Brazil has always been toward the top of our must-see countries in South America. Brazil is a huge country, with sweeping swaths of rain forest, the gorgeous Green Coast, world class cities brimming with culture, and a unique Portuguese influence.

We’ve spent the past three months traveling through Ecuador, the Galapagos, Columbia, Belize and Mexico, and there’s so much more to see in Central and South America. For now, we’ll have to be content with planning a trip to beautiful Brazil.

That hasn’t stopped us from making a wish list of our top 10 things to do and see in Brazil. Here they are; hopefully they’ll give you a little wanderlust as well.

Iguazu Falls

With almost 300 small waterfalls, the area close to the border with Argentina can be easily visited on footpaths. The falls are on the Iguazu River that crosses lush tropical rain forests, so hiking is made even more exciting by the opportunities to spot creatures that live only here.

Sao Paolo

Sao Paolo is among the largest cities in the world and the perfect destination if you’re looking for an exciting vacation in a cosmopolitan environment with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene.

Fortaleza

The center of the state of Ceara and dynamically developing city, Fortaleza is well-known worldwide and popular for its beaches, elegant hotels and restaurants, and it’s also the perfect jump-off point for exploring the natural beauties of the area.

Rio de Janeiro

One of the world’s most exciting cities, Rio is not only home to the Carnival. Rio is also surrounded by natural attractions such as Ipanema Beach, the Copacabana and Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as man-made attractions like the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The city is also an excellent destination for those looking for a party scene like nowhere else in the world.

Recife

Often called the Venice of Brazil, Recife has many romantic waterways and bridges. The 17th century colonial buildings in the old town, the vibrant cultural scene, the nightlife and the natural beauties of the surrounding area of rain forests, rivers and islands make this modern city very special.

Bahia

Located in the southeast of country, Bahia is often called the soul of Brazil. The food, music, festivals and other cultural events create a unique experience.

Chapada dos Veadeiros

A huge natural park in the center of the country, Chapada dos Veadeiros has one of the world’s oldest and most varied ecosystems. If you are interested in a natural environment that has withstood human efforts to dominate it, a trip to the park will surely delight and astonish you.

Porto de Galinhas

This small beach town close to Recife provides the perfect destination for a beach holiday, with reefs, natural pools, crystal waters and soft-sanded beaches.

Maranhao

The state fascinates visitors with its rich cultural life in the capital city, Sao Luis, as well as with the natural paradise around the Delta das Americas, the meeting place of rivers, creeks and an astonishingly beautiful destination for fans of extreme sports.

Costa Verde

Another coast line of epic beauty, the Green Coast offers a varied landscape, spotted with idyllic towns and villages and beaches of unrivaled beauty.

About Visiting Brazil

Visitors to Brazil must obtain a visa from one of the Brazilian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.

You can get a visa by contacting a consulate in your country, like the Brazilian consulate in Vancouver, Canada, or this list of Brazilian consulates in the USA.

Tip! Using a visa application company can make your visa process much less complicated, but ensure that your visa company is reputable by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online ratings for the company.

What are your top destinations in Brazil?