It can be said that Brazil is an immensely rich cultural country with beautiful landscapes and a vibrant atmosphere. Be it an adventure-seeking enthusiast who wanders into the wild, a beach bum wanting to have some sun and sea around those elegant shores or an enthusiast of deep history and traditions, there are multiple things to do in Brazil for everybody. This gem of South America is an aesthetic mix of both nature and culture with excitement that marks this a must-go destination for any wanderlust-filled explorer.
10 Things To Do In Brazil
From Brazil’s spectacular landscapes to iconic landmarks and the breathtaking beauty of waterfalls, here is a list of things to do in Brazil.
1. Christ The Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro
Photo: PLBechly / Wikimedia Commons
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World is Christ the Redeemer, placed here at the Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, boasting over the city with such breath-taking views that reach from a panorama. The 98-foot icon of Jesus Christ was erected in the 1930s and remains to this day an existing symbol of Christianity and one of the most visited landmarks in Brazil. The scenic train ride can take you to the summit through Tijuca Forest. The statue stretches its arms toward heaven as a gesture of peace and of welcome, assuming both religious significance and the spirit of Rio.
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
2. Iguazu Falls
Photo: Acediscovery / Wikimedia Commons
Iguazu Falls is one of the most wonderful attractions on earth, and one of them crosses the border between Brazil and Argentina. It is almost 2 miles long, comprising 275 separate falls, the most famous of them being the Devil’s Throat. During a visit to this place, there are numerous viewpoints from which one can enjoy, in addition to walking trails and boat tours allowing a person to reach close enough to view the pouring water. The falls are very beautiful during the rainy season when water flow in the river is at its peak.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Amazon Rainforest, Manaus
Photo: Conscious Design / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A trip into the Amazon Rainforest from Manaus is an unforgettable thing. This place is the world’s biggest tropical forest and a region full of extraordinary biodiversity: pink river dolphins, colourful macaws, and even elusive jaguars. With guided tours, you will experience thrill rides aboard twisting rivers and hike into lush jungles to explore knowledge concerning the rich ecosystem and cultures among the Indigenous communities. The famous “Meeting of the Waters” must be seen: where the Rio Negro and Solimões Rivers run parallel to each other with no mixing.
Timings: Varies
4. Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul
Photo: Patricialaraia / Wikimedia Commons
Pantanal happens to be the world’s largest tropical wetland. The region is famously known for its extraordinary wildlife including jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and rich species of birds. Guided safari wildlife tours, boat excursions, and horse rides are probably the best methods by which one can appreciate the Pantanal with waterways and forests. Whether it is birdwatching, piranha fishing, or searching for that elusive shy predator, this is one of the few places on earth to experience an immersive adventure into Brazil’s outstanding biodiversity-incredible for ecotourists and wildlife photographers.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
5. Salvador, Bahia
Photo: Paul R. Burley / Wikimedia Commons
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a lively, pulsating city, full of Afro-Brazilian expression, colonial architecture, and lively streets. Enter the Pelourinho district, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, with all its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic churches. Salvador celebrates its great music – especially the samba and axé. It offers delicious Bahian cuisine, with acarajé and moqueca standing out. Don’t miss the breathtaking Igreja de Bonfim and the bubbling Mercado Modelo. Salvador has also become famous for its beaches, such as Porto da Barra offering an excellent view.
Timings: Special events and Carnival
6. Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro
Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons
Sugarloaf Mountain has a height of 396 meters. These mountain peaks offer a view of some of the world-famous beaches and cityscapes within Rio de Janeiro. A two-stage cable car ride will give access to the mountain and during the ride up, one gets a scenic view of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and Christ the Redeemer. This mountain provides the best view of sunrises and sunsets. Rock climbing enthusiasts can also navigate on the rugged surfaces of this mountain.
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM
7. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Photo: gustavo nacht / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Ipanema Beach is globally known and visited for its gilded sands, crystal-clear waters, as well as the energized culture around it, therefore, one of the most visited in Rio. Situated between the Leblon and Arpoador neighbourhoods, Ipanema offers breathtaking views of the Dois Irmãos mountains. The beach is divided into “postos” (sections), and the crowd at each differs completely from family type to surfers. The tourists can sunbathe, swim, and play beach volleyball while tasting traditional food sold by the vendors close to this beach.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
8. Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
Photo: Валерий Дед / Wikimedia Commons
Maracana Stadium is an iconic football mecca and one of the biggest stadiums in the world. It seats 78,000 spectators and is a host to famous legendary events such as the final of the 1950 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as Olympic games. Visitors can take guided tours in the museum, famous locker rooms, and step onto the football field where legends have played. On match days, the atmosphere is electric, soaking up the real essence of Brazilian football. Maracanã symbolizes the strong passion for the sport and sporting tradition with which Brazilians live and breathe.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Photo: Lucia Barreiros Silva / Pexels
Ouro Preto is a former colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage location, known as much for its beautifully preserved Baroque architecture. Cobblestone streets come alive with beautiful churches such as the Church of São Francisco de Assis, which has intricate sculptures by Aleijadinho. The town also features various museums dedicated to its mining past. Ouro Preto is an enchanting place since it will transport visitors back in time, giving them a deep dive into colonial Brazil.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
10. Chapada Diamantina National Park
Photo: Jeilsonandrade / Wikimedia Commons
Chapada Diamantina National Park has a heavenly experience for trekkers with waterfalls high above, wide canyons as deep as possible, and crystal waters in its rivers. Cachoeira da Fumaça is the second tallest waterfall in Brazil, and Poço Encantado is a mystifying underground lake with crystal-clear water. Visitors can trek through its vast landscapes and underground caves and enjoy the unique rock formations. The park is famous for having diverse flora and fauna; many species are known to thrive only in the region.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Brazil provides an incredible experience of travelling through truly stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and a variety of activities for all types of tourists–from Amazon Rainforest adventure to the grandeur of Iguaçu Falls, there is something for everyone. Things to do in Brazil undoubtedly stand out as an adventure or cultural experience that you will never forget. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the delights of Brazil.
Cover Photo: Pedro Menezes / Unsplash Commons