Thinking of traveling to Brazil? From the Cristo Redentor to the Iguaçu Falls, Amazon Rain Forest, and many colonial cities, Brazil has a plethora of places to visit. Below are a list of 10 of the must see places in Brazil.
1. Sugar Loaf, Rio de Janeiro
The Sugar Loaf Mountain is a peak at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the most recognizable views of Brazil and a must do when you visit! It sits 396 m (1,299 ft) above the harbor. Enjoy hiking up it or one of the lower peaks and experiencing a fantastic view during your time in Rio.
2. Cristo Redentor, Rio de Janeiro
Cristo Redentor, Christ the Redeemer. When you think of Brazil, the Cristo Redentor is without a doubt the first thing that you picture. And why wouldn’t it be? Standing 30 meters high on top of the Corcovado mountain at 700 meters, the statue of Christ looks over all of Rio and stands as a symbol for Christianity all over the world. It is even listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Visiting the Cristo Redentor is certainly an unforgettable experience.
3. Iguaçu Falls
The Iguaçu Falls is the point where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet. It is one of the most spectacular falls in the world. Some of the falls are more than a 100 meters high. Surrounding the falls is the Iguaçu National Forest. The Garganta do Diabo (the Devils Throat) is one of the largest bridges across the river that crosses over into Argentina. You get unique views on both sides of the river so when you visit you will have to experience the falls from multiple views.
4. Amazon Rain Forests
The Amazon Rain Forests, the most recognizable forest in the world. Along the Rio Negro there are many sights to see. Among which are Encontro das Aguas, Anavilhanas Islands, Janauari Ecological Park, Teatro Amazonas, and many others. While traveling along the Rio Negro you will see many amazing animals like monkeys, sloths, parrots, toucans, caimans, turtles, and many other exotic wildlife. The Islands form an archipelago with lakes, streams, and flooded forests. In the Ecological Park you will be able to see many different ecosystems. The Teatro Amazonas is a Renaissance-style opera house in the Amazon Rain Forests. If you are a nature lover, then the Amazon Rain Forests is the best place to go with all the beautiful nature and wildlife.
5. Salvador
Salvador is the former colonial capital and has been named a World Heritage site for its exceptional architecture of the 17th and 18th century colonial buildings. Salvador’s city center is known as Salvador’s Pelourinho and is a definite must see if you love history and astounding architecture. The São Fransisco is the most popular church in Salvador and truly is stunning.
6. Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is one of the Brazils older cities built at the end of the 17th century. It is another colonial town with rich history The city literally means Black Gold due to it being the focal point of Brazils gold rush and being built during Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century. For all you history buffs who also love astonishing architecture, Ouro Preto is the place for you!
7. Pernambuco Beaches
The Pernambuco Beaches are where the best beaches in Brazil going to be! If you love laying out and exploring breathtaking beaches then you will have to visit the Pernambuco Beaches. Porto de Galinhas is widely known as Brazils best beach. With it comes a quaint and colorful beach town with some cute boutiques. They have hotels and resorts close by that are not tall buildings in order to keep the quaint beach town vibe. While there, you can swim with the fish, take a boat to some beautiful lagoons, or even scuba dive and explore coral reefs and shipwrecks!
8. Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais and the sixth largest city in Brazil with 2.5 million residents. Belo Horizonte is home the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and is home to his earliest buildings. Niemeyer’s early architecture is the main attraction in Belo Horizonte. His early casino building is now a popular art museum. For fans of famous architects and their work, Belo Horizonte is somewhere you cannot miss.
9. Brasília
One of Brazil’s newer cities, Brasília, was carved from the wilderness to a fantastic city in less than three years to replace Rio de Janeiro as the country’s capital. Inspired by famous architects Costa and Niemeyer made Brasília home to some of the most beautiful planned cities. It has an entire section dedicated to the government alone. Praça dos Tràs Poderes is home to the presidential palace, supreme court, and two contrasting congress buildings. A city literally built in the 20th century to be a capital, is sure is a sight to see how they made the beauty come to life.
10. São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil’s financial center and is one of the most populous cities in the world. It has a mix of wondrous designs from neo-Gothic architecture with its striking cathedral to the 1929 Martinelli skyscraper to Niemeyer’s Edifício Copan. São Paulo is also a melting pot of many different peoples and cultures. While there you can experience not only the Brazilian culture, but also: Aran, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese. It has an amazing night life as well as many concerts and shows to attend. If you are a big city person, then São Paulo has to be on your bucket list.