Top 12 Things to do in Brazil for International Travellers

Are you planning your itinerary for the Brazil trip? It is one of the top choices for international travellers. Brazil’s vibrant culture and beautiful beaches amaze people every time. There are so many iconic sites, activities, and festivals that are worth your time. In this post, we will list down the top 12 things to do in Brazil, which you should include in your itinerary, so stay tuned!

What is Brazil’s Irresistible Charm?

The combination of culture, nature and Brazil beaches is what makes tourists come to this country, no matter where in the world they live. Its warm people and festive spirit add charm to every visit. Among the highlights are the chance to trek through the Amazon rainforest and the lure of golden Atlantic coasts; it’s easy to see why there are so many things to do in Brazil for adventure lovers.

Rio’s Sky-High Statue

If you are travelling to Brazil for the first time, you must include this iconic site in your itinerary. Perched high above Rio, the Christ the Redeemer statue welcomes visitors from worldwide. This 30-metre Art Deco figure (completed in 1931) offers sweeping city views. The statue’s open arms symbolise Brazilian warmth, making it a can’t-miss stop. Seeing Christ the Redeemer is one of the most memorable things to do in Brazil.

Sugarloaf Cable Car

Have you ever experienced a cable car? If not, then this is your sign. The Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car has run since 1912, first to Morro da Urca (220m), then up to Sugarloaf’s 396m summit. From the top, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Rio’s city, bay and beaches. Around 2,500 people ride this historic tram every day. Riding it is one of the classic things to do in Rio de Janeiro, a bird’s-eye view to see the city skyline.

Copacabana Beach Walk

No trip to Rio is complete without strolling Copacabana Beach. Palm-lined promenades and colourful buildings frame this legendary 4 km bay of golden sand. It’s famous for beach football, seaside cafés and lively street vendors. Copacabana’s vibrant vibe epitomises Brazil’s beach culture; visiting here ranks among the top things to do in Brazil.

Rio Carnival Fest

Each February or March, Rio explodes with Brazil Carnival, the world’s biggest street party. The city fills with samba rhythms, glittering costumes and all-night dancing. In 2019, nearly 7 million people took part in Rio’s Carnival festivities. Carnival is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of any Brazil adventure. You can also try several Brazilian cuisines here, which makes it a wonderful experience.

Iguazu Waterfall Adventure

Iguazu Falls is one of South America’s greatest natural wonders. This cascade system spans 2.7 km with 275 waterfalls thundering down the cliffs. The Brazilian side’s boardwalks give panoramic views of the falls. The sheer power of Iguazu (a UNESCO World Heritage site) makes visiting an epic adventure a top thing to do in Brazil for nature lovers.

Amazon Rainforest Journey

About 60% of the Amazon Basin lies in Brazil, making it the planet’s largest rainforest. Exploring it is a bucket-list experience: jungle trek, canoe down the Amazon River, and see exotic wildlife like pink dolphins and monkeys. Guided tours from Manaus often include river cruises or jungle lodges. The Amazon’s incredible biodiversity and scale make it an ultimate highlight, truly one of the things to do in Brazil for adventurous travellers.

Lençóis Oasis Dunes

In Maranhão, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park feels like a watery desert. Huge white dunes stretch for miles, and each rainy season, dozens of bright blue lagoons form between the ridges. The result is an otherworldly landscape, the largest coastal dune field in South America. Exploring Lençóis (by 4x4 or on foot) is a uniquely Brazilian adventure.

Noronha Marine Paradise

Off Brazil’s northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is a protected marine paradise. About 70% of Noronha’s land and waters are a national park, so marine life is exceptionally healthy. Snorkel at Dolphin Bay (Baía dos Golfinhos) to swim with friendly dolphins. The beaches, such as Praia do Sancho, are consistently ranked among Brazil’s best. For snorkelers, Noronha ranks high among the things to do in Brazil.

Colonial Pelourinho

Salvador de Bahia’s Pelourinho Historic District is like a living art museum. This UNESCO-listed quarter (Brazil’s first colonial capital) has pastel 17th- and 18th-century buildings lining its cobbled streets. Today, Pelourinho pulses with Afro-Brazilian music, dance and local crafts. Wandering its vibrant alleys, under colourful balconies and ornate churches, offers a rich cultural experience and is a must on any traveller’s list of things to do in Brazil.

Chapada Hikes

The Chapada Diamantina in Bahia is a national park, full of sheer-faced cliffs and secret waterfalls. The hiking here is unreal: trails meander through table-top mountains, caves, and canyons. Highlights include the sunrise view from Pai Inácio plateau and dazzling Sossego waterfall. Chapada’s scenery is often listed among the adventurous things to do in Brazil for nature lovers.

Bonito Snorkelling

Bonito in Mato Grosso do Sul is an eco-tourism jewel known for its crystal-clear rivers. Snorkelling in Rio da Prata feels like floating in an open-air aquarium; limestone-filtered water lets you see fish and turtles up to 50 metres away. Nearby, caves like the Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave) glow with an ethereal blue light. Strict conservation keeps Bonito pristine, so its underwater beauty is truly magical, one of the top things to do in Brazil.

São Paulo Street Art

São Paulo’s creative side is on full display in its street art. In the Vila Madalena neighbourhood, the Beco do Batman alleyway is an ever-changing open-air gallery, and every inch of wall is covered in graffiti murals. Guided art tours will take you through these colourful lanes and beyond. Exploring São Paulo’s vibrant street art scene is a fun, unexpected thing to do in Brazil, away from the usual tourist trail.

Extra Tips for International Travellers

If you have made up your mind to travel to Brazil this year, it's important to have a few tips for a smooth journey:

• Health & Safety: Get recommended vaccines (e.g. yellow fever) for jungle areas. In cities, keep valuables hidden and stay alert. Avoid isolated areas at night and drink bottled water.
• Advance booking: If you are an international traveller, booking things in advance will help you cut down your costs and bring more stability to the journey. You can even choose package tours to have a detailed itinerary for your trip.
• Connectivity: For international travellers, having a Brazil eSIM is important. You can book it in advance without fussing about visiting any shops and save your pocket from roaming charges. Connect with reliable eSIM providers like eSIM Cards to buy an eSIM with the best data plans so that you can enjoy your trip without any issues.

Spend Your Best Time in Brazil!

There are so many unique things to do in Brazil that will blow your mind. It is one of the best places to visit for international travellers. from Brazil beaches to the fun carnival, you will get multiple opportunities to make memories for a lifetime. Remember, before leaving, pack your Brazil eSIM from eSIM Cards with you to stay connected while enjoying your adventurous journey.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to visit Brazil?

Dec–Feb is Brazil’s peak summer (Carnival season), but also rainy in the Amazon. May–Sept is generally cooler and drier, which is often better for jungle treks and wildlife.

2. Is Brazil safe for tourists?

Generally, yes, if you use common sense. Keep valuables secured, avoid isolated streets at night and stick to crowded tourist areas. Petty theft can happen in cities, but violent crime against travellers is uncommon.

3. Do I need a visa for Brazil?

Citizens of many countries (USA, UK, EU, etc.) do not need a tourist visa for up to 90 days. However, entry rules can change; always check the latest requirements before you travel.

4. How can I stay connected in Brazil?

The easiest way is to get a local Brazil eSIM or prepaid SIM card. You can buy eSIM data plans online (for example, via eSIM Cards) before your trip, so you have internet on arrival. Public Wi-Fi is limited outside major cities.