Brazil is huge. A country like a continent. It has a proud surface area of 8,514,215 km² and is thus almost 24 times as large as Germany. How can you limit yourself to a selection of only five sights? Difficult. The following attractions are among the most popular for the 6 million tourists who have visited Brazil since the beginning of 2019.
More detailed information about the best tourist attractions in Brazil you can read here. And these are the 5 of the most famous places to visit in the biggest South American country.
Cristo Redentor
Christ the Redeemer is one of the most famous statues in the world. The monument, which watches over Rio de Janeiro in the Tijuca forests on the top of the Corcovado mountain, is a proud 30 meters high. To the total height of the monument one has to add the eight meter high pedestal that houses a chapel. Christ the Saviour is one of the favourite motifs of pilgrims and tourists who travel to Rio every year. It is not easy to find a good angle in the photos. The span of the statue’s arms is 28 meters. The top of the Corcovado has been accessible by mountain railway for more than 130 years. What a view!
Iguazú Waterfalls
The biggest part of the Cataratas do Iguaçu is actually located in Argentina. The impressive waterfalls comprise 20 large and 255 smaller waterfalls over more than 2.7 kilometres. Some of them are up to 82 metres high. Especially famous is the U-shaped waterfall system Garganta do Diabo, the Devil’s Throat. Between the falls are several large and small islands. The Brazilian part of the Iguazú Waterfalls has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Since the falls are mostly located in Argentina, you can benefit from the best panoramic views from the Brazilian side.
Pantanal
It is one of the largest inland wetlands in the world. With its 230,000 km², the wetland is almost as large as the Federal Republic of Germany before reunification. Especially the animal world of Pantanal is fascinating. Besides jaguars and pumas, numerous reptiles, amphibians and not a few species of insects, the wetland is also the habitat of capybaras. With their up to 70 kilos, they are considered the largest rodents in the world. The ecosystem endangered by deforestation has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Fernando de Noronha
This archipelago of volcanic origin, discovered in 1503 by Amerigo Vespucci, is located about 350 km off the Brazilian mainland. The largest of the 21 islands is home to about 3,500 people. The archipelago with its many natural pools is a real Mecca for divers and snorkelers. The clear sea around Fernando de Noronha allows good visibility and is especially famous for its rich population of dolphins and sea turtles. The Baia dos Golfinhos has the world’s best dolphin density.
Olinda
It is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and is considered the cradle of Brazilian culture. Just a short distance from Recife, the jewel of baroque architecture enchants its visitors four days a year, even with the biggest carnival in the world. Besides numerous historical buildings, Olinda also has many art studios, galleries and museums. The perfect destination for fans of city breaks. The old town of Olinda has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
