Situated just outside the city of Brotas, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, Cassorova Eco Park offers a serene nature escape. The park is best known for its 196-foot (60-meter) waterfall, which has been rated one of the most beautiful in Brazil.
Curitiba’s oldest park, Passeio Público, opened in 1886 and boasts abundant forested space along with many species of native vegetation. The location is considered an ecological sanctuary, housing a lake with islands, a cave, a suspension bridge, and a floating stage. Locals and visitors alike visit this public park to rent bikes and paddle boats and enjoy the natural beauty of Brazil.
Half-moon-shaped Lagoinha Beach was once a favorite hiding place for French pirates. These days, Lagoinha is home to a small fishing community, and has a reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Its good looks are enhanced by its tranquility, as well as its appeal for kitesurfing and more, and it’s far enough away from Fortaleza to escape the crowds.
Santa Claus might be far from his traditional home in the North Pole, but there’s no shortage of Christmas spirit in the Brazilian mountain resort of Gramado. Fashioned like a Bavarian village with half-timbered chalets and (artificial) snow-covered streets, Santa's Village (Aldeia do Papai Noel) is the only one of its kind in South America.
With waterslides, jungle ziplines, and palm-fringed swimming pools, the Arraial d'Ajuda Eco Park is one of Brazil’s most popular water parks. Just moments from Bahia’s white-sand beaches, the adventure park has both water and land activities suitable for the whole family.
From Ferrari sports cars and classic Cadillacs to vintage motors that date back to 1929, Canela Automobile Museum (Museu do Automóvel de Canela) has a collection of cars and memorabilia that’s sure to impress any motor enthusiast.
One of the world’s largest areas of native tropical forest within an urban setting, São Paulo’s Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira) sprawls across 20,000 acres (8,100 hectares). Protecting remnants of the region’s Atlantic Forest, the park is home to hundreds of rare plants and animal species, plus 14 hiking trails and a cycling route.
From teaching about enslavement to honoring the influence of African culture on modern-day Brazil, Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian Museum (Museu Afro-Brasileiro) provides insight into the country’s African roots. Filled with colorful artworks and historic artifacts, its eclectic collections come from all around Africa as well as Brazil.
The José de Alencar Theater is a true hidden gem in the heart of Brazil. The art nouveau landmark is from the age of music halls and has early 20th century aesthetics. It was named after José de Alencar, a playwright and artist from Fortaleza. Inside, find the city’s concert hall; outside explore the theater garden and outdoor stage.
Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop (Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand honors the work of Francisco Brennard, one of Brazil’s renowned ceramic artists, with its garden and sculpture gallery. As well as showcasing the artist’s lifetime of work, there’s also a workshop for local artists.
Salvador da Bahia’s largest theater, Castro Alves Theater (Teatro Castro Alves) is both an architectural landmark and the heart of the city’s performing arts scene. Housed in a contemporary building, the 1,500-seat theater is home to Salvador’s orchestra and ballet company and hosts regular live performances.
Brazil’s Rio Formoso Ecological Park is a nature-lovers paradise with lush rainforest and pristine waters. Adrenaline lovers flock to the park to whitewater raft on the rapids of the Rio Formoso, but there’s just as much to explore in the calmer waters, too. Snorkel, swim, horseback ride, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area.
With five zones and more than 35 rides and attractions suitable for all ages, Hopi Hari is one of Brazil’s most popular amusement parks. At the recently renovated park, visitors are welcomed into the fictional world of Hopi Hari, where each brightly colored “village” has its own theme, including a Wild West zone and a Looney Tunes area.
This rubber estate turned museum is the last vestige of the Amazon region’s once booming rubber industry, which brought an influx of riches to Manaus during the late 19th century. Here, visitors can explore a reconstructed rubber tapper shack and smokehouse to learn more about the rubber making process and the people behind it.
Surrounded by the bustling city of Curitiba and set deep in Zaninelli Park sits Free University of the Environment (UNILIVRE), a higher learning institution that offers courses related to the environment and a sustainable world. The school is often visited and admired on walking tours. Located in what was once an old granite quarry, the area that houses Unilivre has been totally reforested with native vegetation. Strolling along the park’s many paths, visitors will observe various types of native and regional birds that share the area with students. With a main building that has a 49‐foot‐tall (15‐meter‐tall) wooden tower, the structure’s architecture blends well with the surrounding nature. The huge spiraling stairs that lead to the tower wrap around the entire building and provide views overlooking the natural landscape. There is also an open‐air auditorium on campus and a 24‐foot‐deep (8‐meter‐deep) lake, home to swans, ducks and various types of fish.
With its white sands, palm-studded dunes, and coral reef, Maracajau Beach makes a picturesque alternative to nearby Natal. Sip caipirinhas at a beach bar or snorkel amid schools of tropical fish in what’s dubbed the Brazilian Caribbean.
Long Island (Ilha Comprida) on Brazil’s eastern shore isn’t as popular a beach destination as other areas in the country, but it remains among the most popular stops for cruises from Paraty thanks to its stellar diving and snorkeling opportunities. The waters just offshore are a paradise for marine life—a natural aquarium teeming with colorful corals and tropical fish.
Visit Maranhão’s largest water park, Valparaiso Acqua Park, for an alternative to the sun-soaked beaches of Brazil’s north coast. Set within a scenic forest reserve, the park is an ideal family day out, with water slides, swimming pools, and activities to entertain all ages.
Explore the tapestry of São Paulo's cultural heritage at the Immigration Museum. Located in the city’s heart, this museum is a testament to the diverse waves of immigration that have shaped the region. Gain insight into the stories of those who left their homelands in search of a new life and how they contributed to São Paulo's identity.
Along with the Teatro Amazonas in central Manaus, the rubber boom of the late 1800s also saw the construction of the Church of San Sebastian (Igreja Sao Sebastiao). The church was built in 1888, and although there are other more noteworthy cathedrals in Brazil, this one is certainly worth a visit.
The Dreamland Wax Museum (aka Dreamland Foz), the largest of its kind in Brazil, houses more than 70 life-size wax figures. Get up close and personal with representations of Pope John Paul II, Madonna, Charlie Chaplin, Neymar Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, and many more.
Rio’s imposing Catete Palace (Palácio do Catete) was Brazil’s presidential palace from 1894 until 1960, when the capital was moved from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia. The urban mansion now houses the Museum of the Republic, focusing on art and period furnishings from the Republican period, as well as presidential memorabilia from past leaders.
At the Epic Discovery Memorial (Memorial da Epopeia do Descobrimento), visitors can learn about the history of Portuguese colonizers in Brazil. The monument features a life-size replica of a Portuguese ship and also contains botanical gardens and exhibits about the history of Brazil.
Hollywood Dream Cars museum, in Gramado, Brazil, offers visitors the chance to step back in time. This unique and quirky attraction explores the golden age of both the automobile and the movie industry by showcasing vintage cars in a setting that evokes the glamour of the first half of the 20th century.
A visit to KidZania Sao Paulo offers adults and children a fun-filled and educational day out. At this immersive attraction, children aged 3-14 can take part in more than 50 activities that help prepare them for living and working in the real world.
Located within a sprawlingfazenda (ranch) 32 miles (51 kilometers) outside of Bonito, the Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata offers prime snorkeling in Brazil. Travelers float down crystalline rivers while observing some 50 species of tropical fish, including giant dourados and large schools of pacus. Along the shores, exotic birds, tapirs, monkeys, and other animals can be spotted among the trees.
This long, white sand beach outside of Natal is divided in two by the Pirangi river, creating Pirangi do Norte and Pirangi do Sul. Its calm, turquoise waters make it a popular place for swimming and water sports such as surfing and diving, with frequent competitions on the beach. Plus, you can hop in a buggy to zip around the sand dunes.
Sao Paulo’s Latin America Memorial (Memorial da America Latina) is a vibrant cultural complex celebrating the rich diversity and heritage of all 33 Latin American nations. Designed by celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this architectural masterpiece beckons curious travelers with its striking design and captivating exhibits.
Admire vintage and classic motorcycles in a relaxed atmosphere at Harley Motor Show. Not a typical museum, this attraction is a themed restaurant and bar for motorcycle enthusiasts or anyone looking for a novel dining experience.
This large sand dune, located in the center of Natal, has become the main symbol of the city and the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. Gracing the front of most Natal postcards, Morro do Careca rises 394 feet (120 meters) from the ground at the southern end of busy Ponta Negra beach—one of Natal’s most popular destinations.
