11 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
Brazil is one of few destinations on the planet that can satisfy every type of traveler—and luckily, the same can be said for its attractions. Whether you’ve been in Brazil for one day, one month, or one year, you’ll find enough to keep you busy for one lifetime, no matter your style. On a budget? Don’t worry, you’re set. Looking for luxury? Oh, you’ll find it, all right. History buffs, outdoorsmen, adrenaline junkies, shopaholics, beachcombers, and everyone in between will bask in the Brazil sights to see.
However, the sheer land area and cornucopia of activities and things to do and see in Brazil can sometimes be its own Achilles’ Heel. Having the advantage of so many experiences at your fingertips can be a disadvantage as well—it can be overwhelming to decide exactly what you want to do. So what are the best Brazil attractions? Sit back, relax, order another caipirinha, and we’ll tell you.
Fun things to do in Brazil can be found amongst the country’s pristine, ethereal natural wonders; pumping, rhythm-driven festivals; and quiet, idyllic colonial towns. Take a solo day trip, or a week-long group excursion. One of the great things about Brazil attractions is that you’ll easily be able to find something that’s compatible with your pace and budget. Best of all, if you’ve got a lust for life, there’s no chance you’ll be disappointed by these must see places in Brazil.
What to see in Brazil
1. Get soaked by Iguazu Falls
“Poor Niagara”, indeed. No matter where you currently are in Brazil, it will be well worth your time to take a detour to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Brazil, you will be able to access the falls from the town of Foz do Iguaçu (Paraguay and Argentina also have access points). Stay overnight in a nearby town and spend two days—or more—in the park to fully bask in the splendor. We recommend against helicopter tours, as they have a negative effect on both the environment and other visitors’ experiences.
- Where? Paraná
- Time needed? 2+ days
- Tour or solo? Solo for your own pace; tour if you’re looking for guidance
2. Hang ten at Florianópolis Beaches
There’s 42 of them, after all! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, or just looking for a really good story about how you learned, don’t hesitate to grab a board and ride the waves at Floripa. Praia Mole is a frequent location for the ASP World Tour surfing competition, and the surfing secrets of Joaquina Beach spilled around the 1970s; Barra de Lagoa is still categorized as a fishing village, so it’s the perfect place the cut your surfing teeth. With so many spots to choose from, you’ll find the ideal locale for partying, people-watching, or sunbathing. If you’re around the area roundabouts 40 days after Easter, be sure to check out the Holy Spirit Feast.
- Where? Santa Catarina
- Time needed? 5+ days if you want to miss anything
- Tour or solo? Go solo and mingle with the locals—they might tell you about the super-secret spots
3. Be humbled by the Cathedral of Brasília
If you’ve gone on cathedral tours around Europe, or Central or South America, then you know that they kiiiinda start to all look the same after a while. However, such is not the case with the Cathedral of Brasília. Completed in 1970, it’s centuries younger than its other New World counterparts, and downright surprising to the eye. Modern in design and structure, this cathedral is a great stop for those who enjoy perusing architecture, but can no longer feign wonderment at bell towers.
- Where? Brasília
- Time needed? <1 day
- Tour or solo? Tour, for a historical and cultural point of view
4. Recharge at Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande in a word? Astonishing. Maybe we shouldn’t tell you that this heavenly island is the former site of a pirate’s lair, leper colony, and maximum-security prison, but that piece of history is too bizarre not to share—and also makes Ilha Grande seem just that more improbable. With pristine and undeveloped jungles and beaches, and a ban on motorized vehicles, Big Island is cooking up an impeccable recipe for a solo retreat for anyone who might need one.
- Where? Off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state
- Time needed? 3+ days
- Tour or solo? Solo
5. Dive head first into Abismo Anhumas
A trip to Abismo Anhumas will offer you the three S’s: spelunking, snorkeling, and stalagmites. Here you will find an adventurer’s paradise, as well as an incredible crystal-clear lake—but you’ll have to rappel to the bottom of the cave to see it. Once there (best of luck), you can see the natural geological formations up close, or climb into the water and snorkel (or scuba!) to get a better look at the evasive wildlife. You might be hard-pressed to find a tour bus going this way, so you’ll need to up the adventure ante and hire a car or hitch a ride.
- Where? Bonito
- Time needed? 3+ days
- Tour or solo? Tour, if you have any common sense
6. Trek cliff faces at Aparados da Serra National Park
One of Brazil’s first national parks, Aparados da Serra National Park houses (and protects) the fabled Itaimbezinho Canyon. The area can be difficult to access, but worth the effort for the incredible biodiversity—here you’ll be able to see waterfalls, subtropical forest, and endangered species. The park is currently undergoing conservation efforts, so only 1500 visitors are admitted per day. We suggest getting there bright and early, and to be careful not to get in over your head with the more advanced hiking trails.
- Where? Rio Grande do Sul & Santa Catarina
- Time needed? 3+ days
- Tour or solo? Tour, especially if inexperienced
7. Snorkel with sea turtles at Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is a stunning archipelago of 21 islands off the coast of northeastern Brazil, and one of the more “secret” Brazil attractions. There won’t be much civilization around, as the population is only 3500, so here you’ll find the opportunity to be one with nature. Adventurers flock to the island often for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the year-round warm waters. If you ever wanted to see sea turtles or dolphins up close—and away from tourists—now is your chance.
- Where? Northeast Pernambuco
- Time needed? 3+ days, if you want to island hop
- Tour or solo? Either
8. Clip-clop through Paraty
If you’re not inclined to partake in the natural wonders of Brazil (those spiders can get pretty big), Paraty will be a great stop for those looking to soak up some history. Founded in 1597, and a former exporter of gold, the town still emulates the traditional colonial aesthetic. If you enjoy historical architecture, we suggest spending a few days here, as it can take some time to properly feast your eyes on the many churches and forts. If you can weather the outdoors for a little while (this is Brazil, after all...), many adventurers enjoy the experience of horseback riding from rainforest to sea.
- Where? Southeast Rio de Janeiro state
- Time needed? 2+ days
- Tour or solo? Tour
9. Swim in sand dunes (what?) at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Perhaps one of the most captivating, and unexpected, national parks in Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses offers travelers massive sand dunes to explore that can reach 130 feet. During the wet season, heavy rains turn dune valleys into lagoons, leaving behind pools to swim in. Water temperatures can push 90 degrees fahrenheit, so it might be more like a bath than a refreshing dip, but fun and weird nonetheless! Keep in mind that you’ll need a jeep (or some kind of 4-wheel drive) to get here. Hands down, this will be one of the most interesting things to do in Brazil.
- Where? Northeastern Maranhão
- Time needed? 1+ days
- Tour or solo? Tour, as going solo might be dangerous if you plan to swim
10. Take a journey through time in Ouro Preto
If you find that Paraty isn’t holding it down for colonial history, then just wait until you get a load of Ouro Preto. Meaning “Black Gold”, Ouro Preto is another former site of the Brazilian Gold Rush, and perhaps the most well-preserved colonial town in the country. Churches here are still adorned with gold, and modern buildings must adhere to historical standards, putting this town at the top of most travelers’ lists of what to see in Brazil. Ouro Preto is also a popular destination for Carnaval.
- Where? Minas Gerais
- Time needed? 2+ days
- Tour or solo? Either
11. Go wildlife watching in Pantanal
Pantanal might be last on this list, but it should be close to first on yours. Nearly half the size of France, Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world, and home to copious amounts of exotic flora and fauna. The best time to go will be during the dry season when dirt roads are more easily accessible, but it’s possible to explore Pantanal year-round. No matter what time of year you go, you’re almost guaranteed to spot capybaras, jaguars, otters, hyacinth macaws, howler monkeys, giant anteaters, and more. Take a seat, Amazon Rainforest.
- Where? Mato Grosso do Sul; Bolivia, Paraguay
- Time needed? 5+ days
- Tour or solo? Tour
Have unforgettable adventures at top Brazil attractions!
To be quite frank, we could keep going—there is no shortage of interesting things to do in Brazil. Each day spent here will surely be an adventure in and of itself, but it’s always worth having a backup list of fun things to do in Brazil for when you’re feeling extra spontaneous or just need a jolt of inspiration. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the best Brazil sights to see!
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