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Sugarloaf in Rio top Brazil travel experience

Best Things to Do in Brazil

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Brazil

Brazil, by far the largest country in South America, encompasses one of the widest gulfs between raw nature and urbanity anywhere in the world. It's home to both bustling cosmopolitan cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, to indigenous Amazonian tribal villages virtually untouched by outsiders. But even more than its places, Brazil is known for its fun-loving people, exemplified by the spirit of their annual Carnaval celebrations, marked by samba dancing, skimpy costumes and all-night revelries. Stride can help you find which Brazil -- or all of it -- is right for you.

Top Brazil Experiences

Taking a river cruise through the Amazon Rainforest

Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain

Exploring the streets of Rio de Janeiro

Snorkeling along Brazil’s coastline

Trying some of Brazil's classic and delicious cuisine, from rodizio to brigadeiros. 

Experiencing Brazil’s vibrant culture 

Seeing the iconic Brazilian festival of Carnival

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Things to do in Brazil - Expert’s guide

1. Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil

This looming statue of Jesus Christ sits atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, looking over the city with outstretched arms. Standing tall at 98 feet, with an arm span of 92 feet, it is the largest art deco sculpture in the world and is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Brazil. Visitors can get to the statue by train, bus, or on foot with a hike through Tijuca National Park.

2. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches

Copacabana and Ipanema beach in Brazil

While these beaches can be crowded with tourists, they are still a must see when in Rio. Copacabana beach is 2.2 miles and runs parallel with the famous black and white wave patterned promenade. Cariocas, Brazilians who live in Rio, flock here for the sunbathing and the nightlife. Ipanema beach is just south of Copacabana in the upscale neighborhood of Ipanema. The atmosphere at Ipanema beach is slightly calmer than Copacabana, but visitors can still partake in the bars, restaurants, and shops that line the streets parallel to the beach.

3. Amazon Rainforest

Canopy walk and tour in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

For nature lovers, the Amazon’s 1.7 billion acres provide the most diverse array of plant and animal species in the world. The best way to experience the Amazon Rainforest is by river boat. From here, visitors can get a glimpse of the thousands of plant and animal species that call this region their home. Another benefit of a boat tour is having the opportunity to see native villages along the banks of the river, while keeping a respectful distance. Prepare for hot and humid conditions, and yes, a lot of rain!

4. Pantanal

Tropical birds in Brazil Pantanal

The Pantanal region is the sleeper hit of Brazilian wildlife spotting. While the Amazon gets a lot of attention, the Pantanal is actually the largest tropical wetland area in the world and rivals the Amazon’s biodiversity. Here, the foliage is less dense, allowing for premium wildlife spotting.

Expect to see various bird species, river otters, and deer, along with the more exciting species of jaguars, capuchin monkeys, and giant anteater. Boat tours, mountain bike rides, and hiking are just a few of the ways to see this region. But don’t forget to sit still and watch while the Pantanal reveals itself.

5. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls and rainbow in Brazil

Originating from the Iguazu River, these falls are a collection of over 200 individual waterfalls, are higher than Niagara Falls, and twice as wide. Bordering Brazil and Argentina, you can access the falls from either country. Foz de Iguazu is the point of access on the Brazilian side and offers lodging to travelers seeking to experience the magnitude of the falls.

Walkways have been built so visitors can see the spectacle up close, but those looking for more can schedule a helicopter tour. The recommended time for visiting the falls is the spring and fall, to avoid the heat and humidity in the summer and the lower water levels in the winter.

6. Lençóis Maranhenses

Lencois Maranhenses in Brazil

In Portuguese, the name of this national park translates to “bedsheets of Maranhão,” the name of the Brazilian state in which it resides. Its name refers to the vast, white sand dunes that stretch along the park. While it looks like a dessert, this region actually gets quite a bit of rain in the months from January to June.

These torrential downpours create lagoons and lakes between the dunes, allowing fish species to make these pools their temporary homes. Once the dry season begins, these lagoons dry up and don’t return until the following rainy season. The best time to visit this fascinating national park is between July and September, when the lagoon life is at its peak.

7. Sugarloaf Mountain

Overlooking Sugerloaf mountain in Brazil

This granite and quartz mountain juts out of the waters surrounding Rio de Janeiro. The conical structure resembles the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar that was transported from Brazil by the Portuguese. The mountain rises 1, 299 ft. above the water and boasts the city’s most spectacular views. Visitors can reach the summit by taking two glass walled cable cars. The first trip stops at the smaller Morro da Urca, and the second one takes you to the top of Sugarloaf. From here, cable car riders will be rewarded with a 360° view of the city.

8. São Paulo

City of Sao Paulo in Brazil

As the bustling economic center of Brazil, this city is a true metropolis. Millions flock to the city to work, study, and reside here. In addition to its financial importance, São Paulo has a cultural and historical significance to Brazil, as well. The city boasts the country’s largest collection of fine art, housed in its many museums. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of modern work, with a handful of historical building sprinkled in, including Pátio do Colégio Church, where Jesuit priests founded the city in 1554.

9. Carnival

Attending Carnival celebrations in Brazil

This celebration, held in late February or early March, marks the last party before lent. With this in mind, Brazilians go all out before giving up their biggest vices for the season before Easter. While the biggest party happens in Rio, cities all over Brazil celebrate in their own unique ways. From São Paulo to Salvador, Brazilians dance, eat, drink, and parade their way through the streets.

10. Ouro Preto

Mining town in Brazil, Ouro Preto

This town’s name means “black gold,” and is a testimony to its importance in the gold rush of the 17th and 18th centuries. The town’s colonial architecture has been maintained beautifully and is a must see for the historic-minded traveler. Among its top tourist attractions is the Church of São Francisco of Assisi, designed by the well-known architect and sculptor, Aleijadinho.

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Brazil Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
483
Great
89
Average
7
Disappointing
3
Terrible
12
Marlena Guhlke
·
2024-02-10
Written on
Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil Discovery
Explained above in previous response.
Monika Rita Martin
·
2024-02-10
Written on
Impressions of South America
Excellent itinerary and the accomodations were great.
Ianthia Lloyd
·
2024-02-10
Written on
Impressions of South America
Good sightseeing and participatory activities
Neil Sanderson
·
2023-12-08
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Everything organised by Karen at Chimu …
Everything organised by Karen at Chimu
Went as planned which we were very grateful for. The only drama was the tight scheduling of some of our flights and having to run to get to next gate on time. Latam airline did very well and all our luggage arrived on time . The cruise on OceanEndeavour was truly amazing; the ice, the wildlife and the professional enthusiastic crew made our experience very memorable. Thanks Chimu
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Les Moull
·
2023-12-05
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Doug White has been great in getting…
Doug White has been great in getting everything organised once take off everything should be straight forward and organised
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Ruth
·
2023-12-04
Written on
Brazilian Amazon by Boat
Time on the charter boat at Manaus area.

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