Brazil is one of the most diverse and exciting travel destinations in the world. With its vibrant cities, lush rainforests, world-famous beaches, and deep-rooted cultural traditions, the country offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning adventurer, Brazil has something for every type of traveler.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Brazil by region and by travel style. From iconic attractions like Christ the Redeemer to unique experiences deep in the Amazon rainforest, get ready to plan the ultimate Brazilian journey.
Things to do in Brazil by region
Brazil is a vast and diverse country, and one of the best ways to explore its richness is by understanding what each region has to offer. From the rainforest-covered North to the beaches of the Northeast, from the bustling Southeast to the wildlife-rich Central-West and the temperate South, every region brings its own unique set of attractions, cultures, and experiences. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, colonial towns, vibrant festivals, or natural wonders, you’ll find plenty to do across the country.
Southeast Brazil: culture, coastlines, and cosmopolitan cities
The Southeast is the most populated and economically developed region in Brazil, home to megacities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. But beyond the urban energy, this region also offers stunning coastlines, colonial heritage, and rich cultural traditions. From samba nights and world-famous beaches to UNESCO-listed towns and culinary gems, the Southeast is a microcosm of Brazil’s diversity.
Rio de Janeiro
- Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Relax on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
- Explore Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world.
- Join the party during Rio Carnival.
- Enjoy samba nightlife in Lapa.
São Paulo
- Discover vibrant art at Beco do Batman and MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art).
- Wander through Ibirapuera Park.
- Taste culinary diversity at Municipal Market.
- Dive into nightlife in Vila Madalena.
Minas Gerais
- Walk the cobblestone streets of Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the baroque churches of Congonhas and Mariana.
- Explore the caves and waterfalls of Serra do Cipó National Park.
- Taste traditional Minas cuisine in Belo Horizonte.
- Take a scenic train ride on the Maria Fumaça steam train between São João del-Rei and Tiradentes.
Espírito Santo
- Enjoy the beaches and relaxed vibe of Guarapari and Vila Velha.
- Hike in the Pedra Azul State Park, known for its changing colors and unique rock formations.
- Explore the European heritage of Domingos Martins, a charming town with German and Italian influences.
- Try moqueca capixaba, a local seafood stew that rivals its Bahian cousin.
- Visit the capital, Vitória, for its coastal beauty, seafood markets, and colonial architecture.
Northeast Brazil: sun, sand, and afro-brazilian culture
The Northeast of Brazil is a vibrant and sun-soaked region known for its stunning coastline, rich cultural traditions, historic cities, and strong African heritage. With over 3,000 km of tropical beaches, colorful colonial towns, delicious cuisine, and some of Brazil’s most lively festivals, the Northeast is a favorite for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sand dunes, coconut groves, or carnival celebrations, this region has something unforgettable to offer in every state.
Bahia
- Discover Salvador, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, with its colonial Pelourinho district, capoeira performances, and traditional cuisine like acarajé.
- Relax at Praia do Forte, Morro de São Paulo, and Boipeba Island.
- Visit Chapada Diamantina National Park for hiking, waterfalls, and caves.
- Enjoy vibrant religious and cultural festivals like Lavagem do Senhor do Bonfim and Carnaval de Salvador.
Check our Bahia travel guide
Pernambuco
- Explore the charming streets and baroque churches of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dance to frevo and maracatu during Carnival in Recife and Olinda.
- Unwind on the white sands of Porto de Galinhas, one of Brazil’s top beach destinations.
- Visit Fernando de Noronha, archipelago designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Ceará
- Visit Jericoacoara, a remote beach paradise surrounded by dunes and lagoons.
- Explore the city of Fortaleza for beaches, nightlife, and shopping.
- Try sandboarding or buggy rides in Cumbuco and Lagoinha.
- Visit Morro Branco for its colorful cliffs and natural labyrinths.
Maranhão
- Marvel at the surreal landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, with freshwater lagoons nestled in sand dunes.
- Stroll through the colonial center of São Luís, another UNESCO site with strong Afro-Brazilian traditions.
- Visit Alcântara, a historic city with 18th-century ruins and charm.
- Discover rock formations, canyons, caves, and waterfalls in Chapada das Mesas.
Rio Grande do Norte
- Swim in natural pools in Maracajaú, known as the “Brazilian Caribbean.”
- Slide down giant sand dunes at Genipabu with a buggy tour.
- Discover the vibrant city of Natal, with beaches like Ponta Negra and the famous Forte dos Reis Magos.
- Visit Pipa Beach, a favorite among surfers and nature lovers.
Paraíba
- Visit João Pessoa, one of the oldest cities in Brazil, with historical churches and coastal boardwalks.
- See the sunrise at Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point of the Americas.
- Experience the traditional Festa Junina in Campina Grande, the biggest in the country.
- Relax at Praia de Tambaba, known for its natural beauty and nude beach area.
Alagoas
- Enjoy the turquoise waters of Maragogi, famous for its natural pools (galés).
- Explore Maceió, a capital with lively beaches and lagoons.
- Discover São Miguel dos Milagres, a tranquil and lesser-known beach destination.
- Taste regional dishes like sururu and carne de sol with macaxeira.
Sergipe
- Visit the charming historic town of São Cristóvão, one of Brazil’s oldest.
- Explore the colorful riverside capital Aracaju and its cultural markets.
- Take a boat tour through the red sandstone canyons of Cânion do Xingó, carved by the São Francisco River.
Piauí
- Walk among prehistoric rock art in Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the unique Delta do Parnaíba, one of the only open-sea deltas in the Americas.
- Visit the quiet beaches of Barra Grande and Luís Correia, perfect for kitesurfing and relaxation.
- Discover local traditions in the city of Teresina, located at the confluence of two rivers.
North Brazil: rainforests, rivers, and indigenous culture
The North is Brazil’s great wilderness: a colossal patchwork of primary rainforest, braided rivers, flooded forests, and Indigenous territories that together form Earth’s largest tropical ecosystem.
Here you swap highways for waterways, skyscrapers for towering kapok trees, and city noise for the chorus of macaws, frogs, and river dolphins. Whether you dream of navigating the Amazon by boat, trekking through table-top mountains, or meeting communities that have thrived here for millennia, every state offers its own “once-in-a-lifetime” slice of the jungle.
Amazonas
- Manaus: Gateway to the rainforest, home to the opulent Amazon Theatre and bustling Mercado Adolpho Lisboa.
- Meeting of the Waters: Witness the dark Rio Negro and sandy-brown Solimões flow side-by-side for 6 km without mixing.
- Anavilhanas & Jaú National Parks: Navigate labyrinthine river islands or hike pristine terra firme forest.
- Indigenous immersion: Overnight in community lodges to learn about Tikuna, Yanomami, and Dessana traditions.
Pará
- Belém: Savor açaí at Ver-o-Peso Market, then tour the belle-époque Theatro da Paz.
- Alter do Chão: White-sand river beaches on emerald-green Tapajós—nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Amazon.”
- Ilha de Marajó: Observe water buffalo, mangroves, and centuries-old Marajoara ceramic art.
- Círio de Nazaré (October): One of the world’s largest Catholic processions—over two million devotees.
Dive deeper with our dedicated Pará travel guide
Roraima
- Mount Roraima: Trek the tabletop tepui that inspired Conan Doyle’s Lost World.
- Boa Vista: Brazil’s only capital fully north of the Equator—stroll its star-shaped modernist center.
- Yanomami Territory: Ethical expeditions reveal ancient know-how of shamanism, hunting, and forest stewardship.
Amapá
- Oiapoque to Macapá: Stand on the Equator line at the Marco Zero Monument.
- Fortaleza de São José: One of South America’s largest colonial fortresses.
- Tumucumaque Mountains National Park: The planet’s biggest tropical protected area—mostly unexplored.
Tocantins
- Jalapão State Park: Orange dunes, clear “fervedouro” springs you can’t sink in, and dramatic Serra do Espírito Santo mesas.
- Palmas: Brazil’s newest capital (1989) with a lakeside promenade ideal for sunsets and food stalls.
Rondônia
- Porto Velho: Ride the historic Madeira-Mamoré Railway remnants.
- Cacoal Selva Park & Guaporé River: Kayak black-water creeks and spot pink river dolphins.
- Indigenous craft markets featuring Paiter Suruí and Wari’ basketry.
Acre
- Rio Branco: Visit the rubber-boom Palácio Rio Branco and lively Mercado Velho.
- Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve: Learn how rubber-tapper activism shaped global environmental policy.
- Ayahuasca retreats with the Yawanawá and Ashaninka (pre-booking and ethical guidelines essential).
From paddling alongside giant lilies to summiting lost-world plateaus, North Brazil rewrites the definition of adventure and cultural depth—no two river bends are ever the same.
Central-West: wildlife and waterfalls
The Central-West region of Brazil is a nature lover’s dream, where savannahs meet waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers carve through limestone, and jaguars roam the world’s largest tropical wetland. This vast inland area is home to breathtaking national parks, adventure tourism, and Brazil’s modernist capital, Brasília. From the ecological treasures of Bonito to the spiritual energy of Alto Paraíso, here are the must-see destinations across Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Federal District.
Goiás
- Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for dramatic canyons, waterfalls like Catarata dos Couros and Santa Bárbara, and quartz crystal formations believed to emit strong spiritual energy.
- Cidade de Goiás (Goiás Velho): A charming colonial town and former state capital with cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and historic museums.
- Pirenópolis: A well-preserved colonial town perfect for exploring local culture, artisan shops, and nearby waterfalls like Cachoeira do Abade.
Mato Grosso
- Pantanal North (Poconé/Transpantaneira Road): The northern gateway to the Pantanal offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, including capybaras, caimans, and jaguars.
- Chapada dos Guimarães: A scenic national park with sandstone cliffs, caves, and stunning waterfalls like Véu de Noiva, located just an hour from the capital, Cuiabá.
- Nobres: Often compared to Bonito but less crowded, Nobres offers crystalline rivers perfect for snorkeling, along with caves and waterfalls hidden in the Cerrado.
Mato Grosso do Sul
- Bonito: One of Brazil’s best ecotourism destinations, famous for its transparent rivers like Rio da Prata and Sucuri, natural aquariums, sinkholes, and caves such as Gruta do Lago Azul.
- Pantanal South (Corumbá): The southern region of the Pantanal is ideal for boat tours, wildlife safaris, and birdwatching, especially between July and October.
- Bodoquena Mountains: Offers off-the-beaten-path trails, waterfalls, and forested hills near Bonito, ideal for hiking and nature exploration.
Federal District (Brasília)
- Brasília: Brazil’s capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its futuristic architecture by Oscar Niemeyer. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Brasília, the National Congress, and the JK Memorial.
- Parque da Cidade and Lago Paranoá: Enjoy outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, and kayaking within Brazil’s greenest capital.
- Cultural and political tours: Visit the Praça dos Três Poderes and explore museums like the National Museum and the CCBB (Banco do Brasil Cultural Center).
South Brazil: wine, waterfalls, and european charm
Southern Brazil feels like a world apart—with its European-influenced towns, lush green valleys, rolling vineyards, and some of the most spectacular natural attractions in South America.
The region is known for its distinct cultural heritage (from German, Italian, and Polish immigrants), cozy winter retreats, and vibrant seasonal festivals. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping wine in the mountains, or relaxing on sandy beaches, the South offers experiences that are both charming and unforgettable.
Paraná
- Iguaçu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu): One of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this breathtaking waterfall complex on the Brazil–Argentina border is a must-see. Walk the panoramic trails and take a boat tour beneath the thundering falls.
- Parque das Aves: Located next to the falls, this bird park is home to hundreds of species native to the Atlantic Forest, including toucans, macaws, and flamingos.
- Curitiba: Known for its urban planning and green spaces, visit the futuristic Oscar Niemeyer Museum, the Botanical Garden, and take the scenic Serra Verde Express train to Morretes through the Atlantic Rainforest.
- Ilha do Mel (Honey Island): A peaceful eco-island perfect for hiking, surfing, and disconnecting, with no cars allowed and charming beaches like Praia do Farol and Praia Encantadas.
Santa Catarina
- Florianópolis (Magic Island): A surf paradise with over 40 beaches, from laid-back Campeche to surfer-favorite Joaquina. The city also offers charming colonial architecture in its downtown and delicious seafood.
- Balneário Camboriú: A modern beach city with skyscrapers, nightlife, and one of the world’s largest cable cars connecting the city to forested trails in Parque Unipraias.
- Serra do Rio do Rastro: A dramatic mountain road with over 250 hairpin turns and panoramic viewpoints—perfect for road trips and adventure travel.
- Blumenau and Pomerode: German-influenced towns famous for their half-timbered architecture, festivals, and cultural charm. Blumenau hosts the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world outside Germany.
Rio Grande do Sul
- Gramado and Canela: Fairytale mountain towns known for their Alpine-style buildings, chocolate factories, and magical Christmas festivals (Natal Luz). Visit Cascata do Caracol and ride the scenic steam train in the Vale dos Vinhedos region.
- Vale dos Vinhedos: Brazil’s premier wine region near Bento Gonçalves, offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and cozy pousadas nestled in the Serra Gaúcha.
- Aparados da Serra National Park: Home to the breathtaking Itaimbezinho Canyon, ideal for hiking and nature photography.
- Porto Alegre: The state capital offers a vibrant arts scene, traditional Gaúcho cuisine (like churrasco and chimarrão), and relaxing parks along the Guaíba River.
Things to do in Brazil by travel style
For nature lovers
- Hike in Chapada Diamantina, Chapada dos Veadeiros, and Serra da Canastra.
- Go snorkeling in the crystal-clear rivers of Bonito.
- Experience eco-lodges in the Amazon Rainforest.
- Explore the wetlands and rich wildlife in the Pantanal.
For beach seekers
- Discover the stunning beaches of Jericoacoara, Pipa, Fernando de Noronha, and Ilha Grande.
- Enjoy kitesurfing and sunsets in Cumbuco.
- Visit Ilhabela, Trancoso, and Búzios for a mix of nature and luxury.
For culture and history enthusiasts
- Walk the colonial streets of Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Olinda.
- Discover Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian heritage in Salvador and Belém.
- Visit museums like Instituto Inhotim and Museu do Amanhã.
- Experience traditional festivals such as Carnival, Festa Junina, and Círio de Nazaré.
For foodies
- Try regional dishes: feijoada, acarajé, moqueca, and churrasco.
- Visit local markets like Mercado Municipal de São Paulo, Ver-o-Peso in Belém, and Mercado Central de Belo Horizonte.
- Take a food tour in Recife, Belo Horizonte, or Manaus.
For adventure travelers
- Surf in Florianópolis or Itacaré.
- Dive and snorkel in Fernando de Noronha.
- Rock climb in Serra do Cipó or Pedra do Baú.
- Go whitewater rafting in Brotas.
For families
- Visit AquaRio and BioParque do Rio.
- Enjoy beach resorts in Porto de Galinhas, Costa do Sauípe, and Olímpia.
- Explore interactive museums like Catavento in São Paulo.
- Spend a day at the Hot Park water park in Goiás.
Ready to explore Brazil? Use this guide to build your dream itinerary, and don’t forget to check our blog Do in Brazil for more travel tips, city guides, and destination highlights!
