Must-See Tourist Attractions in Brazil

Published on October 5, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

A truly enchanting destination, Brazil unfolds an array of wonders that captivate the imagination of travelers worldwide. This vast territory is home to must-see tourist sites with landscapes as varied as they are fascinating, where the enchanting beaches of Rio de Janeiro neighbor the majestic expanse of the Amazon.

Between the mesmerizing rhythms of Carnival and the mystical atmosphere of places like the Iguazu Falls, Brazil promises an adventure rich in discoveries and wonder. Every corner of this vibrant country holds unexpected treasures, ready to reveal its splendors to those who venture there.

Top 5 Must-See Sites in Brazil

Iconic Location	Geographic Location	Site Type	Description and Reasons to Visit	Access Conditions / Tips
Christ the Redeemer	Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado Mountain	Historical Monument	Monumental 30-meter statue, symbol of Brazil and peace, overlooking Rio Bay. Exceptional panoramic view of the city and coast.	Accessible by cog train or shuttle. Site often very crowded, prefer an early morning visit.
Iguazu Falls	Brazil/Argentina Border, Foz do Iguaçu	Natural Wonder	Set of 275 impressive waterfalls in a lush forest, UNESCO World Heritage site, immersive experience thanks to walkways and the “Devil’s Throat.”	Well-maintained national park, access by internal buses. Bring a raincoat and book in advance.
Rio de Janeiro	Southeast, State of Rio de Janeiro	City/Culture/Beaches	Mythical beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema), Sugarloaf Mountain, world-famous Carnival, unique festive and cultural atmosphere.	Free beach access, cable car for Sugarloaf. Carnival: book accommodation well in advance.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park	Maranhão, Northeast	Natural Wonder	Vast white sand dunes and turquoise lagoons, unique landscape in the world, perfect for hiking and photography.	Best time: June to September (full lagoons). 4×4 tours departing from Barreirinhas.
Salvador de Bahia	State of Bahia, Northeast	Historic City/Culture	UNESCO World Heritage historic center, colorful colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, festivals and typical cuisine.	Walking tour of the Pelourinho neighborhood. Beware of pickpockets, lively atmosphere in the evening.

Traveler Anecdotes and Tips

• On Corcovado, the weather changes quickly: if the summit is in the clouds, waiting a bit can provide a clear view.
• At Iguazu Falls, don’t miss the helicopter flight for a spectacular perspective.
• In Salvador, attending a capoeira show in the historic center is an immersive experience.
• Lençóis Maranhenses: walk barefoot in the dunes at sunrise or sunset for magical photos and avoid the midday heat.
• In Ouro Preto, try “pão de queijo” at a local bakery, a specialty from Minas Gerais.

These sites, spread across Brazil, illustrate the country’s natural, historical, and cultural diversity. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or heritage discovery, each offers an unforgettable and authentic experience.

Traveling in Brazil: Practical Tips for a Successful Trip

Best Times to Visit Brazil

Region	Ideal Season	Weather Conditions	Local Events
South (Rio, São Paulo)	September to March	Pleasant temperatures, Southern summer	Carnival (February/March), New Year’s Eve
North/Northeast	July to December	Less rain, constant heat	Folk festivals, São João (June)
Amazon	June to December	Relative dry season	Parintins Folklore Festival

Carnival is the country’s major event and usually takes place in February or early March.

Safety Tips

• Prefer tourist neighborhoods and avoid favelas without an official guide.
• Do not display valuables in public.
• Be cautious of pickpockets on popular beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema), in the subway, and in certain lively neighborhoods like Santa Teresa or Lapa.
• Travel in groups at night and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.
• Prefer official taxis or geolocated ride-sharing services. Always check the displayed amount when paying.
• Strictly follow the route recommended by your GPS to avoid sensitive areas (comunidades, less-traveled roads).
• In case of assault: do not resist.

Domestic Transportation Options

• Domestic Flights: The airline network is dense between major cities; ideal for saving time on long distances.
• Intercity Buses: Reliable for connecting medium/large cities; use reputable companies; prepaid trips with fixed fares. Urban buses are less secure, especially at night or during rush hour.
• Car Rental: Possible but requires vigilance on the chosen route. Avoid crossing favelas and pay attention to local advice regarding road safety.

Cultural Recommendations

Local Customs

• Greet with a handshake or a light hug depending on the level of familiarity
• Respect the queue
• Casual attire is acceptable but avoid swimsuits/shorts outside beach contexts

Tipping

• Not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants/bars (~10% if not included)
• Round up for taxis

Useful Portuguese Phrases

• Bom dia! (Good morning!)
• Por favor (Please)
• Obrigado/a (Thank you)
• Quanto custa? (How much does it cost?)
• Onde fica…? (Where is…?)

Health – Vaccines and Tropical Precautions

List of recommended vaccines:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Yellow fever (mandatory for some Amazon regions)
• Typhoid
• DTaP/Tdap update

Additional precautions:

Tropical Diseases

• Protection against mosquitoes: long clothing, appropriate repellents
• Sleep under a mosquito net if needed in rural/Amazon areas
• Be aware of Zika/Dengue/Chikungunya viruses present year-round

General Health Tips

• Drink only bottled water.
• Consult a doctor before any extended stay.

Communication & Internet During Your Stay

• Buy a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport (major operators: Vivo, Claro, TIM).
• Have ID ready for prepaid SIM purchase.
• Check that your phone is compatible with Brazilian networks (GSM/LTE frequencies).
• Disable international roaming which often incurs high fees.
• Take advantage of free Wi-Fi available in major hotels/cafes/restaurants.

Important Tip:
To quickly have internet everywhere in Brazil without excessive costs or surprises:

Buy a local SIM card upon arrival.

Staying in the Heart of Brazil: Where to Unpack Your Bags?

To explore Brazil and easily access its must-see sites, it’s essential to choose strategic bases in major cities or near natural wonders. Here is a selection of main destinations and accommodation recommendations, considering the diversity of available options.

City/Region	Main Assets	Accommodation Examples	Advantages
Rio de Janeiro	Mythical beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema), festive atmosphere, easy access to Corcovado and Sugarloaf	Luxury hotels (Fasano, Emiliano RIO), charming pousadas near beaches	Sea view, direct beach access, enhanced security in reputable hotels
São Paulo	Intense cultural life, renowned museums (MASP), dynamic nightlife	Modern hotels in downtown or trendy neighborhoods like Pinheiros	Proximity to public transport (subway/bus), lively but secure neighborhood
Salvador	UNESCO World Heritage historic center (Pelourinho), vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture	Renovated colonial pousadas in the historic center	Guaranteed cultural immersion, typical accommodations in the heart of the action
Brasília	Modern architecture by Niemeyer	Large international hotels in central area	Ease of visiting institutional monuments and the planned city
Foz do Iguaçu	UNESCO-listed Iguazu Falls	All-inclusive resorts near the national park	Quick access to falls via private/hotel shuttles
Amazon Rainforest / Manaus	Unique wilderness; river excursions; exceptional biodiversity	Ecolodges in the jungle or hotels in Manaus	Immersive experience with local guides; some lodges offer enhanced security and organized transfers

Types of Accommodations Available:

• Luxury hotels: high-end services with panoramic pools and stunning views of the city or surrounding nature.
• Typical pousadas: small family-run structures offering personalized service – ideal for local authenticity.
• Hostels: budget-friendly solution to meet other travelers while being close to key areas.
• Homestays/Airbnb: total immersion in Brazilian daily life with often personalized advice.

Key Advantages Depending on Your Choice:

• Proximity to major tourist or natural sites
• Easy access to urban public transport
• Security ensured by continuous hotel staff presence
• Possibility to benefit from a panoramic view of beach/mountain/jungle depending on location

Staying in these strategic locations not only facilitates exploration but also enriches the experience with comfort suited to all styles and budgets.