Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Brazil.
-
1
Christ the Redeemer
The iconic 98-foot Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ atop Corcovado Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Offering panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, this monument is Brazil's most recognizable symbol and a must-visit attraction.
Tip: Book tickets online to avoid long queues · Visit early morning or late afternoon for best lighting · Take the cog train for a scenic ride up the mountain
-
2
Sugarloaf Mountain
Take a cable car to the summit of this iconic granite peak rising 396 meters above Guanabara Bay. The two-stage cable car journey offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Rio's beaches, mountains, and cityscape, especially stunning at sunset.
Tip: Sunset visits offer magical golden hour views · Purchase combo tickets with Christ the Redeemer for savings · There's a restaurant at the top for refreshments
-
3
Iguazu Falls
One of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, Iguazu consists of 275 cascades stretching nearly 2 miles across the border with Argentina. The Brazilian side offers panoramic views of the falls, while walkways bring you close to the thundering Devil's Throat.
Tip: Visit both Brazilian and Argentine sides for complete experience · Wear waterproof clothing near Devil's Throat · Book helicopter tour for aerial views
-
4
Amazon Rainforest
The world's largest tropical rainforest covering over 2 million square miles offers unparalleled biodiversity and adventure. Take guided tours from Manaus to spot pink dolphins, sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds while staying in jungle lodges or on river cruises.
Tip: Book tours with reputable eco-lodges · Bring insect repellent and antimalarial medication · Dry season (June-November) offers better wildlife viewing
-
5
Copacabana Beach
Rio's most famous 4km stretch of golden sand is lined with high-rise hotels, beach kiosks, and the iconic wave-patterned promenade. Join locals playing volleyball, surfing, or sipping caipirinhas while watching spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic.
Tip: Don't leave valuables unattended · Rent chairs and umbrellas from beach vendors · Try fresh coconut water and beach snacks from kiosks
-
6
Ipanema Beach
Made famous by the bossa nova song 'The Girl from Ipanema,' this sophisticated beach attracts a trendy crowd. The beach is divided into distinct sections, each with its own vibe, from LGBT-friendly areas to family zones and surfer spots.
Tip: Posto 9 is the trendy spot for people-watching · Sunset views of Dois Irmaos peaks are spectacular · Walk to Arpoador rocks for best sunset viewing
-
7
Pelourinho Historic Center
Salvador's UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter features cobblestone streets lined with colorful Portuguese architecture, baroque churches, and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. This is the heart of Salvador's music, capoeira, and cultural scene.
Tip: Visit Tuesday evenings for free street concerts · Watch capoeira demonstrations in main squares · Best visited during daytime for safety
-
8
Escadaria Selaron
Chilean artist Jorge Selarón transformed these 215 steps into a vibrant mosaic masterpiece using over 2,000 tiles from 60 countries. This colorful staircase connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa is one of Rio's most photographed spots.
Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds for photos · Combine with walking tour of Santa Teresa neighborhood · Be aware of surroundings and keep valuables secure
-
9
Fernando de Noronha
This pristine archipelago 350km off the northeast coast is Brazil's premier diving and snorkeling destination. Protected as a marine national park, its crystal-clear waters teem with sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish, surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Tip: Book accommodation and flights months in advance · Best diving visibility January-June · Daily visitor numbers are limited to protect ecosystem
-
10
Lencois Maranhenses National Park
This surreal landscape features vast white sand dunes interspersed with crystal-clear turquoise lagoons that form during the rainy season. The otherworldly terrain looks like something from another planet and is one of Brazil's most unique natural wonders.
Tip: Visit June-September when lagoons are fullest · Base yourself in Barreirinhas for access · Book 4x4 tours or scenic flights over the dunes
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Christ the Redeemer
Iconic 30m Art Deco statue atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro
Sugarloaf Mountain
396m granite peak with cable car and panoramic Guanabara Bay views
Iguazu Falls
275 waterfalls spanning 2.7km on the Argentina-Brazil border
Copacabana Promenade
Famous 4km beachfront walk with iconic black-and-white mosaic sidewalk
Brasília - Esplanada dos Ministérios
Oscar Niemeyer's modernist government buildings flanking the National Congress
Museums
MASP - Museum of Art São Paulo
Latin America's most important art museum with works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso
Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow)
Interactive science museum on Rio's revitalized waterfront by Santiago Calatrava
Museu Imperial de Petrópolis
Brazil's most visited museum in Emperor Dom Pedro II's summer palace with crown jewels
Inhotim Contemporary Art Park
World's largest outdoor contemporary art museum set in 140-hectare botanical gardens
Teatro Amazonas Museum
Magnificent opera house built during the Amazon rubber boom in 1896 in Manaus
Nature
Amazon Rainforest
World's largest tropical rainforest with unparalleled biodiversity, accessible from Manaus
Pantanal Wetlands
World's largest tropical wetland with jaguars, giant otters, and 650+ bird species
Fernando de Noronha
UNESCO World Heritage archipelago with the world's best beaches and marine life
Lençóis Maranhenses
Surreal landscape of white sand dunes and turquoise lagoons
Chapada Diamantina
Dramatic plateau with 340m waterfalls, caves, and diamond-era history in Bahia
Cultural
Pelourinho Historic Center, Salvador
UNESCO-listed colonial center with the finest Afro-Brazilian culture and baroque architecture
Ouro Preto
18th-century gold rush capital with the finest baroque art and architecture in the Americas
Carnival in Rio or Salvador
World's greatest annual celebration of music, dance, and culture
Capoeira performances in Pelourinho
UNESCO-recognized Afro-Brazilian martial art performed live in Salvador's historic center
São Paulo street art in Vila Madalena
Beco do Batman and neighborhood murals representing Brazil's urban creative culture
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 9 AM-5 or 6 PM. National parks have varied hours - Iguazu Brazilian side closes at 5 PM. Rio's Sugarloaf runs until 8 PM. Christ the Redeemer until 7 PM.
- Fees
- Major attractions: Christ the Redeemer R$80-100, Sugarloaf R$180, Iguazu Falls R$110 (Brazilian side), Fernando de Noronha daily tax R$80-160. Many museums free on Tuesdays.
- Best Times
- Weekday mornings are best for major attractions. Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf: arrive at opening to avoid queues that form by 10 AM. Iguazu Falls: visit at opening for animals and rainbows.
- Booking
- Book Christ the Redeemer (cog train) and Fernando de Noronha stays well in advance. Inhotim requires online advance booking. Pantanal lodges book out 2-3 months ahead for dry season.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Brazil?
April-June and September-November for most of Brazil (mild weather, fewer crowds). December-February for beach season. July for Pantanal safaris and Chapada Diamantina hiking.
Are guided tours available for Brazil's attractions?
Available R$80-300 for most major attractions. Rio free walking tours from Praça XV (Centro) daily at 10 AM. Salvador historical tours from base of Elevador Lacerda.
Can I take photos at attractions in Brazil?
Allowed at all outdoor attractions. Interior photography sometimes restricted at churches and museums (check signs). Always ask permission before photographing people.
How much time do I need for Brazil's main attractions?
Rio highlights: 3-4 days minimum. São Paulo: 2-3 days. Iguazu Falls: 1-2 days. Amazon expedition: 3-7 days. Pantanal: 3-5 days. Full Brazil highlights: 2-3 weeks.