The Most Beautiful Landscapes in Brazil

The Most Beautiful Landscapes in Brazil

As the largest country in South America, Brazil offers a vast expanse of incredible coastline, stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems to explore. With so much on offer, it can be difficult to know where to begin, so we’ve compiled a list of our top ten most beautiful landscapes in Brazil to help get you started on planning your dream trip.

Iguazu Falls

The awesome Iguazu Falls are a must-see for any traveller visiting Brazil. Set in sprawling Iguazu National Park, a rainforest paradise between Brazil and Argentina teeming with lush wildlife, these cascading waterfalls tumble a total of 3km down jaw-dropping cliff faces. Created when a massive volcanic eruption split the earth, the Iguazu Falls are twice as wide as Niagara Falls, and more than 102ft taller at their highest point! The breathtaking beauty of these waterfalls may have been captured on film by Hollywood moviemakers, but truly has to be seen in real life to be believed.

Lençóis Maranhenses

The spectacular Lençóis Maranhenses National Park offers one of the most stunning landscapes in Brazil, with rolling white sand dunes and sparkling clear blue water stretching out for miles. Created via hundreds of years of erosion, the sparse sand dunes are pocketed with naturally occurring pools of crystal-clear rainwater. This remote wonder is still relatively unknown, and offers a haven of tranquillity away from more crowded tourist attractions. Whether you walk across the sands or take an aerial flight overhead, the surreal landscape and spellbinding beauty are sure to leave you awestruck. 

Chapada Diamantina

Another must-visit national park, Chapada Diamantina is an extraordinary mountain range featuring incredible valleys, breathtaking vistas and plenty of trails for intrepid explorers to hike. Covering an expanse of land larger than some European countries, this dazzling wilderness has an abundance of waterfalls and magical caves to discover. Formed by underground rivers and erosion, the caves sparkle with cobalt blue, impossibly still water that’ll make you want to jump in –book a snorkelling or diving tour and enjoy a unique underwater experience.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, set 354km from the northeast Brazilian coast. The tip of a submerged formation of volcanic rock, this extraordinary collection of islands and islets offers pristine golden sands and crystal waters that are truly breathtaking. Only one of its islands are inhabited by people – the rest are home to a wealth of protected marine life, including rare seabirds and reptiles. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most captivating landscapes to witness in Brazil.

Ilha Grande

The tropical island of Ilha Grande offers stunning beaches and sapphire waters that will transport you to another world. A place with a rich and chequered history, Ilha Grande was known originally as a pirates’ haven, and later served as a jail and leper colony. As a result, the gorgeous island has remained largely untouched over the years, and boasts unspoilt stretches of sand and lush, protected rainforest. There’s plenty to do while you admire the beauty. Wander through fishing villages, hike the coastal trails, snorkel in the gin-clear sea, or take a speedboat tour of the Northern side.

Bonito

Pretty Bonito is a snorkeller’s paradise, boasting endless numbers of tropical fish that swim in some of the clearest blue rivers in Brazil. The tiny town is nestled in southern Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul, and is considered the country’s major ecotourism hub, despite having only one main street. The area around Bonito is a water wonderland, with crystal-clear rivers, caves with incredible stalactite structures and majestic, rushing falls, all surrounded by luscious forest.

Guanabara Bay in Rio

Guanabara Bay is one of Brazil’s most beautiful landscapes and a must-see for anyone travelling to Rio. The colossal oceanic bay gives the city of Rio its distinctive outline, with a dramatic, rugged coastline eroded over time by the Atlantic Ocean. The imposing landscape is the deepest natural bay in the world, and is home to some of the most distinctive sights in Rio, like Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado, the hill of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

The Pantanal Wetlands

The vibrant and colourful Pantanal Wetlands are the world’s largest tropical marshlands, and offer the opportunity to see copious species of wildlife flourishing in their natural habit. This glorious ecosystem covers an eye-watering 75,000 square miles, and is home to Macaws, Toucans, Caimans, Pumas, Jaguars and Anacondas, to name just a few! This jaw-dropping region is a must for any intrepid adventure seeker or animal lover looking to discover one of Brazil’s most biodiverse natural landscapes.

Cristalino Reserve in the Amazon

Another superlative example of conservation, the Cristalino Private Natural Heritage Reserve is located in Mato Grosso and was established by the Cristalino Lodge to protect the Amazon’s wildlife and rainforests. This gorgeous region spans 28,167 acres, and offers the chance to explore luscious forests, rich, dense fauna, and an incredible number of Butterflies, reptiles and mammals, from Tapir Monkeys to Giant River Otters. With lush vegetation and dozens of ecosystems, the Cristalino Reserve showcases the Amazon in all its awe-inspiring, natural glory.

Chapada dos Guimaraes

Last, but definitely not least, Chapada dos Guimaraes is a striking national park that provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of central Brazil. Situated near the city of Cuiaba, the spectacular region is made up of dramatic, red sandstone terrain, and stands 800m higher than the flat plains of Pantanal below. The park’s height means it offers cooler temperatures, as well as stunning vistas and a wealth of lush vegetation to enjoy. Home to picturesque caverns, streams and waterfalls, the area is a peaceful haven and offers one of the most stunning landscapes to visit in Brazil.

Feeling inspired? Why not build your trip to Brazil with Discover Your South America, personalising your itinerary by handpicking the hotels, activities and length of stay according to your preferences. You can also call Surtrek on 1 866 978 7398 (Canada and USA) or 080 8189 0438 (UK) to talk to a travel expert; our team is always ready to help!