Brazil is no surprise on most people’s travel bucket lists because it is genuinely a one-of-a-kind country, brimming with opportunity for adventure and discovery. That’s why we written our guide on the top landmarks of brazil to explore. The scenery range widely from postcard-perfect tropical beaches along the Atlantic coast to the immense wilds of the Amazon rainforest in the northwest and the peculiar wetlands in the south, all intermingled with bustling cities and other cultural delights. Nature unquestionably takes centre stage in Brazil, where the grandeur of natural beauty is overflowing with jaw-dropping panoramas that would surprise anyone. Check out our selection of the greatest places to visit to see Brazil’s incredible natural diversity, as well as renowned attractions in Rio and other interesting locations to visit.
LANDMARKS IN BRAZIL YOU SHOULD NOT MISS
Natural marvels:
1. IGUAIA’S FALLS
These magnificent falls are located within the Iguazu National Park and have been named one of the world’s seven new natural wonders. The strong Foz do Iguaçu is formed by about 300 (!) individual waterfalls of water from the Iguaçu River. This natural phenomena is so large that it can be seen from three different countries: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay! Since 1986, UNESCO has designated this site as a World Heritage Site, and a visit to this bucket-list destination is a necessity for any vacation to Brazil. Most visitors stay for a few days in order to see the stunning falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. While the majority of the falls are located in Argentina, the most breathtaking view, The Devil’s Throat Canyon, is located in Brazil. You’ll be sitting in the heart of a horseshoe-shaped wall of water, with 14 falls crashing over their brink, plummeting up to 300 feet.
Your excursions can take you through 450 acres of breathtaking scenery, all accessible via an extensive network of lookouts, picturesque pathways, and hiking trails. While many people prefer to watch the falls from the trails and overlooks above, taking a boat tour will bring you right up to the falls spray – a fantastic experience with almost sure rainbow sightings!
2. LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES NATIONAL PARK
The Portuguese word “lençóis” means “bedsheets,” and after exploring this national park, you’ll understand why. The park’s enormous expanses of undulating white sand dunes, which create the appearance of a surreal desert, are what make it so renowned and unusual. High levels of rainfall in the area will fill up the spaces between the dunes, creating natural turquoise blue lagoons, making the scene even more spectacular. The 40 miles of coastline that make up this surreal scenery are in the state of Maranho, which is located in northeastern Brazil and is worth visiting for adventure and unique excursions.
3. FERNANDO DE NORONHA
This volcanic archipelago comprises of 21 islands located around 220 miles north of Brazil’s northern Atlantic coast. Apart from being a gorgeous and unique Brazilian beach destination, it is also an ecological sanctuary and a protected national marine park that UNESCO declared as a World Heritage Site in 2001.
Getting to these secluded islands may be difficult, but scuba divers and snorkelers will be tempted by the excellent scuba diving and snorkelling chances beneath the crystal blue waters and rugged volcanic rock.
4. CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS NATIONAL PARK
This park, another of Brazil’s natural wonders, is famed for holding one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse tropical ecosystems, as well as magnificent vistas, never-ending waterfalls, and glistening lakes. The park is located in the centre of Brazil, in the state of Goias, and is only three hours by car from the country’s city, Sao Paulo. The environment is known for its cliffs and canyons, making it an ideal destination for hikers and rock climbers. If you come here, don’t forget to explore the Moon Valley, which is named after the many lunar-looking rocks.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
1. CHRIST THE REDEEMER
This iconic monument, translated as Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, is easily the most known in Brazil and has been named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Since 1932, this majestic monument of Jesus Christ has stood at the top of Corcovado Mountain, within Tijuca National Park, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
You can get to the venerated statue by train, rental car, or climbing up the 2300ft hill! In addition to being engulfed by the statue’s 92-foot-long outstretched arms, the summit of the mountain provides a magnificent view of our next Brazilian monument.
2. SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN
This unusually shaped peak appears to shoot straight up from a hilly isthmus jutting out into the sea from Rio’s urban sprawl. A natural tower that overlooks the mouth of Rio de Janeiro’s Harbour, it’s no surprise that the spectacular vistas and beauty of this entire region have earned a spot on the tried and true list of Natural Wonders of the World. The Atlantic Ocean, also known as Guanabara Bay, is responsible for carving out this spectacular natural harbour and the world’s largest bay by volume of water. You won’t be able to miss the easily visible Pao de Acucar from several vantage points overlooking the harbour (Sugarloaf Mountain).
Visitors can also take a cable car to the summit of the mountain, where panoramic views of the entire city will take your breath away. Although it can get crowded at times, many people say that the greatest time to ride the cable car is around sunset, when the city lights are glittering and the tones in the sky and across the sea are pink and red.
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Beautiful Regions with Charming Towns and Cities:
1. PARATY
Paraty is a small village on the coast between Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo, surrounded by the Costa Verde mountain range in Brazil. It has been designated a National Historic Site since 1966 due to the preservation of the Portuguese colonial architecture. Its charming cobblestone alleys, dotted with colourful buildings, date back to the 1700s, during the Brazilian Gold Rush, when the continent’s largest gold mines were discovered. During your visit, take a boat tour of Paraty Bay and stop by the famed Maria Izabel cachaça distillery to enjoy Brazil’s national drink.
From Paraty, you can also explore the Serra da Bocaina National Park, which contains many waterfalls, and the rugged summit known as Pico do Tira Chapeu. Be aware that sightings of unusual species such as jaguars and spider monkeys are common.
2. SALVADOR
Salvador, one of the continent’s oldest cities and Brazil’s third-largest metropolis, also has a historic Old City. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its lively Carnival celebration, which is known as the largest in Brazil. Salvador was a significant centre of the sugar and slave trade in its darker chapters, and although it still has colonial architecture, the brilliantly colourful buildings are a beautiful tribute to how indigenous, African, and European cultures created a blend that is still evident. Salvador also boasts lovely beaches and stunning landscapes, making it well worth a visit even outside of its famous carnival season.
3. BONITO
Bonito, which translates to “beautiful,” is a little city in the southwest corner of Mato Grosso do Sul that is ideal for those interested in sustainable ecotourism. It is located 185 miles from the capital city of Campo Grande, and while it is accessible by road, it is preferable to arrive by plane.
The Pantanal region of Brazil is brimming with jaw-dropping natural sights, such as the Gruta do Lago Azul, one of the world’s largest flooded caves, whose water reflects beautiful shades of blue while surrounded by spectacular stalactites. There are lots of natural beauties to discover all around you in this location, with an abundance of waterfalls, gorgeous rivers, and magnificent sinkholes.
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