It is no surprise that Brazil falls into most people’s travel bucket list since it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, teeming with opportunities for adventure and discovery. As the largest country on the continent, the landscapes vary greatly from postcard-perfect tropical beaches along the Atlantic coast to the vast wilds of the Amazon rainforest in the northwest, and the unique wetlands to the south, all interspersed with vibrant cities and other cultural charms. Undeniably, nature takes center stage in Brazil, as the scale of natural beauty is overflowing with jaw-dropping vistas that would amaze anyone. Check out our list of the best destinations for exploring Brazil's incredible natural diversity as well as iconic sights in Rio and more unique towns to explore. 

Brazil landmarks you don't want to miss:

Natural Wonders:

1. Iguaçu Falls

(Foz do Iguaçu as it's called in Portuguese, though you may also see the Spanish spelling Iguazú or the English version Iguassu)

Chosen as one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world, and deservedly so, these mighty falls are found within the Iguazu National Park. Nearly 300 (!) separate cascades of water from the Iguaçu River create the powerful Foz do Iguaçu. This natural phenomenon is so massive that flows can be viewed from 3 countries: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay! Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1986, a visit to this bucket-list destination is a must for any trip to Brazil. Most who visit opt to spend a couple of days in order to access the spectacular falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. While the majority of the falls are in the Argentinean region, the most spectacular view - The Devil’s Throat canyon - is in Brazil. There, you will find yourself perched in the center of a horseshoe-shaped wall of water where 14 falls crash over their precipice, dropping up to 300 feet.

Your explorations can spread out over 450 acres of unparalleled landscape, all accessible via an expansive network of lookouts, scenic walkways, and hiking paths. While many opt to enjoy the falls solely from the trails and viewpoints above, taking a boat trip will bring you right up to be soaked in the falls spray - an incredible experience, with rainbow sightings practically guaranteed!

2. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

The word “lençóis” in Portuguese means “bedsheets”, and when you explore this national park you might understand why. What makes the park so iconic and unique is its wide spans of undulating white sand dunes, creating the look of a rather surreal desert. Making the sight even more incredible, high levels of rainfall in the area will fill in the gaps between the dunes, creating natural turquoise blue lagoons. The 40 miles of coastline creating this fantastical landscape is located in the state of Maranhão, which resides in the northeast of Brazil and is a region worth visiting for adventure and unique explorations.

3. Fernando de Noronha

This volcanic archipelago consists of a group of 21 islands located about 220 miles off of Brazil’s northerly Atlantic coastline. Apart from being a beautiful and exotic Brazilian beach destination, it is an ecological sanctuary and a protected national marine park designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2001.

Getting to these remote islands may be a challenge, but avid underwater explorers will be drawn by the incredible scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities when exploring beneath the crystal blue waters and craggy volcanic rock.

4. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Another of Brazil’s natural wonders, this park is known for hosting one of the oldest and most biodiverse tropical ecosystems in the world while offering stunning landscapes, never-ending waterfalls, and glimmering lakes. Located in the center of Brazil, in the state of Goias, the park is just three hours away by car from the country’s capital of Sao Paulo. The landscape is notorious for its cliffs and canyons, making it the perfect attraction for hiking lovers as well as keen rock climbers. If you make it here, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Moon Valley, named for the many lunar looking rocks.

From Rio de Janeiro:

1. Christ the Redeemer

Translated to Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, this iconic landmark is easily the most recognized in Brazil and has also been chosen among the New 7 Wonders of the World. Since 1932 this impressive statue of Jesus Christ stretching to nearly 100 ft tall overlooks Rio de Janeiro from the top of the Corcovado Mountain, within the Tijuca National Park.

You can reach the revered statue by train, with a rented car, or by hiking your way up the 2300ft peak! In addition to feeling enveloped by the statues outstretched arms that span 92 feet, from the top of the mountain you'll also get a great view of our next Brazilian landmark.

2. Sugarloaf Mountain

This uniquely rounded peak seems to shoot straight up from a hilly isthmus that juts out into the sea from the urban sprawl of Rio. A natural tower that overlooks the mouth of the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, its no wonder that the superlative views and beauty of this whole region have also earned a spot on the tried and true Natural Wonders of the World. Also known as Guanabara Bay, the Atlantic Ocean is responsible for carving out this incredible natural harbor and the largest bay in the world based on the volume of water. From many vantage points overlooking the bay, you won't be able to miss the easily identifiable Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain).

Visitors can also reach the top of the mountain by cable car from where panoramic views of the whole city will wow your sweeping gaze. Although it may sometimes get too crowded, many believe the best time to take the cable car is during the sunset when the lights of the city are twinkling, and the tones in the sky and across the sea are pink and red.

Charming Towns & Cities in Beautiful Regions:

1. Paraty

Paraty is a small town on the coast between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and backed by Costa Verde, Brazil’s jungle-clad mountain range. It has been recognized as a National Historic Site since 1966, due to how well the Portuguese colonial architecture has been preserved. Its quaint cobbled streets, lined by colorful houses, date back to the 1700s during the Brazilian Gold Rush when the largest gold mines on the continent were discovered. Be sure to hop on a boat and explore the bay of Paraty during your visit, and stop by the acclaimed Maria Izabel cachaça distillery to sample Brazil's staple drink.

From Paraty you also have the option of visiting the Serra da Bocaina National Park, home of many waterfalls, and the rocky summit called Pico do Tira Chapeu. Beware that spotting exotic animals like jaguars and spider monkeys are quite common.

2. Salvador

Another historic Old City is Salvador, one of the oldest cities in the continent, and the third-largest city in Brazil. It is also an attractive touristic destination due to its vibrant Carnival celebration, known to be the biggest one in Brazil. In its darker chapters, Salvador was a major center of the sugar and slave trade, and although it still features colonial architecture, the uniquely colorful buildings are a perfect testament to how the indigenous, Africans and European cultures created a fusion that is still present. Salvador also claims picturesque beaches and impressive landscapes in its reaches, making it well worth a visit, even outside of its renowned carnival season.

3. Bonito

Bonito, which translates to pretty in English, is a small city located in the southwest corner of Mato Grosso do Sul, and is the perfect spot for someone interested in sustainable ecotourism. It is located 185 miles away from the capital city Campo Grande, and although it can be reached by car, it is easier to arrive by plane.

Here you will be able to admire the Pantanal region of Brazil, bursting with jaw-dropping natural attractions, such as the Gruta do Lago Azul, one of the largest flooded caves in the world, whose water reflects amazing shades of blue while surrounded by impressive stalactite’s. With an abundance of waterfalls, scenic rivers, and impressive sinkholes, you'll find plenty of natural wonders to discover all around you in this region.

Ready to check Brazil off your travel bucket list? Check out our Wonders of Brazil itinerary! We'll bring you into the heart of Brazil so you can truly embrace its diverse culture, incredible cuisine and the vastness of its natural splendors with plenty of people-to-people experiences, charming B&Bs, local expert guides, and bucket-list adventures. And of course, we'll be sure to visit many of the above landmarks (and can happily assist with your extended plans to explore further)!