Carnivals, beaches and rainforests on your Brazil vacation
A round-trip to Brazil must be planned well – after all, the South American country is one of the largest in the world! And there are undoubtedly several things to do – from marveling at waterfalls to sampling fresh fruit and, of course, taking part in the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro! Music is an intrinsic part of life in Brazil, and the rhythms of samba are steeped in its fabric.
Its cities and towns offer diverse charms – while Rio de Janeiro has everything from beaches to a vibrant nightlife – no trip to Rio de Janeiro is complete without a visit to the Copacabana beach – colonial charm is the flavor of Paraty. The modern capital city of Brasilia is popular for its architectural marvel, the Cathedral of Brasilia, Sao Paulo is bustling with markets and other cultural attractions, while a calm vibe greets you in Buzios. Nature lovers have plenty to enjoy in the county: there are several national parks to explore such as Serra da Capivara National Park, Lençois Maranhenses National Park and Iguaçu National Park among others. You also have the ecologically diverse Amazon Rainforest, the wetlands of Pantanal.
Here is a list of the top things to do in Brazil curated by our Enchanting Travels specialists, which should definitely be part of your Brazil travel guide!
1 Enjoy City Life, Beaches and Views in Rio de Janeiro
The dream city of Rio de Janeiro offers everything your heart desires – the endless sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, vibrant city life as well as fantastic views of the Pão de Açúcar or the Sugarloaf Mountain and the Corcovado on which rests the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Visit Rio de Janerio once and you will surely want to return again!
Other popular attractions in Rio de Janeiro include the Escadaria Selaron, a series of must-see steps, the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, Tijuca forest, a tropical rainforest in the city, and of course watching a football match at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro!
2 Attend the Carnival in Rio
What would Brazil be without the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro? The best Samba schools in the country showcase their skills once a year at the Carnival. There is music, song, dance, floats, performances…little wonder then that the Carnival is often described as the biggest carnival in the world!
Whether in the famed Sambadrome or out on the streets across the city, the Carnival is an experience you must enjoy at least once in your life and is easily one of the top things to do in Brazil.
3 Discover a Hidden Paradise in Buzios
The quaint fishing village of Buzios is set just three hours from bustling Rio. Here, time seems to pass more slowly than in the rest of the country. Stroll along shimmering blue expanses of water and live the relaxed lifestyle of the locals when you travel to Buzios.
At night, saunter along the cobblestone street Rua das Pedras, with its boutique shops, restaurants, and lively bars. Hollywood icon Brigitte Bardot was a fan of Buzios’ natural beauty, and it’s not hard to see why!
4 Head to the Amazon in Manaus
The city of Manaus offers a gateway to the lush green Amazon forest. Take a leisurely cruise on the Amazon river and discover the incredible flora and fauna in one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world!
Admire the mighty Rio Negro (Black River) and Solimões River as they join to form the Amazon River at the Meeting of the Waters – one of the top things to do in Brazil.
5 Take a Photography Tour in the Pantanal
The largest marshland in the world, Pantanal is ideal for photography tours in Brazil. It is also home to an overwhelming number of native plant and animal species. The National Park and the reserves are together designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The jungle lodges in the region are a highlight in themselves: built in harmony with nature, they still offer all the worldly comfort you can wish for.
6 Explore Sao Paolo
The bustling metropolis of Sao Paulo is oft neglected by travelers albeit unjustly! The twelve million-strong city boasts modern architecture, the unusually picturesque Parque do Ibirapuera and countless art museums, such as the São Paulo Museum of Art, brimming with world-class treasures.
Sao Paulo is the largest city in South America is not to be missed on your tour of Brazil!
7 Sample Culture and Heritage in Paraty
Beautifully preserved, the charming old town of Paraty takes history buffs and culture travelers back in time. Many buildings in Paraty date back to the 17th century. Find the architectural influence of freemasons left across the town.
This colorful colonial town also boasts picture-perfect surroundings including idyllic white sandy beaches, lush green mountains and azure lagoons.
8 Marvel at the Iguazu Falls in Brazil
Most definitely on our list of top things to do in Brazil, this is a highlight you simply cannot miss! While you can view the Iguazu Falls from Argentina, it is only the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls that offers you a panoramic view of this incredible natural phenomenon where you can marvel at more than 270 waterfalls!
From Foz do Iguacu, you can also visit the Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio, which have recently been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
9 Discover an Unspoiled Beach in Picinguaba
Insider Tip from the Enchanting Travels team: Go off the beaten track on your tour of Brazil with a visit to idyllic Picinguaba. Soak up the sun on the unspoiled beaches and savor the fresh catch of the day at one of the many quaint restaurants.
There’s scenic tropical fauna reminiscent of the Caribbean, deep blue waters and beaches calling you for a leisurely stroll and a refreshing bath – the perfect destination for those looking to do something different in Brazil!
10 Relish a Fresh Fruit Feast During Your Stay in Brazil
Brazil is undoubtedly a paradise for fruit lovers: try the vitamin-rich Acai berry, Caju (whose kernels, the cashews, are also available around the world), or the deliciously sweet and juicy guavas.
Visit the local markets to pick up and savor the fresh produce, a true culinary delight!
Discover all the best things to do in Brazil by booking your vacation with our experts at Enchanting Travels. Contact us for your tailor-made and obligation-free tour itinerary.
From the Blog
The Iguazu Falls are an absolute highlight of a South America vacation. Located on the triple frontier of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, you can see the world’s largest waterfalls from the Argentine side as well as the Brazilian side. But, which side is better for you?
Festivals in South America are known for their sheer extravagance. Just being in the vicinity of any of these carnivals can fill you with a sense of euphoria so strong that you are bound to keep coming back for more. Explore the vibrant cultures and traditions on your South America tours.
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Best Time To Visit
As large parts of the vast landscape lie in the tropics, the climate is uniformly tropical or subtropical, so you can take Brazil holidays at any time of the year. Follow the link for an overview on when to go to Brazil.
Travel Guide
From football fervor to festival fever, visas, vaccinations and language, and everyday experiences, discover the top Brazil travel tips from our destination experts in our travel guide.
Culture
Football fever to the famous Brazil Carnival, the historic rivalry between Sao Paolo and Rio’s people, to the pulsating beats of samba and capoeira dance, discover Brazil’s colorful and vibrant culture.