Best places for a first time visit to Brazil

Brazil, a vast country with countless highlights, offers an overwhelming number of choices for first-time visitors. Travelling around Brazil often involves several domestic flights; however, we’ll handle all the logistics, so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning beauty, and rich experiences that Brazil offers.

Most travellers have two weeks to pack in as much as possible. Read on to learn about the key highlights and experiences for first-time visitors. At Far & Wild, we've carefully selected the top destinations to include in your first visit to this magical country.

Ready to chat more? Click here to enquire and speak to our Brazil specialist, Amanda.

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Rio de Janeiro

Paulo Coelho aptly described Rio de Janeiro

“Where the mountains kiss the sea, and the sun embraces the soul.”

This captivating gem of a city exudes energy and optimism, making it an irresistible beachside city destination. Waking up to shimmering sunshine overlooking the iconic Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s standout experiences. Rio's setting, with its spectacular natural harbour framed by lush peaks, is unmatched. Beyond its natural beauty, Rio is a vibrant Brazilian metropolis, constantly evolving yet always radiating the infectious warmth and zest for life of the Cariocas. Spend a few days exploring and enjoying the outdoor life alongside Rio’s best ambassadors, its locals.

First-time visitors will revel in highlights such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, offering sweeping views over the bay, and the cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. Experience the city’s famed beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leme, or venture into the colonial centre for a taste of Brazilian culture. Sip coffee at literary cafés or visit the glittering National Theatre. A true gem of Rio is the bohemian, cobblestone clad district of Santa Teresa, nestled on a hillside with amazing views. Don’t miss the vibrant, colourful Selarón Steps, an image synonymous with the city.

Football fans will love guided tours at the Maracanã Stadium, while those seeking a quieter moment will savour the serene Botanical Garden. Wherever you venture, the infectious

Far & Wild Recommends

Upgrade your Copacabana hotel stay to a room overlooking the beach. A Far & Wild favourite is the Porto Bay Rio International, where you can book not only a view over Copacabana beach but also a balcony, so slip on your Havaianas and enjoy your morning coffee with a view – blissful!

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Iguaçu Falls

In the southwestern corner of Brazil, at the border with Argentina and Paraguay, lies the incomparable Iguaçu Falls. Nestled in the Atlantic Rainforest region, these thunderous falls crash through an area of stunning natural beauty. The sheer size of Iguaçu Falls dwarfs Niagara, making it South America's most awe-inspiring sight and a highlight for anyone visiting Brazil.

The vast area comprises around 275 magnificent waterfalls spanning nearly 3 kilometres, and the falls are recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. The symphony of thundering cascades resonates with power and intensity. No photograph, video, or description can truly capture the grandeur of these falls, making it imperative to witness their beauty and sheer scale firsthand.

Stroll along the 3 kilometres of walkways on the Brazilian side for fantastic panoramic views. Cross the border into Argentina to experience the noise and power of Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), accessed from a more extensive set of walkways. From the Brazilian side, take a spectacular helicopter ride over the falls, or on the Argentine side, get up close on the Gran Aventura boat trip—a truly exhilarating experience.

Nearby, the subtropical rainforest surrounding Iguaçu Falls is teeming with wildlife. Visit Parque das Aves, set in 16 hectares of forest, a haven for birds and butterflies. This region is alive with vibrant flora and fauna, adding another layer of wonder to the region.

Far & Wild Recommends

Stay at the luxurious Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel the only hotel located within the national park on the Brazilian side. From the hotel, you can visit the falls before and after the park opens for incomparable sunrises and sunsets and enjoy peaceful moments with nature.

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Pantanal

The world’s largest wetland, the Pantanal, is a remarkable ecosystem teeming with an astonishing array of wildlife, from giant storks and macaws to capybaras and graceful jaguars. Located in the heart of Brazil, this vast region is a mesmerising mix of wilderness and cattle ranches, featuring savannahs, swamps, and sluggish rivers. The only road, the Transpantaneira, traverses the region, providing access to its remote beauty where nature reigns supreme and human presence is minimal.

In the Pantanal, over 650 species of birds and hundreds of mammals, reptiles, and fish thrive. For an immersive experience, a stay of at least three nights is recommended, particularly for jaguar-spotting activities. Pantanal lodges offer safari-style excursions by boat, on foot, and on horseback, ideal ways to explore the marshy swamplands.

As you venture deeper into the region by boat, you might spot caimans along the riverbanks, monkeys playing in the treetops, and a variety of birds fluttering about. The Pantanal is also renowned for its magical sunsets, with fiery orange skies marking the end of another day in this wildlife paradise.

The two main hubs in the region are Cuiabá in the north and Campo Grande in the south. Most accommodations are rustic and remote, several hours by road from these airports. Experiences in the Pantanal are unmatched, offering photo safaris, fishing trips, jaguar spotting, or simply enjoying the region's beauty and immersing yourself in its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Far & Wild Recommends

Fly into Campo Grande airport in the Southern Pantanal and hire a car to spend a few nights in Bonito, Brazil’s eco-tourism capital. Explore the area and snorkel in crystal-clear streams and deep lagoons, inhabited by many vibrant fish. Enhance the experience further by upgrading to Caiman, for safari style expeditions to spot jaguar.

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Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest spans an immense area in South America, with the largest portion in Brazil, covering almost half the country. Vital to human survival, the Amazon Basin teems with wildlife, rivers, and remote indigenous groups who live off the land.

In the north of Amazonas State lies the city of Manaus. East of Manaus, the black acidic waters of the Rio Negro merge with the sludgy brown waters of the Solimões, a natural wonder known as the Meeting of the Waters. This bustling city and river port is the starting point for lodge adventures. Visitors can explore the vibrant market areas, revitalised docklands, the world-famous Opera House, and the pedestrianised central square filled with cafés, galleries, and boutiques.

The main highlight of the Amazon region lies deep within the rainforest, home to an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including approximately one third of the Earth’s animal species. Nature lovers will delight in the diversity, from insects and freshwater fish to 1,500 species of birds and more than 430 mammal species. Each lodge offers a range of excursions led by knowledgeable local guides who excel at spotting wildlife and providing insights into the rainforest’s ecology and history, ensuring a truly immersive stay.

For those seeking a genuine connection with nature, the Brazilian Amazon offers unparalleled experiences. Whether marveling at the intricate web of life or engaging with the indigenous culture.

Far & Wild Recommends

For the ultimate wildlife combination of the Pantanal and Amazon Rainforest, we recommend Cristalino Lodge. The most luxurious in the Brazilian Amazon, it is accessed from Alta Floresta, a short flight from Cuiaba in the Pantanal.

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South Coast Beaches

After exploring the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro and the natural wonders of Brazil, it's time for a few days of well-earned rest. The southern coast of Brazil offers an array of stunning beaches both west and east of Rio de Janeiro. This lush, forested coastline, with its rocky bays and pristine beaches, is home to laid-back beach resorts, secluded upmarket hotels, and charming colonial-era ports.

East of Rio lies the chic resort town of Buzios, situated on a peninsula of sandy beaches and coves. This upmarket retreat exudes a distinctly Brazilian vibe. Outside the pretty boutique hotels, discover laid-back boat trips, quaint cobbled streets, trendy shops, elegant restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. A favourite escape for Cariocas, Buzios can get very busy during holiday seasons and Carnival.

For a more relaxed retreat, head west along the scenic Costa Verde (Green Coast), where you will find a wonderful blend of Portuguese and Brazilian cultures. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and picturesque port of Paraty is steeped in history and features well-preserved baroque architecture and a range of cultural experiences.

For beach and nature enthusiasts, the true jewel is Ilha Grande. This car-free island paradise offers lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and pristine secluded beaches. Engage in low-key activities such as hiking to hidden waterfalls, snorkelling, or scuba diving to explore the vibrant underwater marine life. Ilha Grande’s Lopes Mendes beach is often considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil. When the sun is shining, there is no prettier destination.

Far & Wild Recommends

O’Sitio Ilha Grande is a small pousada set on Abraãozinho bay, a real slice of paradise. There are just 9 rooms, offering a perfect location to disconnect from the world and enjoy nature. Spend your days relaxing, out on the water, exploring the hidden bays and simply recharging your batteries.

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Conclusion

Brazil is a vast country and although the flight network connects the destinations well, we recommend a maximum of 3-4 destinations. Unless you are a real wildlife enthusiast, I would suggest either the Amazon Rainforest OR The Pantanal, with Cristalino Lodge offering the easiest combination of both if you want to experience both eco-systems on one trip.

Other options to consider include the vibrant city of Salvador, or the unspoilt beaches of the Northeast Coast.

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