The 9 Must Do Experiences in Brazil

Every year during February or March, cities and towns all over Brazil come alive with the vibrant colours and costumes of Carnaval (Carnival). This annual festival involves parades, parties, music and dancing – an all-out celebration with an energy that you simply have to feel for yourself. Head to Rio de Janeiro for the most extensive and iconic festivities, including the legendary Sambadrome parades.

Need to know: During Carnival we also recommend experiencing the lively street parties of Salvador, the unique traditions of Recife and the Bloco da Lama (Mud Party) in Paraty (which is exactly what it sounds like).

More than half of the enormous Amazon Rainforest is located within this country’s borders, and exploring it is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Brazil. We suggest boarding a luxury riverboat like the Zenith to glide down the region’s eponymous river, with stops along the way to spot pink river dolphins, caimans, jaguars and more.

Need to know: Visit the Amazon during the dry season (June–November) for ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, or during the wet season (December–May) for better access by boat.

In the largest city in Brazil, activities range from fine dining and high-end shopping to street art tours and underground bars. São Paulo also boasts one of the best art scenes in the country, which you can discover on a private art tour led by an expert local guide and personalised to suit your interests.

Need to know: In addition to famous spots like the MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art) and the Luisa Strina contemporary art gallery, you can also visit small galleries showcasing up-and-coming artists.

Brazilian cuisine is unbelievably diverse and unfailingly delicious. Depending where you are, local specialties can range from freshly caught fish and moqueca (seafood stew made with coconut milk) to pillowy pão de queijo (cheese bread) and hearty feijoada (bean and meat stew). The country’s best eateries span the full spectrum from classic no-frills cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Need to know: São Paulo is widely considered the culinary capital of Brazil thanks to its thriving gastronomy scene, but we guarantee that you’ll find delicious food everywhere you go.

Brazil is becoming increasingly well known for its viniculture, and many of its best wines come from the Serra Gaúcha region in Rio Grande do Sul. Sparkling wines are especially prominent here, but you’ll also find exceptional chardonnay, merlot and many other varieties. Visit renowned wineries like Miolo for private tours and tastings.

Need to know: Serra Gaúcha is about a two-hour drive from Porto Alegre. If you’re not headed that far south, you can also visit the São Roque wine region outside of São Paulo.

Iguassu Falls is one of Brazil’s highlights. This enormous waterfall system – the world’s largest, in fact – sits on the border with Argentina, and it’s well worth visiting both sides to get the full experience. The Argentinian side (Iguazú Falls) contains the majority of the falls, while the Brazilian side offers sweeping views that allow you to appreciate them in all their glory.

Need to know: Late winter/early spring (August to October) and autumn (March to May) are the best times to visit Iguassu Falls for nice weather and relatively small crowds.

The Pantanal is a paradise of untouched wilderness and rare wildlife, including the majestic jaguar. You can spot this feline with a guide from Onçafari, an organisation dedicated to protecting animals and preserving biodiversity. Other fascinating species in this region include maned wolves, bright blue hyacinth macaws, giant otters and anteaters, capybaras, toucans and more.

Need to know: The best time to visit Brazil if you’re hoping to see animals in the Pantanal is the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is more visible. These are also the coolest months, with highs around 26–30ºC (79–86ºF).

Brazil has more than 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometres) of coastline and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. We especially love smaller towns like Trancoso, Búzios and Picinguaba – all of which are among our favourite places to visit in Brazil. Located conveniently close to larger cities like Salvador and Rio, these secluded spots offer a quieter alternative to bustling urban beaches.

Need to know: If you’re looking for a tropical island escape, Fernando de Noronha is for you. Set off the coast of Nordeste (Brazil’s northeastern region), it’s a fantastic destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and sunbathing alike.

Brazil’s cultural attractions include not just monuments and landmarks, but also artistic movements and musical genres like samba. This style of music and dance is rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions and has evolved into various subgenres, including bossa nova. In Rio you can learn how to dance samba or see a live bossa nova performance – both essential experiences for anyone interested in Brazilian music, culture and history.

Need to know: Although commonly associated with Rio, samba originated in Bahia. Attend a folklore dance performance or take an African heritage tour in Salvador to learn more about its history.