Source: Poswiecie
Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most captivating places in the world, the beauty of which cannot be described in mere words. The gorgeous beaches, the wildlife, the music and the festivities: it’s impossible to get to Brazil and not fall in love with it. The very heart of the city is the vibrant Rio de Janeiro, a city which needs no introduction and it’s just the beginning, and in Brazil, the possibilities are endless.
1. Endless Fun in Rio Carnival
Source: nateClicks
From the beautiful and sexy beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the famous Rio Carnival, the kind of flair and the energy this marvelous city emulates is simply electrifying. Join in the fun with the deliciously bronzed samba dancers, and dance to the pulsating music that surrounds the biggest carnival festival on the planet. This spectacular festival is held before Lent every year which sees millions of people heading here to join in the fun, laughter, and dancing.
2. Unadorned Beauty of Salvador
Source: IvaCastro
Stand in the center of Brazil’s capital, Salvador and listen to the rhythmic beat of African drums – you’ll understand why it’s regarded as the soul of Brazil. Once the capital of Portugal’s great New World colony, Salvador is the country’s magnificent epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture. The Pelourinho neighborhood is its historic heart hidden in the shadows of old Catholic churches and cobbled alleyways.
3. Into the Wild: Amazon Rainforest
Source: CIFOR
Amazon’s largest city and a magnificent spectacle of urbanity in the middle of the jungle, Manaus is a major departure point for the wild Amazon rainforest, a wild broad-leafed rainforest in the heart of Brazil and home to approximately one-third of all animal species in the world. Amazon covers a vast portion of Brazil, making it one of the most intriguing and gorgeous lands on earth.
4. Gateway to the Iguaçu Falls
Source: Enaldo Valadares
The Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu is the gateway to the famed Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls which have awed locals, tourists and indigenous inhabitants for centuries. Today the falls are owned by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Iguazú National Park in Argentina and the Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. This is definitely one of the great natural wonders of the world which is simply astounding.
5. The Sprawling City of Fortaleza
Source: Governo Federal Brasileiro
The capital of the Brazilian state of Ceará is known for its spectacular beaches, punctuated by beautiful red cliffs, huge palm trees, rolling dunes, and lagoons. One of Brazil’s biggest cities, Fortaleza is a surprisingly large and sprawling city which has been a popular hotspot for the Brazilian tourists for decades. Besides the magnificent beaches, the visitors are attracted by a combination of dazzling and vibrant nightlife, the rich Brazilian culture and the delectable culinary scene.
6. The Coastal Sand Dunes of Natal
Source: Ricαrdo
Gateway to the gorgeous beaches of Rio Grande do Norte, the sprawling city of Natal is perched on Brazil’s Atlantic Coast and caters to much of the Brazilian families with its touristy beaches, fantastic sand dunes, and a lively nightlife. This is also considered the safest Brazilian capital, according to the Institute of Applied Economic Research of Brazil.
7. Brasilia -The Architectural Marvel
Source: acmoraes
The renowned capital of contemporary Brazil is a natural spectacle of world-class architectural masterpieces completed by a grand urban layout planned by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and urbanist Lúcio Costa, and the remarkable design has been an inspiration to the architects from all over the globe.
8. The Urban Grandeur of Curitiba
Source: rafapinha
Famed for being one of the worlds’ best models of urban planning, the city of Curitiba is an inland city of tall buildings such as the Panoramic Tower, a telecommunication tower built on the highest part of the city, with an observatory on the top that permits a wonderful 360-degree view of the city. The French-inspired Botanical Garden of Curitiba is one of the most popular attractions in Brazil known for its colorful flowerbed, beautiful ponds, and art nouveau greenhouse.
9. Beach Hopping in Florianópolis
Source: silveirajhonatas
The coastal city of Florianópolis is just the perfect place to enjoy summer along sun, sea, and cocktails and to see the kind, humble people. Known for its several gorgeous beaches, this is considered one of the best places to live in Brazil, thanks to its laid-back urban vibe and a vibrant nightlife that’s hard to miss. With more than 40 beaches, it’s no wonder Florianópolis is one of the hottest resorts in Brazil.
10. Recife – The Seaside Splendor
Source: Guilherme Jófili
The capital of Pernambuco and one of the Northeast’s most interesting cities, Recife is a sprawling, urban city of classy high-rises, crowded streets, extensive suburbs and thundering traffic, known for its artistic and folkloric traditions, dance and music, that’s been passed on for generations. Recife is a subtle mix of old and new, and its magnificent beaches are one of its major lures.
11. The Upscale Resort Destination: Armação dos Búzios
Source: Ribastank
This is a Brazilian resort city set on an ocean peninsula east of Rio de Janeiro and scalloped by 17 beaches that offer direct contact with nature and scenic views, making for an exceptional vacation destination. This upscale resort is a great escape from the chaotic city life of Rio de Janeiro and a perfect weekend getaway popular among the international tourists.
12. The Splendid Belo Horizonte
Source: Portal da Copa
The city is built on several hills, completely surrounded by mountains, and is the first planned modern city in Brazil which embraces a contemporary architecture adorned with art nouveau and art deco styles. Renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer designed several of the first buildings here in the city back in the 1940s, giving this marvelous city some of his most appreciated works and top tourist attractions.
13. The Raucous Nightlife of Porto Seguro
Source: Mika Santos
There are so many things to see and do in Porto Seguro, particularly during the vacation periods, that you’ll find it almost impossible to cover all of them unless a stay a few days to get everything that’s worth appreciating. This is the point where the Portuguese sailors first step foot on the land now known as Brazil. Best known for its raucous nightlife, this is the place where the fun never ends and here you’ll find a great deal of activities that can entertain you all-year-round.
14. The Eco-Wonderland of Fernando de Noronha
Source: Roberto Garrido
A volcanic archipelago situated about 350 kilometers off Brazil’s northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is famed as an eco-wonderland and a beach lovers’ paradise. You’ll be stepping into a natural spectacle of beauty, both on land and at sea. Tucked beneath the rugged cliffs and caves are the exotic white sand beaches of Fernando de Noronha, which are among the few best spots to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also watch sea turtles, rays and dolphins swimming in its warm, crystal clear waters.
15. The Ecotourism Hub of Brazil: Bonito
Source: A. Duarte
This small aquatic playground is where you’ll get acquainted with the true treasures of nature. Rivers with crystal clear waters beautifully surrounded by lush forest, rich with life in all its different forms and sizes, and rolling hills, waterfalls, and caves, are few of the many elements that make Bonito a wonderful ecotourism center of Brazil. If the beauty of the rivers doesn’t fascinate you, the many caves in the region most definitely will. You can also enjoy snorkeling, hiking, trekking, bird watching, horse riding, rafting and rappelling in the many rivers, caves, and lagoons.
16. The Financial Center of Brazil: São Paulo
Source: marcoagvisconti
If Rio has claimed its fame for its striking natural setting and the popular Rio Carnival, the beauty of its much intimidating rival Sao Paulo lies in its very people and its diverse culture. Ask the people residing in this vibrant city and maybe they will introduce you to the city’s several art-house cinemas and the experimental theaters. Focus on the upscale gourmet restaurants and smart bistros that make this already vibrant city a renowned foodie haven.
17. To the Land of Discoveries: Belém
Source: Cayambe
The picturesque Belém is an astonishingly rewarding city with cobbled streets and beautiful parks shaded by wonderful mango trees and a cluster of fascinating museums and chilled restaurant-bars. The quirky-looking Belém Tower is one of the most recognized tourist attractions and a prominent landmark of the city. Though boast a modern laid-back vibe but retains much of its historical charm and beauty.
18. The Magical City of Porto Alegre
Source: Eliezer Pedroso
The capital and the largest city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, the magical city of Porto Alegre is the most important port city in southern Brazil and a key player in the South American free- trade agreement. Despite the constant flow of crime levels in the city, a wide range of cultural events and festivals are held in Porto Alegre, such as the Social Forum, International Free Software Forum, Bookfair and Worldwide Pinhole Photography among several others.
19. The Green City of João Pessoa
Source: GeoNando
Known as the city where the sun rises first, João Pessoa is one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil and its coastal location and year-round tropical climate make it so intimidating and alluring. For a city which claims more trees than any other capital city in Brazil, with hundreds of small gardens and nature parks in the area, it’s no wonder this city is among the greenest in Brazil. In short, it’s a nice little place to break up a journey.
20. Big Surprise in a Small Package: Aracaju
Source: Victor Ramos
A well-organized urban space in the middle of two popular tourist destinations in the northeast of Brazil, Aracaju is one of the first cities to be planned in Brazil and is recognized as one of the northeast’s safest capitals. The city center is beautifully arranged and filled with all the modern amenities such as museums, theaters, shopping malls and churches. Aracaju offers some of the best examples of refined architecture, spanned in its typically colonial layout, such as the Catedral Metropolitana, which took almost thirteen years to complete.
21. The Historic Center of São Luís
Source: Rauryson
São Luís is an enthralling neighborhood of pastel-colored colonial mansions flanked by steamy cobbled streets and adorned by a charming locale with a serene atmosphere. This charming little city is filled with some of the best museums, art galleries and craft stores in the Northeast. This historic town has a strikingly Afro-Brazilian touch to its century-old culture, which can be very much evident from its extremely unusual yet vibrant Bumba Meu Boi festivals.
22. Petrópolis – The Imperial City of Brazil
Source: Ribastank
A favorite getaway for the residents of Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis, also known as the Imperial City of Brazil, is a popular holiday destination with a number of ecotourism and adventure leisure options. The main point of interest is the former Summer Palace of the Brazilian Emperors, which is now the popular Imperial Museum specializing in Imperial history and memorabilia. Make a quick tour of the Cervejaria Bohemia, where you can taste one of Brazil’s favorite lagers and learn about the history of this brewery.
23. Paraty – A Colonial Beauty
Source: karendesuyo
A colonial beauty where almost everybody wears flip-flops; one of the many quirks that make this beautiful coastal town such a captivating detour for anybody spending some quality time in Brazil. Paraty is definitely one of the Brazil’s most alluring destinations, set amid poking peninsulas and secluded beaches. The colonial center of Paraty is famed for its centuries-old, elegantly preserved architecture and the irregular cobbled streets that make this charming little city a delightful place for a quiet stroll.
24. Ilha Grande – The Untouched Paradise of Brazil
Source: Huguys
A beautiful island located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande is the relaxing, undeveloped paradise of Brazil which seems disconnected from the outside world. This is the place that for the most part lived up to its dark history of piracy, as a penal colony and quarantine hospital. But this fabulous island retreat owes its unsavory reputation to its unusual history. No phones, no vehicles and no banks. It’s all about soaking the sun, relaxing on the beaches, sailing , swimming, and craving for fresh seafood.
25. Tour the Tijuca Forest
Source: dany13
Hop in for a regular morning tour of the infamous Tijuca Forest, which claims to be the world’s largest urban forest and home to hundreds of species and plants and wildlife, many of which are threatened by extinction. Some of the wildlife you may encounter during the tour are capuchin monkeys, lizards, and geckos, snakes and raccoons among others. You may also hear the sweet sound of the juritis hummingbirds.
Have a good trip and travel!
