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Brazil 2026: 13 must-visit destinations, tips and ways to explore the country

Brazil is a country overflowing with nature, endless beaches and a unique energy. From jungles and massive waterfalls to vibrant cities and coastal towns, it is a destination that blends adventure, culture and joy in every trip.

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Brazil 2026: 13 must-visit destinations, tips and ways to explore the country

Image of Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, taken from our window. We had that view for two months there. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We spent around 5 months in Brazil: four in Rio de Janeiro and one on the northern coast of São Paulo. We still have a lot left to explore; it is a massive country.

But from the places where we stayed, we were able to understand it quite well and deeply discover those regions. We will return soon to continue exploring new destinations.

13 must-visit destinations in Brazil

Brazil is huge, diverse and vibrant: endless beaches, the Amazon rainforest, major cities and a very strong cultural identity.

1- Rio de Janeiro – Iconic beaches, Christ the Redeemer and intense urban life.

Panoramic view of the Botafogo neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

2- São Paulo – The cultural and gastronomic capital of the country.

São Paulo is the most populated city in Brazil and the largest metropolis in Latin America, with a metropolitan population exceeding 21 million inhabitants.

3- Salvador da Bahia – Colonial history, music and Afro-Brazilian heritage.

Salvador da Bahia is the cultural capital of Brazil and the country's first capital, famous for its deep African influence, colorful colonial architecture and tropical beaches. It is the epicenter of music, religious syncretism and Afro-Brazilian gastronomy.

4- Florianópolis – Beaches, surfing and quality of life.

Florianópolis, known as the 'Magic Island', has more than forty beaches offering very diverse environments.

5- Ubatuba – Massive jungle and wild beaches on the northern coast of São Paulo state.

Ubatuba is an untouched natural paradise located on the northern coast of São Paulo state, famous for its more than 100 wild beaches surrounded by the dense vegetation of the Atlantic Forest.

6- Arraial do Cabo – Small beach town known as the Brazilian Caribbean.

Located in the Região dos Lagos area of Rio de Janeiro state, this former fishing village stands out for its dazzling white sands and turquoise waters so transparent they look like a natural swimming pool.

7- Ilha Grande – Paradise island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, filled with jungle and relaxing beaches.

Ilha Grande is a car-free natural sanctuary located in the municipality of Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro state.

8- Foz do Iguaçu – Iguazu Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.

Iguazu Falls, shared by Brazil and Argentina.

9- Lençóis Maranhenses – Unique dunes and natural lagoons.

Lençóis Maranhenses is a unique natural spectacle in the world, consisting of a huge desert of white sand dunes filled with freshwater lagoons in shades of blue and emerald green.

10- Fernando de Noronha – Islands, diving and protected nature.

Fernando de Noronha is Brazil's most exclusive and protected ecological sanctuary, a volcanic archipelago of 21 islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, around 360 kilometers off the coast of Natal.

11- Manaus – Gateway to the Amazon.

Manaus is the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, a metropolis of more than two million inhabitants built in the heart of the jungle.

12- Jericoacoara – Beaches, kitesurfing and spectacular sunsets.

Jericoacoara is a bohemian and isolated oasis hidden among gigantic moving dunes on the coast of Ceará state in northeastern Brazil.

13- Recife and Olinda – Culture, beaches and historic architecture.

Aerial view of Recife Antigo, the historic center of Recife, Brazil.

What to eat in Brazil (must-try dishes)

Brazilian gastronomy is varied, regional and very flavorful:

Feijoada – Black bean stew with meat.
Churrasco – Grilled meats, a southern specialty.
Moqueca – Fish stew with coconut milk and dendê oil.
Acarajé – Fried bean fritter stuffed with fillings, typical from Bahia.
Pão de queijo – Cheese bread rolls, perfect at any time of the day.
Coxinha – Chicken-filled croquette.
Brigadeiro – Classic chocolate sweet.
Caipirinha – National cocktail made with cachaça and lime.

Feijoada. Considered Brazil's national dish, it is a hearty black bean stew cooked with different cuts of pork and beef. It is traditionally served with white rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), orange slices and collard greens, and is commonly eaten on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Practical information for traveling in Brazil

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL).
Language: Portuguese (in some places people understand Spanish if you speak slowly and clearly).
Power plugs: Type C and N, 127/220V depending on the region.
Tipping: not mandatory; restaurants usually include a 10% service charge on the bill (until we realized it, we were tipping twice).
Connectivity: very good in cities; variable in rural areas.
Payments: cards are widely accepted (I recommend using digital wallets for security); cash is useful in markets and small towns.

The iconic Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How to get around Brazil

Brazil is huge, so planning transportation is essential:

Plane – The best option for long distances.
Long-distance buses – Affordable, but journeys can be very long.
Car – Useful for specific regions (beaches and natural parks).
Urban transportation – Metro systems in large cities (good service, simple and fast), buses and ride-hailing apps (Uber is widely used).
Mobility apps – Very popular and convenient in big cities.
Bicycles – Widely used, with good bike lane networks in major cities. We wrote a very useful article about this: Exploring Rio by bicycle

Throughout Brazil there is a bicycle rental network that is easy to use and quite affordable.

Best time to travel

May to September – Drier and more pleasant weather in much of the country.
Summer (December–March) – Hot temperatures, rain in some regions and high tourist season.
Winter – Ideal for the south and large cities.

The climate varies greatly depending on the region: tropical, equatorial and subtropical.

Sunsets on the beach are usually wonderful. Photo taken at Barra da Tijuca Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Useful tips for traveling in Brazil

Learn some basic Portuguese words and phrases.
Use transportation apps in large cities.
Avoid paying street vendors with debit or credit cards; it is better to use digital wallets like Belo to prevent scams.
Keep an eye on your belongings in very touristy areas.
Book accommodation in advance during summer and Carnival.
Try regional food from each state.
Stay hydrated: the heat and humidity can be intense.
Avoid displaying valuable items in public.

Caipirinha is one of the most popular drinks in Brazil. Image taken in the Lapa neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Its people have a great passion for football. They are highly skilled at playing it. Brazil is the national team with the most World Cup trophies in history (5 titles).