7 Underrated Places To Visit In Brazil

Despite being larger than the contiguous United States, Brazil is one of the most visited countries in South America. However, visitors frequently only pay attention to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Travelers who choose to escape the crowds in these two metropolises will find many worthy yet underrated destinations around Brazil.

Due to their lower tourist numbers, many of these locations have remained hidden from view, and others may be challenging to reach due to the lack of nearby airports. Brazil has more than 4,500 miles of coastline, several national parks, and lesser-known places to explore. When planning your next vacation to Brazil, consider these underrated destinations instead of popular tourist spots.

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7 Fernando de Noronha

A remote yet stunning island you’ve probably never heard of

Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Brazil’s coast, comprises 21 islands, with only one inhabited by around 3,000 people. This remote archipelago is an underrated place to visit in Brazil due to its location, yet it offers breathtaking scenery, adventure, and relaxation, featuring rugged cliffs and lush foliage.

Exploring the trails or climbing the Fernando de Noronha lighthouse provides stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic, where dolphins, sea turtles, and whales can be spotted. The island’s protected marine sanctuary is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, showcasing thriving coral reefs.

Known for its commitment to ecotourism and sustainability, Fernando de Noronha remains pristine. Its crown jewel, Baia do Sancho, often called the world’s most beautiful beach, features soft sand, abundant sea life, and a sheltered location, making it a must-visit for beach lovers.

6 João Pessoa, Paraíba

An underrated beach spot with fewer crowds and stunning sunrises and sunsets

João Pessoa is among the greatest of the numerous underrated beaches in the Northeast region of Brazil. It remains less crowded and widely undiscovered compared to Brazil’s more famous destinations. Due to its location near the easternmost point of the Americas, this city is the first in Brazil to see the sunrise in the morning or earlier during the summer.

Snorkeling is possible in the area’s numerous naturally created swimming ponds and surrounding coral reefs during low tide. The sunsets of João Pessoa are also mesmerizing; visitors can enjoy watching them at Jacaré Beach while listening to Ravel’s “Bolero.” If tourists want a more sedate setting, they can go to Hotel Globo and take in the Sanhauá River sunset.

5 Paraty, Costa Verde

This colonial town exudes old-world charm and a tranquil atmosphere, featuring cobblestone streets and crowd-free beaches

Paraty, a hidden gem along Rio de Janeiro’s Costa Verde, is distinguished for its old-world charm and stunning natural beauty. This coastal town features cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and gorgeous beaches. Recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status, Paraty’s well-preserved colonial architecture, quaint churches, and artsy museums transport visitors back in time.

The air is filled with the aroma of fresh seafood, with local delicacies like Peixe à Cambucu and Casadinho dessert tempting food lovers. Abundant islands, crystal-clear waters, lush mountains, and hidden coves offer endless exploration opportunities through swimming, snorkeling, and boat rides.

Dense rainforests and hiking trails with breathtaking viewpoints showcase the vibrant biodiversity. Overall, Paraty’s tranquil atmosphere and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway or romantic retreat.

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4 Fortaleza, Ceará

A lesser-known city alternative to Rio and São Paulo, with miles of gorgeous beaches

Despite being a Brazilian state capital, this city remains relatively underrated, as most international tourists tend to favor Rio and São Paulo. However, it gained some recognition by hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Popular among Brazilians, the city boasts stunning miles of urban beachfront along its coast. Each of its four beach areas—Iracema, Meireles, Mucuripe, and Praia do Futuro—offers a distinct vibe, catering to different preferences.

Iracema is known for its vibrant nightlife, Meireles for upscale hotels and restaurants, Mucuripe for its picturesque fishing boats, and Praia do Futuro for its expansive and lively beach barracas. This variety, combined with its local charm, makes Fortaleza one of Brazil’s hidden gems yet recognized by UNESCO.

3 Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, Bahia

A hidden gem national park with seemingly more natural wonders than internet availability

Even though Chapada Diamantina is undoubtedly Brazil’s most well-known national park, few people outside the country are aware of it. Therefore, it is considered one of the most underrated places in Brazil to visit. It draws people who enjoy the outdoors and wish to get away from it all for a few days, as there are more natural wonders than internet in this region of Bahia.

The primary features of the park include Pai Inácio Mount, Fumacinha Waterfall, and Pati Valley. There are also many caverns and mountains, in addition to over 200 waterfalls. Renting a car with a dependable GPS for a few days is the ideal way to see Chapada Diamantina; however, trips may be arranged in Lençóis, the biggest town in the area.

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2 Lençóis National Park, Maranhão

Visit one of Brazil’s most remote locations, where a stunning white desert creates an otherworldly landscape

This national park in the southern part of Brazil may appear to be a desert at first, but upon closer examination, you’ll notice that the massive, sweeping sand dunes are actually divided by turquoise lagoons. Due to the region being just outside the Amazon basin, rainwater pools in the valleys between the dunes produce a breathtaking panorama.

Beneath the sand is a layer of impervious rock that keeps the water above ground. It’s difficult to access the park because there are no roads and 4-wheel drive vehicles are needed, but tourists who go won’t quickly forget this mesmerizing vista. Despite its unique beauty, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is an underrated Brazilian destination due to its remote location and challenging accessibility.

1 Curitiba, Paraná

An overlooked city perfect for art, architecture, and culture aficionados

Distant from Brazil’s coastal allure and lacking a surrounding jungle, as well as not as renowned for vibrant nightlife as other major cities, Curitiba’s charm is not immediately apparent and is underrated. However, upon closer inspection, visitors will discover a city globally recognized for its recycling and sustainability practices.

Plus, Curitiba is known for its rich offerings in art, nature, and world-class urban planning. The Oscar Niemeyer Museum will captivate anyone with even a passing interest in architecture, the majestic Botanical Garden showcases a stunning array of flowers and plants, and the area’s low crime rate provides reassurance to visitors.