trips to brazil 2022

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Bursting with Wonders

Brazil! Just its name conjures up images of beautiful scenery, beautiful people, beautiful wildlife and exciting nightlife! The largest country in South America, Brazil has been offering visitors a vacation experience like no other. Whether you choose to spend your days along its white sandy shores or high up in the clouds on a mountainside, the prospect of a magical and unforgettable adventure awaits at every turn.

Destination Must-See's

Iguazu Falls (Devil’s Throat):

Located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls with 275 individual cascades is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the world. The Brazilian side of the falls has a walkway along the canyon that allows visitors to go all the way out on an extension to the lower base of Devil’s Throat, getting close enough to feel the mist on your face.

Rio de Janeiro:

The seaside city of Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most popular tourist spot as well as the most visited city in the southern hemisphere. Rio has breathtaking landscapes of towering mountains rising from the sea and stretches of sandy beaches lined with beautiful hotels. You’ll find a city with a colorful and easy-going beach culture and many historical attractions to enjoy.

Christ the Redeemer:

The famous towering statue of Jesus standing with open arms has become a symbol of the city. It stands on top of tranquil Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. This impressive figure can be seen from anywhere in Rio due to its massive size and location.

Copacabana Beach:

This is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world. And what a view! To the left you can see Sugarloaf Mountain and Forte Duque de Caxias, and to the right is Copacabana Fort. Take the time to walk the 2.2 mile long beach and try some of the refreshing coconut water while you view the incredible sand sculptures that pop up daily. The locals love sports, so you can find volleyball and futbol (soccer) courts and even training equipment all along the beach.

Destination Must-Do's

Sugarloaf Mountain:

Sugarloaf is Rio’s most impressive peak that sits at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Visitors can hop aboard a glass cable car taking them all the way to the top to take in the world-famous panoramic views of surrounding beaches, mountains and forests.

Brazilian Steak:

A churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse where meat is cooked on a South American style rotisserie and served rodízio style. In this style of service, Passadores (meat waiters) appear at the guest’s table with a skewer holding various kinds of meat. Throughout dinner, guests are able to sample each type of meat which is typically pork, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, sausage and fish.

Along with the slaves that European colonists brought to Brazil between the 16th and 19th centuries, came the dance and musical traditions of West Africa. The samba, along with many other Brazilian dances, has deep roots in African culture and was once considered a dance only for the lower class. Today, the Samba is now recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil.

Caipirinha:

Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail and an almost mandatory drink for all tourists to try. The drink consists of cachaça (sugarcane hard liquor), crushed lime, sugar and ice. It is tasty and refreshing, and it’s easy to see why it is a local favorite.

Expert Advice

Futbol is more than a national pastime here. It’s a way of life. If you are lucky to come across even a pick-up game let alone a match at Maracana stadium, it offers a wonderful window on the culture.

In Rio, be sure to catch the bonde (tram) up to Santa Teresa, the artisan’s district, for a stroll through picturesque streets lined with old mansions and colorful restaurants and bars.

Learning a few Portuguese sentences is a good idea. People are friendly, especially when you greet them with ‘Ola’ (o-laa).

Featured Tours to Brazil

Patagonia: Edge of the World featuring Argentina, Chile, and a 4-Night Patagonia Cruise

Essential South America featuring Chile, the Mendoza Wine Region & Buenos Aires

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Visit a traditional Brazilian churrascaria

We’ll take you on a journey through Brazilian culture, with a visit to a churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian barbecue where meat is cooked in churrasco style. We’ll have churrascaria dinners while enjoying folkloric performances of Samba and Tango, and we’ll even learn how to make the perfect caipirinha.

Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car

Board a cable car and take to the clouds, as you glide up Sugarloaf Mountain. This monumental mountain is one of the most famous peaks of Rio de Janeiro, towering 396 metres over the harbor, and you’ll make it to the top for spectacular views over the bay and city.

See how the country prepares for the annual Rio Carnival

When you join our Brazil group tours, you’ll dive into culture with a visit to a local Samba school. Discover how the school prepares for the pageantry of the annual Rio Carnival, see the colorful costumes and feel the rhythms of Samba as you experience an exciting dance lesson.

Take a walking tour around Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a gorgeous hillside district, built around a convent during the 16th century. It was once home to upper-class residents, although it’s now the home of artists with many galleries and museums. We’ll show you around the beautiful architecture, bohemian atmosphere and sweeping views of the city below.

Visit one of Rio de Janeiro's hillside favelas

Join our Local Specialists on a journey into Rocinha, one of the hillside favelas of Rio de Janeiro. You’ll see the daily lifestyles of the locals of Rocinha, visit a community school, and you’ll also have the chance to interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture.

Our top 5 things to do in Brazil

Our Brazil tour packages soak up the monumental sights of Sugarloaf Mountain, and also delve deeper into Brazilian culture with visits to a churrascaria, Samba school and a hillside favela.

Rio de Janeiro

Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã)

Housed in an incredible futuristic building, the Museum of Tomorrow shares a glimpse of life in the future. The museum displays digital ideas rather than objects, and predicts the future based on social, environmental and economic factors. You can spend hours exploring interactive experiments and exhibitions on a sustainable future.

Rio Art Museum

The Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) tells the history of Rio de Janeiro through art. You’ll find traditional and contemporary Brazilian works of art, including paintings, photographs and sculptures. The museum is housed in a striking building, with a wavy roof canopy that appears to float above the building.

Museum of Modern Art

Located in Sao Paulo, the Museum of Modern Art (MASP) has one of the best collections of European art in Latin America, with artworks by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Picasso and Renoir. The museum building is also a fantastic piece of architecture, perched on large pillars.

Best museums in Brazil

See the country’s top museums on our Brazil vacations tours, from a collection of Brazilian art to a digital insight into the future.

The Brigadeiro is a popular Brazilian dessert made from a mix of condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter, shaped into small balls and showered in chocolate sprinkles. It’s named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian war hero, and can be found in bakeries across the country.

Coxinhas are the quintessential snack of Brazil. These beloved deep-fried treats are made from breaded and fried dough filled with potato and chicken, and shaped in a triangular cone. You can find these everywhere, from street stalls to lavish restaurants.

Beijinho de Coco

The coconut version of the brigadeiro, Beijinho de Coco are one of the most favorite desserts in Brazil. They’re made from condensed milk, coconut milk, butter, covered with sugar or grated coconut. They’re a classic treat at birthday parties and you can find them in bakeries all over Brazil.

Best food in Brazil

Our group tours in Brazil will introduce you to the delicious Brazilian cuisine, from deep-fried chicken croquettes to sweet desserts sprinkled with chocolate and coconut.

What to pack for Brazil

Portuguese phrasebook

Unlike the majority of Latin America, the official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Learning a few phrases is always appreciated and will help you connect with the locals.

Brazil is famed for its golden coastline and has some of the world’s best beaches. Pack a swimsuit to soak up the sun and the dazzling waters.

Sunglasses and sunscreen

As one of the sunniest destinations in the world, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items in Brazil. Be sure to pack UV-protected sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen or higher.

Adaptor plug

In Brazil the standard voltage is 127 / 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type N. The standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Versatile shoes

You’ll need to pack shoes that can take you from exploring hillside favelas and traversing jungles, to dancing the Samba in Rio de Janeiro.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Discover the diverse landscapes and cultures of the world’s most fascinating continent with our private and small group South America tours. Immerse yourself in the continent’s dynamic and modern cities, explore the archaeological remains of ancient civilizations, trek through the stunning scenery of the Andes Mountains and observe the incredible biodiversity of the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Our expert travel advisors are here to help you build the perfect custom itinerary tailored to your interests and preferences. Contact us to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to this incredible continent.

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Explore the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu before meeting the fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos.

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Visit Machu Picchu and other lesser known sites of the Peruvian mountains, coast and rainforest.

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Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Cusco 9 Days $ xxx -->

Tour Cusco and the captivating Sacred Valley before hiking the famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

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Buenos Aires & Iguazú 6 Days $739 -->

Sultry tango performances in Buenos Aires and the thundering Iguazu Falls leave you in awe.

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Pair the raw natural beauty of Patagonia and Iguazu Falls with a vibrant exploration of Buenos Aires.

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Buenos Aires, Iguazú, Salta, Mendoza 11 Days $1439 -->

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Glaciers, Iguazu & Tango

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Explore South America

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Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century stone citadel sitting at the top of a mountain. Built by the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and “New World Wonder” that is sure to take your breath away.

Read more →

Follow 500-year old stone pathways directly to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu by hiking the Inca Trail. Choose between the classic 26-mile 4-day Inca Trail trek, or opt for the shorter 2-day Inca Trail. Permits are limited so plan with your Peru for Less travel advisor 6-months in advance.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and is the perfect place for spotting wildlife. Explore the Amazon by staying at a luxury jungle lodge or taking a river cruise from destinations in Peru, Ecuador or Brazil.

Galapagos Islands

Home to the most unique and varied exotic wildlife on the planet, a Galapagos tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The second highest capital in Latin America, the beautiful colonial city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts a superb setting that makes it a must see on your Ecuador tour.

Iguazu Falls

Straddling Argentina's sub-tropical border with Brazil, the astonishing Iguazú Falls are among the most spectacular in the world, and one of South America's most popular destinations.

Buenos Aires

Often called the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires is like no other Latin American capital. With its European atmosphere and warm people, this vibrant city is a must see in Argentina.

Stunningly situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the gateway to Argentina's most beloved region, the dazzlingly beautiful Lake District.

A beautiful countryside of high-quality vineyards surrounds Mendoza, which is just a stone's throw from the continent's highest peak, the majestic Aconcagua, making it the perfect place for nature and wine lovers alike.

Rio de Janeiro

Also known as “The Marvelous City,” Rio de Janeiro brims with color, sound, rhythm, and joy. This sparkling city boasts one of the most naturally spectacular settings.

The metropolitan Chilean capital, Santiago is a vibrant cultural hub with fascinating history and lively nightlife, surrounded by world-class skiing and wine valleys.

Easter Island

One of the most isolated islands in the world, Easter Island is a majestic getaway destination combining the natural beauty of a volcanic island with the captivating history of the famous Easter Island statues.

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, and arguably Patagonia’s most spectacular place to visit with immense sweeping landscapes that leave long-lasting impressions.

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Thank you so much for your expertise in arranging this magnificent itinerary for my cousin and me. We had a brilliant time, enjoying every second of the wonders of both Southern Chile and Southern Argentina. Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego, especially, will live in us forever.

New York, USA

We had an amazing time on our trip. Patagonia and Iguazu Falls were definitely the highlights! This is the second time we have booked a trip with Latin America For Less and we will definitely book our next South American adventure with you again!

Ontario, Canada

Our trip to Brazil and Argentina was amazing! Hands down Rio is one of the most beautiful cities we've ever visited! Our wonderful tour guide (who by the way spoke 4 languages!) took us all over the city, including to the most scenic views of the city at Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the lovely beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

California, USA

What are Machu Picchu’s operating hours?

Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. every day including weekends and holidays.

Which Machu Picchu tour is best for adrenaline seekers?

The Machu Picchu ruins have two on-site hikes: Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain. Both can be combined with a Machu Picchu tour and take 2–3 and 4–5 hours to complete, respectively. For even more adventure, you can hike over multiple days to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, Lares or Salkantay treks.

Where should I stay if I spend multiple days at Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu hotel and hostel options are plentiful in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu ruins. Our Top Pick hotels here are:

• 5-Star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• 4-Star El Mapi
• 3-Star Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
• 2-Star Waman Hotel

How many days do I need to tour Machu Picchu?

1–2 days. Two days and one night is the best amount of time to tour Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace: one day to arrive by train and another for the tour and return to Cusco. A whirlwind one-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco is possible but it will be a long 16–17 hour day.

How long is a guided tour of Machu Picchu?

A guided tour of Machu Picchu is 2 hours long. The ruins operate on a one way circuit that leads to the exit of the ruins and re-entry is not allowed with a Machu Picchu general entrance ticket.

What will I see on a Machu Picchu tour?

A tour of Machu Picchu includes stops at the Guardhouse, agricultural zone, main gate, fountains, tower, temple zone, Temple of the Three Windows, astronomical observatory, Sacred Rock, Group of Three Doorways, royal enclosures, Temple of the Condor and storage area. You will also have views of the west agricultural zone and main square while walking through the ruins.

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The 10 most incredible places to visit in Brazil

Mar 1, 2024 • 9 min read

The scale of Brazil can be overwhelming but we're here to help with picking the best parts of it to visit © MesquitaFMS / Getty Images

One of the world’s most dazzling destinations, Brazil is packed with steamy rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands and exciting cities.

The ecosystems found in this giant of South America are home to the largest collection of plant and animal species found anywhere in the world.

But even if exploring the natural world is not top of your Brazil to-do list, plenty of life can be found in the country’s musical metropolises, too. When it comes to relaxing, Brazil has sand to spare: 2095 beaches, to be precise, dotting its 7242km (4500-mile) Atlantic coastline.

With such a massive footprint and a wide variety of things to do, planning an itinerary here can feel overwhelming. Let us help get you started with our 10 favorite places to visit in Brazil.

1. Ouro Preto and the towns of Minas Gerais

Ouro Preto (meaning “black gold”) in Minas Gerais was at the heart of Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush.

Nearly two dozen churches, lavishly ornamented with gold filigree, still ring out their bells across the hillsides of this rural town, which at its height was home to 110,000 residents – the majority of whom were enslaved people.

One of Ouro Preto’s most famous residents was the sculptor Aleijadinho, who studied European baroque traditions and developed his own unique style. His sculptures and reliefs – some of which he carved after losing his fingers to a disease – adorn churches across the region, including in Tiradentes , Congonhas and São João del Rei .

The historical Royal Road links up most of these towns and makes for an adventurous road trip . An essential detour for art lovers is nearby Inhotim , the world’s largest open-air contemporary art museum.

2. Paraty and the Saco de Mamanguá

The other terminus of the Royal Road, seaside Paraty was where the precious metals extracted from Minas Gerais were shipped out in the early days of Brazil’s gold rush.

The town lost some of this export trade to Rio de Janeiro in the early 1700s, yet its architecture was impeccably preserved – and it’s all the more impressive for being sandwiched between steep, jungle-covered mountains and the warm, clear waters of the ocean.

A forgotten gem for centuries, Paraty has in recent decades attracted writers and artists from all over the world.

The city plays host to a number of prestigious events, including the literary festival FLIP , a jazz festival and a pinga festival (an excuse to drink lots of pinga , slang for cachaça, the Brazilian cane spirit that’s produced locally).

Getting out on the water to explore some of Paraty’s 65 islands and 300 beaches is a must. Motor boats and schooners can be rented, but for a close-up connection with nature join a kayak tour in the Saco de Mamanguá – a “tropical fjord” – and paddle to deserted beaches, mangroves, waterfalls and Caiçara fishing communities.

3. Amazon rainforest

The Amazon has a mysterious pull that has fascinated people for centuries.

One of the wildest places on the planet, the region is almost too big to comprehend, spanning about 42% of Brazil and swaths of eight neighboring countries.

Each region offers something different in terms of ecology, tourism and local culture; doing your research before visiting is essential as it’s neither an inexpensive nor easy-to-reach destination.

You'll gaze at the unending expanse of green for hours as you fly overhead into Manaus , the region’s largest city and a good jumping-off point for many of the lodges and Amazon jungle experiences .

You can try canoeing through flooded forests at Anavilhanas National Park , heading further afield to the recently formed Xixuaú Reserve or spotting river dolphins in the Mamirauá Reserve.

A few hundred miles east, Santarém is another access point for seeing the majestic trees deep in the Tapajós Forest or beach hopping along the banks of the Arapiuns River, a tributary of the Tapajós River near Alter do Chão .

4. Brasília

The city of the future that’s forever stuck in the past, Brasília is a fabulous paradox. The federal capital officially opened for business in 1960, becoming the ultimate symbol of modernity for an urbanizing nation and a long-hoped-for kick-start for the economic development of the country’s interior.

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Built in the middle of the hot, dry landscape of Brazil’s Center-West, Brasília is an open-air monument to the people who shaped and built it, including urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Thousands of tons of concrete and steel were poured into a series of Modernist architectural gems that are worth spending a day or two to explore – though not on foot, as the sprawling city was designed for cars not pedestrians.

Niemeyer’s much-loved curves can be spotted everywhere, most notably in the metropolitan cathedral , with its white columns rising up to the heavens in a hyperboloid structure studded with stained glass.

In a country teeming with rainforests, pristine beaches and other natural wonders, the tropical savanna hinterlands of the Cerrado certainly hold their own.

While the Cerrado has borne the brunt of Brazil’s agribusiness boom in recent decades, pockets of conservation do exist, including the relatively unexplored Jalapão State Park – 34,000 sq km (13,127 sq miles) of scrubland, grasslands, forest, caves and unusual rock formations.

The best time to visit is the dry season (from May to September) when, despite the dry landscape, water is the main attraction.

Splash in the glassy pools of waterfalls or kayak down rapids – you can also take a dip in the so-called fervedouros (boiling pots), natural springs where the bubbling water buoys swimmers. Sand dunes and chapadas (mountain formations) also make for some spectacular hiking.

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (400km/248 miles south) and Emas National Park (to the west) are two much larger conservation areas that are home to dozens of species of flora and fauna at risk of extinction.

Lucky hikers might cross paths with giant anteaters, giant armadillos, maned wolves and rheas, South America’s largest bird.

6. Pantanal

The largest wetland region in the world, the Pantanal offers the best wildlife spotting in Brazil.

South America’s largest mammal (tapir) and largest bird (rhea) call the Pantanal home, as do more than 230 species of fish and 650 species of bird – plus such apex predators as jaguars, caimans and anacondas.

Spanning an area more than half the size of France, the Pantanal can be explored in a number of different ways.

The most accessible is by road, on the Estrada Transpantaneira, though small airplanes and motorboats open the doors to more remote zones and secluded, upscale lodges.

It’s easier to spot wildlife during the dry season, from May to September – but when the water levels rise from October onwards, the rivers flood their banks and inundate the surrounding plains, spurring on an abundance of flora and flocks of wading birds.

The wet season also brings the arrival of river cruises: the sundeck of a 15-cabin boat cruise to the Serra do Amolar mountains near the border with Bolivia is an ideal vantage point from which to contemplate the grandeur of this region.

7. Fernando de Noronha

An archipelago of islands some 320km (200 miles) off the northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is high on many honeymoon wishlists.

Of Noronha’s 21 islands, only the largest one is accessible to tourists – and even then, its boundaries lie safely within Brazil’s largest marine park .

Dreamy beaches – including Baía do Sancho , Baía dos Porcos and Praia do Leão – all compete for the top slot on rankings of the best beaches in the country .

Silky-soft sands and clear blue waters would have holidaymakers flocking here if this place were on the mainland; happily, its remote location and a cap on visitor numbers keep the crowds to a welcome minimum.

Just off the shoreline, Noronha is an underwater paradise that’s home to 230 fish species, 15 varieties of coral, five types of (harmless) shark and the greatest concentration of tropical marine birds in the Atlantic.

You can dive to spot corals and shipwrecks in the marine park or watch hundreds of dolphins doing water acrobatics at sunrise before snorkeling in shallow tide pools. Noronha offers Brazil’s natural beauty at its absolute best, and this place warrants going the extra mile.

8. Rio de Janeiro

The most-visited city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro didn’t earn its title of cidade maravilhosa (“marvelous city”) for nothing. In the eyes of Cariocas, it’s the most beautiful place on earth. Visitors would be hard-pressed to disagree.

Dense high-rises are stacked like sugar cubes between mountains cloaked in rainforest and studded with naked granite peaks jutting skywards.

Visitors hit the famous beaches to lounge in the sun, but the locals go to get active – surfing, running, cycling or diving into the sand over a sweaty game of beach volleyball. People-watching is a serious beach sport in its own right.

Come evening, Rio’s own special blend of tropical rhythms draws the crowds out onto the city’s streets to meet friends at botecos (bars) or join impromptu street parties.

You’ll also discover a wealth of culture and history – the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal in the 19th century, and, until 1960, the capital of Brazil.

9. Ribeira Valley and the Atlantic Forest

The Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is Brazil’s “other” tropical forest. Regrettably, it’s also one of the most endangered biomes in the world, with just 12.5% of it remaining in disparate fragments along Brazil’s southeast-facing coastline.

Teeming with life, the forest has a wider variety of flora and fauna per hectare than the Amazon, with half of its species not found anywhere else in the world. In short, it’s a hidden gem within easy reach of Brazil’s largest cities.

The Ribeira Valley – a 28,489 sq km (11,000 sq mile) river valley straddling the São Paulo – Paraná state border, is home to the largest continuous stretch of remaining Atlantic Forest.

Here, visitors can explore some of the biggest caves in Brazil (at PETAR ), stay at traditional quilombos (communities that were formed by escaped enslaved Africans ), hike through the forest and raft down rivers.

Private nature reserves like the whopping 310 sq km (120 sq mile) Legado das Águas offer a range of ecotourism activities.

An ambitious plan to connect Atlantic Forest conservation areas (including the Ribeira Valley) with one long trail – the Caminho da Mata Atlântica – has been gathering pace in the last few years, though no one has yet attempted to hike its full 4000km (2485 miles) length.

10. São Paulo

Last but by no means least is South America’s most populous city. São Paulo may not have beaches, vast swathes of forest or even clean rivers, but it has a kinetic charm all of its own.

Poet Mário de Andrade called it “the hallucinated city,” which seems a fitting description for a megalopolis of 20 million residents. It’s a city whose soul is young and restless, a party-mad colossus with cutting-edge theaters, world-class chefs and a fascinating art scene, among countless other draws.

With layer upon layer of immigrant influences and centuries’ worth of boom-and-bust cycles, São Paulo attracts people from all over the world who thrive on its energy.

Its delights are not served up on a plate – visitors have to seek them out. But once you get a taste, you'll be hooked.

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