We have for you today the most stunning places to see in Brazil before you die. Is it the recent 2014 World Cup held in Brazil or is it just us wanting to discover more of this exotic country? Brazil occupies 50% of South America’s humongous area. It’s the perfect country to start your epic continental trip for it can easily send you to its neighboring countries such as Patagonia, Peru, and Argentina. Moving forward, you may be having a battle with yourself whether to go or not: Brazil is an enormous country. Why would I want to visit it? Because it’s going to be worth it. It’s worth including it in your bucket list. Drop all your doubts. Drop the maybe’s and what if’s. Embrace the possibility of seeing the surreal wonders in Brazil. UNESCO Heritage sites, a dozen of untouched Chapada, exceptional architecture, and a wide selection of natural sites- this is Brazil! A compilation of your wildest dream destinations.
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For me, and the rest of the world (you should agree), Brazil is not just the place you visit when you have no other place to go. It’s where you chase your biggest adventure. It’s where you’ll write your epic journey. Brazil is one of the places you should go to before you die. I’m not kidding. It offers a vast and diverse culture like no other in South America, warmest people (and competitive ones: World Cup), endless street foods, and beautiful ladies (and studs).
Today, we’ll let you know of the best places worth checking out in Brazil that offer ultimate adventure. You’re welcome. But before we start on our countdown, we also had a previous article (by yours truly) about the best places to visit in Brazil that are beautiful and safe. Brazil is a safe country to visit. Yet, we can’t totally avoid petty crimes if not all of us follow our golden rule of we shouldn’t be bringing a lot of money and gizmos that will attract the robbers. But overall, Brazil is a safe country to travel.
We are proud to present to you, the 18 places to see in Brazil before you die:
18. Inhotim
Location: Brumadinho, Minas Gerais
Who’s in for a day tour in a 271-acre, open-air museum nestled in a botanical garden in Brazil? Inhotim houses 700 exhibits from 200 artists from all over the world. For the love of contemporary art, I’d even walk 500 miles more in an open field that is full of art exhibits!
17. Iguassu Falls
Location: Misiones Province
One of the places you should see before you die is the natural wonder of Iguassu Falls. It is bordering the countries of Argentina and, of course, Brazil. The adventure awaits at the mouth of the falls where you can take a closer look of this charming World Heritage Site. Many tourists visit the mystic falls for it owns the largest subtropical rainforest reserve in the world. Tip: Getting to the mouth of the Iguassu Falls requires you to be lifted by a helicopter. Enjoy the freaking ride!
16. Pipa Beach
Location: Natal
A deserted yet laidback beach located in the Rio Grande do Norte is one of the most popular beaches in Brazil. Azure waters, fine white sand, coconut trees- beach, please. Nothing compares to the beauty this little Latino beach offers!
15. Porto de Galinhas
Location: Pernambuco
You should include Porto de Galinhas to your romantic bucket list. Grab your special someone and let the crystalline waters and naturals pools impress them! Our insider tip, please do yourself a favor. Do. Not. Miss. The. Sunset.
14. Terraco, Italia
Location: Sao Paulo
If you want to impress your date, why not take her to the highest peak in the city of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo? You should experience dining in Terraco, Italia at least, once in your life. They serve the finest gourmet and wines in Brazil. The highlight of your night would be looking down the vibrant city of Sao Paulo from above.
13. Praia do Espelho
Location: Bahia
Praia do Espelho is one of the fascinating beaches in Brazil. Even though a lot of tourists choose Praia do Espelho as their summer or honeymoon destination, the locals residing at the beach still find a way to preserve their culture and traditions. Spending the New Year’s Eve alone? You’ll never be lonesome at the beach! Make sure to book your accommodation in advance so you wouldn’t miss the grand year-end party vibe at Praia do Espelho.
12. Praça dos Três Poderes
Location: Brasilia
Did you know, that the Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasilia houses the largest flag in the world? The plaza signifies the three major systems of Brazil’s governmental powers: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Congresso Nacional. The design and architecture of the Praça dos Três Poderes is made possible by artists Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer.
11. Jericoacoara
Location: Ceará
Jericoacoara is a small fishing village where you can enjoy activities such as windsurfing and kite surfing. It’s where the young and young at heart travelers prefer to chill. Being in the Northeast wing of the country, Jericoacoara is away from the hustle and bustle drama of the main cities in Brazil. It’s the perfect place in Brazil where I prefer to get a tan.
10. Lençóis Maranhenses
Location: Maranhão
White sand dunes and crystalline oasis? Wait, what? In Brazil? Yes, you can find it in the country if you hop on a bus to Barreirinhas from Sao Luiz. It’s a popular destination among tourists who want to rule the fine white dunes using a badass 4×4 truck. The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is during the months of July to September.
9. Amazon River
Location/s: Brazil, Peru, Colombia
Being the second largest river in the world, a lot of South American countries take part in owning the Amazon River. So you’re asking why should you head here? There’s just a lot you can do in the Amazon. Meet local tribes. Join boat trips. Get lost in the wilderness. And try the local foods maybe? Whatever, who cares what are you going to do here? Amazon River rocks because it’s in your history book. Pack your bags and just go.
8. Chapada dos Veadeiros
Location: Goias
UNESCO identified Chapada dos Veadeiros as a World Natural Heritage Site. And there is no doubt that it should also be included on your bucket list! It highlights its collection of fauna and flora which everyone in the national park adores. Did you know, NASA also recalled the Chapada dos Veadeiros to be the brightest spot on Earth when viewed from the outer space? That’s right! The whole area and vicinity of Chapada dos Veadeiros shines light like a mirror since it lies in a quartz crystal bed. It’s totally one of the best places you should visit in Brazil before you die!
7. Corcovado
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Sometimes, all you have to do is hop on a train that is headed to the peak of Corcovado Mountain, where the statue of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer is standing still. Or maybe, you want to climb up its hillsides instead. Hunchback is Mount Corcovado’s nickname. Every hour, there are approximately 350 people riding the cog rail to reach the foot of Christ the Redeemer. Not only because they want a picture with the gigantic statue, but because you’d also get a chance to watch the scenic view of Rio de Janeiro from above!
6. Ouro Preto
Location: Minas Gerais
Ouro Preto is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Visit this little traditional town and be surprised of how influential Brazilian architecture is. It’s where ancestral meets urban living. Gear up for a day of artsy finds. From ‘Mining Baroque’ style to the convergence of Brazilian and European architecture that built the themed houses and museums in town. Our insider tip, check out the Sao Francisco de Assi. Baroque-gasm, hello.
5. Monte Roraima
Location: Roraima
Have you seen the Disney film called ‘Up’? Monte Roraima is the dream destination of Carl’s late wife, Ellie. He then tied balloons to their house and surge for an adventure to South America. Only to know that he has a little fellow named Russell to join his South American trip. Monte Roraima is just breathtaking. It is bordering Venezuela and Brazil. This is included on my own travel bucket list, it’s one of the greatest adventures I want to have in Brazil before I die. And I’ll make sure to have a lot of balloons to fly me to Monte Roraima.
4. Bonito
Location: Mato Grosso do Sul
Bonito showcases transparent rivers and awesome underwater stalagmites. Bonito’s river is one of the clearest in the world. One can kayak, snorkel, and even dive into it. Rappelling at Anhumas Abyss is one of the best things you can do when in Bonito.
3. Chapada dos Guimarães
Location: Santa Carmem, Mato Grosso
When in doubt, ask the locals where else to go. And they would point to anywhere in Brazil other than Sao Paulo. Our next destination is one of the favorite go-to’s of locals when the crowd and the city itself are draining them to the extreme. It houses a variety of protected wildlife and waterfalls. Chapada dos Guimarães is one of the oldest plateaux on Earth. And yes, you can be as close as possible to those fluffy white clouds. But don’t get yourself too excited! There’s still a lot of places to see in Brazil before you die.
2. Chapada Diamantina
Location: Salvador, Bahia
Where can we find enchanted water pools, hundred-feet falls, unique stalagmite formation, and a whole cave of diamonds in Brazil? In the heart of Salvador. It’s popular for being the diamond capital of the country in the 19th century. Now, it’s a national park that welcomes tourists from around the globe. Chapada Diamantina is definitely one of the places you should see in Brazil before you die. You can hike, swim, explore caves and wells while in Chapada Diamantina. Enjoy the different shades of the blue water of Poco Azul, Enchanted Well, Gruta da Pratinha, and Blue Grotto. If you’re done exploring caves and grottoes, you can head straight to the outside world where you’ll be welcome by canyons and the waterfalls I was talking about earlier. Our insider tip, come to Chapada as early as you can. This is so you can film your dramatic canyoning activity at Canyon Buracao as you have the place for only yourself!
What’s the number 1 place you should see in Brazil before you die?
1. Fernando de Noronha
Location: Noronha
The number 1 place you should see in Brazil before you die is the Fernando de Noronha, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You wouldn’t want to leave this sanctuary for a while as you would want to experience more of the life at the beach, its marine life, and the fun activities you wish to do every day. Fernando de Noronha serves as a diving mecca for its rich underwater life. It’s where the amateur and pro scuba divers seek a great adventure. If you’re not up to wear scuba diving gears at the moment, you can spend your free time with the dolphins instead! Other activities you might want to try are stand up paddle and surfing.
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