Things to Do in Brazil

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

While Brazil’s image is often tied to Rio and its famous beaches like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, the city is far from the only place to swim in the country. It’s just perhaps the most "mythical."

In short, with its 7,000 kilometers of coastline, Brazil offers swimming and seaside resort options for all tastes, budgets, and vibes—from lively urban beaches to quieter spots or even deserted islands. You’re guaranteed not to be disappointed.

You can choose Rio de Janeiro and its Costa Verde, which remains the most iconic region, where mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Places like Ilha Grande (one of whose beaches is ranked among the world’s most beautiful), Arraial do Cabo (the "Brazilian Caribbean" with its turquoise waters and white sand), and Paraty (a colonial town with stunning wild beaches) are highly sought after.

Further north, there’s the state of Bahia, with its small towns, villages, and even islands around Salvador da Bahia, where you can enjoy warm seas year-round and a relaxed atmosphere. There are also many other spots along the coast, including the unique Jericoacoara, a small village nestled between giant dunes where you can swim in freshwater turquoise lagoons as well as in the ocean. This is also where you’ll find the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, another extraordinary and ecological gem (with regulated access) that’s home to Praia do Sancho, often voted the "best beach in the world."

Finally, if you’re looking for Brazil’s Saint-Tropez, besides the region around Buzios near Rio, head south. Past São Paulo, you’ll reach the state of Santa Catarina, particularly the island of Florianopolis, connected by a bridge to the mainland, which has everything you’d want in a beach destination.

Diving

If you’re a diving enthusiast, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha in the state of Pernambuco is unquestionably the best spot in the country to explore the underwater world—though it does require a budget for dives and site entry fees. Alternatively, the capital of the same state, Recife, has one of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks, much to divers’ delight.

Otherwise, near Rio, places like Arraial do Cabo, Angra dos Reis, and Ilha Grande are great for all levels, despite the slightly cooler water. There are also various sites around Salvador da Bahia for diving and snorkeling.

Surfing and Watersports

Brazil is a major destination for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and, of course, surfing. For the first two, head to the Northeast, particularly the region around Jericoacoara, renowned for its strong and consistent winds between July and December.

For surfing, there are plenty of great spots along the Atlantic, even in cities like Rio, with Saquarema and its surroundings near the city being the top choice. Elsewhere, Itacaré (Bahia), the island of Florianopolis, and once again Fernando de Noronha have also built solid reputations. They’re not the only ones in the country, though.

Finally, for a different kind of gliding, know that modern sandboarding was born in Brazil, and you can try it on the dunes of Florianópolis or around the city of Natal, both famous for it.

Fishing

Brazil’s advantage for fishing enthusiasts is its diversity. You can fish in Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal for their fish-rich waters, or, for big-game fishing, along the country’s thousands of kilometers of coastline.

Whale Watching

If you’re in Brazil between July and October, you might have the chance to see whales. The most renowned sites are the Abrolhos archipelago-natural park, between Rio and Salvador (the best spot), as well as along the coasts of Santa Catarina and São Paulo states in the south.

Hiking

Hiking

Though it’s not the first activity that comes to mind for Brazil, there are plenty of trekking and hiking opportunities in the country. Whether it’s day trips in the Amazon, around Rio, or on Ilha Grande, or multi-day hikes in certain parks and reserves. The Chapada Diamantina National Park (in Bahia) and the Lençóis Maranhenses (in Maranhão) are among the most interesting.

Brazil is also home to the longest marked trail in Latin America: the Trilha Amazônia Atlântica, a 468-kilometer route in the state of Pará. It starts in the historic center of Belém and crosses 17 municipalities before reaching the Serra do Piriá on the border with Maranhão. Unique...

Cycling

Though cycling isn’t a primary activity, you can pedal along the "European Valley Circuit," a 300-kilometer loop in the South, or the "Diamond Trail," just as long, which follows the old route used to transport gold and diamonds from the city of Ouro Preto. You can also cross the Lençóis Maranhenses or tackle the slopes and canyons of the high plateaus in Santa Catarina.

Horseback Riding

The most interesting experience is in the Pantanal and the Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul regions, in these vast wetlands where horses remain the main means of transport for locals and gauchos. Otherwise, like cycling, the high plateaus of Santa Catarina and the Lençóis are also good alternatives for those used to horseback riding.

Outdoor and Adventure Sports

Whitewater

Brazil offers several great spots for rafting. The Brotas region, 250 km from São Paulo, is the country’s top destination for all skill levels. You can also raft at the foot of Iguazu Falls, on the Rio Paranhana near Três Coroas (in the south), or in Bahia (Itacaré) for jungle river descents.

For canyoning, the Chapada dos Veadeiros region is one of the world’s best spots (where you can also raft), while for tubing and hydrospeed, Brotas is the place to go.

Climbing

If you want to climb in Brazil, do it in Rio, the world capital of urban climbing. Just trying to scale Sugarloaf Mountain via one of its many routes is a highlight...

Paragliding and Aerial Sports

Rio de Janeiro also leaves an unforgettable memory for paragliding and hang gliding. You take off from the Tijuca Forest, soar over the city’s mountains, and land on the sand of São Conrado Beach. For hot-air balloon rides, head to Boituva (in São Paulo state), the capital of aerial sports in Brazil, or, for something more spectacular, Praia Grande (Santa Catarina), where you’ll fly over the region’s breathtaking canyons.

Cultural Life and Activities

Beyond its rich historical and colonial heritage, like in Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Salvador da Bahia, or the old towns of Minas Gerais with their "Brazilian Baroque" style, or even the "futuristic" architecture of Brasília, it’s above all in Brazilian society—through its diversity—that you’ll find the best cultural discoveries in the country.

Nightlife and Going Out

Brazil is world-famous for its love of celebration, not just during Carnival. In São Paulo (the "world capital of nightlife"), Rio (between samba and beaches), Salvador (especially in the Pelourinho district to experience the country’s Afro-Brazilian soul), Búzios (chic partying), or Florianópolis (Ibiza-like vibes), there’s plenty to do. And that’s without mentioning the many other places where nightlife is very much alive.