Out of the Beaten Tracks places to visit in Brazil

For the Adventurous Trekker & Nature Lover

Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia

This is a vast plateau defined by its dramatic canyons, imposing mesas, hidden waterfalls, and subterranean caves with crystal-clear water. As a premier trekking destination in Brazil, it offers profound immersion in nature. Visit Chapada Diamantina for more information.

• What to do: Hike to the magnificent Fumaça Waterfall, Brazil’s second-highest cascade. Swim in the otherworldly blue waters of the Poço Azul and Poço Encantado caves. For a truly memorable experience, undertake the multi-day Pati Valley trek, considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

This destination is best suited for travelers with a good level of fitness who are seeking serious hiking opportunities amid stunning landscapes. The charming colonial town of Lençóis serves as the main base for exploring the park.

Jalapão State Park, Tocantins

Prepare for a unique and remote landscape of golden sand dunes, vibrant orange sandstone formations, and the remarkable fervedouros—natural boiling springs where the water pressure is so high that you float effortlessly.

• What to do: Experience the strange sensation of floating in a fervedouro, watch a spectacular sunset from the heights of the Dunas do Jalapão, and enjoy a peaceful canoe trip on the pristine Rio Novo.

This park is for the true adventurer seeking an off-grid expedition. Please be advised that this area is not suitable for independent travel; a guided 4×4 tour is essential due to the lack of infrastructure and extremely challenging terrain.

For the Ultimate Wildlife Encounter

The Southern Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul

Welcome to the world’s largest tropical wetland, a destination that offers unparalleled and remarkably open wildlife viewing opportunities. For the serious wildlife enthusiast, this is our top recommendation in Brazil. Explore the wonders of Porto Jofre & North Pantanal.

• What to see: The Pantanal is home to the highest density of jaguars in the world. You will also have excellent chances of spotting capybaras, giant river otters, caimans, and hundreds of species of birds.

Unlike the dense Amazon rainforest where visibility is limited, the open plains of the Pantanal make spotting animals significantly easier. We recommend staying at a fazenda (a traditional lodge or ranch) for expertly guided safaris by boat, 4×4 vehicle, and on foot.

Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí

This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts the largest and oldest concentration of prehistoric rock art in the Americas, offering a fascinating window into the continent’s ancient past.

• What to see: Discover thousands of ancient paintings depicting animals, rituals, and daily life, all set against a dramatic backdrop of red rock canyons and unique geological formations.

This destination is ideal for travelers with a keen interest in archaeology, anthropology, and geology. It is a very remote location that requires careful logistical planning, but the reward is a deep appreciation for its importance in understanding early human history in South America.

For the Seeker of Pristine & Unique Beaches

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

This is a protected volcanic archipelago where a strict limit on visitors ensures that its nature remains pristine and its world-class beaches are never crowded. It is an exclusive, high-end destination.

• What to do: Snorkel or dive in the exceptionally clear waters alongside sea turtles and rays, watch for pods of spinner dolphins from the clifftops, and relax on Baía do Sancho, a beach frequently voted as the best in the world.

A daily environmental preservation tax is required for all visitors. Due to the strict visitor caps, it is imperative to book flights and accommodation far in advance to secure your place in this protected paradise.

Alter do Chão, Pará

Known as the “Caribbean of the Amazon,” this destination reveals stunning white-sand river beaches that emerge from the Tapajós River during its low-water season.

• What to do: Relax on the famous Ilha do Amor sandbar that appears in the middle of the river, take a boat trip through the flooded forest (Igapós) to see a different side of the ecosystem, and visit local riverine communities to learn about their way of life.

This location offers a unique beach experience on a massive freshwater river, providing a completely different perspective on the Amazon. It is essential to note the seasonal nature of the beaches; they are visible during the dry season, typically from August to January, and are submerged for the rest of the year.

For the Cultural Historian & Art Enthusiast

The Colonial Towns of Minas Gerais

A journey through this region is a journey back in time to Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush, set amidst a landscape of rolling green hills and mountains.

• Key towns: Explore Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning baroque churches featuring the work of the master sculptor Aleijadinho. Also visit Tiradentes, a smaller and exceptionally charming town known for its preserved architecture and renowned culinary scene.

Activities include exploring historic churches, visiting former gold mines, and indulging in the region’s distinctive and hearty cuisine. This area is well-suited for a self-drive itinerary or a tour with a private driver, offering a mountain culture that provides a wonderful contrast to Brazil’s coastal cities.

Olinda, Pernambuco

This beautifully preserved colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, perched on a hillside with vibrant, colorful houses and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Why it’s different: While also historic, Olinda has a more relaxed and artistically focused atmosphere than Salvador’s Pelourinho. Its streets are filled with art galleries, artisan workshops, and a palpable bohemian spirit.

This city is perfect for art lovers and those who enjoy exploring cobblestone streets and historic architecture at a leisurely pace. Its proximity to the major city of Recife is a great advantage. Olinda is also famous for its Carnival, a unique and highly participatory street party quite different from the grand parades of Rio.