By Briana Seftel
South America's largest country is teeming with stunning natural wonders, vibrant cities and everything in between. That also means planning a trip to Brazil can be a little daunting, so we're here to help with ideas.
Here are 8 places in Brazil we think you should visit now!
Explore this beautiful country with our vacation packages to Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro
Sun, surf and samba!
Ravishing Rio is a trip for all five senses. Surfers and sunbathers fuel up on açaà bowls before hitting the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, while kids of the favelas toss around a soccer ball (Brazilians are fanatical about their futebol).
Dance the night away at one of the city's many samba clubs, and if you really want to see the city come alive, go during Carnival in February. By day, take in breathtaking views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or stand beneath the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Stroll through the vibrant streets of Santa Teresa, known for its colonial architecture and bohemian charm, or explore the lush greenery of Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban rainforest. And when hunger strikes, indulge in local flavors — try a hearty feijoada, sip on a refreshing caipirinha, or sample Brazil’s famous pão de queijo.
Check out our trips to Rio de Janeiro.
The Amazon
Parrots, piranhas and poison dart frogs.
The Amazon brings to mind a colorful array of birds, deadly predators (hello, anaconda), a tangled expanse of emerald trees, and one big river. Brazil is home to 60% of the Amazon, so if you're searching for Amazonian adventure ideas, this is the place to do it. Just don't forget insect repellent!
Cruise along the mighty Amazon River, where pink river dolphins glide through the water and towering ceiba trees stretch toward the sky. Explore the dense rainforest on a guided trek, spotting sloths, howler monkeys, and vibrant poison dart frogs hidden among the foliage. Visit a remote jungle lodge to experience the region’s rich biodiversity up close, or take a nighttime boat tour to see caimans lurking in the shadows.
If you’re interested in learning about the local culture, consider meeting with indigenous communities who have called the Amazon home for centuries. You’ll have a chance to learn about their traditions, medicinal plants, and deep connection to the land. Whether paddling through flooded forests, fishing for piranhas, or simply listening to the symphony of the jungle, the Amazon offers an unforgettable, wild adventure, making it one of the best places to visit in Brazil.
Iguazu Falls
The world's most stunning waterfalls.
Niagara Falls doesn't stand a chance against Iguazu Falls, which holds the title of the largest waterfall system in the world. Straddling the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls is made up of 275 individual waterfalls, with the Devil's Throat being the largest of them all. Come for the awe-inspiring gushing water and stay for the incredible flora and fauna surrounding the falls.
Wander along the network of walkways that offer panoramic views of the cascades, or take a thrilling boat ride to feel the mist on your skin as you venture close to the roaring falls. Keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, including toucans, capuchin monkeys, and even jaguars hidden within the lush jungle of Iguazu National Park.
For the best experience, visit both the Argentine and Brazilian sides — the former offers up-close encounters with the falls, while the latter provides sweeping, postcard-perfect vistas.
Check out our trips to Iguazu Falls.
São Paulo
A non-stop party in Brazil's largest city.
One of the best places to travel in Brazil, vibrant São Paulo offers some of the country’s best nightlife, cultural offerings, and Brazilian foodie pleasures. Like New York City or Tokyo, São Paulo (or Sampa, as it's called) is a city that never sleeps. It's big and noisy, but for city people, there's no other place quite like multicultural, riveting São Paulo.
Stroll down Avenida Paulista, the city's bustling financial and cultural heart, where sleek skyscrapers stand alongside world-class museums like the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) with its striking modernist design. Indulge in delicious Brazilian cuisine — whether it's feasting on a traditional mortadella sandwich at the Mercado Municipal, savoring Michelin-starred fine dining, or trying Japanese-Brazilian fusion cuisine in the Liberdade district, home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan.
When the sun sets, dive into the city's legendary nightlife, from underground samba clubs to high-energy electronic music venues. Art lovers will find inspiration in the city's vibrant street art scene, especially at Beco do Batman, a kaleidoscope of murals in the bohemian Vila Madalena neighborhood.
Check out our trips to São Paulo.
Paraty
Colonial charm without the cars!
Paraty (or Parati) might be Brazil's prettiest city. Awash in colonial cobbled charm, the city has a heavy Portuguese influence and was a major exporter of gold during the 1600s. Stroll the streets of the pedestrian-friendly historical center (blissfully car-free) and take day trips to pristine beaches and lush rainforests just outside the city. Admire the whitewashed buildings with colorful doors and windows, many of which house boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés serving up Brazil’s famous cachaça — Paraty is known for producing some of the country’s finest.
For a dose of adventure, explore the nearby Serra da Bocaina National Park, where waterfalls and jungle trails await, or set sail on a schooner to discover the emerald-green waters and secluded beaches of the Bay of Paraty.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to the old gold trail, Caminho do Ouro, a historic route used by Portuguese colonists to transport gold from the mines of Minas Gerais to the coast. Whether you're sipping a caipirinha in a charming plaza, taking in the stunning mountain-meets-sea scenery, or diving into the region’s rich history, Paraty is a picture-perfect escape brimming with culture and natural beauty.
Check out our trips to Paraty.
Recife
The Venice of Brazil.
With its many rivers, small islands, and over 50 bridges, Recife is often called the Brazilian Venice. It's a buzzing, gritty city like Rio, with a vibrant cultural scene and an interesting historical center.
Wander through Recife Antigo, the city’s colonial old town, where colorful buildings, lively squares, and historic landmarks like the Malakoff Tower and Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue — the oldest in the Americas — bring the past to life. Art lovers can visit the Ricardo Brennand Institute, home to an impressive collection of European armor, Brazilian paintings, and rare books, or explore the Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop, a surreal sculpture park showcasing the artist’s unique creations.
Outside Recife, the beach of Porto de Galinhas has been repeatedly awarded the title of the best beach in Brazil, with its crystal-clear waters, natural tide pools, and excellent snorkeling spots. Meanwhile, the historic center of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charms all who visit with its pastel-hued colonial houses, and stunning hilltop views of Recife’s skyline. Olinda is also famous for its traditional Carnival celebrations, featuring giant puppets, infectious frevo music, and a lively, local atmosphere.
Check out our trips to Recife.
Salvador
Eat your way through Brazil's tastiest city!
The capital of Bahia, Salvador is a city of many accomplishments. Its historic center is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, capoeira was born here, and the city's Carnival is the largest party on the planet. Salvador’s coastline is equally captivating, with golden beaches like Porto da Barra offering a perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, or watch the sunset over All Saints Bay.
Wander through the Pelourinho district, a UNESCO-listed gem filled with pastel-hued colonial buildings, lively squares, and the rhythmic beats of street musicians performing samba and axé. The city’s Afro-Brazilian heritage is deeply ingrained in its culture, from the sacred Candomblé rituals to the powerful movements of capoeira, a martial art that blends dance, music, and history.
You can't visit Salvador without trying its food, which African and Caribbean flavors heavily influenced. One of the most famous dishes is moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk, dendê oil, and aromatic spices, best enjoyed with rice and farofa. Another must-try is acarajé, deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters stuffed with vatapá, a spicy paste of shrimp, peanuts, and coconut milk — a staple of the city's vibrant street food scene.
Check out our trips to Salvador.
Minas Gerais
History, cuisine, and stunning landscapes
Minas Gerais is a land of rolling hills, colonial charm, and culinary delights, offering a journey into Brazil’s rich history and traditions. Known for its beautifully preserved baroque architecture, the state is home to picturesque towns like Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobbled streets, ornate churches, and masterpieces by the famed sculptor Aleijadinho.
Beyond its colonial past, Minas Gerais is also a paradise for nature lovers. The stunning landscapes of Serra do Cipó and Ibitipoca National Park invite visitors to hike through lush valleys, discover cascading waterfalls, and marvel at breathtaking mountain views. Meanwhile, the state’s underground wonders can be found in places like Gruta de Maquiné, a fascinating limestone cave with dazzling rock formations.
No visit to Minas Gerais is complete without indulging in its legendary cuisine. The state is famous for pão de queijo, the irresistible cheese bread that pairs perfectly with a cup of strong Brazilian coffee. Traditional dishes like feijão tropeiro (beans with sausage, eggs, and manioc flour) and tutu de feijão (a thick bean puree) reflect the region’s hearty and comforting flavors. And, of course, Minas Gerais is Brazil’s top producer of cachaça, the sugarcane spirit essential to making a perfect caipirinha.
