Best Things to do in Brazil

Iconic Brazilian Experiences

Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain (Rio de Janeiro)

Two of Rio’s most famous landmarks offer breathtaking and distinct perspectives of the city. A visit to both is essential to fully appreciate the city’s unique geography.

• Ascend Corcovado Mountain through the Tijuca Forest to stand at the base of the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue, enjoying sweeping panoramic views of the entire city.
• Take the two-stage glass-walled cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. This experience is particularly memorable at sunset, as you watch the city lights begin to twinkle against the backdrop of Guanabara Bay.

Practical Advice: To avoid the largest crowds and midday heat at Christ the Redeemer, aim for the first train up in the morning (around 8:00 AM) or go late in the afternoon. For Sugarloaf, late afternoon allows you to see the city in daylight, at sunset, and illuminated at night. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance for both attractions to secure a time slot and bypass long queues. For Corcovado, you have two primary transport options: the traditional Corcovado Train offers a charming, scenic ride through the forest, while official van services from points like Copacabana or Largo do Machado can be a quicker, more direct alternative.

The Spectacle of Iguazu Falls

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the immense power and scale of Iguazu Falls is an unforgettable natural wonder. To truly grasp its magnitude, it is necessary to see it from both nations.

• Experience the falls from the Brazilian side, which offers stunning panoramic vistas of the entire chain of waterfalls.
• Explore the Argentinian side, where a network of catwalks allows you to get remarkably close to the thundering water, feeling its immense power.
• For an added thrill, the Macuco Safari boat tour takes you directly into the spray of some of the smaller, yet still powerful, falls.
• Walk the extensive trail systems, especially the suspended walkway on the Argentinian side that leads to the very edge of the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat (Garganta do Diabo).

Practical Advice: We highly recommend dedicating one full day to each side of the falls to explore them without rushing. Remember that you will be crossing an international border, so your passport is required to enter Argentina from Brazil and vice-versa.

Experiencing Carnival

While Carnival is celebrated across Brazil, its most famous expressions offer different but equally vibrant experiences. This is a time of pure, uninhibited celebration that engulfs the nation.

• Join a bloco (a neighborhood street party with a moving sound system) in Rio de Janeiro or Salvador for an authentic, high-energy experience alongside locals.
• Witness the main event in Rio: the spectacular, highly choreographed parade of samba schools at the Sambadrome.
• Explore the unique Carnival traditions in other cities, such as the giant puppets of Olinda and the fast-paced frevo music in Recife.

Practical Advice: As your trip is confirmed, remember that Carnival requires meticulous planning. All accommodation and Sambadrome tickets must be secured many months in advance. During the festivities, stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure. The energy is infectious, but it is crucial to stay hydrated in the heat and crowds.

Cultural Immersion

Explore the Afro-Brazilian Heart of Salvador

Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, is the vibrant center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Its historic heart, the Pelourinho, is a living museum of music, art, and history.

• Wander the colorful, cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture, churches, and boutiques.
• Witness a dynamic Capoeira performance, a unique martial art that combines acrobatics, dance, and music, often performed spontaneously in public squares.
• For a deeper cultural insight, you can arrange to respectfully observe a Candomblé religious ceremony.

Practical Advice: Cultural sensitivity is paramount here, especially if you attend a Candomblé ceremony; dress modestly and never take photos without explicit permission. We strongly recommend hiring a licensed local guide who can provide invaluable historical context, ensure you are interacting respectfully, and help you navigate the area safely.

Step Back in Time in Colonial Towns

Away from the major metropolises, Brazil’s colonial towns offer a peaceful glimpse into the country’s rich history, preserved in their architecture and art.

• In Minas Gerais, discover Ouro Preto, a town built on the wealth of Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush, renowned for its steep winding streets and stunning baroque churches adorned with the works of the sculptor Aleijadinho.
• Stroll through the charming, vehicle-free center of Paraty, a picturesque port town nestled between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where colonial houses meet a lush green coastline.

Practical Advice: These towns serve as excellent multi-day excursions from major cities (Ouro Preto from Belo Horizonte; Paraty from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo). They provide a wonderful change of pace, allowing you to immerse yourself in a more tranquil and historic side of Brazil.

Feel the Rhythm: Samba & Capoeira

Music and movement are fundamental to the Brazilian identity. Engaging with samba and capoeira offers a direct connection to the soul of the country.

• Take a beginner’s samba class in Rio de Janeiro to learn the basic steps of this iconic dance.
• Visit a samba school rehearsal in the months leading up to Carnival for a behind-the-scenes look at the immense effort and passion that goes into the parades.
• Attend a roda de capoeira (Capoeira circle) to witness the incredible skill and energy of the practitioners as they engage in a “game” of fluid, acrobatic movements.

Practical Advice: It is useful to know the difference between the highly structured, large-scale samba seen in the Sambadrome and the more intimate, improvisational samba de roda found in smaller venues. For classes and authentic experiences, look for reputable schools and cultural centers in neighborhoods like Lapa in Rio.

Unforgettable Nature & Adventure

Journey into the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is not just a destination but an immense, living ecosystem. A journey here is an opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level.

• Stay at a jungle lodge, which serves as your base for exploring the world’s largest rainforest.
• Take guided canoe trips on the river’s tributaries to spot wildlife such as pink river dolphins, various species of monkeys, and sloths.
• Learn about the traditional uses of medicinal plants on a guided hike through the jungle with a knowledgeable local expert.

Practical Advice: It is important to manage expectations. The Amazon is not a zoo, and wildlife sightings are a matter of patience and fortune. The dense vegetation can make animals difficult to spot. We emphasize choosing an eco-conscious and reputable tour operator that prioritizes sustainable practices and supports local communities.

Wildlife Spotting in the Pantanal

For those whose primary goal is to see wildlife, the Pantanal is arguably the best destination in South America. This vast tropical wetland offers unparalleled viewing opportunities.

• Embark on a safari by 4×4 vehicle, boat, or even on horseback to explore the diverse habitats of this unique biome.
• Spot iconic South American wildlife: the Pantanal is one of the best places in the world to see jaguars, especially during the dry season, as well as capybaras, giant otters, and thousands of caimans.
• The birdwatching is spectacular, with easy sightings of hyacinth macaws, toucans, and jabiru storks.

Practical Advice: Unlike the dense Amazon, the Pantanal’s open plains make wildlife much easier to see. The best season for jaguar sightings is the dry season, typically from July to October, when animals congregate around the remaining water sources.

Discover Brazil’s Legendary Beaches & National Parks

From iconic urban beaches to remote, otherworldly landscapes, Brazil’s coastline and protected areas are sources of immense natural beauty.

• Hike and swim in the surreal landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses