The Most Romantic Places in Brazil to Propose

In a country with striking coastlines and exotic jungle, competition is fierce when it comes to the most paradisaical setting, yet Fernando de Noronha effortlessly takes the number one spot. With three of its beaches ranked among the top five best beaches in Brazil—according to the prestigious Guia Quatro Rodas Praias, Brazil’s ultimate guide to heavenly shores—and with dramatic, rocky cliffs and turquoise waters, this volcanic archipelago is a picture-perfect place to propose. Stay at one of the island’s fantastic hotels to make your trip even more romantic.

Located in the north of Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses is a vast national park made up of rolling, white-sand dunes with dark blue, freshwater pools between the sandy dips. The landscape is striking and, whether you choose trekking across the sandy dessert for several days of off-the-grid hiking or prefer an aerial view from a helicopter ride, there are plenty of unique opportunities to pop the question.

Lying 60 kilometers (37 miles) off the coast of Salvador in Bahia, Morro de São Paulo is one of 26 islands that make up the archipelago. The island is a motor-free zone, which has helped preserve the natural environment and keep the waters crystal clear and the sand snowy white. For a classic tropical island proposal, Morro de São Paulo provides an idyllic setting, accompanied by picturesque sunsets and beachside accommodation options.

You may recognize Parque Lage from the end of Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams’ “Beautiful” music video. The reformed mansion is centered around a decorative pool in the middle and has an open-air rooftop that provides views of the Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. In the garden outside, among the plush Atlantic forest, are hundreds of palm trees, which have been the setting for several fashion and wedding photo shoots that usually take place on the weekends. If it’s a peaceful, natural setting you want for your proposal, then Parque Lage is your spot—just make sure you go on a weekday to avoid the weekend tourists.

Among the largest in the world, Foz do Iguaçu is a collection of hundreds of waterfalls that straddle the border of Brazil and Argentina, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s. The waterfalls are easily accessible via boat, or walk along miles of decking with panoramic viewpoints that look out over the edges of the falls. The stunning view and crashing cascades make for a most romantic (and dramatic) scene for your proposal.

Proposing in the Amazon rainforest is surely an unforgettable experience and a story that will be told many times in the future. Start in Manaus, the main entrance to the Amazon rainforest, and spend a few days on a river cruise. Kayak along the river and explore the jungle by day, before retreating back to a comfortable boat for the night. The sunsets in the Amazon are spectacular and make for a picture-perfect backdrop for your proposal. Celebrate by enjoying a homemade dinner on the boat, with freshly cooked fish and locally sourced vegetables.

Located in Rio de Janeiro’s hillsides, Hotel Santa Teresa is a reformed mansion that’s now one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in the city. The preserved, rustic architecture is finished with contemporary touches and pampered guests can enjoy spacious rooms and a fully equipped spa. The outdoor patio next to the swimming pool, with panoramic views of Santa Teresa and the rest of Rio de Janeiro, make for a proposal-worthy scene. Celebrate with a romantic, candlelit dinner and bottle of champagne at the hotel’s upscale restaurant.