Must-See Scenery in Brazil

By: Red Pineapple

When it comes to biodiversity, Brazil stands out as a ‘mega-diverse’ nation, encompassing between 15 and 20 percent of the world’s total biodiversity. This diversity extends to the remarkable variety of landscapes that collectively shape this extraordinary country. As the largest country in Latin America, Brazil boasts legendary landscapes, including the world’s largest waterfall system (Iguaçu Falls), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (Christ the Redeemer), and a part of the planet’s largest tropical rainforest (the Brazilian Amazon). Beyond these renowned features, our list of must-see landscapes in Brazil includes hidden treasures, inviting you to explore a rich tapestry of attractions.

Amazon Rainforest

A compilation of must-see Brazilian landscapes would be inadequate without the inclusion of the Amazon rainforest, a region of unparalleled ecological complexity. Spanning an impressive nine countries and harboring one-tenth of Earth’s known species, the significance and magnificence of this tropical expanse cannot be overstated. Embark on a journey through its waterways aboard a canoe and experience the allure of the emerald heart of the Amazon by staying in a stylish eco-lodge.

Fernando de Noronha

A combination of a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Marine Park, this collection of 21 volcanic islands, known as Fernando de Noronha, is both secluded and rugged, making it a journey worth taking. Among the rocky islets, only one is inhabited, home to a population of 5,000 people, while the others boast endemic species and pristine beaches. With just a few Portuguese inns (pousadas) spread across Fernando de Noronha, the likelihood is high that you’ll have one of its Eden-like stretches of sand all to yourself.

Sugarloaf & Corcovado Mountains

The iconic peaks of Sugarloaf and Corcovado overlook Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second city, creating one of the most familiar landscapes in the country. Named for its resemblance to a refined loaf of sugar, Sugarloaf, along with Corcovado (Portuguese for ‘hunchback’), provides a captivating backdrop. Corcovado is home to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, while Sugarloaf boasts a cable car that provides panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings.

Iguaçu Falls

As the planet’s most extensive waterfall system, Iguaçu Falls surpasses both Victoria and Niagara Falls in height and size. Straddling the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Iguaçu, meaning ‘Big Water,’ only hints at the immense scale of this natural wonder. For an adventurous experience, venture to Devil’s Throat, the tallest of Iguaçu’s 275 waterfalls, and peer into the roaring cascades from a wooden platform perched on the edge.

Pantanal

Yet another epicenter of biodiversity, the Pantanal competes with the Amazon in terms of wildlife diversity, particularly in the realm of sightings facilitated by the openness of the wetland. Encompassing 80,000 square miles in the heart of South America, an expanse equivalent to the size of Kansas, 80% of this vast inland delta lies within Brazil, while the remainder extends into Bolivia and Paraguay. Be on the lookout for crocodiles, jaguars, and giant river otters, and endeavor to spot as many of the 650 bird species as possible.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses translates to the ‘bedsheets of Maranhenses’ in Portuguese, a fitting name for the expanse of rolling sand dunes adorning Brazil’s north Atlantic coast. During the rainy season, pools of water collect in the valleys between each dune, and the remote location of this Brazilian marvel ensures a pleasantly uncrowded experience. Plan your visit between July and September to witness the cobalt cradles harmonizing with the milky-white sand.

Bonito

While there are numerous other captivating landscapes in Brazil, we must draw the conclusion of this list somewhere, and the ecotourism hub in Matto Grosso do Sul is an ideal endpoint. Bonito, aptly named for its beauty, lives up to its reputation with glistening lakes, cascading waterfalls, stalactite-decked caverns, and a selection of cozy eco-lodges. The primary allure of this rural area is the opportunity to snorkel and dive amid the vibrant shoals of tropical fish inhabiting the freshwater pools.