The Top 10 Sights in Brazil

You want to travel to Brazil? These top 10 sights are not to be missed on your holiday in Brazil. The highlights and attractions without the tourist traps.

Brazil, a country almost as big as Europe, is hard to beat for versatility. Extraordinary landscapes provide surprises again and again, anti-stress reigns on the dreamlike beaches and during Carnival an entire country is in a party frenzy for days.

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Iguaçu Waterfalls

A boat trip to the Iguaçu Falls is an indescribable experience for any visitor and is sure to remain a lasting memory, Brazil/Argentina - © jacek_kadaj / Fotolia
© jacek_kadaj / Fotolia

The Iguaçu Falls are among the largest waterfalls in the world. At a width of 2700m, the water masses plunge up to 80 metres into the depths. The Iguaçu Falls can be admired from the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.

Article: Iguaçu Waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina
Photo Gallery: Iguaçu Waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina


Sugar loaf in Rio de Janeiro

The world famous Sugar Loaf Mountain - also known as Pao de Açúcar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - © John Copland / Shutterstock
© John Copland / Shutterstock

The Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Açúcar) is the landmark of Rio de Janeiro and can be climbed by cable car. The view of the surrounding panorama is simply incredible! The view falls from the Atlantic Ocean over Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana to Christo Redentor, the famous statue of Christ in Rio.

Article: Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
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Amazon Basin

The Amazon carries one-fifth of the Earth's total freshwater supply, Brazil - © Cmon / Fotolia
© Cmon / Fotolia

The Amazon River measures about 6,400 km from the origin of the previous river, the Ucayali, to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean and carries one fifth of the Earth's total freshwater supply.

The rainforest around the Amazon and its tributaries is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and offers a sea feeling in the middle of South America.

Article: Amazon Basin
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Pelourinho in Salvador

View from the centre of Pelourinho, the former slave market, to the old town of Salvador, Brazil - © Vinicius Tupinamba/Shutterstock
© Vinicius Tupinamba/Shutterstock

The Pelourinho is a part of the upper city (Cidade Alta) of Salvador da Bahia with beautiful colonial architecture and magnificent baroque churches. In the 17th century, today's Pelourinho functioned as a slave market, today the heart of the city beats here. In 1985, Pelourinho was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Article: Pelourinho in Salvador da Bahia
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Pantanal

The Pantanal is located in the centre of South America and is the largest contiguous inland swamp area on earth, Brazil - © AJancso / Shutterstock
© AJancso / Shutterstock

The Pantanal is the largest contiguous inland swamp area on earth. It is hardly developed and very sparsely populated. Since 2000, the Pantanal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Most of the Pantanal is located in Brazil. The Transpantaneira, the main route through this wonderful natural paradise, begins in the city of Cuiaba.

Article: Pantanal
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Catedral Metropolitana in Brasilia

The bell tower of the Catedral Metropolitana in Brasilia has an appearance as unusual as the cathedral itself, Brazil - © ostill / Shutterstock
© ostill / Shutterstock

The Brasilia Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) is one of the most unusual places of worship in the world due to its futuristic appearance and is the most visited attraction in Brazil.

The cathedral was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened on 31 May 1970. Brasilia Cathedral is open to visitors every day except during mass celebrations.

Article: Catedral Metropolitana in Brasilia
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Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Overview of the rolling dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil - © gary yim / Shutterstock
© gary yim / Shutterstock

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of the most beautiful regions in Brazil. The national park is a spectacular ecosystem consisting of dreamlike white sand and shifting sand dunes.

The rainy season in winter causes a unique phenomenon: fresh rainwater collects in the valleys between sand dunes, creating thousands of turquoise lakes in the desert.

Article: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Photo gallery: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park


Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro

The world famous 4km long sandy beach Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - © csokil1 / Fotolia
© csokil1 / Fotolia

The world-famous Copacabana beach is about 4km long and is used by locals for sunbathing, jogging, sports activities and as a social meeting place. As a visitor to Rio de Janeiro, you should definitely plan an afternoon of beach bathing at Copacabana.

Article: Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro
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Baroque town of Ouro Preto

The baroque city of Ouro Preto is spread over several hills and valleys, Brazil - © Ignatius Wooster / Fotolia
© Ignatius Wooster / Fotolia

Ouro Preto is a historic gold-mining town and one of the most important baroque cities in Brazil. The city is spread over several hills and valleys and is characterised by baroque churches and magnificent colonial houses, cobblestone streets and the emerald green mountains of the surrounding area. Since 1980, Ouro Preto has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Article: Baroque city of Ouro Preto
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Praia Ponta Negra in Natal

The 3km long Praia Ponta Negra is the most popular beach in Natal and offers excellent cuisine and a lively nightlife, Brazil - © Vitoriano Junior / Shutterstock
© Vitoriano Junior / Shutterstock

Praia Ponta Negra is on the list of our 10 most beautiful beaches in Natal. 3km of sandy beach, excellent cuisine and a lively nightlife attract locals and tourists.

At the southern end of Ponta Negra beach is the famous "Morro de Careca", the highest dune at 120 metres and the most famous tourist attraction in all of Natal.

Article: Praia Ponta Negra in Natal

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