The Best of Brazil

By Sarah Brown

Within Brazil’s vast land mass is a diverse terrain of mountain ranges, pristine coastlines, sprawling jungles and a fascinating culture, which means there are activities to indulge any whim. Here are our top four recommendations for adventurous travellers in Brazil.

CHAPADA DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK

Huge plateaus, deep canyons and waterfalls make up the landscape of this vast national park found in the state of Bahia. Countless trails lined with cacti and wild orchids wind through the Chapada, offering wonderful days of hiking or cycling among breath-taking nature coupled with far-reaching views. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife; macaws, anteaters, monkeys and jaguars call the national park their home. Its most famous attractions are the Smoke Waterfall where the cascade turns to mist before it reaches the bottom of the canyon, and the Blue Pool and the Enchanted Pool, two caves with underground lakes. A subterranean river leaves mineral deposits in the pools that give the transparent water an electric blue hue, setting the scene for a memorable swim.

BUSTLING RIO DE JANEIRO

With world-famous shores, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, sunny beach days in Rio de Janeiro are inevitable. Yet Brazil’s cultural metropolis offers so much more. Think incredible views from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugarloaf Mountain or watching the Carnival rehearsals at Rio’s best samba schools. Visit the Atlantic Forest, the world’s largest urban woodland, for unforgettable hiking and refreshing dips in waterfalls. Soak in Rio’s cultural side by visiting its diverse museums and art galleries, enjoy the cityscape views from up high by paragliding from the Pedra Bonita mountain and finish the day at Arpoador to witness one of Rio’s most impressive sunsets before slipping back into the bustling city life for long nights of wining, dining and live music.

ECOTOURISM ADVENTURES IN BONITO

Slip straight into the crystal-clear rivers of Bonito in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and find yourself snorkelling among colourful freshwater life that thrives in the fertile waters of Brazil’s ecotourism centre. Get your adrenaline kick by abseiling into the 72-metre deep Abismo Anhumas, an underground cavern covered with stalactites and stalagmites. At the base is a deep, transparent pool filled with submerged, 20-metre high cones where you can take a boat ride, dive or simply float on the water’s surface. For wildlifespotting, head to the Buraco das Araras, an immense sinkhole where hundreds of wild red-and-green macaws breed and nest on the depression’s rust-coloured walls.

AMAZING AMAZON

For an exotic experience like no other, head to the north of Brazil to visit the Amazon where dense rainforest, swollen rivers and incredible wildlife make up one of the most complex ecosystems in the world. Guided tours take you deep into the forest to search for monkeys and birds in the tall canopies followed by kayaking in the slow river currents with the caimans and capybaras. Take a cruise along the Amazon river where activities include daytime jungle trekking, stepping into the lives of indigenous tribes and keeping a lookout for the elusive river dolphin. Evenings consist of onboard, open-air dinners of freshly caught river fish to the din of the Amazon’s creaks, chirps and calls in the background.