Attractions and things to do in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro – Cristo Redentor
Standing 38 metres high (including the pedestal) on Corcovado Mountain and overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro with arms wide open is Brazil's most illustrious icon, Christ the Redeemer formally known as Cristo Redentor in Portuguese. Declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this Art Deco statue built between 1922 and 1931 symbolizes read more...
Manaus – Tour Amazonas
Few may have heard of the city of Manaus but what everyone has heard of is the Amazon River and Rainforest which Manaus is located right next to! Known as the capital of the state of Amazonas Manaus offers a great opportunity to venture through only a small part of the planet's largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest as well as witnessing the natural phenomenon which occurs at the Meeting of the Waters – a 6 km phenomenon whereby the Negro River's dark water meets with the muddy brown waters of the Solimões River without mixing. Bursting with billions of towering trees, marvellous wildlife and all kinds of rare colourful species, the Amazon is a world of its own where humans are guests and nature is the one in command. If you are lucky enough, you may get to see exquisite creatures lurking around like the Capybara, Jaguar, Puma, Giant Anteater, Golden Lion Tamarin, Red Howler, Black Spider Monkey, Toucan, Macaw, Harpy Eagle, Green Poison Dart Frog, Anaconda, and the Amazon River Dolphin to name only but a few. Whether you've always dreamed of backpacking through the Amazon jungle for days at a time or just fancy a one-day tour, make sure you go with an experienced guide to keep you safe as you wander through this heavenly yet unpredictable part of nature. Many organised tours comprise of a number of terrific activities for you to participate in from trekking to boating, canoeing, animal watching, swimming with dolphins, and even piranha fishing. You can also learn some vital survival techniques and find out about medicinal plants. You cannot travel to Brazil without experiencing its most iconic symbol and Manaus is the perfect place to start. Make it happen!
Brasilia – Cathedral of Brasilia
Known formally as Catedral Metropolitana da Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Brasilia is an icon of Brazil's capital city. Designed by the legendary Oscar Niemeyer, an acclaimed architect of an entire collection of public buildings in Brazil, the Cathedral of Brasilia was built read more...
São Paulo – Ibirapuera Park
First open to the public in 1954, Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo is the second biggest park in the city but is considered its most major urban park attracting not only Brazilians but tourists from outside the country also. Many times compared with New York City's Central Park or Mexico City's Chapultepec Park, Ibirapuera Park is a scenic landmark that invites its visitors to spend read more...
Fortaleza – Morro Branco
Sunscreen, sunglasses and camera all in toe and you're good to go! Morro Branco is a little bit of Paradise that stretches for miles along the coastline of the city of Fortaleza, Ceara. This stunning beach destination is well recognised for its gorgeous array of multi-coloured sand dunes as well as one of its most brilliant features known as the Labyrinth of Morro Branco – magnificent orange-coloured cliff and rock formations which are a result of years of erosion. Spend a few hours strolling the Morro Branco long beach hand in hand with a loved one; wiz around in a popular and fun buggy tour along the dunes; or simply pick a spot, lie down and let the sun's rays do the rest of the work. This top tourist destination in Fortaleza city will have you wishing you could go back every year!
Natal – Beaches
Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte State located in northeast Brazil, is most popular for its splendid option of urban beaches running along its northern to its southern coast. You will find some of Brazil's most premium beaches in the city of Natal where everything is of a high quality ranging from the seawaters to the infrastructures lining the beach front which include hotels, restaurants, cafés, kiosks and utility shops. Many of Natal's beaches promote lots of fun activities that visitors can enjoy also. Kitesurfing, sandsurfing and snorkeling in the surrounding reefs of particular beaches are among the most favourite. Beaches in Natal include Redinha – the only beach in the north which is loved for its laidback feel where Brazilians love to spend their time sitting on the front eating ginga com tapioca; Ponta Negra - a favourite among tourists containing the Morro do Careca sand dune and landmark of Natal; Via Costeira; Praia do Forte; Praia do Meio; Praia dos Artistas; Areia Preta (Black Sand beach); Praia do Cotovelo; Pirangi do Norte; Pirangi do Sul, Búzios; Tabatinga do Sul; Camurupim and Barreta. Natal is also known for its colourful sunsets which are certainly something you will want to stick around for and they are nothing less than magical!
Recife – Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
Just north of the city of Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, is the Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in. As one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial cities and most important cultural centres, Olinda features a large number of major tourist attractions which include the monasteries of São Francisco and São Bento including their art collections; the regional museum; state museum; sugar museum; the Fort of São Francisco; the Prefeitura, or government house; and the Joaquim Nabuco Institute. Olinda is also a popular destination during Carnival time in Brazil as the event is entirely free unlike in Rio de Janeiro or Salvador. Olinda's streets come to life with traditional festivities during this event plus it is a time to relive the city's exciting past through the sounds and rhythms of frevo and maracatu which have been declared a Historical and Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by the UNESCO.
Salvador – São Francisco Church and Convent
The São Francisco Church and Covent of the historic centre of Salvador city is an ornate piece of Baroque style architecture which incorporates gold, silver, precious stones, sculptures, Portuguese tiles, woodwork and paintings to decorate every inch of the interior walls and ceiling of what is one of the finest churches in Brazil and the world. Built during the 18th Century, this sublime church is rectangular in shape; contains a nave with three aisles; three chapels and an altar. Outside, as you stand in the Square of central Salvador looking towards the façade of São Francisco Church and Convent you will most likely not feel too impressed, however, we all know not to judge a book by its cover! After paying a very small fee to tour this famous attraction, prepare yourself to be left speechless as you take that first step inside. Walk too fast and you'll miss exquisite details so make sure you allow your eyes to wander the church from top to bottom slowly. Take the time also to sit in a pew, in silence and soak in the sheer excellence of this grandiose and historic structure of Brazil's colonial period.
Cuiabá – Pantanal Tours
Brazil's Pantanal is one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas and is an incredible place to tour and explore the country's stunning natural habitat and wildlife living within it. If you are travelling to Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso state which is mostly made up of the Pantanal Conservation Area, follow in the footsteps of others and book yourself a Pantanal tour which will have you eating and sleeping in the middle of nature like you'd always dreamed of. Most tour companies have a wide selection of tours on offer at different prices including natural history tours, birding tours, wilderness tours, photography tours, river cruises and, one of the most favoured options, Jaguar safaris. All you have to do is select the one that most interests you. Pantanal tours are carried out by experienced local guides all eager to share their passion for culture, animals, plants and birds so that you too can fall in love with nature. It's an unforgettable adventure!
Belo Horizonte – Pampulha Architectural Complex
Belo Horizonte, translated as Beautiful Horizon, is an attractive city whose main attraction is the 1940's project, Pampulha Architectural Complex, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It consists in a serene man-made lake, Lagoa da Pampulha, and a surrounding residential neighbourhood accompanied by many of Belo Horizonte's most well-known cultural landmarks such as the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerias, Mineirão and Mineirinho stadiums, Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and the terrific Museum of Modern Art and its many exhibitions. Other interesting features of the Pampulha Complex include leisure facilities like botanical gardens, a zoo, an ecological park, an equestrian centre and extensive cycling and walking tracks. This is a tranquil spot in an urban destination perfect for spending a couple of hours by the lake with family or friends.
Curitiba – Curitiba Botanical Garden
Free your mind and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Curitiba Botanical Garden, formally known as Jardim Botânico de Curitiba. This is one of the most major landmarks of the Curitiba city and is best described as a luscious area of French style gardens, lakes, hills and fountains. Its main focus is an enchanting art nouveau greenhouse resembling London's Crystal Palace that exquisitely faces the entrance of the garden - the perfect background for a memorable photo. This well-maintained 240,000 square metre garden provides the perfect "walk in the park" day where you can stroll around tranquil footpaths which wind through extensive flower-full gardens showcasing tropical flora. There are a further two highlights to be visited at Curitiba's Botanical Garden known as the Museum of Franz Krajcberg as well as the prominent Botanic Museum housing a superb collection of native flora and the fourth largest herbarium in the entire country.
Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre Public Market
The old Porto Alegre Public Market unquestionably deserves some of your time if you happen to be in downtown Porto Alegre city. Located within a visually attractive 19th century building, the Porto Alegre Public Market encloses a large number of shops and market stalls individually selling regional fruits and vegetables; fish, meats and souvenirs. Take the load off and enjoy a meal or coffee and pastry at one of the fine restaurants or cafés also found at this market which is considered a major meeting point and cultural landmark of the both the city and country.
