Best Things to See and Do in Brazil

Fernando de Noronha is the name of a group of 21 little islands off the coast of Recife, and is truly a paradise on earth. With untouched beaches, fertile waters, and rugged forest-covered peaks, the landscape is breathtaking – the area is under tight environmental protection, which has allowed marine life to flourish. Divers will be in their element here, with shoals of colourful fish, reef sharks, dolphins, and elegant turtles gliding through the turquoise sea.

Ouro Preto is a colonial city with well-preserved architecture that sets it apart thanks to its charmingly quaint feel. It is located in Minas Gerais, a state that became incredibly rich after gold and diamonds were discovered there in the 17th century. Browse the cobbled streets replete with colonial churches and ornate mansions, and be sure to try some of the famous Minas Gerais food – the pão de queijo (‘cheese bread’) and typical Minas Gerais cheese are both absurdly good.

Another treasure in Minas Gerais is Inhotim, the creation of mining tycoon, Bernardo Paz who constructed a huge, open-air gallery in a 5,000-acre botanical garden landscaped by Roberto Burle Marx. The gallery is an artistic showpiece, with extraordinary sculptures and art pavilions from a range of Brazilian and international artists. Some highlights include the room of speakers, each one playing a different instrument that allows visitors to experience what it would be like to walk through a live orchestra (surprisingly emotional, it turns out). Allow two days to fully appreciate the art and the stunning grounds, though time-conscious travellers can still reap the rewards in one day.

Often overlooked due to its sheer intimidating size and association as a financial centre, São Paulo is in fact so much more. A thriving underground scene dominates the city’s nightlife which sees a liberal crowd from all walks of life partying together in clubs, at street raves, or in abandoned warehouses. During the day, the city has fantastic restaurants, world prominent art galleries, and fascinating museums. The vibe of the city is electric, making it a must-visit.

One of Brazil’s most dynamic cities is Salvador, a city rich in culture and history that seems to linger in every corner and turn. The city sees a convergence of African, European, and indigenous cultures, which has created a fertile ground for the development of some of Brazil’s best musicians, writers, and artists. Salvador is also renowned for one of Brazil’s best carnivals, with the lively music genre axé relentlessly coursing down the streets for days on end.

Florianopolis in the south of Brazil is known for its beautiful white beaches and charmingly constructed towns that reflect its past European immigration. Head to Joaquina beach, famed for its tall white dunes that have provoked a new sport – sandboarding. Following the same rules of snowboarding, boarders surf down the dunes, picking up speed on the way. There are dunes for beginner level and higher, and steeper slopes for advanced boarders.

The idyllic crystalline, warm waters of Jericoacoara gently lap its white paradisiacal shores, while hammocks rigged up in the shallow shoreline swing and sway. Jericoacoara is considered the Maldives of Brazil’s north, yet the waters are not actually the ocean – they are, in fact, freshwater lagoons. Enjoy one of the many bars and restaurants that fringe the coastline and be sure to head to Sunset Dune to watch, as the name suggests, a jaw-dropping sunset over spellbinding landscapes.

Bonito has defined eco-tourism in Brazil. The area in Mato Grosso do Sul state is famed for its incredible biodiversity and draws in tourists who come to marvel at the pristine clear rivers, the caverns with imposing stalactites, and the famous deep cavity – known as Buraco das Araras – that is home to hundreds of bright red macaws. Hire a snorkel and pass the day floating on the still rivers, observing the thousands of colourful fish that dart around below.

Head to Manaus, the capital city of Brazil’s Amazonas state and the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Standing on the bank of the Negro River, the city itself is one of contrasts – a bustling, cultural hub that is never too far from a reminder of its location next to the world’s largest rainforest. Take a trip to see ‘the meeting of the waters’ where the dark Negro River meets the light brown Solimões River, causing the water to clearly split into two colours. Hire a guide and explore the depths of the forest, camping under the tall, forest canopies and getting up close and personal to the shy, local wildlife.