Every February, a blur of samba, colour and energy descends on Brazil's capital city. Each year Rio de Janeiro's Carnival draws travellers from across the globe, and while it's undeniably one of the world's most iconic celebrations, it's just one dimension of all that Brazil has to offer. Beyond the parades and street parties of Carnival lies a landscape of staggering variety.

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Tropical Thunder

Anyone visiting South America should make time for Iguazu Falls. It boasts an astonishing system of 275 individual waterfalls spread across a massive 2.7-kilometre span, creating one of the most powerful and expansive natural spectacles on Earth. Situated within a rainforest teeming with exotic wildlife, vibrant birds, and diverse plant life, visitors enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime immersive sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression on any traveller.

Highlights:

• Witness the roaring torrent of water at the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) up close, one of the world’s top natural wonders.
• Step into the living paradise that is a lush rainforest, rich in subtropical biodiversity.

Best visited: year-round, making it the perfect 3-day stop over on a visit to Buenos Aires and/or Rio de Janeiro, as it’s practically situated in between both.

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Desert Oasis Dreamscape

The Lençóis Maranhenses area is an extraordinary national park in Northeastern Brazil that features a unique and surreal landscape of vast, bone-white sand dunes interspersed with crystal-clear, turquoise lagoons. Formed by seasonal rainwater, creating one of the planet's most otherworldly and visually stunning natural phenomena that feels almost extraterrestrial. The dunes stretch endlessly toward the Atlantic coast, offering unforgettable adventures like hiking across rippling sand ridges, sliding down steep slopes into refreshing freshwater pools, and swimming in lagoons so vividly blue they mirror the sky. All whilst the wind constantly reshapes the scenery and erases footprints for a sense of pristine, untouched wilderness.

Highlights:

• Serene dips in Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita.
• Golden sunset hues viewed from dune summits.
• UNESCO protected desert oasis.

Best visited: May through September as dune lagoons are most full following rainy season.

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The Diamond Highlands

From dramatic table-top mountains and vast plateaus to cerrado savanna and Atlantic forest, the stunning Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, Brazil, showcases some of the country's most breathtaking and varied landscapes in one incredible area.

The park is renowned for its endless array of natural wonders, including towering waterfalls, crystal-clear natural pools and rivers perfect for swimming, mysterious caves, and panoramic viewpoints. Chapada Diamantina combines thrilling exploration with serene moments in pristine nature, making it an essential off-the-beaten-path gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking raw beauty and biodiversity in Brazil.

Highlights:

• Base yourself in the charming colonial town of Lençóis for easy access to guided hikes and immersive adventures.
• Explore the stalactite-filled caves of Poço Azul and Poço Encantado and cool off in their ethereal blue waters.
• Take in the sweeping vistas of rugged peaks and valleys at Morro do Pai Inácio viewpoint.

Best visited: May through September for optimal hiking weather conditions.

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Untamed Wetlands

Anyone visiting South America should make time for the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland (roughly the size of the UK) spanning over 150,000 square kilometers across Brazil. Its seasonally flooded landscape supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife, making sightings far more reliable than in denser regions like the Amazon, with frequent encounters with jaguars, caimans, capybaras, giant otters, and vibrant birdlife.

Highlights:

• Pair a visit with a few days spent in nearby Bonito, where you can swim in crystal-clear rivers, caves and waterfalls with colourful fish.
• Go on a jaguar-spotting safari in Porto Jofre, home to the world’s highest concentration of jaguars.

Best visited: from July to October during the dry season.

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Untouched Island Paradise

For those seeking serene isolation in pristine natural beauty, consider making the time to visit Fernando de Noronha. This remote volcanic archipelago off Brazil's northeast coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Marine National Park, boasts some of the planet's most breathtaking beaches. Here you can find crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic rock formations like the iconic Dois Irmãos peaks, and a protected ecosystem that feels like a tropical paradise untouched by mass tourism. The main island offers visitors the opportunity to spot (and even swim with) vibrant marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, colourful fish, rays, and dolphins. Beaches like the legendary Baía do Sancho (frequently ranked as the world's best) provide secluded white-sand coves framed by cliffs and lush greenery for swimming or simply relaxing in jaw-dropping landscapes.

Highlights:

• World-class snorkelling and diving in exceptionally clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life.
• Boat tours for watching playful spinner dolphins that leap in pods at sunrise
• Hiking trails with panoramic views, and eco-conscious adventures that emphasise conservation (with strict visitor limits and fees supporting preservation).

Best visited: August through January for the most stable weather conditions.