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Best Destinations in Brazil

By , About.com Guide

As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil has a lot of territory waiting to be explored by you. Discover the best cities, natural attractions and travel routes in each of the country's five regions and focus your travel planning on what appeals most to your roaming spirit.
  1. The North
  2. The Northeast
  3. Salvador Attractions
  4. Chapada Diamantina
  1. The Central West
  2. The Southeast
  3. Paraty, RJ
  4. The South

The North

Ilha de Marajó

Nearly half of the Brazilian territory is within the limits of the North Region, which in turn is almost all covered by the world's largest rainforest - the Amazon Forest. Enjoy deeper recesses of the forest at a jungle lodge or stay close to the regions' main cities, while still enjoying a taste of adventure.

The Northeast

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in Maranhão State, is one of Brazil's top natural attractions.

The Northeast, the site of Brazil's discovery by the Portuguese, boasts historic cities, sunny summers, sand dunes, and swishing coconut groves. Go inland for amazing natural attractions such as Chapada Diamantina and a further glimpse into the region's unique folklore, crafts and heritage.

Salvador Attractions

A place of fusions - cultural, racial and spiritual - Salvador is among the top four touristic destinations for almost every group of international visitors coming to Brazil, and one of the host cities in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Brazil's first capital, from 1549 to 1763, Salvador is rich in historic monuments and buildings, particularly in Pelourinho, and intangible treasures expressed in its Afro-Brazilian rituals, traditions, food, and music. Here's a growing guide to its unique attractions.

Chapada Diamantina

A mosaic of intriguing rock formations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and towns with preserved colonial architecture and home to 14 conservation units, including a national park Chapada Diamantina is one of Brazil's ecotourism paradises. Discover its top attractions in this growing guide.

The Central West

Pantanal

The land locked Central West is nothing but short of water. Discover Pantanal, the world's largest wetlands, and more water attractions.

The Southeast

Beaches, mountains, caves, Atlantic rainforest and a lot of Brazilians are ready to welcome you in the Southeast, the most densely populated region in Brazil. Enjoy Rio de Janeiro, but don't stop there - you'll discover many other attractive cities in the Southeast.

Paraty, RJ

Following the end of the thriving Sugar Cane and Gold Cycles, Paraty lived through a period of isolation only to emerge as a touristic destination in the 1970s, when new roads made it easier to reach. Discover great attractions in this national treasure near Rio de Janeiro.

The South

From attractive state capitals and cities with a strong European heritage to wonderful beaches, the South is worth a lengthy stay. Oustanding natural attractions include the supreme Iguassu Falls, canyons and the pampas - Brazil's cowboy land.

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