15 breathtaking experiences in Brazil

Whether you're drawn to lush wilderness or vibrant urban life, the sounds of frogs in the rainforest or the rhythm of samba, Brazil has unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

The country's reputation as a natural wonder is undeniable. This vast nation is home to the largest rainforest, expansive wetlands, and more known species of plants, freshwater fish, and mammals than any other country in the world.

Brazil is rich in diverse indigenous and immigrant cultures, each with its own languages, cuisines, and music. Savor Afro-Brazilian heritage with acarajé in Salvador, dance samba in Rio de Janeiro, or groove to the sounds of frevo in Olinda during Carnaval. The Amazon also hosts some of the most vibrant celebrations in Brazil.

If you're ready to unwind after all that adventure, Brazil's tropical islands offer the perfect escape. To help you plan, here are the top experiences to prioritize during your visit to Brazil.

1. Take in the breathtaking views in Rio de Janeiro

With its beaches, architecture, museums, waterfalls, and vibrant nightlife, Rio de Janeiro offers countless reasons to visit. However, the must-do experience here is to ascend to high points for breathtaking views. From above, the city’s dramatic landscape unfolds, showcasing mountains covered in lush greenery that descend into the ocean, with urban life nestled in between.

Tourists flock for photos at two of the city’s iconic attractions: the 710-meter (2,329-foot) tall Christ the Redeemer statue and Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), both of which provide stunning 360-degree panoramas.

For a crowd-free experience, investing in a helicopter tour is a fantastic choice. The stunning vistas that reward your hikes in Tijuca National Park—one of Brazil's premier national parks—are truly remarkable. The views from the peaks of Pico da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea are especially breathtaking.

2. Observe whales at Praia do Rosa

Once a quiet fishing village, Praia do Rosa has transformed into a premier surfing hotspot, featuring delightful guest houses and hotels perched on the hillside overlooking the bay. During the winter months (June to November), surfers are accompanied by another kind of visitor enjoying the waves: southern right whale calves.

Historically hunted in these waters since the 1700s, these whales were believed to be extinct by the 1970s. Although they are making a comeback, they remain critically endangered. Each year, they migrate from Patagonia to breed here, and a marine reserve stretching 130 km (80 miles) along the coast was established to protect them.

While only the brave would consider swimming in these chilly southern waters during winter, the beach is a lovely spot for windy strolls and year-round whale watching. Boat tours are also available for those wanting a closer encounter.

3. Birdwatch in the Atlantic Forest

For avid birdwatchers, exploring some hidden gems in the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is a must. This unique biome, one of Brazil’s six, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts—home to nearly 900 species, a quarter of which are endemic, including three-toed jacamars and vibrant green-headed tanagers.

You can discover Atlantic Forest ecosystems in numerous national and state parks, along with countless private nature reserves. Itatiaia, established in 1937 as Brazil’s first national park, is a true birdwatcher's haven. Further south, in the mangroves and salt marshes of Superagüi National Park and the Sebui private reserve, you can witness other Atlantic Forest inhabitants like scarlet ibises and red-tailed Amazon parrots filling the skies at dusk as they settle down for the night.

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4. Experience the thrill of a soccer match

You can't miss the buzz when a major soccer match is on in Brazil; every bar has it on display, with cheers echoing through the streets whenever a goal is scored. Dive into the excitement by securing tickets to a match, where the fervent fans often steal the show.

The Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is iconic, having hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, along with the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics. SR Flamengo is the largest club in Rio, drawing massive crowds whenever they face off against local rivals.

In São Paulo, SE Palmeiras and Corinthians boast state-of-the-art stadiums, with the latter renowned for its fervent fans. Pacaembu Stadium, an art deco gem, hosts fewer games now, but the soccer museum beneath it pays tribute to Brazil’s beloved sport.

5. Experience the thrill of a speedboat ride under Iguaçu Falls

The thunderous sound of 396,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of water crashing over the edge of Iguaçu Falls each second creates an exhilarating atmosphere. Numerous activities in and around the falls can keep you busy for days, from hiking and biking in the national park to birdwatching at the Parque das Aves sanctuary.

Chances are you'll get soaked at some point during your visit, so why not embrace the splash in the most exhilarating way with a speedboat ride directly under the falls? Powerful turbo-dinghies equipped with 500 horsepower engines zoom right beside the cascades, where the roar is so loud your screams won't be heard. Don't miss the nearby Itaipú Dam—the world’s second-largest—easily reachable from either Brazil or Paraguay.

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6. Celebrate at Carnaval

For an unforgettable day filled with heat, excitement, and a dash of glamour, immerse yourself in a massive costume and join a samba school as you parade through the Sambódromo during Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval. A spectacle broadcast live on national television, this vibrant parade is fiercely competitive, with samba schools dedicating the entire year to their preparation, all while thousands of fans cheer from the stands.

However, Carnaval isn't just about Rio. Each region of Brazil has its own unique way of celebrating, with one of the most traditional festivities found in the coastal town of Olinda. Here, instead of samba, the lively beats of frevo, maracatu, and afoxé fill the picturesque streets. Local percussion and brass bands draw massive crowds of enthusiastic revelers eager to join in the fun.

7. Kitesurf along Brazil’s northeastern shores

Home to some of the globe’s most renowned kitesurfing champions, Brazil boasts an extensive, windswept Atlantic coastline perfect for the sport. The state of Ceará features prime kitesurfing locations, such as Cumbuco, favored by elite athletes, along with the coastal towns of Icapuí and Preá.

Further north in Piauí state, Barra Grande is emerging as a hot spot for kitesurfing. Meanwhile, in Maranhão, the lagoons in Atins provide consistent winds without the waves, along with the incredible backdrop of the desert-like Lençois Maranhenses National Park.

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8. Reflect on the beginnings of life at Serra da Capivara

A testament to the lifelong dedication of Brazilian archeologist Niède Guidon, the Museu da Natureza (Museum of Nature) was inaugurated in late 2018. This spiral-structured museum, located on the outskirts of Serra da Capivara National Park, delves into the history of humanity and other species from their earliest known times.

Notable exhibits feature saber-toothed cat teeth and a 6m (20ft) life-size replica of the giant sloth Eremotherium, with fossils unearthed in the park. Serra da Capivara boasts around 300 archeological sites where fossils, pottery, bones, and tens of thousands of cave art examples— the largest collection globally— have been discovered over the years.

These findings indicate that humans may have inhabited the region as far back as 50,000 years, challenging the conventional theories of human migration to the Americas. An airport was established near Serra da Capivara in 2015, but commercial flights are limited to routes from Petrolina and Recife; most travelers prefer to drive or take a bus from Petrolina or Teresina.

9. Explore Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador

With flavors like chili, coconut, coriander, dried shrimp, and dendé palm oil, Bahian cuisine offers some of Brazil’s most delicious dishes, reflecting the city of Salvador's rich African heritage.

A beloved street food, acarajé is a deep-fried ball made from black-eyed pea paste, filled with a stew of dried shrimp and various condiments. Traditionally crafted by baianas, the descendants of African women, this dish was granted protected cultural heritage status in 2005. Acarajé is just one of the many baiana-crafted foods linked to the worship of orixás, deities of Yoruba origin.

Salvador is the premier destination in Brazil for delving into Afro-Brazilian culture and religion. The Caminho dos Orixás do Oxum offers a guided tour of the city's notable sites, run by an agency focused on Afro-Brazilian culture. Additionally, Viare Travel provides tours centered around Afro-Brazilian heritage.

10. Drift along the river in Bonito

Located near the Pantanal wetlands, Bonito is a hub for ecotourism and a nature lover's paradise. The region's crystal-clear waters flow through a limestone foundation that acts as a natural filter, providing remarkable underwater clarity. While floating down the Rio da Prata, visitors can encounter a variety of mesmerizing fish. For a more adventurous experience, rafting on the Rio Formoso offers opportunities to spot fish and birds as you tackle the rapids.

11. Celebrate at festivals in the Amazon

While the Amazon is often envisioned as a realm of trees rather than people, it actually hosts over 30 million residents who know how to throw an incredible party. One such event is Boi Bumbá, a vibrant folk festival celebrated in June in Parantins, showcasing the tale of an ox's death and resurrection with lively music, dazzling costumes, and fireworks.

The largest festival in the Amazon is the Círio de Nazaré, a Catholic event that draws more than a million participants every October. Devout locals march through the streets of Belém, located at the Amazon River's mouth, in a powerful display of faith. Farther upriver in Maués, a festival celebrating the harvest of the energizing guaraná fruit takes place every December, with locals dancing on the beaches of the Maués-Acú River until dawn.

12. Explore a cachaça distillery

Known colloquially as pinga, cachaça is a uniquely Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugarcane, varying from inexpensive rocket fuel to high-end artisanal products. It's also the key ingredient in Brazil's unofficial national drink, the caipirinha. While bars offer a good introduction to cachaça, a distillery tour provides a deeper appreciation.

The Mapa da Cachaça website serves as a valuable guide, detailing distilleries throughout Brazil. The main region for cachaça production is Minas Gerais, which boasts the oldest operational distillery, Engenho Boa Vista, in business for over 260 years.

Perched by the sea, the Maria Izabel distillery is an essential stop for anyone visiting Paraty. Rio Encantos offers a cachaça tour that explores the city's historic center and culminates in a delightful cachaça tasting.

13. Search for jaguars in the Pantanal

As the largest feline in the Americas, the jaguar is both rare and elusive. These iconic big cats traverse vast areas of Brazil, yet despite a ban on game hunting since 1967, poaching continues. Coupled with habitat loss due to recent wildfires and the growth of cattle ranching, their population is in decline, placing these stunning creatures at risk of extinction.

The Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet, is one of the prime locations for spotting jaguars, particularly during the dry season from April to September. Founded in 2011, the conservation NGO Onçafari aims to protect jaguars through research and ecotourism. They offer jaguar safaris starting from their base at the Caiman Lodge, a private nature reserve. Several local tour operators also provide jaguar safaris, and the further you venture into the wetlands, the higher your chances of encountering these magnificent cats.

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14. Unwind on a tropical island

With thousands of beaches along its coastline, Brazil offers plenty of options, but you can simplify your choice by heading to a tropical island. Ilha Grande, located south of Rio de Janeiro on the Costa Verde, features warm waters and white sandy beaches surrounded by the lush forests of the Mata Atlântica. Ilhabela combines excellent dining for weekenders from São Paulo with hiking trails and guesthouses nestled in dense jungle hills.

Further south, Ilha do Mel presents a more secluded experience with limited accommodation options, along with a lighthouse, a fort, and caves to explore. The Bahian coast guarantees sunshine, with Boipeba boasting over 20 kilometers (12 miles) of palm-fringed beaches and a tranquil atmosphere.

15. Discover street art in São Paulo

Navigating through São Paulo can feel like an adventurous sport, with its maze of underpasses, overpasses, cracked sidewalks due to tree roots, and steep hills. However, the effort pays off with an abundance of murals and graffiti adorning the city’s urban landscape, which stand out vibrantly against the prevalent gray concrete.

The vibrant Beco do Batman (Batman’s Alley) is a must-visit for street art enthusiasts and a hotspot for tourists. In the city center, artist Felipe Yung’s expansive 10,000 sq m (107,639 sq ft) mural titled Aquarium stretches across the facades of 15 buildings. The km (2.2-mile) Minhoção – officially known as Via Elevada Presidente João Goulart – is closed to traffic during the night and on weekends, providing a perfect avenue for leisurely strolls while enjoying artworks from artists like Speto, Zezão, and Mag Magrela.

In the southeastern part of the city, Cambuci was once the playground of the renowned duo OsGemeos during their formative years, making it the best location to admire their art outside of galleries. Further north, the Museu Aberto de Arte Urbana (Open Museum of Urban Art) showcases street art from numerous artists on the massive columns beneath a metro line.