Brazil is full of spectacular national parks and breathtaking landscapes that are home to some of the world’s rarest and most endangered species.
A world-famous carnival, beautiful beaches, legendary football players and beautiful, friendly people. Brazil’The country’s reputation surpasses itself, with millions of tourists choosing to visit the country for a dream holiday every year.
This year Brazil has seen tourism rise to pre-pandemic levels, Jacqueline Gil, marketing director of Visit Brazil, tells Euronews Travel, with many coming from Latin America and Europe.
Most visitors visit for all the reasons mentioned above, but then are amazed by the natural beauty of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
“Brazil is, or has been, promoted mainly for its sunny beaches, but now we are also focusing on nature tourism,” says Gil. “This includes the Amazon, of course, and our many natural parks.”
The Amazon rainforest, home to more than three million species, is a common destination for nature lovers. But there are many other places in Brazil that will leave travelers completely enchanted by nature’s art.
The South American nation is also focusing on strengthening local communities in “small, culturally driven cities that can offer something very authentic,” Gil says. “Each region is very different,” says Gil. “I would suggest going and exploring.”
Here are seven of the best natural wonders to visit in Brazil.
9. Chapada dos Veadeiros
This beautiful national park, which features lovely waterfalls and pristine lakes, is located in the state of Goiás in west-central Brazil. It was recognized as a national park in 1961 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
Once in Chapada dos Veadeiros, travelers should pay attention to the park’s rock formations, which are among the oldest on the planet. There is also the opportunity to spot some amazing wildlife, including swamp deer, maned wolves, jaguars, tapirs, toucans and vultures.
Some animals in the Chapada dos Veadeiros are extremely rare or at risk of extinction, so this is a sacred place for them.
8. Serra Dos Órgãos
Serra Dos Órgãos gives its name to both a national park and the rugged mountain range within it, whose shape resembles a church organ.
These mountains and their forests are full of exotic birds and colorful tropical plants, making the experience of hiking in national parks always full of surprises.
The park is located in Rio de Janeiro, making it the perfect nature retreat if you are visiting Rio.
7. Lençóis Maranhenses
This national park on Brazil’s northeast coast isn’t the easiest to get to, but it’s definitely worth it. Its huge white sand dunes, contrasted with azure lagoons created by rain, combine for an incredible, otherworldly view and stunning photos.
The best time to visit is July, when the lagoons shine blue – or green! – and more inviting for swimming. Go barefoot, walk along the dunes and take a dip for an unforgettable experience.
6. Iguazu Falls
On the border between Argentina and Brazil, the beautiful Iguazu Falls are not as famous as Niagara Falls, but perhaps even more stunning.
This cascading body of water is full of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Travelers are likely to spot howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, and pampas deer, as well as many exotic birds.
5. Cachoeira de Fumaça
Cachoeira de Fumaça – or “waterfalls of smoke” – is a 340-meter waterfall in the northeastern state of Bahia that is best enjoyed during the rainy season, when the water pours into the pool below.
A visit would involve a nice hike up the falls to see the water cascading down, rewarded by the incredible view from the top. Or a three-day hike to the bottom, after which travelers could swim in the waterfall pool.
4. Pantanal
Travelers cannot miss a visit to the largest wetland in the world, the Pantanal.
Spanning more than 200,000 square meters and covering parts of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, the Pantanal is home to some of the most curious creatures on our planet. These include capybaras, jaguars, caimans, macaws, howler monkeys, giant anteaters and giant otters.
While the Amazon receives more attention, the Pantanal is also one of the most biodiverse places on our planet and desperately needs all the support and protection it can get. Less than 2% of wetlands are federally protected.
3. Poco Encantado
Poço Encantado – which literally translates to “enchanted well” – is a water-filled cavern in Andarai’s Chapada Diamantina National Park.
It transforms into a magical spectacle when the sunlight hits the water directly, making the rock formations of the underwater depths shine through. Photographers should wait for the right time of day to capture the perfect display of the cave’s eerie blue glow.
2. Poço Azul
Poço Azul, near the town of Riachão in the northeastern region of Brazil, is very similar to Poço Encantado, a stunning cave with deep blue water hidden in the arid landscape of Bahia.
Compared to Poço Encantado, Poço Azul has the added advantage of being able to swim and float in its crystal clear waters, observing its wonderful cave.
1. Meeting das Aguas
Encontro das Aguas – literally “meeting of waters” – is a well-known destination in Manaus, the capital of the Amazon state, and is truly a sight to behold.
For 6 kilometers, two rivers, the Rio Negro and the Solimoes river, flow side by side without mixing, creating two parallel flows of black water and lighter, sandy water.
Rivers flow at different speeds and at different temperatures, yet they don’t mix until the end of the line. Taking a day cruise on the Rio Negro would take travelers to the meeting point and give them a front-row view of this bizarre spectacle.
What is the best way to travel to Brazil?
Tourists should know that Brazil is a vast country – the fifth largest in the world – and you have to travel a lot in its territory to discover all its wonders.
Traveling slowly and sustainably is the best way to approach these destinations, ensuring that visitors’ impact on the local environment is minimal.
According to Freixo, tourism can actually help Brazil finance some of its sustainability and recovery campaigns; visitors who enter the reserves help fund the country’s conservation programs.
While flying cross-country is the fastest way to get between places that can be hundreds of miles apart, choose a bus or train where possible to reduce carbon emissions.
Image:Getty Images
