Brazil is a country of extraordinary natural and cultural wealth. From the North to the South, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and transformative experiences that captivate travelers of all kinds. With so many incredible options, choosing your next destination can be overwhelming. That’s why Gondwana has carefully curated a selection of eight must-visit places to recommend to your clients in 2025.
Each of these destinations was chosen for its beauty, authenticity, and the unique experiences our trusted partners provide. Whether it’s unwinding on pristine beaches, exploring scenic trails, or immersing in the rich traditions of local communities, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting at every stop.
Discover our list and get inspired!
For our clients, we offer a tailored selection of experiences for each of these destinations. Contact our team and request the full details.
Content Summary
Rio de Janeiro: A Timeless Classic That Never Fails to Impress
As legendary Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil sings in Aquele Abraço, “Rio de Janeiro is still beautiful.” The Marvelous City continues to enchant visitors with its rare combination of stunning natural beauty and dynamic urban life. Beyond its world-famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, the city offers spectacular views from Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
But Rio is much more than its postcard-perfect sights—it’s samba, culture, cuisine, and a way of life unlike anywhere else.
For travelers seeking unique experiences, Tijuca National Park is a haven of lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails teeming with biodiversity. Another rising attraction is Pequena África, a vibrant cultural hub recognized as a center for Afro-futurism in Rio. The area is home to 15 key sites, including at least six dedicated to food, music, and ancestral traditions.
For a truly immersive experience, exploring local communities and social projects that support sustainable tourism offers a deeper perspective on the city and a meaningful cultural exchange. Reach out to our team for exclusive offerings!
Paraty: Where History, Culture, and Nature Converge
Still within Rio de Janeiro state, the enchanting town of Paraty offers a rare blend of history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes. Its cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial mansions transport visitors to another era. The historic center is lined with artisan boutiques, inviting cafés, and art galleries—perfect for unhurried strolls. Meanwhile, Paraty Bay invites travelers to embark on boat tours to explore its idyllic islands.
For those looking to connect with local heritage, visiting quilombola communities provides an enriching experience while directly contributing to local development. The region is also a paradise for ecotourism, offering trails leading to hidden waterfalls like Cachoeira do Tobogã and the historic Caminho do Ouro, a colonial-era path winding through the lush Atlantic Forest.
Ilha Grande: Unspoiled Nature and Picture-Perfect Beaches
Also in Rio de Janeiro state, Ilha Grande is a sanctuary of untouched natural beauty. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches like Praia do Aventureiro and Lopes Mendes, it’s the perfect retreat for relaxation and snorkeling. The island also offers trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded waterfalls, providing an adventure amidst the preserved Atlantic Forest.
With no cars and a peaceful pace of life, Ilha Grande is the ideal destination for those seeking true immersion in nature.
The region’s rich biodiversity is another highlight, with boat tours offering the chance to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and even explore historic shipwrecks—an added delight for travelers fascinated by marine life.
Foz do Iguaçu: The Power of Water in Its Purest Form
A trip to Foz do Iguaçu in Paraná state is an opportunity to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: Iguaçu Falls. The experience is truly breathtaking. The Iguaçu National Park offers a network of trails and panoramic walkways, providing different perspectives of the falls, which are especially mesmerizing at sunset.
Beyond the waterfalls, Foz do Iguaçu is home to remarkable attractions such as the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world, where guided tours showcase the scale and significance of this engineering marvel. Another must-see is the Parque das Aves?, a conservation sanctuary home to hundreds of species from the Brazilian rainforest.
For those seeking an even closer connection with nature, boat tours take visitors right up to the roaring cascades, ensuring an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled experience.
Salvador: A City Steeped in Culture and Heritage
Salvador, the vibrant capital of Bahia, is the heart and soul of Afro-Brazilian culture. Its rich heritage is reflected in its music, food, and traditions. Walking through *Pelourinho* is like stepping into a living museum, with its brightly colored colonial buildings and stunning baroque churches.
Bahia’s cuisine is another highlight. Salvador is known for its bold flavors, with iconic dishes like acarajé, moqueca, and vatapá offering an unforgettable taste of the region. Markets and street vendors showcase the aromas and spices that define Bahia’s culinary scene.
To top it off, the beaches and the spectacular sunset at Farol da Barra make for truly unforgettable seaside moments.
Chapada Diamantina: A Haven for Adventurers
Still in the incredible state of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina is the ultimate destination for travelers seeking spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures. With its towering canyons, cascading waterfalls, and scenic trails, this region is a paradise for nature lovers. Highlights include the breathtaking Cachoeira da Fumaça, the crystal-clear Poço Azul, and the remote Vale do Pati, all offering unforgettable encounters with the wild beauty of Brazil.
Beyond the adventures, Chapada Diamantina provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Charming guesthouses, delicious regional cuisine, and the peaceful rhythm of small towns create the perfect setting to relax after a day of exploration.
Bonito: The Land of Crystal-Clear Waters
Located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito is Brazil’s top ecotourism destination, renowned for its stunningly transparent rivers and extraordinary biodiversity.
The region offers unique aquatic experiences, such as floating down the surreal waters of the Rio Sucuri or exploring the mysterious depths of Lagoa Misteriosa. For those fascinated by underground wonders, Bonito is also home to spectacular caves like Gruta do Lago Azul and Abismo Anhumas, where travelers can descend into a vast underground lake.
For adventure seekers, the area’s many trails lead to stunning waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of exploration. With a well-structured approach to sustainable tourism, Bonito ensures visitors can enjoy a deep connection with nature while maintaining high standards of safety and conservation.
Manaus: The Gateway to the Amazon
Nestled in the heart of the Amazon, Manaus is the perfect starting point for travelers eager to explore the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The city blends urban culture with breathtaking natural surroundings. Iconic landmarks such as the opulent Teatro Amazonas and the stunning Meeting of the Waters—where the dark Rio Negro and the sandy-colored Solimões River flow side by side without mixing—are must-see attractions.
But the true magic lies deep within the jungle.
Immersive expeditions into the rainforest reveal the Amazon’s astonishing biodiversity, offering visitors the chance to explore its rivers by boat, visit indigenous and riverside communities, and witness exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Spending a night in the jungle, listening to the sounds of nature under a starlit sky, is an unforgettable experience that deepens the connection with this vital ecosystem.
Each of these destinations has been carefully selected for the extraordinary experiences they offer travelers.
Looking for a customized itinerary filled with unique experiences for your clients?
We offer exclusive Experience Menus curated by Gondwana Brasil, designed to showcase the best of each destination with handpicked local partners. Contact us to receive this special material, prepared with our expertise of over two decades!
