Out of the Beaten Tracks places to visit in Brazil
Explore Brazil's hidden gems, from Jalapão's wilds to Atins' serene shores.
Essentials
- Chapada Diamantina: A trekker's paradise in Bahia, featuring stunning waterfalls, caves, and multi-day hiking routes like the Pati Valley trek.
- Jalapão State Park: Experience unique golden dunes and fervedouros (natural springs for floating) in Tocantins; requires 4x4 guided tours.
- Southern Pantanal: The ultimate wildlife destination for spotting jaguars, capybaras, and diverse birdlife in Mato Grosso do Sul.
- Serra da Capivara: Discover ancient rock art in Piauí, a UNESCO site offering insights into early human history amidst dramatic canyons.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brazil offers several world-class birdwatching lodges across its diverse biomes. In the southern Amazon, Cristalino Lodge is a premier destination, featuring tall observation towers that provide unique access to canopy-dwelling species. For the Pantanal wetlands, Pousada Piuval and South Wild Pantanal are highly recommended for sightings of hyacinth macaws, jabirus, and various kingfishers.
The Atlantic Forest, known for its high level of endemism, is best explored from Itororó Lodge or Trilha dos Tucanos, where birders can find vibrant tanagers and toucans. In the Cerrado region, Pousada Trijunção provides specialized tours to spot rare species like the dwarf tinamou. These lodges offer expert guides and dedicated infrastructure, making them essential stops for any serious birdwatcher visiting Brazil.
Brazil is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, offering several premier birdwatching destinations across its distinct biomes. The Pantanal wetlands are renowned for high visibility, where enthusiasts can spot the iconic Jabiru stork and the endangered Hyacinth Macaw. In the Atlantic Forest, Itatiaia National Park and the coastal regions of Ubatuba host hundreds of endemic species, including vibrant tanagers and hummingbirds.
The Amazon Rainforest, particularly near Manaus and Alta Floresta, provides access to an immense variety of parrots, toucans, and specialized canopy birds. For grassland species, the Cerrado region, including Serra da Canastra and Chapada dos Guimarães, is essential for viewing the Greater Rhea and the rare Brazilian Merganser. Each location offers a unique ecosystem and a wealth of rare avian life.
The best time for birdwatching in Brazil is generally between July and October, coinciding with the dry season in major biomes like the Pantanal and the Amazon. During this period, lower water levels concentrate bird populations around permanent water sources, providing exceptional visibility and photographic opportunities. In the Atlantic Forest and southern regions, the peak season occurs from September to November during the austral spring. This is when many species are most active, vocal, and engaged in breeding displays, making them easier to locate and identify.
While Brazil offers year-round birding opportunities due to its vast size and tropical climate, the months of July through November provide the most consistent sightings and more manageable weather for outdoor excursions. Migratory species from the northern hemisphere also begin arriving in late September, further increasing the diversity of species available for observation across the country.
Yes, the Pantanal is exceptionally safe for travelers, particularly when compared to the urban environments of Brazil's major cities. As a remote, rural region, it is largely isolated from the common safety concerns and street crimes associated with large metropolitan areas. During a Jaguar Safari, you will spend your time in vast wetlands and private reserves where the local population is small and the atmosphere is incredibly tranquil.
The region’s economy is centered on eco-tourism and ranching, meaning your interactions will be with professional guides and lodge staff dedicated to your experience. While you should always follow basic travel precautions, the Pantanal offers a secure environment where the primary focus is on the incredible wildlife and natural beauty, far away from the complexities of city life.
During your Jaguar Safari in the Pantanal, you will enjoy hearty, local Brazilian cuisine served in a convenient buffet style. Our meals are designed to provide the energy needed for a day of exploration while showcasing authentic regional flavors. We are happy to accommodate specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
To ensure we have the necessary ingredients and can prepare suitable alternatives, please provide us with prior notice regarding any dietary restrictions or allergies before your trip begins. Our team is dedicated to providing a delicious and inclusive dining experience for all our guests as they explore the stunning wildlife of the Pantanal.
