Travel recommendations

Laís & Antonio
Oct 21, 2025
9 min read

Updated: Oct 27, 2025

We know that with this long trip you're about to take to celebrate this beautiful moment with us, you'll also want to travel around this gorgeous country. That's why we'll be sharing our recommendations so you can make the most of this adventure.

During this time, Brazil will be in the low season. This means it will be winter, but that doesn't mean you'll be cold, quite the opposite. It's a very large country, and you can experience all possible temperatures on this trip.

Getting to know Brazil - important details

Brazil is a very large country, so it's important to know a few details to make your trip even better.

Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo is the largest in Brazil, so it offers the cheapest flights.
Brazil is a country with high population density along the coast, so the further inland you go (from the coast toward neighboring Latin American countries), the more difficult it becomes to travel and access cities.
There are some areas of Brazil that are tourist hotspots: Rio de Janeiro, the Northeast (Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceará), and the Amazon. Therefore, these areas can be more expensive than other states in the country.
Brazil has a reputation for being a dangerous country, but as long as you're careful, everything is usually quite safe.
It's a very large country, so it tends to be warmer in the north and cooler in the south. In August, the average temperature is 22°C (72°F) in the north and 17°C (63°F) in the south.

Before giving any definitive recommendations, we need to make a brief disclaimer: Brazil is a very large country, and you can take trips of all kinds: just for sightseeing, surrounded by nature, purely to relax, or a crazy whirlwind tour, among others. It’s impossible to list all the cities and states, so we also recommend researching on other platforms (Google, TikTok, ChatGPT, Reddit...) to make your decision, and not to focus only on tourist spots, Brazil is incredibly rich in natural beauty.

Beaches

Northern Coast of São Paulo

This will be the wedding location, so what better way than to extend these mini vacations for a few more days in this paradise.

We won't go into too much detail here because we've already gotten ahead of ourselves and made a brief post just about beaches and activities you can find around here.

Paraty - RJ

Paraty emerged during the Portuguese colonization and the gold cycle, serving as a route for transporting the wealth from Minas Gerais. Today, Paraty is famous for its mix of history, culture, and nature: it has a historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and the famous Estrada Real.

Additionally, it hosts events like FLIP (International Literary Festival of Paraty) and the Cachaça Festival, which attract visitors from all over Brazil.

In this city, we highly recommend doing three activities:

Explore the historic city center, which is charming.
Take a boat tour to visit the islands.
Visit the waterfalls and the distilleries (cachaça), which are very famous, with the chance to taste the drinks straight from the factories.

You don’t need more than three days in the city, making it a great stop for those driving to Rio de Janeiro.

Arraial do Cabo - RJ

Arraial do Cabo, also on the coast of Rio de Janeiro (which makes it perfect to visit after the city of Rio de Janeiro), is known as the “Brazilian Caribbean” because of its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Once a small fishing village, today it is one of the best destinations in the country for diving and boat tours. The beaches of Forno, Farol, and Anjos are the most famous, perfect for those seeking nature, tranquility, and breathtaking views.

We highly recommend doing these activities:

Boat tour
Visit Praia Grande (Fishermen’s Island, where whales can be spotted up close during the season)
Visit Pontal do Atalaia Beach (famous “Escada” Beach)

Maragogi - AL

Maragogi, in Alagoas, is one of the most paradisiacal destinations in the Northeast, famous for its clear waters and the galés, natural pools that form in the middle of the sea. The place is perfect for diving, taking catamaran tours, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a coastal village. For this reason, many people call Maragogi the “Brazilian Caribbean” of the Northeast.

Recommended activities:

Buggy tours
Boat tours to the natural pools
Enjoy the local cuisine

Fernando de Noronha - PE

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in Pernambuco considered one of the most beautiful places in Brazil. With crystal-clear waters, preserved beaches, and incredible marine life, it is a paradise for nature lovers, diving, and ecotourism. In addition to its beauty, visitor control helps maintain environmental balance and a sense of exclusivity. The island is also known for its lively and joyful parties.

It’s important to remember that, due to visitor control for environmental conservation, a daily fee is charged to maintain preservation, along with additional fees to visit some beaches and trails.

Recommended activities:

Hawaiian canoeing (with the possibility of seeing dolphins)
Diving to observe marine life
Parties and bars

Praia de Carneiros - PE

About an hour from Maragogi, Praia dos Carneiros in Pernambuco is one of the most beautiful places in the state, with calm waters, palm trees, and the charming São Benedito Church right by the sea. Beyond that, Pernambuco stands out for its mix of culture, history, and incredible beaches, with Recife and Olinda full of art, music, and carnival, and Porto de Galinhas among the country’s most famous coastal destinations. It’s a state that combines tradition, remarkable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

Recommended boat activities:

Clay bath
Sandbank
Mangrove
Church at the water’s edge

Morro de São Paulo - BA

Morro de São Paulo, in Bahia, is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and lively nightlife. Access is only by boat or plane, which adds extra charm to the destination. In general, Bahia is one of the most vibrant states in Brazil, combining culture, history, gastronomy, and a unique energy, with iconic places like Salvador, Chapada Diamantina, and Porto Seguro.

It’s important to note that Morro de São Paulo is an island, so it can only be reached by boat or small plane. On the island, payment of an environmental fee is also mandatory.

Recommended activities:

Go on the zipline
Stroll through the town center at night and enjoy the markets and live music
Boat tour: around the island

Florianópolis - SC

Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina, is an island that uniquely combines city and nature. Known for its incredible beaches, dunes, hiking trails, and high quality of life, it attracts both those seeking relaxation and those looking for excitement. In addition, Floripa is famous for its seafood-based cuisine and strong Azorean culture, which gives the island a special charm.

Recommended activities:

Attend the island’s lively parties
Explore the dunes
Visit the beaches
Go to the city’s Municipal Market

Jericoacoara - CE

Jericoacoara, in Ceará, is a paradisiacal village famous for its dunes, crystal-clear lagoons, and spectacular sunsets. With a calm and rustic atmosphere, it’s perfect for relaxing, practicing sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, and enjoying the unique natural beauty of the northeastern coast.

We recommend staying at least 4 days here, as there are many great attractions.

Recommended activities:

Buggy tour on the dunes
Skiing on the dunes
East and West tours
Enjoy lively nights with lots of live music and good food

Turism

São Paulo - SP

São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is a true cultural, economic, and gastronomic hub. Highlights include Avenida Paulista, MASP, Parque Ibirapuera, and the vibrant nightlife. Fun fact: the city attracts people from all over the world, has over 1,500 tall buildings, and is famous for hosting the largest Japanese community outside Japan.

Although it’s not extremely visually striking, stopping here can be a good strategy for traveling to other Brazilian states and can be quite fun. São Paulo is a city that never sleeps, offering a bit of everything: architecture, great food, and cultural experiences.

Recommended activities:

Visit the Mercadão Municipal in the morning to experience the local culture
Stroll along Avenida Paulista and enjoy good food and live music
Explore the Liberdade neighborhood (a Japanese district that surprises everyone)
Visit museums
Try gigantic dishes that are astronomical in size

Ouro Preto - MG

Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais, is a historic city famous for its baroque style and well-preserved cobblestone streets. Tourist highlights include the São Francisco de Assis Church, the Inconfidência Museum, and colonial houses with 18th-century architecture. Fun fact: the city was one of the main centers of the Gold Rush and the Inconfidência Mineira movement, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a small city, so we recommend visiting it for just one day as a stopover rather than a place to stay.

Note: The food in Minas Gerais is some of the best in Brazil, and the locals are known for being incredibly warm and kind.

Things to do:

Visit churches
Visit museums
Explore the soapstone market
Try local dishes
Visit Mina do Veloso

Salvador - BA

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning beauty. Pelourinho, Elevador Lacerda, and Mercado Modelo are famous landmarks, along with urban beaches like Porto da Barra. Fun fact: it’s considered Brazil’s capital of music and Afro-Brazilian cuisine, with celebrations like Carnival and Candomblé deeply influencing the city’s life. It’s the perfect destination for those who want a mix of history and breathtaking scenery.

Recommended activities:

Explore the city (Pelourinho, Elevador Lacerda, Mercado Municipal, Igreja do Bonfim)
Visit Porto da Barra and Flamengo beaches
Enjoy all the amazing local food

Brasília - DF

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is famous for Oscar Niemeyer’s modernist architecture and Lúcio Costa’s urban planning. Tourist highlights include the National Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palácio da Alvorada. Fun fact: the entire city was built in just 41 months and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its innovative design.

Recommended activities:

Visit the Praça dos Três Poderes and the National Congress
Eat at Mercado Mané
Explore the Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro - RJ

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous cities in Brazil and the world, known for its natural beauty and vibrant energy. Surrounded by mountains, beaches, and forests, it offers stunning scenery, no wonder it’s called the “Marvelous City.” Main attractions include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the Botanical Garden. Fun facts: Rio was Brazil’s capital for almost 200 years and hosts the most famous Carnival in the world. The city is also home to part of the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban rainforests on the planet.

It’s important to mention that the city can be dangerous, but as long as you’re cautious, the risk is greatly reduced. We highly recommend staying in Copacabana or nearby areas for safety reasons.

Recommended activities:

Escadaria Selarón
Arcos da Lapa
Padle board in Copacabana beach
Christ the Redeemer

Nature

Chapada dos Veadeiros - GO

Chapada dos Veadeiros, in Goiás, is an incredible destination for nature lovers, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning rock formations. Among the main attractions are the National Park, Cachoeira do Segredo, and Vale da Lua. Fun fact: the region is considered an energy and spirituality hub, attracting visitors seeking a deep connection with nature and outdoor adventures. In many cases, hiring local guides is required for the trails.

Recommended activities:

Go hiking
Visit the waterfalls

Jalapão - TO

Jalapão, in Tocantins, is an adventure destination with pristine nature, golden dunes, crystal-clear fervedouros, and stunning rivers. Top attractions include Serra do Espírito Santo, the Jalapão Dunes, and the region’s waterfalls. Fun fact: many fervedouros have water so buoyant and bubbling that it’s impossible to sink, making the experience both unique and fun.

Recommended activity:

Book a tour package of at least 3 days to explore the region’s incredible places.

Amazônia - AM

The Amazonas region is the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, with Manaus as its main gateway. Top attractions include the Teatro Amazonas, the Meeting of the Waters, and the Seringal Museum. Boat tours along the rivers, jungle trails, and visits to riverside communities are must-do experiences. Fun fact: the region is home to the greatest biodiversity of flora and fauna in the world, and its rivers are so wide they look like seas.

We strongly recommend hiring a tour agency to explore and experience the local culture, it’s the only way to safely enter the rainforest with a guide. These tours offer unique and unforgettable experiences and are absolutely worth it!

Keep in mind that this trip usually takes at least 5 days and can be more expensive compared to other destinations.

Bonito - MS

Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, caves, and waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for ecotourism and diving. Top attractions include Rio da Prata, Gruta do Lago Azul, and Cachoeira Boca da Onça. Fun fact: it’s considered one of the best places in Brazil to see fish and aquatic animals in their natural habitat, thanks to the incredible water transparency.

Recommended activities:

Fazenda Ceita Corê (multiple activities)
Barra do Sucuri
Gruta do Lago Azul
Nascente Azul

Foz do Iguaçu - PR

Foz do Iguaçu, in Paraná, is famous for the impressive Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Top attractions include Iguaçu National Park, Itaipu Dam, and the Bird Park. Fun fact: the falls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, and the breathtaking views can be enjoyed from different trails, boat rides, and even helicopter tours.

Recommended activities: