5 hidden gems in Brazil you probably haven’t heard of

Brazil is renowned for iconic sights like the Iguaçu Falls in the south, the sweeping Copacabana beach with its iconic crescent shape in Rio, and the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue, arms wide open over the city.

But beyond these famous landmarks, this vast South American nation—almost the size of the United States and the fifth largest in the world—holds countless other wonders.

Brazil boasts six major continental biomes, ranging from the vast Amazon to the lush Atlantic Forest.

Couple that with Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry—featuring a large Indigenous population alongside descendants of Europeans and Africans—and you get a nation teeming with diverse traditions, cultures, and stunning natural beauty.

Dinogo Travel has curated a list of five off-the-beaten-path destinations in Brazil, allowing you to uncover more of the country’s hidden treasures.

Salvador, Bahia

Established in 1549 on a small peninsula between Todos os Santos Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Salvador was the first capital of Portuguese America. This charming colonial city is located in the Bahia state of eastern Brazil.

The buildings, with their pastel hues, delicately carved stucco facades, and windows framed by shutters, have been meticulously preserved. These structures harken back to the era when European, African, and Indigenous cultures intersected in the 16th century.

The city is home to a large Afro-Brazilian community, and its lively festivals, filled with color and energy, are often accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums resonating through the winding cobbled streets.

Travelers will find a variety of accommodations, including the luxurious Fera Palace Hotel for high-end guests and the historic Casa Versace, offering boutique-style lodging with self-catering apartments.

Salvador carries a somber history as the first slave market in the New World. Visitors can explore this significant past at various museums, including the Afro Brasileiro Museum.

Baia dos Porcos, Fernando de Noronha

Baia dos Porcos, or 'Pig’s Bay,' is arguably one of the world’s most stunning beaches—though it has very little sand.

This is one of the tiniest beaches in Pernambuco’s stunning Fernando de Noronha archipelago, situated about 225 miles (360 kilometers) off Brazil’s northeastern coast in the Atlantic Ocean.

The cove features dramatic rock formations, including the iconic Dois Irmaos ('Two Brothers'), which rise dramatically from the crystal-clear, vibrant blue waters.

This beach is only accessible at low tide, requiring either a jungle trek or a boat ride. Once there, visitors can enjoy natural pools filled with exotic fish, reef sharks, turtles, and more—making it a snorkeler’s paradise.

It’s highly recommended to visit with a guide due to the challenges of reaching the beach. Local companies like Noronha Bookers provide tailor-made tours.

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Vibrant forests, towering mountains, majestic waterfalls, and rocks that are 1.8 billion years old await those brave enough to explore this incredible natural wonder.

In the central Brazilian state of Goiás, over 30 waterfalls cascade within a 15-mile (24-kilometer) radius. The ancient rock formations here are among the oldest on Earth, drawing visitors who seek the unique energy of the embedded quartz crystals.

Countless stories of UFO sightings and mystical events circulate in the area, and they seem less fantastical once you experience the area’s otherworldly atmosphere.

There are no direct flights to this remote location, but adventurers can fly into Brasília, the capital, then travel overland by bus to Alto Paraíso (a small town 12 miles from Chapada dos Veadeiros with restaurants, B&Bs, crystal shops, and spiritual practitioners) or São Jorge (a rustic village with basic amenities).

Ilha do Marajó

This remote island, about the size of Switzerland, is believed to be one of the largest river islands in the world, surrounded on all sides by the mighty Amazon River.

The western side of the island is covered in dense forest, while the eastern portion is dominated by vast plains and wetlands. The island is also known for its large herds of water buffalo, with around half a million buffalo – twice the number of residents. The buffalo ranches are open for visitors.

Visitors are drawn to this unique island for its wild, unspoiled ambiance, but in reality, it’s easily accessible and home to a large community.

A daily ferry service from Belém, the Portuguese-colonial riverfront city known as Brazil’s gateway to the Amazon, is operated by Araparí Navegação and takes about three hours. Alternatively, a car ferry departs from nearby Icoaraci, operated by Henvil.

Upon arrival, the best way to explore the island is by bringing your own car, or alternatively, using a taxi or bike, which can be rented from one of the local pousadas.

Stay in Soure, the largest of the two main towns, known for its charming houses and streets lined with mango trees, or in Salvaterra, a quieter, more relaxed option with expansive beaches. Both towns are just a 30-minute drive from the ferry dock.

Emas National Park

Have you ever heard of a maned wolf? These rare animals can be spotted in Emas National Park, alongside giant anteaters, armadillos, pampas deer, thousands of bird species, and many other endemic plants unique to this protected area.

This central Brazilian region is home to the Cerrado biome, one of the planet's oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems. The plant variety is staggering, with between 350 and 400 plant species per hectare (2.5 acres).

If you're visiting in September or October, you'll witness a fascinating natural event. The rainy season triggers the flight of millions of termites, which usually nest in massive mounds stretching for miles.

These mounds, some reaching heights of over 20 feet (6 meters), are also inhabited by glowing Pyrophorus beetle larvae. The larvae attract termites with their mesmerizing green light, creating a spectacle of nature.

Park authorities are working to protect the park from numerous threats, including fires, mining, uncontrolled tourism, and invasive species. When visiting, be sure to choose a responsible tour operator like Focus Tours or Pantanal Jaguar Safaris.

Emas National Park is a secluded and seldom-explored region of Brazil, but those who make the journey will be handsomely rewarded with its beauty and tranquility.