8 doable travel destinations in Brazil

 
Heavenly beaches, world-famous carnivals, and a treasure trove of pristine wildlife: Welcome to Brazil! A trip to South American giant is primed as an adventure to remember. Few places compare to the idyllic golden bays of Paraty’s coastline, the infectious Samba spirit of Rio de Janeiro, or the Afro-Brazilian customs in Salvador de Bahia; not to mention the natural delights of the Amazon rainforest or the Pantanal wetlands.

This enormous nation (the largest country in South America) is brimming with opportunities to explore, learn, and party like the locals. Below, we look at what tour operators have found to be the top destinations in Brazil and what they’ve made easily “doable” for all types of discerning travelers. 

1. Rio de Janeiro: Feel the samba vibes and beats

Rio de Janeiro is a heady, exotic cocktail of samba music, street parties, staggering scenery, and blonde beaches; it’s as addictive as it is chaotic and as beautiful as it is complex. Any trip to Brazil is enriched after a few days spent in Rio, getting a taste of its nightlife, landscapes, and carefree spirit.

Nothing can prepare you for the marvelous mayhem of Rio de Janeiro, lovingly nicknamed the “Wonderful City” for both its well-known and surprising gems.

No doubt you’ll already have heard of the iconic Art Deco statue, Christ the Redeemer (one of the “NEW 7 Wonders of the World”), and perhaps Sugarloaf Mountain, which is featured on many a Brazilian website. Zip up to the top of the Sugarloaf for stunning panoramas, watch one of the legendary Flamengo football matches, or just take it all in from the hip beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio will soon have you hooked. 

Exclusive Rio de Janeiro hotels for a luxe getaway

Even for the most demanding travelers, there’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro. High-end accommodations like Belmond Copacabana Palace, Emilio Hotel and Sofitel Hotel (pictured) are situated along the famous beach fronts of Copacabana and Ipanema, allowing guests to get close to not only to the “sand and surf” but also top local attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the Cristo Redentor statue.

A host of luxury tourist accommodations is available. Whether you want to kick back in the sand, hit Rio’s wild late-night scene, or simply enjoy some of the finer things in life from your balcony, Rio’s hotels have what you need to disconnect, relax, and thoroughly enjoy your stay. 

2. Ouro Preto: A charming small town, back in time

When it comes to Brazilian history and heritage, the carefully preserved, 17th-century colonial town of Ouro Preto is as good as it gets.

Once the epicenter of Brazilian gold mining during the 18th century, Ouro Preto has earned its place in the hearts of visitors, despite its turbulent past and association with – among other things – former slave labor. As you walk the streets and plazas, Ouro Preto’s baroque architecture and abundance of churches really stand out, all at the foot of Serra do Espinhaço, surrounded by trees and dramatic hills.

Your time here will disappear all too easily as one of the main highlights of Ouro Preto is simply walking from building to historic building, admiring religious art in the churches and getting lost among myriad streets which crisscross between bridges and hills. Then, when you do venture further afield, you’re perfectly placed to visit the former mines and plantations of wider Minas Gerais, getting a first-hand view of this important period in Brazil’s past in the process. 

Ouro Preto’s colonial-era hotels: Where history meets comfort

Set deep in the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range, this lovely town has its share of first-class hotels that merge both historic appeal and modern conveniences.

Most of the better Ouro Preto hotels are old colonial houses cleverly converted into hotels, giving guests an insight into the city’s rich culture. Ones like Hotel Solar do Maria (pictured) and Hotel Solar do Rosário ooze with class and yesteryear style, with antique designs and elements such as large, shuttered windows that overlook the cobblestone streets and charming city backdrop.

But don’t worry; in addition to the all the talk about charm and character, these guesthouses offer the modern amenities needed to enhance guests’ comfort and pleasure. Some of these hotels go several steps further and arrange private tours of the city’s landmark sites and nature, as well as other cultural activities. No matter if you’re looking for a romantic escape, cultural exposure, or just a cozy and lazy getaway, Ouro Preto’s hotels will fit the bill.  

3. Salvador da Bahia: A vibrant city of colonial character and Afro-Brazilian culture

The historic Old Town of Salvador, or Pelourinho as it’s known, is packed with an avalanche of beautiful colonial buildings all adorned in candy-color facades alongside important monuments, including a number of gold-clad churches.

A walking tour in Salvador reveals breathtaking sights at every turn, not just ornate buildings but also promenades and even beaches, curved around the gorgeous All Saints Bay – a must-see sight at sunset.  
Salvador is rich with African influences that have shaped the city’s identity over the centuries. As Portuguese colonists established the slave trade in Bahia, oppressed Africans brought customs and culture over with them, and Salvador is perhaps the best place to experience it all, from the religious belief system of Candomblé to street food, dance, and music.

Be sure to catch a capoeira performance — a hypnotizing martial arts dance — or mingle with the locals in a samba nightclub, or, during one of the many festivities taking place, get a feel for the rhythms and sounds that so brilliantly define this colorful coastal city. Salvador de Bahia is always a good idea.

Salvador’s top retreats: Where elegance meets enchantment

The capital of Bahia, Salvador is an animated city celebrated for its colonial architecture, lively music and stunning beaches. So that visitors can enjoy those valuable assets, the city also offers a range of premiere-class accommodations.

The city itself – a UNESCO-declared World Heritage site – is known for its colonial character marked by colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Blending into this colonial charm, most of Salvador’s luxury hotels occupy historic buildings and all these accommodations feature modern amenities. In or around the historic Pelourinho neighborhood are upscale properties like the Fera Hotel (pictured) and Hotel Casa do Amarelindoare. These are retreats where guests can enjoy stunning views of this neighborhood and the bay from their rooftop terraces or hotel rooms. All this makes first-class Salvador hotels perfect bases for exploring the city’s vibrant culture and attractions. 

4. Witness the magnificence of Iguazu Falls

A highlight of any trip to Brazil or Argentina — and indeed of South America more widely — the Iguazu Falls are a mighty marvel to behold, whether from the safety of an elevated observation platform or, for those brave enough, an adrenaline-packed boat ride that takes you behind the falls themselves!

No less than 275 separate drops make up Iguazu Falls, a mile-and-a-half wide crescent of cascading water gushing over forested cliff edges, some standing close to 300 feet in height. This is Mother Nature at her most powerful as dozens of tributaries from the main Iguazu River converge in an unforgettably spectacular fashion at the ominously named “Devil’s Throat,” a genuine once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that you’ll witness, quietly observing the power of the torrents from one of the many elevated walkways and platforms. While here, be sure to enjoy both sides of the falls, the Brazilian and the Argentinian, as each offers an entirely distinct perspective.

Aside from the main event, why not gear up for a 4×4 off-road drive through the forest, a boat ride up to and even behind the falls, or a jungle hike? Bask in the natural wonder of Iguazu Falls, truly one of South America’s must-see displays. 

Iguazu Falls hotels: Stay in style amidst nature’s wonder

Various first-class accommodation options – both on the Brazilian as well as Argentinian sides of the falls — will enhance your Iguazu travel experience.

Travelers seeking luxury accommodations typically find more option on the Argentine side – ones like the Iguazu Grand Hotel (pictured). Such establishments are near the waterfalls and provide plush accommodations along with fine dining establishments and cozy bars combined with spa treatments and exclusive pools. Hotel guests have access to both magnificent forest scenery and luxurious amenities since these accommodations combine natural forest charm with hotel prestige. The Brazilian side contains less luxurious hotels, though there are still outstanding ones such as the Yvy Hotel de Selva.

A few of the very best hotels are found on the grounds of the Iguazu National Park itself. Two of these within earshot of the falls are the Brazilian Belmond Hotel das Cataratas and the Argentine Gran Meliá Iguazú — upscale hotels bringing the region’s amazing natural landscapes just outside your window. 

5. The Amazon: Parrots, piranhas & poison dart frogs

The Amazon has a mysterious pull that has fascinated people for centuries. One of the wildest places on the planet, it spans across almost half of Brazil and swaths of eight neighboring countries: a region almost too vast to comprehend.

Given its tremendous size and past inaccessibility, the Amazon and its surrounding rainforest had for ages remained the subject of travel legend — visited by few and known well by even fewer.

For adventure seekers and daring explorers, a visit to the Amazon will leave you in awe. Heading out from the city of Manaus with an expert guide to lead you, you’ll make your way to the dense jungle, where you’ll discover everything from arrays of brilliantly colored birds and Pink River Dolphins to isolated Indigenous communities and a tangled expanse of emerald trees – not to mention one very big river.

So, if you’re searching for adventure, the Amazon is one clear place to find it.  

Amazon rainforest retreats: Luxury escapes for the discerning traveler

The stuff of legends, The Amazon reveals its natural wonders through various select lodges, ones like the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge (pictured) near Manaus and the Cristalino Lodge in the southern Amazon region. These 21st-century Amazonian lodges create comfort-filled experiences by offering luxurious rooms along with sophisticated food choices and a host of other convenient services.

Guests at these lodges should expect to spot a range of exotic wildlife species following the lead of experienced guides who head boat tours, jungle hikes, and nocturnal safaris. The experience of observing numerous species is a major reward that guests gain from staying at an Amazon lodge. Swimming with Pink River Dolphins, sighting colorful tropical birds, and experiencing the deafening roar of troupes of Howler Monkeys await visitors to these wild Amazonian locations.

Visitors who step into the rainforest will also learn about native ecosystems and traditional cultures that exist in the region. Sustainable and ecotourism are a central focus of luxury accommodations in the Brazilian Amazon. Apart from such environmentally sensitive goals, these facilities also develop practices for safeguarding both the natural setting and area communities. The hotels’ operations enable guests to enjoy their stay without damaging this fragile natural environment. Visitors discover the Brazilian Amazon through retreats that combine luxurious settings with immersion into the thick of nature so they can witness some of the world’s most breathtaking creatures and habitats.

6. The Pantanal wetlands: For the best in wildlife watching

Though the world’s biggest wetland covers some 75,000 square miles, Brazil’s Pantanal region ranks as the nation’s foremost hidden treasure. Thanks to the relative isolation afforded by its once impenetrable environment, this enigmatic habitat has remained undisturbed over time. Consequently, a healthy and diverse biosphere has been maintained.

Today, countless numbers of remarkable plant and animal species live in this region of wetlands, forests, and rivers. You can observe numerous rare animals such as jaguars and piranhas together with Capuchin monkeys, anacondas, and various bird species. In fact, the Pantanal supports unique species of colorful parrots and macaws that exist nowhere else in the world.
While the Amazon certainly captures peoples’ attention for its ecological value, travelers seeking the very best in wildlife watching should experience the Pantanal region in Brazil. Just keep your camera ready since you’ll never know which Pantanal resident might emerge next. 

Pantanal eco-lodges: A jaguar to Jacuzzi experience

Luxury Amazonian lodges like Caiman Ecological Refuge (pictured) and Araras Eco Lodge have developed attractive facilities in the world’s largest tropical wetland. What’s interesting is how they provide complete wilderness immersion without sacrificing contemporary comforts.

Still, what stands out most as a vital aspect of any visit to the Pantanal is guided wildlife exploration. Tour guides at the best facilities lead private wildlife viewing activities, with jaguar-hunting, night excursions, horseback riding, and boat trips enable visitors to observe an array of diverse species up close. But that’s not all. The activities at these lodges extend to photography tours, birdwatching, and fishing.
The combination of comfort and experience with nature provides a captivating journey through the middle of Brazilian Pantanal.

7. The “Coconut Coast”: Where the beaches steal the show

Mammoth sand dunes, long stretches of white beach, and shimmering waters concealing a kaleidoscopic world beneath are just some of the reasons to visit Brazil’s northeastern shoreline.

Along the eastern nose of Brazil, oceanfront cities such as Natal, Recife, Fortaleza, and Salvador lie on the Costa dos Coqueiros (the Coconut Coast), a fun, family-friendly swath of beaches that are not only great for spending lazy days on the sand and swimming in the ocean but also for exploring the region’s dramatic dunes.

Boasting a vast array of busy bars and restaurants – seafood being a particular specialty – any of the cities along this paradisical stretch of coast are places to go if you wish to do little more than relax, soak up the sun, sip a cocktail, and watch the world go by.

However, all being said, the beaches really are the stars of the show in this city, and with so many available, you’ll be spoilt for choice! One of the most popular beaches in the Natal area, Ponta Negra, has golden sands and crystal-clear waters and is also a great place to see the enormous Morro do Careca dune in all its glory. What’s more, in a city that hosts an annual shrimp festival, trying some at one of Natal’s beachside cafes or restaurants is a must!

“Coconut Coast” hotels: Indulge in beachfront bliss

High-end accommodation facilities along the northeastern coastline position themselves perfectly on the beachfront. Here, they offer both sweeping ocean views and unrestricted beach access as well as well-appointed rooms, upscale dining options, swimming pools, and spa centers.

Locals consider the SERHS Experience Hotel in Natal to be the finest establishment in the city. Nonetheless, travelers exploring this palm-covered coast can select from other boutique hotels and pousadas offering exclusive and personalized hotel experiences.

The finest accommodations on the “Coconut Coast” offer unique décor, local art, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This tropical paradise region of Brazil offers luxury lodging, a vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches – perfect for the most exacting travelers.

8. Paraty: Paradise found

If you like laidback beach culture with a little history thrown in, it’s time to visit Paraty. And why not? One of Brazil’s most beautifully preserved colonial towns in Brazil, Paraty mixes early Portuguese architecture and quaint cobbled streets with modern Brazilian culture, boutique shopping, and haute cuisine — while exquisite beaches are located nearby.

The whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets here are so stunning they’ve earned the town’s historic district UNESCO World Heritage designation. Paraty is a relaxed village, with an emphasis on fine-dining restaurants and swanky bars playing host to a live music scene.

In all, there’s a lot to love about Paraty. Residents of nearby Rio consider this area one of their favorite weekend beach destinations. This is thanks to Paraty’s many local guesthouses and over a dozen beaches. Still, the tremendous popularity in Paraty doesn’t prevent a visitor from discovering their own secluded spots along the beachfront to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

Paraty’s premier stays: Colonial charm & modern comfort

Every detail in luxury hotels, posadas, and boutique lodges in Paraty is carefully planned. The aim is to create a perfect guest experience that merges modern luxury with the local cultural heritage of the town.

Two high-end lodging facilities in Paraty are situated in well-preserved colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. These are and Casa Turquesa Maison (pictured) and Pousada do Sandi. Inside the guests’ suites, you’ll find modern finishes coupled with artistic décor and contemporary amenities that perfectly match the classic colonial architecture.

Each luxury accommodation in Paraty insists on providing relaxation along with genuine connections to both nature and the authentic local culture. Modern-day Paraty accommodations provide an elegant escape that allows guests to relax by the pool with ocean views while exploring the cobblestoned streets and local galleries followed by Brazilian dining under a soft candlelight glow.

Brazil: The perfect balance of nature, culture and fun

In the popular mind, Brazil stands out for its dazzling carnaval celebrations, dizzying samba, stunning natural sites, and an extraordinary cultural mix. Brazil possesses expansive territory and natural sights that would put major geopolitical regions in perspective.

But does travel here sound overwhelming? Don’t worry. Brazil vacations are easily accessible if organized by a tour operator that can oversee your entire vacation planning from start to finish. An experienced tour operator will manage each vital element that determines a perfect vacation so that you can fully appreciate your travel adventure.

The diverse country of Brazil provides every traveler with exciting destinations to discover. Select the professional help you want, then prepare your bags for this vibrant and unforgettable destination.

Alfonso Tandazo

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.