Brazil

Travel Guide
Sugar Loaf Mountain featuring a sunset and mountains
Unrivalled natural scenery, countlessbeaches and an irresistible party atmosphere make this one of South America’smost picturesque and exciting countries.

Braziltruly has an individual flair in South America. Discover unmistakably Brazilianflamboyance and color in the enormous country’s scenery, wildlife, cities andcarnivals. Observe colonial heritage in the only South American country to becolonized by the Portuguese. Secluded islands and white sandy beaches await explorationon 4,655 miles (7,491 kilometers) of Atlantic coast.

Experiencethe infectious energy of Rio de Janeiro,home to Sugar Loaf Mountain, Ipanema and Copacabana. Explore the sand dunes of Natal and the Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador. Surf on the beaches of Florianopolis or wander the streets of Paraty, a beautifully preserved colonial town. Discover surfing,canoeing and snorkeling spots on picturesque islands, such as Fernando de Noronha, Ilha Catimbau and Ilhe Grande. Go island hopping alongthe Costa Verde.

Naturalattractions abound inland, too. Spot anaconda, caiman, jaguars and wild boaramid the wetlands and savannah of PantanalReserve. Join a trek or river cruise through the jungles and rainforests ofthe Amazon. Discover waterfalls, river beaches, caves and remarkable rockformations while hiking in ChapadaDiamantina National Park and Chapadados Veadeiros National Park. Marvel at the majestic Iguaçu Falls, 275 individualwaterfalls that span the Argentine border.

VisitSão Paulo, a fast-paced city famousfor its art galleries, markets and nightlife. Check out the purpose-builtcapital Brasilia and the traditionalbars, or “botecos”, of Belo Horizonte.Alternatively, unwind in the parks of eco-friendly Curitiba.

Don’tmiss the chance to discover the fun-loving character of Brazilians and theirextravagant festivals, including Carnival, just over a month before Easter, andRéveillon (New Year). Join the wild crowds in Rio de Janeiro or experiencelocal carnival style in Olinda and Recife.

Travelingaround South America’s largest country takes time and many visitors choose tofocus on specific regions. Getting around is made easier by budget airlines anda large network of reliable intercity buses. Wherever you decide to go you’lluncover a fascinating mix of colors, cultures, rhythms and landscapes.

Popular cities in Brazil

Bank of Brazil Cultural Center showing heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Sao Paulo
Known for Museums, Art and Culture
Experience the diversity of this megacity’s cultural offerings, visit religious buildings or practice Portuguese with locals in nightclubs or shady parks.

Reasons to visit

  • Rua 25 de Marco
  • Republic Square
  • Sala São Paulo Concert Hall
Rio de Janeiro which includes general coastal views, a sunset and mountains
Rio de Janeiro
Known for Beaches, Sea and Scenery
Celebrate Brazilian culture in the city where the samba was born and enjoy the stunning natural wonders right at its doorstep.

Reasons to visit

  • Museum of Tomorrow
  • Copacabana Beach
  • Ipanema Beach
Salvador featuring an administrative buidling, a sunset and outdoor eating
Salvador
Known for Beaches, Museums and Live music
This energetic coastal city has a grandiose old town, superb art museums, pristine beaches and glitzy festivals, which celebrate its Afro-Brazilian roots.

Reasons to visit

  • Flamengo Beach
  • Mercado Modelo
  • Lacerda Elevator
Barra da Lagoa Beach showing a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Florianópolis
Known for Beaches, Islands and Surfing
Its reputation may be as a surfing and party capital, but this southern Brazilian city will charm everyone with its passionate culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Ingleses Beach
  • Joaquina Beach
  • Barra da Lagoa Beach
Tamandare which includes tropical scenes, a beach and general coastal views
Recife
Known for Beaches, Culture and Museums
Admire the fading grander of a historic old town and then explore sweeping beaches in the capital of Brazil’s Pernambuco state.

Reasons to visit

  • Muro Alto Beach
  • Maracaipe Beach
  • Boa Viagem Beach
Campinas which includes street scenes and heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Campinas
Known for Churches, Cathedrals and Culture
This ambitious city is blessed with a multifaceted past, a dynamic cultural present and a number of lovely outdoor spaces.

Reasons to visit

  • UNICAMP State University of Campinas
  • Municipal Market

Popular places to visit

Brazil

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