Brazil attractions

Stretching for 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), Armacao Beach (Praia da Armacao) is a beautiful stretch of sand in southern Florianopolis. While the water here can feel a little cooler than other more tropical beaches, the sand is a bright white and the ocean has a distinctly turquoise hue, making it a dream for photographers.

Located at the mouth of the Ipojuca River, Muro Alto Beach is named for the natural barrier reef—the muro alto (high wall)—that separates the beach from the ocean. With its white sands and calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s one of Porto de Galinhas’ most popular swimming beaches and a favorite among local families.

All roads in Pernambuco lead, quite literally, to Recife’s Marco Zero (Zero Milestone). The seafront Marco Zero Square, ringed by grand colonial buildings, was where the Portuguese founded the city back in 1537, with all roads in the state measured from this point. Today, a colorful compass design adorns the ground at the heart of the square, marking the spot.

Nestled among the lush greenery of Florianopolis’ northeasterly tip, Mocambique Beach (Praia do Moçambique, also called Mozambique Beach) is a pristine stretch of sand that’s part of Rio Vermelho State Park, which showcases the biodiversity of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Because it’s only accessible by 4-wheel drive, the beach sees far fewer crowds than other parts of Floripa.

A wide stretch of sand near the northern tip of Florianopolis, Praia do Santinho is famous for its surfing swell and the natural attractions that surround it. While the waves are better suited to boards than bodies, the beach is surrounded by sand dunes and hiking trails that lead to viewpoints and lagoons.

Located on the eastern side of Brazil’s Santa Catarina Island, Projeto Tamar Florianópolis is conservation center dedicated to protecting the region’s different species of sea turtles from the destructive effects of commercial fishing. Guided tours show visitors how the project protects sea turtles in Brazil.

Famous for its fluted roof and ultra-modern architecture, Catedral Diocesana Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe is one of Foz do Iguacu’s most prominent attractions. Dedicated to the Virgin of Guadeloupe, the patron saint of Latin America, the religious building is a marvel to behold and offers panoramic views from its hilltop perch at the city’s highest point.

So-called because of the unknown depths it reaches, Brazil’s Lagoa Misteriosa (Mysterious Lagoon) is one of Bonito’s most impressive natural wonders. The lagoon shimmers in various shades of blue due to the presence of rocks and sediment containing lime, while its crystalline waters offers visibility of up to 131 feet (40 meters).

While the mustard-yellow exterior of the 17th-century Catedral Metropolitana de Florianopolis is an attraction in itself, the religious structure is known for its collection of sacred art inside, too. One of its most famous pieces is the Flight of Egypt sculpture by Tyrolean artist Demetz Groeden, a hand-carved depiction of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.

Comprised of upscale commercial and residential high rises, Sao Paolo’s Itaim Bibi district boasts a mix of high-end restaurants and shops to satisfy the after-work cravings of the thousands of Paulistas that work in the area.

Considered Guaramiranga’s star attraction, Parque das Trilhas is a natural reserve set amid 282 acres (114 hectares) of Atlantic Forest. A network of hiking trails, a swimming lake, and activities that range from ziplining to kayaking make it one of Fortaleza’s most popular day trip destinations.

Home to more than 100 animals from 70 different species, Brusque Zoo Botanical Park (Parque Zoobotanico de Brusque) is a family-friendly attraction that gives you the chance to spot a number of endangered species, many of which have been rescued from illegal trafficking or mistreatment.

Situated on Santa Catarina Island, just outside the Brazilian city of Florianópolis, Aqua Show Park offers an entertaining day out for all ages. The outdoor water park complex covers 7.4 acres (30,000 square meters), is surrounded by native forest, and offers a variety of pools, rides, and games.

Jacare Beach (Praia do Jacaré) translates to “Alligator Beach,” but names can be deceiving. There are no alligators here, nor much of a beach. But what draws travelers to this spot on the Paraíba River (Paraíba do Norte), north of João Pessoa, is its stunning sunsets, which are usually accompanied by the sounds of a saxophone player.

One of Bonito’s most unique attractions, Anhumas Abyss is a spectacular underground water world where you can go snorkeling and diving in a crystalline lake filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites. Not for the faint of heart, the only catch is that you have to rappel in—and out—via a narrow crack in the earth's surface.

Situated in a vast but lovely neoclassical structure dating back to 1933, the Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo—known colloquially as the Mercadão—houses hundreds of stalls selling fresh fish, exotic fruits, and every other edible delectable you can imagine.

Located in the mountain resort of Gramado—a German settlement famous for its Bavarian architecture—World of Chocolate (Mundo de Chocolate) showcases more than 200 sculptures made entirely from chocolate. You’ll see replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and enjoy samples of the building material as you go.

Whether you want to get your adrenaline pumping on a high-speed water slide, cool off beneath an artificial waterfall, or fly through the air on a giant swing, Cascaneia Water Park (Parque Aquático Cascanéia)—Catarina’s largest water park—has something to suit the whole family.

Inspired by the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue that stands watch over Rio de Janeiro, Serra Negra’s own Christ the Redeemer statue sits atop the Pico de Fonseca hill, affording views over the city below.

One of southern Florianopolis’ most famous viewpoints, Mirante do Morro das Pedras offers panoramic views of the pristine coastline that this part of Brazil is famous for. From here, you can admire the white sand and turquoise water of Praia do Caldeirão, Praia da Armação, and Praia do Morro das Pedras, and sometimes see as far as Campeche Island.

In the heart of Rio de Janeiro, at the foothills of Corcovado, lies Paineiras Road (Estrada das Paineiras), a vital 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) pathway to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Whether by foot, bike, or car, travelers ascending this winding road through the Tijuca National Park yields rewarding panoramic vistas of the city below.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Catedral da Sé is one of Olinda’s most visited attractions and an important landmark within the town's UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre. Climb up to the cathedral square for an ocean view that spans Olinda and neighboring Recife, then peek inside the 16th-century cathedral.

The Aquário Natural—or natural aquarium—is a freshwater paradise in the heart of the jungle where visitors can float through an underwater world full of rare and tropical fish and freshwater stingrays. One of Bonito’s ecotourism hotspots, visiting the Aquário Natural also includes a wildlife-spotting hike through savannas and jungle.

Located in the foothills of the Serra do Mar mountains—and within easy day tripping distance of Curitiba—Aguas Claras Water Park is one of the region’s largest water parks. The family-friendly destination has an attraction for travelers of all ages; highlights include high-speed water slides, wave pools, a boating lake, and a zipline course.

With panoramic views of the lush Quilombo Valley, Kingdom of Chocolate (O Reino do Chocolate) is a must-visit for travelers looking to indulge their sweet tooth. The museum and chocolate factory, which traces the history of cocoa and the chocolate-manufacturing process, offers visitors the chance to enjoy chocolate samples and hot chocolate.

Balneario Municipal is a surprisingly easy-to-reach natural swimming hole deep in Brazil's rainforest. The Balneario Real is a collection of natural pools and waterfalls. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its abundance of family activities, including zip lines and barbecue spots.

The most recent addition to the gigantic São Paulo Zoo—Brazil’s largest—offers animal lovers a safari-inspired experience right in the heart of the city. More than 380 animals roam through the different habitat zones, with animals ranging from tigers to monkeys.

As one of the most renowned zoos in South America, Gramado Zoo stands out for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation efforts, and educational experiences. Nestled in the Brazilian countryside, this zoo lets you observe a diverse array of indigenous species.

Teleférico Serra Negra is an open-air chairlift that takes you to the summit of Pico do Fonesca de Serra Negra peak. The single-seat chairs take you 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) to the statue of Christ the Redeemer and offer panoramic views of Serra Negra along the way.

Ceará Tourism Center used to be Fortaleza’s jailhouse, but where criminals once languished, there are now art displays and local crafts exhibited within the walls of this fortified building. There are stalls throughout where you can buy pieces and chat to the artists who made them. It's an ideal place to learn about local art.