More location information and points of interest are available in the above map

THE NORTHEAST

The Northeast is one of Brazil’s most culturally rich regions, blending Afro-Brazilian traditions, colonial history, and vibrant music. Stretching over 2,000 km of coastline, it offers everything from palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs to historic cities alive with festivals and cuisine centered on seafood and tropical flavors.

• Salvador da Bahia: Once Brazil’s colonial capital, Salvador is a city of rhythm and color, where Afro-Brazilian culture thrives in music, dance, and food.

• Praia do Francês (Alagoas): A relaxed beach near Maceió, popular for its calm waters and local restaurants.

• Porto de Galinhas (Pernambuco): A former fishing village turned resort town, known for natural pools formed by reefs and lively nightlife.

• Olinda (Pernambuco): A colonial gem with baroque churches, art studios, and a bohemian atmosphere.

• Praia da Pipa (Rio Grande do Norte): A fashionable beach destination with lagoons, cliffs, and dolphin sightings.

• Natal (Rio Grande do Norte): A lively coastal city and gateway to dune-backed beaches, often explored by buggy rides.

• Jericoacoara (Ceará): A laid-back village surrounded by dunes, famous for windsurfing, sunsets, and a backpacker vibe.

• Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão): A surreal landscape of white sand dunes dotted with rain-fed lagoons.

• São Luís (Maranhão): A colonial city with tiled mansions, music-filled streets, and a mix of Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian heritage.

THE NORTH / THE AMAZON

The Amazon is both a natural wonder and a global concern, often called the “lungs of the planet” for its role in regulating climate and biodiversity. Covering millions of square kilometers, more than half of the basin lies within Brazil. It’s a place of immense rivers, dense forests, and communities that have adapted to life on the water.

Wildlife encounters can be extraordinary—think pink river dolphins, giant otters, and countless bird species—but spotting jaguars or anacondas is rare. The real reward is experiencing the scale of the ecosystem and learning how people live in harmony with it. Travel here requires patience and planning, but it’s more accessible today than ever before.

• Belém: A lively port city at the mouth of the Amazon, known for its markets, music, and colonial architecture.

• Ilha do Marajó: A huge island with buffalo herds, rivers, and remote beaches, offering a glimpse of rural Amazonian life.

• Alter do Chão: Famous for its river beaches and lagoons, this small town is a surprising tropical getaway deep in the forest.

• Tapajós National Forest: Near Santarém, this reserve offers trails through towering trees and opportunities to learn about conservation.

• Rio Amazonas: Riverboat journeys between Santarém and Manaus reveal the scale of the river and life along its banks.

• Manaus: The capital of the Amazon, with its ornate Teatro Amazonas opera house, bustling markets, and as a hub for jungle lodges and tours.

• Acre: On the western frontier, Acre offers untouched rainforest and opportunities for ecotourism, though infrastructure is limited.

NATURAL WONDERS OF BRAZIL

• Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, covering millions of square kilometers across northern Brazil. It’s home to extraordinary biodiversity, including countless bird species, river dolphins, and unique plants. Exploring by boat or visiting conservation lodges offers a glimpse into this vast ecosystem and the communities who live within it.

• Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica): Stretching along Brazil’s eastern coast, this forest once covered a huge area but today survives in fragments. Despite centuries of deforestation, it remains rich in wildlife, from orchids and bromeliads to monkeys and colorful birds. Protected reserves and national parks allow visitors to hike, birdwatch, and experience its unique habitats.

• Pantanal: The world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal floods seasonally, creating an environment teeming with wildlife. It’s one of the best places in South America to spot jaguars, giant otters, and hundreds of bird species. Eco-lodges and guided tours provide access to this remarkable landscape.

• Waterfalls (Cachoeiras): Brazil boasts waterfalls of every size, from the thundering Iguaçu Falls on the border with Argentina to hidden cascades in Chapada Diamantina and Goiás. Caracol Falls in Rio Grande do Sul and countless smaller falls across the country make hiking and swimming a rewarding part of any trip.