Best places to visit in Brazil – 15 must-see destinations [2025]

Exploring the best places to visit in Brazil means embarking on a journey of striking contrasts. In just a few hours, you can go from a dense rainforest to a deserted beach, or from a colonial historic center to a lookout with a view of the largest river in the world.

Each corner of the country reveals a new landscape, a new culture, and a new rhythm. It’s as if Brazil brings together multiple worlds within a single territory—turning every trip into a unique discovery.

Some fall in love with the power of the Amazon. Others prefer the silence of the sertão, the lightness of the Northeast coast, or the charm of the historical towns in Minas Gerais. Regardless of the destination, one thing is certain: there is always something that surprises.

In this guide, Brasil ATM helps you choose the best places to visit in Brazil with safety, planning, and reliable information—so your next trip is unforgettable from start to finish.

Did you know? According to Embratur, Brazil welcomed over 6.6 million international visitors in 2024, establishing itself as a prominent global destination.

The 15 best places to visit in Brazil in 2025

With so many incredible options from north to south, choosing just a few destinations can feel impossible. That’s why we’ve compiled the 15 best places to visit in Brazil in 2025, a selection based on natural beauty, cultural richness, tourist infrastructure, and unforgettable experiences.

These destinations reflect the diversity of the country and offer the best each region has to showcase—whether for first-time travelers or those who already know Brazil well.

Destination	Best Time to Visit	Type of Trip	Best For
Chapada Diamantina (BA)	May to September	Nature, hiking	Adventurers
Jalapão (TO)	May to September	Ecotourism, off-road	Groups and couples
Bonito (MS)	April to October	Snorkeling, caves	Families and couples
Lençóis Maranhenses (MA)	June to August	Unique landscapes	Photography and adventure
Amazon (AM and PA)	June to November	Jungle, rivers, culture	Curious travelers
Fernando de Noronha (PE)	August to December	Beaches, diving	Honeymoons, luxury
Foz do Iguaçu (PR)	All year round	Waterfalls, border	Families and foreigners
Pantanal (MT/MS)	May to September	Wildlife viewing	Photographers, biologists
Alter do Chão (PA)	September to December	River beaches	Sustainable tourism
Paraty (RJ)	April to August	History, sea, trails	Culture and nature
Salvador (BA)	December to March	Afro-Brazilian culture	Carnival and history
Rio de Janeiro (RJ)	All year round	Urban and nature	First trip to Brazil
Ouro Preto (MG)	April to August	Baroque, museums	Historical tourism
Gramado & Canela (RS)	June to August	Winter, gastronomy	Families and couples
Praia do Rosa (SC)	July to November	Surf and nature	Young travelers, backpackers

Experiential insights: What to expect from each destination

More than just listing destinations, it’s important to understand what each place truly offers. In this section, we share practical expectations: how the tours work, the difficulty level, unique features, and how to make the most of each experience.

Based on real accounts and reliable data, Brasil ATM reveals what makes each of these destinations so special—and why they rank among the best places to visit in Brazil.

1. Chapada Diamantina (BA)

The Morro do Pai Inácio is one of the most sought-after spots to watch the sunset. Trails range from easy to advanced, leading to crystal-clear pools and impressive rock formations. Local guides are recommended for longer routes.

2. Jalapão (TO)

The landscape is marked by golden dunes, transparent springs, and scenery reminiscent of the African savannah. Access to the main attractions requires 4×4 vehicles and specialized guides, as the routes are remote and poorly signposted.

3. Bonito (MS)

Recognized as a benchmark in sustainable ecotourism, Bonito offers snorkeling in crystal-clear rivers, visits to caves, and well-equipped leisure areas. Most tours require prior booking and have visitor limits.

4. Lençóis Maranhenses (MA)

From June to August, rainwater-filled lagoons form stunning landscapes among white sand dunes. Access to key points like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita is via authorized 4×4 vehicles, usually departing from Barreirinhas.

5. Amazon (AM/PA)

Boat tours on the Rio Negro and visits to the Meeting of the Waters showcase the region’s power and biodiversity. Visitors can explore riverside communities, take forest hikes, and observe wildlife—with the guidance of experienced local operators.

What’s the best destination for your traveler profile?

Each traveler has different preferences, paces, and goals—which directly impacts the choice of an ideal destination. While some seek adventure and nature, others prioritize comfort, culture, romance, or savings.

To simplify your decision, Brasil ATM has organized top national destinations based on different travel profiles. This makes it easier to find the perfect spot to turn your experience into something truly memorable.

Traveler Profile	Recommended Destination	Reason
Adventurer	Jalapão or Chapada Diamantina	Trails, deep contact with nature
Romantic	Fernando de Noronha or Gramado	Intimate atmosphere, unforgettable landscapes
Photographer	Lençóis Maranhenses or Amazon	Unique scenery and natural lighting
Budget Traveler	Alter do Chão or Ouro Preto	Great value and rich cultural experiences
First-Time Visitor	Rio de Janeiro or Salvador	Tourist infrastructure and rich experiences

Where to travel in Brazil? Most frequently asked questions

Before finalizing the ideal itinerary, it’s common to have doubts about where to go in Brazil, which destinations are really worth it, and what to consider when choosing. These questions are part of the planning process and help align expectations with reality.

In this section, Brasil ATM answers the most frequently asked questions by those planning a trip across the country—with clear, updated information focused on what truly matters to travelers.

What is the most beautiful place to visit in Brazil?

It’s hard to choose just one. Beauty is subjective and based on experience: Lençóis Maranhenses stuns with surreal landscapes, while Ouro Preto enchants with preserved history.

What are the top tourist destinations in Brazil?

The main ones are Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Chapada Diamantina, Bonito, Fernando de Noronha, and the Amazon. But many other incredible spots remain under the radar.

What’s the best destination in Brazil for a first trip?

For first-time visitors, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador offer infrastructure, natural beauty, and rich culture—perfect for a memorable introduction to the country.

Step-by-step guide to plan your trip to the best places in Brazil

• Choose the region: North, Northeast, Center-West, Southeast, or South? Each offers completely different experiences.
• Check the best time to go: Avoid rainy seasons and select the ideal climate for your itinerary.
• Define your travel profile: Are you looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, beach, or trails?
• Build your itinerary in advance: Some destinations require pre-booking (like Bonito or Noronha).
• Book accommodations with free cancellation: Especially important during peak seasons.
• Pack clothes appropriate for the local weather: Brazil is not always hot—Gramado and Jalapão can surprise you.
• Get domestic travel insurance: Yes, it’s worth it! It covers medical assistance, even in remote locations or during ecotourism activities.

Comparison: Most searched destinations in Brazil

With so many attractive options, comparing destinations is essential for making more strategic travel decisions. Factors like popularity, infrastructure, and recommendations for international visitors help identify which places offer the best experience for each traveler profile.

Below, Brasil ATM presents a comparison of the most searched destinations in the country, based on recent data and planning-relevant criteria.

Destination	Google Trends (Last 12 Months)	Tourist Infrastructure Level	Recommended for Foreigners
Rio de Janeiro	High	Excellent	Yes
Foz do Iguaçu	Medium	Good	Yes
Jalapão	Low	Basic (requires agency)	Not recommended without a guide
Lençóis Maranhenses	High	Medium	Yes
Amazon	Medium	Variable	Yes, with local agencies

Conclusion: Brazil has it all—and so much more

Choosing the best places to visit in Brazil means understanding there’s no single answer. Each trip unveils a new country—full of accents, landscapes, and stories. The key is to travel with information, respect, and a connection to Brazil’s most authentic side: its diversity.

🌎 Ready to explore the real Brazil?
Check out the full travel guides available at Brasil ATM and start planning your next adventure with more safety, ease, and reliable content.

Where to withdraw cash from ATM24h machines in Brazil

To make the most of your trip to Brazil, carry some cash. It ensures a smooth experience—especially in areas where it’s essential for meals, transport, entrance fees, and more.

Here are some ATM24h machines in regions mentioned in this article:

Location	Access Points
Guarulhos Airport – São Paulo	See all locations
Congonhas Airport – São Paulo	See all locations
Curitiba Airport	See all locations
Brasília Airport	See all locations
Florianópolis Airport	See all locations

Get to know Brasil ATM (A Todo Momento)

At Brasil ATM, we see Brazil as a land of unique beauty and fascinating culture. Our platform, supported by the global brand ATM24h, reflects our passion for Brazil. We aim to inspire travelers to explore its wonders with safety and accurate information.

We provide reliable, up-to-date, and inspiring content in three languages—so you have everything you need to plan your trip with confidence. Also, we offer travel guides, detailed itineraries, and planning tips for every kind of traveler.

Our goal is to help you create lasting memories. From iconic destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to hidden treasures like Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha—we’re here to help you make the most of your experience.

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Frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in Brazil