Best attractions in Brazil: Top 30

Brazil is a country whose culture was influenced by Portuguese and African traditions. Latin American roots are also strongly felt in the historical development. The diversity of cultures has had a direct impact on the formation of the tourist infrastructure, so trips around the country promise a lot of extravagant experiences. They can include visits to carnivals and festivals, cultural centers or religious sites. Attractions in Brazil are extremely diverse: these are architectural monuments, museums and famous sambodromes. Excursions are conducted by highly qualified professionals familiar with the history and culture of the country. They will add to the knowledge of tourists fascinating stories and answer any question of interest.

What to see in Brazil

Absolutely all excursions in Brazil if properly prepared will bring a lot of positive impressions, so you only have to choose which objects to pay the most careful attention. It is especially fascinating to combine sightseeing of historical monuments and natural wonders, of which the country is incredibly abundant.

1. Statue of Christ (Rio de Janeiro)

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is the most recognizable in the country. It is located on Mount Corcovado. Christ’s outstretched arms symbolize the city’s blessing. Millions of tourists come to Rio de Janeiro just to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer. This famous landmark of Brazil was erected to celebrate the 100th anniversary of independence. The works began in 1922. It is noteworthy that the fundraising for the construction was carried out by volunteers with the active participation of Bishop Sebastian Leme.

Initially it was planned that the statue of Christ would stand on a globe. But later the project was changed. The idea of the figure of Christ with outstretched arms belongs to the artist Carlos Osvaldo. The arms reach a span of 28 meters. The pedestal is 8 meters, and the Christ figure itself is 30 meters.

It is interesting that the details of the statue were made in France and then transported to Brazil. Inside the monument is a chapel. The work lasted about 9 years. The consecration and opening ceremony of the statue took place in 1931. For those wondering what to visit in Brazil, this is a very interesting site.

Official website: https://en.cristoredentoroficial

2. Adam and Eve Falls (“Iguacu”)

The Adam and Eve Falls can be rightly considered Brazil’s greatest natural attraction. The complex of waterfalls on the Iguazu River delights everyone who sees them. They are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina.

The complex of waterfalls became a UNESCO heritage site in the 1980s. “Adam and Eve” is located in Iguazu Park next to Bossetti Falls.

The Adam and Eve waterfall is especially beautiful on a sunny day, when millions of splashes reflect the rays, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. The cloud of spray itself rises several meters - so great is the force of the falling water flow. There are sturdy viewing platforms for tourists.

3. Bird Park (Foz Doo Iguacu)

In the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu there is a Bird Park. It covers an area of 17 hectares. As conceived by the organizers, the birds live here in their natural habitat. The bird habitats are surrounded by nets. Tourists can go inside the aviaries and admire the birds in their natural habitat.

In the park you can see all birds living in Brazil. Experts have counted about 900 species. The bird park is not just for tourists. There is a constant research work, which aims to create optimal conditions for the preservation of especially rare species. In addition to birds, you can see exotic butterflies in the park, striking for their brilliance. Crocodiles and snakes are also found here.

As for the flowering and evergreen plants, their freshness and beauty are ensured by special care. Scents of freshness float in the air. You can enjoy this attraction of Brazil as part of an organized tour.

Official website: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

4. Wanda Mines (Puerto Iguazu)

The mine is located near the city of Puerto Iguazu. It is an extensive deposit of semi-precious stones. If the question is what to visit in Brazil, the Wanda Mine is a good option to add to your baggage of experiences. The mine is named after the Polish princess Wanda. The unique deposit was discovered in 1976.

The mine is rich in minerals. Here, in particular, are mined agate, topaz, rock crystal, quartz, and several others. Most of the semi-precious stones mined in the mine are raw materials for jewelry production. To attract tourists are working next to several special stores that sell jewelry with minerals and stones mined here.

Tourists will be no less interested in the process of mining the stones. During the tour you can get acquainted with their variety. The guides interestingly tell how many forms of stones are found here, as well as what colors prevail in them.

5. Pantanal (Mato Grosso do Sul)

In the western part of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul stretches a picturesque tectonic depression. Pantanal means “wet lowland.” Very few such large wetlands are found on the planet. The approximate area is 195,000 square kilometers.

During the flood season, the Pantanal turns into a beautiful lake. But come winter droughts, the lake is replaced by an overgrown swamp and sandbanks. In addition, during winter droughts, grassy areas and wandering riverbeds can be seen in this place. At the same time, the flora here is extremely diverse, which makes it possible to classify the Pantanal as a natural attraction in Brazil.

There are 650 species of birds and more than 50 species of reptiles. The plant world is represented by 3,500 plant species. It is a protected natural area that has been declared a UNESCO site. On three sides, the Pantanal is sharply bounded by cliffs and gorges of the plateau. The relief here is as contrasting as the weather conditions.

6. “Devil’s Throat”

On the Iguazu River there is a unique complex of waterfalls. There are 275 of them. The most impressive is the 700-meter high, horseshoe-shaped ridge. The Devil’s Throat waterfall consists of 14 streams of water that gush continuously from a height of 350 feet.

The waterfall is in a huge cloud of spray that glistens in the sun. “Devil’s Throat” was discovered to the Western world in 1541 by the famous traveler El Dorado Cabeza de Vaca. The power and might of the waterfall will be of interest to those wondering what to see in Brazil. The viewing platforms here are very rugged and there is no danger to tourists. The multi-step platforms extend for many kilometers, allowing you to admire this Brazilian landmark at any time.

History has preserved an enthusiastic account by E. Roosevelt, who was stunned by the majestic sight of the waterfall. Upon seeing it, Eleanor uttered in shock: “Pathetic Niagara. It is better to view the falls from a helicopter, when all the streams of water are exposed in one panorama.

7. Sugar Loaf Mountain (Rio de Janeiro)

The mountain is 396 meters high. It rises majestically above Guanabara Bay and is a natural landmark in Brazil. The mountain’s unusual shape gave rise to its original name. The locals call it Pan de Azúcar, which translates as “sugar head. What is the reason for such an unusual shape of the mountain?

It turns out that intrusive igneous rocks have been weathered here for centuries. There is almost no vegetation on the slopes of the mountain. From the outside it looks harsh and ascetic. The first settlement at the foot of the mountain appeared in 1565. It was here that Rio de Janeiro was later founded.

In 1817, the British flag appeared on top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. It was hoisted by an English nurse, Henrietta Carstairs. It was the first ascent of the mountain. And already in 1912 there was a cable car. It is available to travelers and today.

Anyone who is wondering what to see in Brazil, will be interested in climbing the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain with three stops: Praia Vermelha, Urca and the top of Pan di Azúcar. At the same time on Mount Urca you can admire the amphitheater. The Concha Verde concert complex on Urca often hosts dance shows, which are so beloved in Brazil.

8. Amazon rainforests

Brazil’s natural attractions include the Amazon forests. They have a second name, Amazonia, which is more common in Brazil. They are broadleaved forests with high humidity. The Amazon is located in the river basin of the same name. The powerful evergreen forests cover an area of 5.5 million square kilometers.

This is 50% of the area of all tropical forests on the planet. The Amazon extends over nine states, including Brazil. The biological diversity of the rainforest is a constant attraction for travelers and tourists.

Currently, 40,000 plant species and 3,000 fish species have been described, but scientists tend to believe that this is not complete. The Amazon’s fauna is also rich, with many predators in the tropical broadleaf forests that pose a serious danger to humans. These include the jaguar and the caiman. In addition, the rainforests are full of poisonous snakes, so independent travel here is undesirable.

Unfortunately, the Amazon forest is rapidly declining. There are statistics, according to which only from 1991 to 2004 the area of forests decreased by more than 400,000 square kilometers. Deforestation is carried out haphazardly, and the government is not always able to control the process.

The reason for deforestation is to clear land for agriculture. However, at present the situation has been somewhat optimized, since Greenpeace and many public organizations have actively joined in the preservation of tropical forests.

9. Pedra Pintada (Roraima State)

In the Brazilian state of Roraima there is an amazing rock formation. The name Pedra Pintada is translated as “painted stone. From the side, it looks multicolored, with vertical bright stripes prevailing in the coloring on a dark background. The rock stretches upward for 35 meters. It is 83 meters above sea level.

Tourists have a lot to see in Brazil. Inside the “painted rock” is a cave with rock paintings. Once here lived ancient tribes, who left their descendants stone axes and a lot of pottery. It should be noted that tourists do not always have the opportunity to get into this cave. The fact is that Pedra Pintada (“painted stone”) is located on an Indian reservation.

The Indians are jealous of this attraction in Brazil, which is located on their lands. For tourism or other purposes, access to the cave is possible only with the permission of the FUNAI National Indian Foundation. If permission is obtained, the travelers are guaranteed a vivid experience. After all, the rock paintings inside the cave are made with bright white and pink paint.

10. Parque do Ibirapuera (Sao Paulo)

Thinking about what to see in Brazil? Of course, the Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo. It covers an area of 140 hectares. The year of the park’s founding is considered 1954. Its opening occurred in honor of the 400th anniversary of São Paulo. The author of the landscape design was Roberto Burle Marx, and the buildings in the park were designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Tourists are invariably fascinated not only by the park’s vegetation, but also by its very arrangement. In fact, it is a small kingdom with palaces, lakes and forests. At the entrance to the park stretches the largest lake. On its waters sway white and black swans. Here, well-fed geese and ducks swim nearby. One of the pleasures for the visitors of the park is the opportunity to feed them.

The birds are used to the treats and swim right up to people. There are colorful fountains with moving jets on the lake. Vegetation here is very diverse. For example, in the park there are both Japanese gardens and palm groves. In fact, all of the nature of southeastern Brazil is represented here. The structure of the park is designed so that the buildings seamlessly fit into the landscape.

Therefore, as a whole, the park gives the impression of complete harmony. Among the iconic monuments is a monument to Pedro Álvarez Cabral, who is the first European to be able to reach the Brazilian coast. The park looks very romantic, which is why dates are often made here. You can’t consider the sights of Brazil to have been seen if you haven’t gotten to know this beautiful place.

Sightseeing in Brazil: what else to visit while in Brazil

Continuing to consider interesting places, let’s talk about those that attract tourists and locals alike. It is most convenient if you will be accompanied by professional guides in Brazil, who know the best time to visit sights and other subtleties of organizing excursions.

11. Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro

All the enchanting variety of Brazilian flora and fauna is represented in the Botanical Garden. It covers 54 hectares. There are 6.5 thousand species registered here. Especially those that are on the verge of extinction are appreciated. In addition to the rich vegetation, the Botanical Garden has monuments and architectural structures.

In addition, for the systematization and study of vegetation in the Botanical Garden there is a science center. It has a rich library. The books in it are chosen mainly on botanical subjects. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1808. Originally it was created for the exotic plants that had been brought from other countries to get acclimatized.

For this purpose they were provided with special conditions and built hothouses. The garden was laid out by order of King João VI. It crowns the attractions of Brazil and is a national treasure. The Botanical Garden is located on the right hand side of the famous statue of Christ. Since 1992, the Botanical Park in Rio de Janeiro has been declared a UNESCO site. It is now considered a biosphere reserve.

12. Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro)

The Copacabana beach area in Rio de Janeiro stretches for 4 kilometers. Previously it was a fisherman’s village with the same name. In translation, the word means “bright spot”. Copacabana is known for being the home of the art world. Brazilian artists, writers and painters often settled here.

Particular prosperity Copacabana reached in the 50’s of last century. And later in the area began to settle wealthy citizens and politicians. The area is connected to Rio de Janeiro by a streetcar line.

Copacabana is considered to have been founded in 1750, when a chapel appeared on the site. Over time, the first settlements began to appear here, which have now become an independent suburb of Rio de Janeiro.

In modern times, the prestige of Copacabana has declined considerably due to the fact that illegal business has flourished here. However, it is in Copacabana that Rio de Janeiro’s largest concert venue is located. Rod Stewart’s concert in 1994 attracted more than 4 million people, which is noted in the Guinness Book of Records. Later, in 2006, it was a similarly incredible success with a concert by the Rolling Stones that drew an estimated 2,000,000 spectators. The Copacabana is still a free spirit of creativity.

13. Maracana Stadium (Rio de Janeiro)

Attractions in Brazil include sports facilities. These include the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. It is the largest soccer stadium in the country. The famous clubs Flamengo, Fluminense and the Brazilian national team consider it their home arena.

The stadium is named after the nearby river. The year of its foundation is 1948. Then Brazil was preparing for the World Cup in 1950. Finally, the work was completed in 1965. Since then, Maracana is considered the main Brazilian stadium.

It is a very capacious venue and holds several attendance records. It is built in the shape of an oval. It is noteworthy that here the playing field from the stands is separated by a moat with water. The purpose of the ditch is to drain the water from the stands. The stadium is located in an area of tropical downpours, so the installation of drainage ditches is a functional necessity.

The stadium is open, but a large canopy is also oval-shaped along the contour of the bleachers. In 2016, this stadium hosted the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics. All soccer matches of the 2016 Olympics were also held in this stadium.

14. Ponta Dunas Water Park (Fortaleza)

Fortaleza is home to one of Brazil’s largest water parks. Ponta Dunas is a favorite summer attraction for tourists. Its myriad of dizzying rides attracts vacationers. The slides and extreme descents in streams of water that make the heart stop, are a guarantee of the most vivid experiences. Ponta Dunas complements the attractions of Brazil. It delights with well-thought-out engineering solutions and fountain of imagination of the creators.

For example, on the territory of the water park there is a slide, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records. From the side it is scary to imagine that someone would dare to go down, because the slide reaches the level of a 14-storey building. Nevertheless, the slide is never empty. From her rushes dozens of brave daredevils who are peculiar to the spirit of excitement. A fair dose of adrenaline is guaranteed for them!

Nearby is a 40-meter slide, it was built later, so the world record is not yet claimed. Its descent is almost vertical. Surprisingly, but it is never empty. The organizers have provided a system of restrictions for such rides. Pregnant women and children below 1.5 meters cannot ride them.

The area of Ponta Dunas is huge. And the height of the local attractions allows you to admire the sea, because the water park is located in the coastal strip. Everything is provided for tourists here, from food to places of quiet relaxation. Cafes and restaurants offer an exquisite menu. Tired of extreme pleasures tourists are offered quiet and comfortable hotel rooms.

There are several artificial rivers flowing through the park. It has pools of different depths. Moreover, each pool has its own temperature balance. On the territory of South America Ponta Dunas is the first such structure.

15. Gastronomic Museum (El Salvador)

What to visit in Brazil? For lovers of delicacies, the gastronomic museum in Salvador is a real godsend. The exposition here is very unusual. It is entirely devoted to the wisdom of gastronomy. Here you can get acquainted with the history of Brazilian cuisine and national customs. The museum opened in 2006.

In addition to the classic exhibits, you can watch videos. In addition, tour guides offer a documentary film on the gastronomic peculiarities of Brazil. Also in tourists invariably cause interest cutlery, dating back to different centuries.

There is also a souvenir shop. And since the exposition fascinatingly tells about the food, the local restaurant is never empty. Here you can try many of the dishes that are told about in the museum.

16. Portuguese Royal Library (Rio de Janeiro)

The ancient, very recognizable monumental building can hardly be called just a library. It is a true temple of science, the grandeur of which is striking both from the outside and especially inside, when you get into the realm of books, arranged on shelves of striking beauty, made of carved wood. And in general, absolutely all the interior decoration is made of wood - carved lace from floor to ceiling alternates with thousands of books and ceiling space is crowned with magnificent mosaic, through colored glass which light penetrates into the room. The building, decorated in the Manuelino style, began to be built in 1880, and in 1900 the library opened its doors to the public.

17. Teatro Amazonas (Manaus)

In the heart of the Brazilian city of Manaus sits the Amazonas, an opera house built in the late 19th century, during the “rubber rush.” The increased demand for rubber once allowed local planters to become so rich that they were able to invite European opera stars. Over time, England was able to establish rubber production in its tropical colonies, and with the arrival of a competitor, the Brazilian planters pretty quickly went bankrupt. The theater was abandoned for many years, and only in the 1990s it experienced a new heyday. Today the Amazon Opera Festival is held annually within its walls, and thousands of tourists come to visit.

18. Museum of Modern Art (Rio de Janeiro)

The sights of the capital of Brazil, which is still considered to be Rio de Janeiro, despite the fact that the city lost this status in 1960, include not only historical but also modern objects. The building of the Museum of Modern Art, shaped like a flying saucer, is memorable to all visitors. Both the facade and the interior design are unusual. The museum itself is the result of a massive cultural and economic upheaval that Brazil underwent after World War II. The collection exhibits contemporary art collected from various countries. These are objects of painting, sculpture, graphics, constructions made of metal and plastic.

19. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro)

If we talk about the national attractions of Brazil, the Carnival in Rio is their most striking example. This event can be called one of the most colorful, spectacular, large-scale events in the whole world. Every year the festival brings together hundreds of thousands of people from different countries to personally participate in the celebration. Traditionally, the action takes place in February and March, just before Lent according to the Catholic calendar. In the course of the event, representatives of the 12 best samba schools demonstrate their mastery of the fiery dance, and groups of judges, located at several points along the route of the carnival procession, at this time assess the quality of performance, from dance technique to the type of costumes.

20. City of Oru Preto, Minas Gerais

The old city in eastern Brazil was once one of the main hotbeds of the “gold rush” in South America, and evidence of its importance today is a number of unique buildings, most of which were erected in the 18th century and decorated in the colonial Baroque style. Today the town has become a veritable open-air museum, and even traffic is blocked in its historic part. The Catholic Church of Oru Pretu stands out among all the buildings in the city, as well as the huge number of museums concentrated there. Of equal interest is the suburban Itacolomi Park, whose tropical forests offer a glimpse of wildlife in its pristine beauty.

21. Historic Center of Olinda (Pernambuco State)

By the buildings of the historic center of one of the most beautiful Brazilian cities, Olinda, you can read the history of Brazil since the time of the first Portuguese colonizers. This authentic city in the northeast of the country was founded in the 16th century. Colonizers settled here at the time, and the city they built flourished for a century. The invasions by the Dutch destroyed it but a couple of decades later the Portuguese regained control and a new palaces and rich mansions were built which have remained mostly intact until the present day. The fine moldings, the rich gilding and other abundant decorations of the facades of these buildings still impress with their splendor.

22. Church of San Francisco, El Salvador

Another site of historical value located in the city of El Salvador is the Church of San Francisco, also built during the Portuguese colonial period. The exterior, moderately restrained appearance of the building contrasts strongly with its interior decoration, the richness of which is even difficult to describe. The whole temple is literally covered with gold from the inside, the extraordinary abundance of gilded carved elements, paintings and sculptures impresses - their golden glare strikes the most sophisticated imagination. It is due to this decoration that the temple was given its second name, the “golden church”. The building itself is decorated in the best traditions of the Brazilian Baroque.

23. Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge (Sao Paulo)

Visiting São Paulo, you can see with your own eyes one of the most unusual and modern structures in the country, the Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge. For visitors it is a unique sight, where you can take original photos, and for locals it is an important transportation artery of the city. The main visual features of the structure are the characteristic X-shaped 138-meter pylon, whose main function is to support the two levels of the traffic artery, as well as 144 powerful cables holding the transport bed. The construction of the bridge was started in 2006, and the inauguration took place two years later.

24. Corcovado Mountain (Rio de Janeiro)

Brazil, whose capital today is the city of Brasilia, still keeps most of its attractions in its former capital, the city of Rio de Janeiro. One of the symbols of Rio and the whole country is the monumental statue of Christ the Redeemer, thanks to which the mountain of Corcovado became famous all over the world - on its summit rises a colossal 40-meter sculpture of the Savior. The mountain itself is located in the Tijuca National Park. A special railroad track leads to its top - it has a serrated gearing, which is necessary for the train to safely grip the rails on a steep ascent. Three trains regularly run along this track, which provides visitors to the mountain a quick ascent to the top in 20 minutes.

25. Lacerda Lift (El Salvador)

One of the most notable landmarks of the city of El Salvador is its unusual Lacerda elevator, which serves as public transportation. The fact is that the city itself, located on the oceanic coast, has a strong elevation difference, starting from the coast inland. Therefore, a kind of elevator connecting Cairo Square in the Lower City and Souza Square in the Upper City was created for the convenience of movement. It consists of two towers - one contains the elevator cabins, the other, located in the rock, has counterweights. Every day about 28,000 passengers get from one part of the city to the other thanks to the elevator.

26. Ipanema Beach (Rio de Janeiro)

A paradisiacal place with a hot southern mentality and a vibrant national flavor, this is all temperamental Brazil. The sights of Rio de Janeiro delight not only with cultural sites and extravagant festivals, but also with extremely beautiful nature, including beautiful sea beaches. Among them is the romantic Ipanema Beach, a place of exclusive relaxation and contemplation of beautiful views of the sunset. Compared to Copacabana, Ipanema is quiet and serene. At the same time, lovers of entertainment will find something to their liking - the beach has ideal conditions for surfing, you can play soccer, volleyball and footvolley.

27. Beaches of El Salvador

Lovers of wild recreation are sure to love the picturesque, little-known beaches, which can be called some of the most beautiful in Latin America. This is truly a paradise - many kilometers of sandy coastline neighbors with hundreds of palm trees and other abundant vegetation. A small number of campsites, a few small restaurants and bars are all signs of civilization that can be found in these parts. But there are excellent opportunities for surfing, other sports, relaxing bathing in the gentle waves, as well as natural pools for a quiet holiday.

28. Lencoys-Maranensis National Park (Marian State, Barreirinhas)

For fans of natural attractions in Brazil, there are plenty of opportunities to contemplate the most dizzying landscapes. Many attractions of Argentina and Brazil are located on the border of these two neighboring countries. These include, for example, the massive Iguazu Falls, which have become the heritage of the two nations. Most natural sites are located in nature reserves. Among these places is the beautiful Lencoise-Maranensis National Park, which strikes the imagination with its mysterious nature - its entire territory is covered with snow-white sands, but it is by no means a desert. It periodically rains heavily, forming lagoons of incredible blue, turquoise, and green between rows of sand dunes.

29. Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí

A unique reserve of archaeological sites is located in the north-eastern part of the country, the Serra da Capivara National Park. The cliffs located on its territory contain numerous evidence of the cultural development of mankind - in their caves you can see unique samples of ancient rock paintings depicting scenes from the life of prehistoric people. These lands officially became a protected area in 1979, when a Brazilian woman archaeologist organized the first excavations, which resulted in the discovery of homes and burials of ancient man, as well as jewelry, labor and art. To this day, archaeological research continues in the region and new discoveries are made.

30. Fernando de Noronha (Pernambuco state)

350 kilometers off the northeast coast of the country in the Atlantic Ocean is a volcanic archipelago of 21 islands, and one of them, the largest, gave its name to the entire archipelago. It is the island of Fernando de Noronha, which was once owned by a wealthy Lisbon merchant. The islands of the archipelago have a beautiful, warm tropical climate, with a dry season from August to January. There are several ancient structures to see, such as a historic church or palace, as well as Portuguese colonial style pousadas. The island’s stunning beaches are ideal for relaxing, diving and sailing.

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