What to do in Brazil: must-see places and experiences to discover

Brazil is a country of striking contrasts, where each region offers a unique palette of experiences. This is precisely what makes each trip to Brazil so unique: it is possible to live radically different adventures in just a few days, whether with family, as a couple, or solo.

Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly the most emblematic city to visit in Brazil. From the top of Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer watches over an extraordinary bay, framed by the Sugarloaf Mountain and the mythical beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. To grasp the deep soul of the city, the Santa Teresa neighborhood deserves a long stroll: its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and views of the bay make it a unique place, away from the bustle of the waterfront. In the evening, the nightlife kicks off in the bars of Lapa, the birthplace of samba. If you are lucky enough to be there in February, the Rio Carnival is a spectacle that surpasses all superlatives.

Did you know? Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters tall and has been among the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World since 2007.

Beyond the cities, the most enchanting Brazilian side reveals itself in its exceptional natural spaces. The Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a breathtaking spectacle: 275 waterfalls plunging into a lush tropical forest, accessible from the national park on the Brazilian side. Count on a full day to fully enjoy it. Further north, the Lençóis Maranhenses form a unique landscape in the world, where white sand dunes are covered with turquoise lagoons after the rainy season. To observe jaguars, caimans, and toucans in their natural habitat, the Pantanal — the largest wetland in the world — is a rare experience that few destinations can offer. Plan at least four days to truly immerse yourself.

Contact us for more information on the best times to visit Brazil.

Brazil's geography is so vast that it is important to well organize your itinerary. Here is a selection of destinations that deserve special attention, according to your desires and available time.

The Brazilian Northeast concentrates some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Brazil's rare gems. Mainly accessible from Recife, this ecological sanctuary limits the number of visitors to preserve its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and exceptional marine fauna — dolphins, turtles, sharks. Booking in advance is imperative. Further west, Jericoacoara captivates with its preserved atmosphere, its sand dunes, and its ideal conditions for kitesurfing. The sunset from the large dune is a must-see appointment under no circumstances. The Chapada Diamantina, in the heart of the State of Bahia, completes this panorama with its gorges, waterfalls, and caves with intensely blue waters: count at least two to three days to explore the main hiking trails.

Brazil is not just a nature destination. Salvador de Bahia delves into an Afro-Brazilian heritage of incomparable richness. Its historic center, the Pelourinho, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site: its cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades, its drummers, and its capoeira demonstrations create a musical and festive atmosphere without equal. Plan two to three days to explore the city and its surrounding beaches. São Paulo, the economic capital of the country, also deserves a cultural stopover: its internationally renowned museums, art galleries, and cuisine make it a city to discover other than in transit. Finally, Ouro Preto transports to another era with its ten baroque churches and its paved streets worthy of an 18th-century painting — a one-day stop is enough to capture all its beauty.

Advice from our Travel Planners: combine Salvador de Bahia with a getaway to Boipeba Island or Itacaré to alternate culture and nature along a tailor-made itinerary.

Between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the Costa Verde is a haven of rare natural beauty. Ilha Grande, accessible by boat from Rio, is one of the region's great revelations: car-free, surrounded by dense tropical forest and endowed with preserved beaches, it offers a true break of serenity. Hiking trails wind to hidden coves, and the seabeds are teeming with life. Nearby, the colonial town of Paraty charms with its cobbled streets, white houses, and picturesque port. These two stops ideally complement a four-to-five-day itinerary from Rio.

Book your trip to Brazil now and create an itinerary that suits you with a dedicated Travel Planner.

The question of timing is essential for planning a trip to Brazil under the best conditions. The country spans several climatic zones, and seasons vary greatly by region. Here is an overview of the best windows according to destinations:

For a stay that combines beautiful beaches, nature, and culture under the best conditions, the months from June to October are generally the most favorable in the majority of the regions visited. Keep in mind that certain so-called wet periods are, on the contrary, ideal for seeing the lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses at their peak of splendor.

Contact us for more information and to build your custom trip to Brazil with a dedicated Travel Planner.