape. These dunes, which can reach up to 40 meters in height, are the result of the action of winds and sea currents on a vast coastal plain.

The best time to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses is during the rainy season, from January to June, when the lagoons are full of water. Visitors can swim, hike and enjoy breathtaking scenery. It is important to note that some parts of the park are protected and require the accompaniment of a local guide to preserve the fragile ecosystem.