Brazil is a country with a vast and diverse array of biomes and ecotourism experiences, attracting over 741,000 tourists from Europe in the first nine months of 2024. The country is keen on preserving its natural beauty through sustainable travel practices. For first-time visitors to Brazil, iconic destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Salvador de Bahia, and the Amazon Rainforest are must-see locations. These destinations offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and iconic attractions that showcase the diversity of Brazil’s landscapes.
Sustainable and regenerative travel is a core focus of Brazil’s tourism industry, with an emphasis on protecting the country’s biomes and natural heritage. Venturing beyond the popular tourist sites to explore national parks, bio reserves, and lesser-known regions allows travelers to support Brazil’s conservation efforts. The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park near Brasília offers a rugged forested landscape with stunning waterfalls and caverns, while the Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul is the world’s largest tropical wetland and a haven for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. These regions provide unique opportunities for sustainable travel experiences.
The Pantanal is set to be a focal area for regenerative tourism in Brazil in 2025, offering travelers the chance to experience a pristine ecosystem and unparalleled wildlife viewing. The town of Bonito, located in the Pantanal, has won several ecotourism awards for its sustainable practices and unique attractions, including glass blue rivers, the Abismo Anhuma cave, waterfalls, and horseback riding. Brazil is positioning itself as a destination for all types of travelers, including those interested in cultural experiences, LGBTQ+ tourism, and luxury retreats. With 26 states, 74 national parks, six biomes, and 8,000 kilometers of coastline, Brazil offers a wide range of experiences for tourists of all interests.
According to Bruno Reis, International Marketing Director at Embratur, Brazil offers unique travel experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The country’s colossal landmass encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from world-class beaches to dense rainforests, history-packed cities, and untouched rural expanses. Beyond the iconic coastal destinations, travelers can explore Brazil’s central regions and engage with local communities to support conservation efforts and protect the country’s natural heritage.
For travelers seeking a taste of Brazil’s stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and iconic attractions, Reis recommends starting in Rio de Janeiro to visit famous beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana, as well as the Christ the Redeemer statue in the Tijuca Forest National Park. Moving inland, visitors can explore the breathtaking Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina and the colorful UNESCO Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia. The Amazon Rainforest, accessible from Manaus, offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the incredible biodiversity of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, much of which is located in Brazil. By embracing sustainable and regenerative travel practices, tourists can help protect Brazil’s biomes and support local communities while enjoying the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.