- Taking a river cruise through the Amazon Rainforest
- Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain
- Exploring the streets of Rio de Janeiro
- Snorkeling along Brazil’s coastline
- Trying some of Brazil's classic and delicious cuisine, from rodizio to brigadeiros.
- Experiencing Brazil’s vibrant culture
- Seeing the iconic Brazilian festival of Carnival
Best Things to Do in Brazil
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Things to do in Brazil - Expert's guide
This looming statue of Jesus Christ sits atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, looking over the city with outstretched arms. Standing tall at 98 feet, with an arm span of 92 feet, it is the largest art deco sculpture in the world and is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Brazil. Visitors can get to the statue by train, bus, or on foot with a hike through Tijuca National Park.
While these beaches can be crowded with tourists, they are still a must see when in Rio. Copacabana beach is 2.2 miles and runs parallel with the famous black and white wave patterned promenade. Cariocas, Brazilians who live in Rio, flock here for the sunbathing and the nightlife. Ipanema beach is just south of Copacabana in the upscale neighborhood of Ipanema. The atmosphere at Ipanema beach is slightly calmer than Copacabana, but visitors can still partake in the bars, restaurants, and shops that line the streets parallel to the beach.
For nature lovers, the Amazon’s 1.7 billion acres provide the most diverse array of plant and animal species in the world. The best way to experience the Amazon Rainforest is by river boat. From here, visitors can get a glimpse of the thousands of plant and animal species that call this region their home. Another benefit of a boat tour is having the opportunity to see native villages along the banks of the river, while keeping a respectful distance. Prepare for hot and humid conditions, and yes, a lot of rain!
4. Pantanal
The Pantanal region is the sleeper hit of Brazilian wildlife spotting. While the Amazon gets a lot of attention, the Pantanal is actually the largest tropical wetland area in the world and rivals the Amazon’s biodiversity. Here, the foliage is less dense, allowing for premium wildlife spotting.
Expect to see various bird species, river otters, and deer, along with the more exciting species of jaguars, capuchin monkeys, and giant anteater. Boat tours, mountain bike rides, and hiking are just a few of the ways to see this region. But don’t forget to sit still and watch while the Pantanal reveals itself.
5. Iguazu Falls
Originating from the Iguazu River, these falls are a collection of over 200 individual waterfalls, are higher than Niagara Falls, and twice as wide. Bordering Brazil and Argentina, you can access the falls from either country. Foz de Iguazu is the point of access on the Brazilian side and offers lodging to travelers seeking to experience the magnitude of the falls.
Walkways have been built so visitors can see the spectacle up close, but those looking for more can schedule a helicopter tour. The recommended time for visiting the falls is the spring and fall, to avoid the heat and humidity in the summer and the lower water levels in the winter.
In Portuguese, the name of this national park translates to “bedsheets of Maranhão,” the name of the Brazilian state in which it resides. Its name refers to the vast, white sand dunes that stretch along the park. While it looks like a dessert, this region actually gets quite a bit of rain in the months from January to June.
These torrential downpours create lagoons and lakes between the dunes, allowing fish species to make these pools their temporary homes. Once the dry season begins, these lagoons dry up and don’t return until the following rainy season. The best time to visit this fascinating national park is between July and September, when the lagoon life is at its peak.
This granite and quartz mountain juts out of the waters surrounding Rio de Janeiro. The conical structure resembles the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar that was transported from Brazil by the Portuguese. The mountain rises 1, 299 ft. above the water and boasts the city’s most spectacular views. Visitors can reach the summit by taking two glass walled cable cars. The first trip stops at the smaller Morro da Urca, and the second one takes you to the top of Sugarloaf. From here, cable car riders will be rewarded with a 360° view of the city.
8. São Paulo
As the bustling economic center of Brazil, this city is a true metropolis. Millions flock to the city to work, study, and reside here. In addition to its financial importance, São Paulo has a cultural and historical significance to Brazil, as well. The city boasts the country’s largest collection of fine art, housed in its many museums. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of modern work, with a handful of historical building sprinkled in, including Pátio do Colégio Church, where Jesuit priests founded the city in 1554.
9. Carnival
This celebration, held in late February or early March, marks the last party before lent. With this in mind, Brazilians go all out before giving up their biggest vices for the season before Easter. While the biggest party happens in Rio, cities all over Brazil celebrate in their own unique ways. From São Paulo to Salvador, Brazilians dance, eat, drink, and parade their way through the streets.
10. Ouro Preto
This town’s name means “black gold,” and is a testimony to its importance in the gold rush of the 17th and 18th centuries. The town’s colonial architecture has been maintained beautifully and is a must see for the historic-minded traveler. Among its top tourist attractions is the Church of São Francisco of Assisi, designed by the well-known architect and sculptor, Aleijadinho.
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Anne Raner
Oct 2024
Great trip hitting all the highlights
The walks were challenging but spectacular. Iguazu Falls was were an unexpected standout.
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Ariana Halo
Feb 2023
The South Brazil trip organized by CharlieTheTraveler proved to be very worth the price.
The South Brazil trip organized by CharlieTheTraveler proved to be very worth the price. The trip includes a variety of activities which was great for me, as I get b...
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Sonja Reeva
Feb 2023
I would never have learned so much if I had organized this trip on my own, which makes the price for the tour worth it!
It was evident from the moment I booked that my enjoyment and my safety were two very important focal points of the company’s objectives. Every day trip and every ac...
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Blake Edwards
Feb 2023
I was overall very impressed with everything this trip offered me.
South American culture has always interested me. I have been to South America a few times on a few group tours, but nothing has compared to my trip with CharlieTheTr...
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Edison Reyes
Feb 2023
When I booked my trip to South Brazil through CharlieTheTraveler, I knew I was in good hands.
When I booked my trip to South Brazil through CharlieTheTraveler, I knew I was in good hands. They had all positive reviews online and seemed to be very organized. T...
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Visa Information
| Visa Needed? | Link
US | Y | Visas to Brazil for United States Citizens
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Brazil for United Kingdom Citizens
CA | Y | Visas to Brazil for Canadian Citizens
AU | Y | Visas to Brazil for Australian Citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Brazil for New Zealand Citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Brazil for Indian Citizens
US | Y | Visas to Brazil for United States Citizens
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Brazil for United Kingdom Citizens
CA | Y | Visas to Brazil for Canadian Citizens
AU | Y | Visas to Brazil for Australian Citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Brazil for New Zealand Citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Brazil for Indian Citizens
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