When people think of Brazil, the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro often springs to mind, with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and stunning beaches. However, Brazil’s vast expanse holds many other hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
This blog post aims to take you on a journey through some of Brazil’s lesser-known, yet equally spectacular, destinations. Just grab your eVisa Brazil and you’ll be ready to explore.
Salvador, Bahia
Salvador, the capital city of Bahia, stands as a vibrant testament to the rich and diverse Afro-Brazilian heritage that shapes Brazil. This city, one of the oldest in the Americas, is a melting pot where history, music, and gastronomy meet.
At the heart of Salvador is Pelourinho, a historic neighbourhood known for its cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured colonial buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living museum, brimming with cultural treasures and historical significance.
Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
A coastal town between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Paraty is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the surrounding bay’s beautiful islands.
Beyond its historical allure, Paraty is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Brazil. The town serves as a gateway to the lush Atlantic rainforest—a biodiverse haven that’s a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Ilhéus, Bahia
Nestled along the coast, Ilhéus is known for its stunning beaches and rich history in the cocoa trade. Visit the São Sebastião Cathedral and the historic Bataclan building.
You can also enjoy a stroll along the scenic beaches like Praia do Norte, offering a more relaxed and authentic Brazilian beach experience compared to Rio.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a mesmerising landscape of white sand dunes and seasonal rainwater lagoons. The contrast of the stark dunes with the turquoise waters is a photographer’s dream.
Plan a trek across this unique ecosystem, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided overnight trip to experience the starry night sky in the desert.
Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul
Bonito is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This ecotourism hub is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from its crystal-clear rivers and pristine forests to its intriguing caves and diverse wildlife.
The Rio da Prata is one of the highlights of Bonito. This river offers an extraordinary snorkeling experience, where you can glide through its remarkably clear waters, teeming with a variety of colourful fish and aquatic plants.
Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul
The Pantanal is one of the world’s most spectacular and biodiverse tropical wetlands. Its vast floodplains, rivers, and interconnected ecosystems create a unique habitat for an array of wildlife.
Take a safari to see jaguars, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species. You can also enjoy horseback riding and fishing, and immerse yourself in the region’s unique ecosystem.
Pantanal, Mato Grosso
The northern part of the Pantanal, located in the state of Mato Grosso, presents a distinctly different experience from its southern counterpart. This vast wetland, renowned for being one of the world’s largest, is a symphony of natural beauty and biodiversity.
One of the highlights of visiting the northern Pantanal is traveling along the Transpantaneira road. This long, unpaved road traverses the heart of the Pantanal, offering visitors a chance to see the wetland’s incredible wildlife up close.
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into Brazil’s colonial past with its well-preserved Baroque architecture. A must-visit is the Museu da Inconfidência, which showcases Brazil’s history of independence.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the town’s many churches, like the Church of São Francisco de Assis, which display exquisite works of religious art.
Tiradentes, Minas Gerais
Another colonial gem, Tiradentes is replete with baroque churches and cobblestone streets. The town is named after a national hero of the Inconfidência Mineira independence movement.
An unmissable experience in Tiradentes is riding on the historic Maria Fumaça, a vintage steam locomotive that runs to the nearby colonial town of São João del-Rei. This scenic journey offers a unique perspective of the rural landscapes of Minas Gerais and a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia
The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike to the top of the Morro do Pai Inácio for a panoramic view of the park’s stunning landscape, or explore the Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of Brazil’s tallest waterfalls.
For a unique experience, visit the Poço Encantado, an underground pool with incredibly clear water that creates an ethereal blue light.
Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco
Fernando de Noronha archipelago is a slice of paradise renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich marine life. Consisting of 21 islands and islets, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for having some of the most beautiful beaches and clear waters in Brazil.
Baía do Sancho, often topping the list of the world’s best beaches, is a must-visit on the archipelago. Accessible via a steep staircase cut through the rock or by boat, this beach offers powdery white sand and turquoise waters that are almost surreal in their beauty.
Manaus and the Amazon Rainforest
Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, is often considered the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. This bustling city, located in the heart of the jungle, serves as the starting point for numerous adventures into the surrounding wilderness.
Manaus itself is a city rich in culture and history, evident in landmarks like the Amazon Theatre—an opulent opera house that dates back to the rubber boom of the late 19th century.
Jericoacoara, Ceará
Jericoacoara, affectionately known as “Jeri”, is a hidden oasis located in the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. Once a simple fishing village, Jeri has transformed into a laid-back beach paradise, while still retaining its rustic charm and tranquil atmosphere.
The village is set in a stunning landscape of immense sand dunes and serene beaches, creating a unique destination that feels almost otherworldly.
Author Bio: Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.
