The Specialists’ Guide to Up and Coming Places in Brazil

While many people know of Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon, there is much more to Brazil, which is about the size of western Europe. Within this vast space are pulsating cultures and iconic wildlife, each a diverse mix, as well as pretty old towns, vibrant cities and white-sand beaches. 

In this blog we’ll be taking you through some of the best places in Brazil that are finally beginning to emerge as destinations, some of which have been certified by UNESCO. We hope you enjoy reading and when you’re feeling inspired to travel please feel free to browse our selection of holidays to Brazil. 

1 – Arraial D’Ajuda, Porto Seguro, Bahia 

Brazil’s answer to Balamory with its pastel-coloured houses sitting by the sea, Arraial D’Ajuda is one of those towns that currently sits in the Goldilocks zone of development – it is a place that has managed to retain its idyllic charm while at the same time being well-geared for visitors.

There are plenty of pousadas (homestays), bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as ATMs, surrounding a tastefully preserved traditional plaza and overlooking pristine blonde beaches. Surrounding Arraial D’Ajuda are Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserve and Monte Pascoal National Park, both of which are UNESCO World Natural heritage sites and home to a variety of endangered wildlife. 

To get here, connect through Porto Seguro, a city known for being the first place the Portuguese landed in Brazil. 

2 – Chapada Diamantina National Park, Lençois, Bahia 

Delve into a nature-lover's paradise within easy reach of Salvador de Bahia at Chapada Diamantina National Park, where table-top mountains erupt from the flat sertão (scrubland), waterfalls plummet into black lagoons and the area’s many intriguing caves and grottoes shelter dazzlingly vivid turquoise pools.  

Led by a guide or hiking independently, it’s the perfect place to strap on your boots and go on an adventure into a tropical wilderness. If you’ve an inkling for another way to explore the park, climb and rappel your way up the cliff faces, zip through the trails on a mountain bike, saddle up atop a horse or kayak through the wetlands, where you may spot capybaras or caiman. 

The main gateway town to Chapada Diamantina is Lençóis, a pretty market town that’s not to be confused with... 

3 - Lençóis Maranhenses, Maranhao 

UNESCO Natural Heritage Site 

Imagine a Sahara-like expanse of undulating dunes, yet one where the dips between the sand are filled with shimmering blue lakes: this is the extraordinary scene that awaits visitors to the Lençóis Maranhenses in Northeast Brazil, the newest addition to Brazil's UNESCO Natural Heritage sites.

A unique phenomenon, the summer rains collect in the dunes, thanks to an underlying layer of impermeable rock, and transform this arid landscape into a mesmerising aquatic wonderland, best experienced between May and September. Each mini lake is baked lukewarm by the tropical sun, bringing them up to swimming pool temperatures. A dip in one is the perfect way to relax and refresh after the 4x4 ride you’ll take to get here. 

Getting there is a journey, but a worthwhile one: starting off in the historic port city of São Luis, take a transfer to bustling Barranheiras and then a boat or 4x4 ride to the sleepy village of Atins, nestled among the dunes. 

4 – Praia da Pipa, Tibau do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte 

Praia da Pipa is a captivating blend of surfer's paradise and honeymoon haven, boasting pristine white sands and crystalline lagoons. All the quintessential beach experiences are here to enjoy: fresh seafood and cold beers which can be enjoyed on the beach, surfing and yoga classes, and watching the sun set with a caipirinha in hand. There are a couple of unique things to enjoy here too, such as kayaking with dolphins who come quite close to the beach in the aptly-named Dolphin Bay, and a short hike to the world’s largest cashew tree. 

Our favourite place to stay here, Toca da Coruja just outside the town, is a secluded oasis immersed in lush greenery. This haven of rustic luxury offers an unparalleled sense of harmony with nature. 

Praia da Pipa forms part of the town of Tibau do Sul, about one and a half hours from the nearby city of Natal. Natal’s airport with both domestic and international connections. 

5 – Jericoacoara, Ceara 

Given how far northeast Jericoacoara is located, is it naturally lesser known – plus, the fact that one can only access it via a drive down unpaved roads, means it offers a real sense of adventure. Jeri, as it is known, is famous for its beaches, namely the remote Jericoacoara beach which offers stunning dune scenery, an abundance of shallow sea when the tide is right and the best place to see the sun set (rare in Brazil, a country where most of the coastline faces east). The streets of the town are likewise unpaved and at night the sky lights up with thousands of stars thanks to local laws that strictly limit outdoor lighting. Small wonder then that it lies on what locals call the Route of Emotions. 

As with many beach towns in Brazil there’s also a variety of activities to enjoy, including kitesurfing, horseback riding and dune buggying. 

Jericoacoara has an airport 30-km away with flights from São Paulo and Recife.

6 – Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 

Located in the southern end of Brazil, Floripa as it is locally known boasts a mild climate and a vibrant array of activities. Centro, as the main city is known, has a San Francisco feel with its suspension bridge linking the island to the mainland, and a couple of days here is plenty of time to enjoy a walk along its seafront and a stroll through the historic centre’s fruit markets. Elsewhere in the island, things get more wild: Morro da Coroa with its pointed rocks at the peak providing a dramatic place to take in the view of the bay below, beach bars serving fresh oysters and seafood empanadas, forests filled with monkeys and toucans, waters where migratory southern right whales can be spotted in the winter and waves and dunes to go boarding along/ down respectively. 

Florianópolis airport is well-connected to the rest of Brazil and the island’s network of roads makes self-driving easy. 

7 – The Cerrado and Brasília 

UNESCO Cultural Heritage site (Brasilia) 

At the heart of Brazil is a landscape few ever visit: the cerrado, an expanse of dry scrubland where unique wildlife roams such as the fox-like maned wolf. One of the finest places to experience the cerrado is the secluded Pousada Trijunção. This luxury lodge is deeply committed to sustainability, from its construction using recycled materials to its hosting of a local maned wolf research programme. The rooms and communal areas are adorned with crafts by local artisans, and the property is teeming with parakeets and hummingbirds, making it possible to birdwatch from the swimming pool – although there is also a ten-metre-high observation tower for even better views. 

To get there, fly into Brasília, the country’s unusual capital. Wherever you look, there’s an air of retrofuturism, from the city’s very shape (an aeroplane) to the space age architecture, reflecting the fact that Brasília is only 68 years young. Take a guided tour from an expert who’s lived in the city since its early days, go for a walk in one of the world’s largest urban parks and enjoy buzzing botecos and bars in the evening. 

8 – Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco 

UNESCO Natural Heritage Site 

Brazil’s answer to the Galapagos Islands, Fernando de Noronha is an isolated paradise situated 354km off the coast of Northeast Brazil. Surrounded by a marine park, the waters off the archipelago are home to an impressive array of sea creatures: sailfish, barracuda, manta rays, sea turtles and sharks.  

Much of Fernando de Noronha’s underwater world can be explored with just a snorkel, and in some cases you don’t even have to get wet to spot marine life: boat trips to Baia de Golfinhos often result in spotting large groups of spinner dolphins. 

Above the waves, visitors can enjoy idyllic beaches, hike through lush landscapes, and discover historic Portuguese forts. With a strict cap on visitor numbers, this island gem offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking an unspoilt tropical escape. 

Fernando de Noronha can be reached via a one-hour flight from Recife or Natal. 

9 – Recife and Olinda, Pernambuco 

UNESCO Cultural Heritage site (Olinda) 

Located about 20 minutes from each other, there are few better places for a bit of culture by the coast than Recife and Olinda. Metropolitan Recife is renowned throughout the country for its dance and musical heritage, no small feat in a country such as Brazil. Carnival features the unique frevo, a dance style using tiny umbrellas, and takes place in February or March depending on the date of Ash Wednesday. You can also visit the Paco do Frevo museum year-round for a performance or a class. 

Olinda is a low-key bohemian town, a magnet for artists and creative types. Despite its small size, it showcases a huge array of art: its 14th Century historic centre exhibits art from that epoch in its churches and convents, Pernambuco-style crafts are on offer at budget prices in the town’s markets and street art adorns many of its colourful old buildings. There are also plenty of fantastic museums to explore, one of which was formerly a jail for the Portuguese Inquisition. 

Recife’s large airport is well-connected to other cities in Brazil, and flights from Portugal are frequent thanks to Recife’s closer proximity to Europe than the rest of Brazil. 

10 – São Paulo 

Travel writers are rather enamoured with South America’s largest city: it’s the type of place where they’ll advise their readers to “look beyond the surface”, and throw in a classic phrase such as “melting pot” or “cultural kaleidoscope”. To be sure, all apply: this megapolis may be glossed over by many visitors, but tucked away between the skyscrapers is the continent’s largest collection of museums, a slew of theatres, cinemas and street art including the affectionately-named Batman Alley, and a gastronomy influenced by centuries of immigration, from the largest community of Japanese diaspora to recent arrivals from every single corner of Brazil. 

Beyond the city of São Paulo, much of São Paulo State feels more laidback with its historic cities, coffee plantations, caves and a coastline with idyllic beaches and islands. 

11 – Honorary Mention: Rio de Janeiro 

UNESCO Heritage Site (landscapes) 

There’s much more to Rio than just Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. The Cidade Maravilhosa as it is known may be Brazil’s most popular destination, but lurking away under the shadow of Sugarloaf is a past and present visitors are only just beginning to discover. Rio was the capital of Brazil from 1763 to 1960, and the capital of the Portuguese Empire itself for twelve years. Rio’s opulence had a major impact on Brazilian culture, and its stunning natural landscapes made it one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.  

Learn about all aspects of Rio’s history from the Portuguese colonisation to the birth of Samba and Bossa Nova music on dedicated walking tours, savour street food and fresh fruits on a walking tour or explore the world’s largest urban rainforest in Tijuca National Park.  

There are also some fantastic places just outside Rio for an easy side-trip: choose from Germanic Petropolis for some history, laidback Búzios for beaches or Paraty for a bit of both. 

Featured holidays 

Active Brazil: Remote Bahia and Fernando de Noronha 

Places visited: Salvador, Chapada Diamantina, Recife, Fernando de Noronha 

“This holiday is perfect for those wanting to explore a lesser-visited part of Brazil. We have combined active adventures in a remote part of the interior with water-based activities such as snorkelling and diving in the rugged bays of Fernando de Noronha, which is home to some of the world's best diving sites.” 

Off the beaten track Brazil: Dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses 

Places visited: Olinda, Sao Luis, Lencois Maranhenses, Jericoacoara, Fortaleza 

“We have put together this holiday for the more adventurous traveller or those returning to Brazil for a second or third time. This itinerary focuses on the northeastern highlights of Brazil and is perfect for those seeking hidden gems. Additionally, this trip offers fantastic photography opportunities—play with perspective among the enormous sand dunes and try to capture the mirage-like effect of the aquamarine lagoons.” 

Signature Brazil: Brazil at a glance 

Places visited: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Amazon, Salvador de Bahia, Praia do Forte 

“As our signature holiday to Brazil, we have crafted this itinerary to encompass all of the country's classic highlights in under two weeks. From the vibrant and buzzing city of Rio to the thundering magnificence of Iguazú Falls and a boat trip through the Amazon, this holiday has everything you would want from a first-time trip to Brazil. There is so much to see in Brazil, but as you are flying out of Salvador, you will feel as though you have experienced much of what this vast country has to offer.” 

General Brazil travel tips 

• All of the areas mentioned in this article are in the Brasília time zone (GMT –3) with the exception of Fernando de Noronha (GMT –2). 
• Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, and you may also hear indigenous languages spoken in the Amazon, and German in parts of Santa Catarina (where  Florianópolis is located). 
• Brazil’s currency is the Real, which has been hovering at around seven to the pound at the time of writing. 
• Cards are far more widely accepted in Brazil than in many other Latin American countries, though it's still best to have a small amount of cash especially for buying drinks from beach vendors. 
• Brazil is typically thought of as a hot country, which is certainly true in the north, but bring a layer or two if you travel to the south during the winter (April – August).