17 best things to do in Brazil

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The mighty rivers of the Amazon, the pulsing Carnaval rhythms, bone-white beaches and footballing flair: almost everyone on the planet knows something about Brazil. Yet South America’s biggest country still holds plenty of surprises. Discover the rich culture and stunning beauty of this destination with our Rough Guide list of the best things to do in Brazil and get inspiration for planning your trip.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Brazil, your essential guide for visiting Brazil.

1. Get sky-high at Christ the Redeemer

Climbing Corcovado to stand beneath Christ the Redeemer isn’t just a bucket-list cliché – it’s one of the best places to visit in Brazil and easily ranks among Rio's top sights. From the 710-meter summit, you’ll get unbeatable views of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain.

The statue – 30 meters tall with arms stretched wide – is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But the real magic starts on the way up. The ride through Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban forest, gives you a taste of the wild side of the city. Just don’t leave it to chance – you’ll need to buy your ticket in advance or risk being stuck in an hours-long line.

How to get to Corcovado

  • By van: Official vans leave from Praça do Lido (Copacabana), Largo do Machado, and Paineiras Visitor Centre.
  • By train: Take the Corcovado Rack Railway from Cosme Velho – it’s a slow, scenic ride through the forest.
  • By tour: Plenty of companies offer skip-the-line tours with hotel pick-up – handy if you’re on a tight schedule.

When to visit Corcovado

  • Early or late is best. Get there before 9 am or after 4 pm to dodge the worst of the crowds and midday heat.
  • Skip weekends and holidays. It’s one of the busiest Rio top sights, and locals love it too.
  • Check the forecast. Cloudy weather ruins the view – go on a clear day for the full effect.
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Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado Hill, Guanabara Vay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Shutterstock

2. Track jaguars and macaws in the Pantanal

Forget the Amazon – the Pantanal is the best place to see Brazilian wildlife. This vast wetland, stretching across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, offers better visibility and a higher chance of spotting animals than the dense rainforest. If you're into nature, visiting the Pantanal should be right at the top of your list of the best things to do in Brazil.

Think giant otters, capybaras, howler monkeys, anacondas – and yes, even jaguars. This is also a birder’s paradise, home to hyacinth macaws, jabirus, and hundreds of other species. The terrain shifts constantly between swamp, gallery forest, savannah, and lakeside scrub. It's divided by around 175 rivers into a patchwork of mini-ecosystems, each one teeming with life.

Don’t expect luxury. The focus here is on immersion, not indulgence. But for sheer raw nature, nowhere else in South America comes close.

How to get to the Pantanal

  • By air: Fly into Cuiabá (north entrance) or Campo Grande (south entrance). Both have connections from São Paulo and Brasília.
  • By road: From either city, you’ll need a 4x4 transfer to reach lodges or eco-farms (fazendas) deeper in the wetlands.
  • With a guide: Most wildlife lodges offer packages that include transport, meals, and guided safaris – worth it for the expertise alone.

When to visit the Pantanal

  • Dry season (May to September): Best time for wildlife viewing. Animals cluster around shrinking water sources, making them easier to spot.
  • Wet season (December to March): Roads may flood, but it’s a prime time for birdwatching and lush scenery.
  • Shoulder months (April and October): A good balance between accessibility and wildlife sightings.
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Capybaras in the Pantanal, Brazil @ Shutterstock

3. Trek wild trails in Chapada Diamantina

If hiking is your thing, Chapada Diamantina National Park belongs on your Brazil itinerary. This remote, highland region in Bahia is known for its rugged terrain – tabletop mesas, deep canyons, underground rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. It's wild, raw, and seriously under-visited.

You’ll find more than 300 trails here, from day hikes to multi-day treks across barren peaks, swampy valleys, and orchid-filled forests. Highlights include the climb to Morro do Pai Inácio for sweeping views, the swim-friendly Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall), and the eerie blue depths of Gruta da Lapa Doce, a kilometre-long limestone cave. It’s not just about hiking either – canoeing, swimming, caving, and climbing are all part of the experience.

How to get to Chapada Diamantina

  • By air: The closest airport is in Lençóis, a small town that acts as the park’s main hub. There are weekly flights from Salvador.
  • By bus: Several daily buses run between Salvador and Lençóis (about 6-7 hours).
  • With a guide: Many trails aren’t marked, so hiring a Brazil local guide – especially for multi-day hikes – is strongly recommended.

When to visit Chapada Diamantina

  • Dry season (May to September): This is the best time to visit Brazil for hiking – cooler temps and clearer trails.
  • Rainy season (November to March): Trails can get muddy, but waterfalls are at their most powerful.
  • October and April: Shoulder months offer a great balance – fewer crowds, good weather, and plenty of flowing water.
Chapada Diamantina cave, Brazil © Alekk Pires/Shutterstock

Chapada Diamantina cave, Brazil © Alekk Pires/Shutterstock

4. Watch Pedra Azul change color at sunrise and sunset

If surreal landscapes are your thing, Pedra Azul deserves a spot on your list of unforgettable things to do in Brazil. This giant granite thumb juts nearly 1000m into the sky and dominates the landscape of Espírito Santo, about 45km from Domingos Martins. Its name – "blue stone" – comes from the way it changes color throughout the day, especially at dawn and sunset.

Sunlight messes with your perception here. At midday, the mountain takes on a cool, steely blue in shadow. But the real show starts at golden hour, when the rock shifts through shades of purple, pink, gold, and deep blue. It’s like nature’s own light installation.

You can’t climb the main dome itself without a permit, but several trails and viewpoints in Pedra Azul State Park offer perfect vantage points. It's lesser-known, low on crowds, and high on drama.

How to get to Pedra Azul

  • By car: Pedra Azul is easiest to reach by car from Vitória (about 2.5 hours). The route follows the BR-262 highway toward Belo Horizonte.
  • By bus: Take a bus to Domingos Martins, then grab a local taxi or transfer to the park.
  • By tour: Local operators from Vitória offer day trips that include hiking and time at nearby farms or waterfalls.

When to visit Pedra Azul

  • Dry season (May to September): Clear skies make for the most dramatic sunrise and sunset views.
  • Rainy season (November to March): Afternoon showers are common, but mornings can still be bright.
  • Plan around light. Aim for early morning or late afternoon – the colors are the reason to come.
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Watching the stunning views of Pedra Azul is one of the breathtaking things to do in Brazil © Eduardo Menezes/Shutterstock

5. Hike waterfalls and canyons in Chapada dos Veadeiros

If you're planning a trip to Brazil and want something wild, scenic, and seriously underrated, head to Parque Nacional Chapada dos Veadeiros. Tucked away in northern Goiás, just a few hours from Brasília, this park is a dream for hikers. Think waterfalls, deep canyons, crystal-clear rivers, and bizarre rock formations that look like they belong on another planet.

You’ll be trekking across part of the Brazilian cerrado – a vast tropical savannah that’s rich in plant life and home to wildlife like maned wolves and giant armadillos. The trails range from easy walks to multi-hour hikes with steep descents and river crossings. It’s one of the best things to do in Brazil if you’re into ecotourism and don’t mind a bit of sweat with your scenery.

Despite being close to the capital, it flies under the radar for most international visitors. That means fewer crowds and a more local, laid-back vibe.

How to get to Chapada dos Veadeiros

  • By bus or car from Brasília: Drive (3-4 hours) or take a bus to Alto Paraíso, the main gateway town. From there, local buses or taxis can get you to the trailheads or nearby villages.
  • Stay in Alto Paraíso or Vila de São Jorge: Both have guesthouses, restaurants, and guides available. São Jorge is closest to the park entrance.

When to visit Chapada dos Veadeiros

  • Dry season (May to September): The best time for hiking, trails are clear, waterfalls are flowing, and there's less chance of flash floods.
  • Wet season (October to April): Expect afternoon downpours and muddy trails, but the landscape turns lush and green.
  • Avoid weekends and holidays. It’s a local favorite, so midweek is best for quiet trails.
The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is in the state of Goias, in central Brazil © Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr/Shutterstock

The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is in the state of Goias, in central Brazil © Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr/Shutterstock

6. Slow down in the colonial streets of Paraty

Roughly 300km south of Rio, Paraty is where Brazil slows down. This colonial town on the Costa Verde is all cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and a laid-back rhythm that’s hard to beat. The historic center is car-free, so you can wander freely, dodging only the occasional horse-drawn cart or drifting sea mist during high tide, when ocean water flows in to rinse the streets (yes, really).

It’s undeniably touristy, especially inside the old town, but Paraty hasn’t been swallowed by high-end development. Locals still live, work, and hang out here, and the town's size means you'll soon find your bearings. There's no big must-see attraction – just a dozen different ways to take it easy.

Paraty works best as a base: kayak through mangroves, hike to waterfalls, or take a boat trip out to island beaches. And when you’re back in town, grab a cachaça cocktail and settle into a slow evening of people-watching.

How to get to Paraty

  • By bus: Several daily buses run between Rio de Janeiro and Paraty (around 4.5-5 hours).
  • By car: The drive down the BR-101 is scenic, hugging the coastline most of the way.
  • From São Paulo: Buses and transfers are available via the coastal route, though it takes longer than coming from Rio.

When to visit Paraty

  • May to October: Drier weather and cooler nights – ideal for walking and exploring.
  • December to March: Hot and humid, but good for beach trips and island-hopping.
  • Avoid holidays and festivals (unless that’s your thing) – the town gets packed and pricey.
Paraty, Brazil © LucVi/Shutterstock

Paraty, Brazil © LucVi/Shutterstock

7. Hit the sand on Florianópolis’ famous beaches

Welcome to Ilha de Santa Catarina, home to Florianópolis – a beach-packed island capital that delivers way more than your average resort town. With nearly 60 different stretches of sand, it’s no surprise that Florianópolis regularly ranks among the best beaches in Brazil.

You’ll find it all here: big-wave surf spots like Praia Mole, quiet coves for swimming like Lagoinha do Leste, and family-friendly strips like Jurerê Internacional – where the bikinis are small and the cocktail menus long. The island still has pockets of charm too, especially in its old fishing villages like Ribeirão da Ilha, where you can sample fresh oysters and see traditional lacemaking.

But don’t expect a sleepy backwater. This is one of Brazil’s wealthiest regions, and it shows. Holiday condos, resorts, and traffic jams are part of the package, especially in summer. Still, with beaches this good, it’s a trade-off worth making.

How to get to Florianópolis

  • By air: Florianópolis International Airport (FLN) has regular flights from São Paulo, Rio, and other major cities.
  • By bus or car: Long-distance buses link Florianópolis with Porto Alegre, Curitiba, and São Paulo. The main road onto the island can get jammed in high season.

When to visit Florianópolis

  • December to March: Peak beach season – hot, busy, and great for swimming. Expect crowds and high prices.
  • April to June / September to November: Quieter months with mild weather – good for hiking and surfing.
  • July to August: Cooler, but rarely cold. Not great for beach days, but still worth a visit for food and culture.
Matadeiro Florianopolis beach Armacao, Brazil © Gustavo Testo/Shutterstock

Matadeiro Florianopolis beach Armacao, Brazil © Gustavo Testo/Shutterstock

8. Step back in time in colonial Ouro Preto

If you're hunting for historical things to do in Brazil, Ouro Preto should be near the top of your list. This colonial gem in Minas Gerais is all steep cobbled streets, Baroque churches, and pastel-colored houses clinging to the hills. It’s beautiful, yes – but in a way that feels lived-in, not frozen in time.

Once the epicenter of Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush, Ouro Preto (literally "black gold") still carries the weight of its riches in the form of ornate mansions and gold-leaf-covered altars. The churches – designed by Aleijadinho, Brazil’s most famous Baroque sculptor – are reason enough to visit.

It’s touristy, especially around Praça Tiradentes, but not soulless. Locals still go about their day – lighting wood fires, sipping coffee at dawn, and ringing church bells that echo across the valley. Spend a night or two, and you’ll feel the rhythm of a town that refuses to become just a postcard.

How to get to Ouro Preto

  • By bus: Regular services run from Belo Horizonte (around 2.5 hours). It’s the easiest and most common way in.
  • By car: The roads are windy and narrow – beautiful but best avoided at night.
  • On the Estrada Real: Ouro Preto is one of the top stops along this historic trade route through Minas Gerais.

When to visit Ouro Preto

  • April to September: Dry season and cooler weather – ideal for walking the hills and visiting churches.
  • October to March: Warmer and wetter, but lush and green.
  • Avoid holidays and student festivals unless you’re in the mood for a party – the local university scene goes big.
Top view of the center of the historic Ouro Preto city in Minas Gerais, Brazil © Fred S. Pinheiro/Shutterstock

Top view of the centre of the historic Ouro Preto city in Minas Gerais, Brazil © Fred S. Pinheiro/Shutterstock

9. Chase the sun and culture along Brazil’s Northeast Coast

Once one of Brazil’s poorest regions, the Northeast is now a hotspot for domestic tourism, offering a blend of beach life, colonial cities, and island escapes. The coastline is long, varied, and full of surprises.

Major cities like Recife, Olinda, São Luís, and Fortaleza still wear their colonial pasts proudly, while newer beach hubs such as Maceió and Natal have grown into resort destinations over the last few decades. You’ll find city beaches in all of them – but venture just outside and the vibe shifts: sleepy fishing villages, quiet bays, and wide stretches of sand with barely a soul in sight.

Offshore, Fernando de Noronha is in a league of its own. Isolated, protected, and expensive, it’s a haven for divers and nature-lovers, with clear waters and strict visitor limits that help preserve the island’s marine life and coral reefs.

How to get to Brazil's Northeast

  • By air: Major airports in Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza, and Natal connect to cities across Brazil and beyond.
  • To Fernando de Noronha: Fly from Recife or Natal. A daily environmental tax applies once you’re on the island.

When to visit the Northeast

  • September to February: Dry season in most areas, ideal for beach weather and local festivals.
  • March to July: Rainfall varies by location, but it’s still warm and worth visiting if you don’t mind occasional showers.
  • Carnival: Head to Olinda or Recife for big street parties – or avoid them entirely if you’re after peace.
jangada-fishing-boat-beach-natal-brazil-shutterstock_188690426

Jangada fishing boat at beach Natal, Brazil © marchello74/Shutterstock

10. Spot toucans and sloths in Tijuca’s urban jungle

Look up from Rio’s beaches or streets in Zona Sul, and you’ll spot the green peaks of Parque Nacional da Tijuca – a massive urban forest draped over the hills behind the city. Covering around 120 square kilometers, this is one of the largest reforested urban parks in the world, and a great place to escape the crowds without leaving the city.

Shaded trails lead through dense Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest), past waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and into areas teeming with wildlife. The park’s regeneration is a success story – after being nearly cleared in the 19th century, it's now home to howler monkeys, agoutis, sloths, reptiles, and ocelots. But it’s the birds that steal the show. With dozens of species flitting through the canopy, this is one of Rio’s best spots for birdwatching.

How to get to Parque Nacional da Tijuca

  • By car or taxi: The easiest access points are from Alta da Boa Vista or via the road leading to Corcovado.
  • By bus: Several city buses pass near the main entrances, though you'll need to walk uphill from the stops.
  • By tour: Guided hikes are available and helpful if you want to spot wildlife or learn more about the forest’s history.

When to visit Parque Nacional da Tijuca

  • Early mornings: Best for bird activity and avoiding heat.
  • April to October: Drier months with better trail conditions.
  • Weekdays: Quieter than weekends, when local families come to picnic and cool off under the waterfalls.
Rio de Janeiro Sugar Loaf, Botafogo beach and Corcovado mountain, Tijuca, Brazil © Dmitri Kalvan/Shutterstock

Rio Tijuca, Brazil © Dmitry V. Petrenko/Shutterstock

11. Cross the bay for Niemeyer’s UFO-like MAC in Niterói

If you're looking for offbeat things to do in Brazil, cross the bay from Rio to Niterói and check out the Museu de Arte Contemporânea – or just MAC, as everyone calls it. Designed by legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer, the museum looks like a flying saucer that crash-landed in just the right spot.

Perched above Praia da Boa Viagem, the building offers a 360-degree view of Guanabara Bay, with Rio’s skyline as the backdrop. Inside, there’s a small collection of late 20th-century Brazilian art – solid, but not the main draw. The temporary exhibits are hit or miss.

What steals the show is the architecture. Niemeyer’s curved lines and the building’s seamless integration with the landscape make it feel more like sculpture than structure. The circular ramp around the gallery is perfect for soaking up views of the headland and sea.

How to get to MAC Niterói

  • By ferry: Take the ferry from Praça XV in central Rio to Niterói (about 20 minutes), then grab a taxi or bus to the museum.
  • By car: Cross the Rio–Niterói Bridge – around 40 minutes from central Rio, depending on traffic.

When to visit MAC Niterói

  • Weekdays: Less crowded, especially in the mornings.
  • Late afternoon: Best for soft light and clear views over the bay.
  • Avoid rainy days: The building’s full impact relies on good visibility.
Things not to miss: Oscar Niemeyer, Niteroi, Brazil ©  Juliano Galvao Gomes/Shutterstock

Niteroi, Brazil © Juliano Galvao Gomes/Shutterstock

12. Drift through the Amazon by boat

Drifting down the Amazon River isn’t just transport – it’s a front-row seat to one of the world’s most legendary ecosystems. In Amazônia, rivers are the main roads, and boats are the lifeline connecting far-flung communities. You can travel thousands of kilometers—from Belém to Iquitos in Peru – without ever leaving the water.

Trips vary from short local ferries to week-long hauls between cities like Manaus, Santarém, and Belém. It’s not luxury travel – think hammocks, shared decks, and sweaty nights – but it’s a chance to see the river close-up and watch daily life unfold along its banks.

If you want to add a bit more comfort or go deeper into the forest, consider staying at one of the best Amazon lodges. These jungle accommodations often include boat transfers, wildlife excursions, and guided walks, so you get the Amazon experience without the rough sleeping.

How to get on an Amazon boat

  • From Belém, Manaus, or Santarém: Head to the local hidroviária (ferry terminal) and buy tickets in person. Some hostels and agencies offer help, but booking ahead is rare.
  • Boat classes: Skip the stuffy cabins. First class means a hammock spot on the open upper deck. Second class usually gets you a space near the engine – noisy and hot. Bring your own hammock.

When to take a boat trip

  • June to September: Drier season with more visible riverbanks and sandy beaches.
  • December to May: Rainy, but boats can access flooded forest areas that are unreachable in the dry season.
  • Bring flexibility. Boats don’t always leave on time – and that’s part of the charm.
Crocodile on the river surface, animal in the water with evening light in nature habitat

Yacare caiman crocodile, Brazil © Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock

13. Snorkel with dorado in Bonito’s Aquário Natural

Bonito doesn’t mess around when it comes to crystal-clear water, and the Aquário Natural is one of the region’s top spots for getting right in it. Set at the source of the Baía Bonita River, this freshwater spring is so clear you’ll spot fish before you even get wet.

You’ll float over shoals of dorado, piraputanga, and other river fish – about 30 species in total – wearing a life jacket, mask, and snorkel. The current gently carries you along, so there’s no need to kick. Just drift, watch, and enjoy the surprisingly ticklish feeling of fish brushing past your legs.

If snorkeling’s not your thing, you can still enjoy the action from a glass-bottomed boat. And no worries about piranhas – they don’t swim this far upriver.

How to get to the Aquário Natural

  • By car or tour: It’s around 7km from Bonito town, and most people visit as part of a half-day tour.
  • Book ahead: Visitor numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem, and tours fill up fast, especially in high season.

When to visit the Aquário Natural

  • May to September: Dry season means clearer water and better visibility.
  • December to March: Rainy, but still possible to visit, though visibility may drop after heavy showers.
  • Early morning: Less crowded and more peaceful in the water.
Aquario Natural, Brazil ©  Vanessa Rung/Shutterstock

Snorkelling around the coral reefs in the Aquário Natural is among the most fascinating things to do in Brazil © Vanessa Rung/Shutterstock

14. Feel the roar of Iguazu Falls

Seeing Iguazu Falls for the first time is one of those rare travel moments that actually live up to the hype. The sheer power of the water, the endless mist, the roar – it’s overwhelming in the best way. If you’re putting together a list of the best things to do in Brazil, this one’s non-negotiable.

Set on the border with Argentina, the falls are made up of 275 cascades, with the Brazilian side offering sweeping panoramic views from platforms that jut out right into the spray. But it’s not just about the water. The surrounding Mata Atlântica rainforest is protected by Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, home to toucans, coatis, monkeys, and butterflies the size of your hand.

Despite the crowds, there’s still a sense of wilderness here, especially if you venture off the main paths and into quieter corners of the reserve.

How to get to Iguazu Falls

  • By air: Fly into Foz do Iguaçu Airport, which has connections to São Paulo, Rio, and other major cities.
  • By bus or car: Long-distance buses connect Foz do Iguaçu to Curitiba and São Paulo. From town, it’s a short ride to the park entrance.
  • Crossing to Argentina: Bring your passport if you plan to see the falls from both sides – it’s worth it.

When to visit Iguazu Falls

  • March to May and August to October: Best balance of strong flow and manageable crowds.
  • December to February: Hot, humid, and busy – but the falls are at their most powerful.
  • Mornings: Less crowded and better light for photos.
iguacu-falls-brazil-shutterstock_144851311

Iguazu Falls, Brazil © Attila JANDI/Shutterstock

15. Slow down in São Paulo’s greenest corner

São Paulo might be Brazil’s business engine, but it’s not all high-rises and gridlock. If you need a break from the noise, head to Ibirapuera Park, the city’s largest green space and a calm retreat just southeast of Jardins – one of the best areas to stay in São Paulo.

Designed by architectural legends Oscar Niemeyer and Roberto Burle Marx, the park is more than just a place to jog. You’ll find lakes, bike paths, and several museums – including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Afro Brazil Museum. One of the quieter gems is the Bosque de Leitura (reading woods), where locals borrow books and settle into shaded corners for the afternoon. It’s at its best on weekends, when things slow down and the city finally breathes.

Beyond the park, São Paulo is sprawling, diverse, and overwhelming – but in a good way. Pick your neighborhood wisely, and the city gets a lot more manageable.

How to get to São Paulo

  • By air: Most international flights arrive at Guarulhos (GRU), while Congonhas (CGH) handles many domestic routes.
  • By bus: Long-distance buses run regularly from Rio, Curitiba, and beyond, arriving at the Tietê or Barra Funda terminals.
  • Getting around: The metro system is your best bet for navigating the city quickly, especially during rush hour.

When to visit São Paulo

  • Weekdays: Great for visiting museums, galleries, and exploring neighborhoods without weekend crowds.
  • Weekends: The city relaxes – street markets open up, bars fill out, and locals actually slow down.
  • Late afternoon: Perfect for catching golden hour views from rooftop bars or winding down in a café in Pinheiros.
Sao Paulo, Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge © Shutterstock

Sao Paulo, Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge © Shutterstock

16. Dive deep in Fernando de Noronha (if you can afford it)

Fernando de Noronha is drop-dead gorgeous, fiercely protected, and – let’s be honest – painfully expensive. But if you’re building a list of things to do in Brazil that are worth the splurge, this place earns its spot.

Located some 545km from Pernambuco and 350km from Natal, this volcanic archipelago has sixteen beaches, warm, clear waters, and some of the best diving in South America. Visibility often hits 40m, and the underwater scene includes coral reefs, turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, and enough colorful fish to keep any diver or snorkeler grinning through their mask.

The island limits visitors to protect its delicate ecosystem, which keeps things pristine, but also drives prices way up. Think environmental taxes, strict daily visitor caps, and accommodations that start pricey and go up from there.

How to get to Fernando de Noronha

  • By air: Daily flights from Recife and Natal. Book early – seats fill up fast.
  • Arrival fees: All visitors must pay an environmental preservation fee (charged per day) and a separate marine park entrance fee for certain areas.

When to visit Fernando de Noronha

  • August to December: Best conditions for diving and spotting dolphins.
  • January to March: Surf season – great for waves, but can impact visibility.
  • Avoid holidays: Prices skyrocket and availability drops fast.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil © Kcris Ramos/Shutterstock

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil © Kcris Ramos/Shutterstock

17. Hike, swim, and swat mosquitoes on Ilha Grande

Just off the coast from Rio, Ilha Grande delivers exactly what you'd expect from a tropical island – beaches, rainforest, ruins, and zero cars. With 193 square kilometers of protected jungle and coastline, it’s one of the best spots in Brazil for scenic hikes and off-grid beach-hopping.

Trails crisscross the island, linking hidden coves, waterfalls, and abandoned prisons swallowed by the forest. The walks range from easy beach strolls to tough treks through steep, humid jungle, and most are reasonably well-marked. Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and a decent sense of direction – or better yet, a guide.

Development is limited, and no motor vehicles are allowed, which keeps things peaceful. But don't come unprepared: mosquitoes and sandflies are relentless in summer. Repellent isn't optional.

How to get to Ilha Grande

  • By boat: Ferries and speedboats run from Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, and Mangaratiba to Vila do Abraão, the island’s main hub.
  • From Rio: It’s a 2-3 hour drive to the mainland ports, then another 30-90 minutes by boat, depending on the route.

When to visit Ilha Grande

  • May to September: Drier, cooler, and best for hiking.
  • December to March: Hot, humid, and buggy – but the beaches are at their best.
  • Avoid weekends and holidays: The island can get packed with local tourists.
Ilha Grande, Brazil © Shutterstock

Ilha Grande, Brazil © Shutterstock

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 22.07.2025

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

  • Activity
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Authentic Experiences
  • History Culture Heritage
  • Brazil
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • São Paulo
  • Paraty
  • Florianópolis
  • Ouro Preto
  • Niterói
  • See & Do
  • Inspiration

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