Brazil is known for its iconic destinations like Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon, but the country also boasts lesser-known places that are equally captivating. Here are ten hidden gems that reveal the diversity and beauty of Brazil, but you'll have to get off the beaten path to find them.
Skip to:
Top 10 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Brazil
1. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (Goiás)
Nestled in central Brazil, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is a haven for nature lovers. It features dramatic waterfalls, unique quartz rock formations, and crystal-clear rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is less crowded than its famous counterpart, Chapada Diamantina, but offers equally stunning hikes and abundant wildlife, including toucans and jaguars.
How to get to Chapada dos Veadeiros: The easiest way to get to Chapada dos Veadeiros is to pass through Brasilia, Brazil's capital city. From here, it is around 3 hours drive to the park's main town, Alto Paraiso de Goias. To make the most of your trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros, it is ideal to rent a car in Brasilia, as transport within the park is limited.
For more information, read the full Chapada dos Veadeiros Travel Guide.
2. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão)
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is an otherworldly landscape of vast, white sand dunes dotted with rainwater lagoons. Located in the remote northeast, it’s a hidden oasis where turquoise pools form during the rainy season. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by 4x4 vehicles, swimming in the natural lagoons under a wide, open sky.
How to get to Lençóis Maranhenses: Fly into São Luís, Maranhão's capital, then take a 4-hour bus or private transfer to Barreirinhas, the gateway town to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. From Barreirinhas, you can book a 4x4 or hiking tour to access the dunes and lagoons.
For more information, read the full Lencois Maranhenses Travel Guide.
3. Jalapão State Park (Tocantins)
Jalapao is a remote state park in South America's largest savanna. It is home to golden dunes, pristine rivers, and hidden springs. It’s one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets, offering visitors the chance to float in the clear blue fervedouros, natural pools with strong underwater currents that create a floating sensation. The rugged beauty of Jalapão is perfect for adventurers seeking seclusion.
How to get to Jalapao State Park: The nearest airport is Palmas, the capital of Tocantins. From Palmas, it's about a 4+ hour drive to reach Mateiros, or São Félix, the main gateways to Jalapao State Park. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the park's rough, sandy roads. Guided tours from Palmas are also available.
4. Ilha do Cardoso (São Paulo)
A pristine island off the southern coast of Sao Paulo state, Ilha do Cardoso is an untouched paradise of beaches, mangroves, and Atlantic Forest. The island is part of a state park, ensuring its ecosystems remain protected. Its isolated nature means few tourists visit, allowing for peaceful hikes and birdwatching in an unspoilt environment.
How to get to Ilha do Cardoso: From Sao Paulo's Barra Funda bus station, take a bus to Cananéia, about a 5-hour trip. From Cananéia, you will need to take a boat to Ilha do Cardoso, which takes around 1 hour by speedboat or longer on a slow boat. Local boats operate regularly.
5. Vale do Catimbau (Pernambuco)
Vale do Catimbau National Park, in northeast Brazil, is a lesser-known alternative to the famous Chapada Diamantina. The park features prehistoric rock paintings and dramatic sandstone formations. It’s ideal for those interested in both history and nature, offering quiet, scenic trails that lead to stunning viewpoints.
How to get to Vale do Catimbau: The nearest major city with a bus connection is Recife, Pernambuco. From there, drive or take a bus to the town of Buíque, about 4 hours away. Vale do Catimbau National Park is accessible by car from Buíque, and hiring a guide is recommended for exploring the park's trails.
6. Alter do Chão (Pará)
Often called the "Caribbean of the Amazon," Alter do Chão is a small village on the banks of the Tapajós River. With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s an unexpected tropical paradise in the heart of the Amazon Basin. Unlike the bustling city of Manaus, Alter do Chão is tranquil and offers visitors a laid-back experience of river life.
How to get to Alter do Chao: Fly into Santarem, Pará, which has direct flights from Manaus or Belem. It is also possible to take a long-distance overnight boat to Santarem from Manaus and Belem. From Santarem, Alter do Chão is about a 30-minute drive, and you can take a taxi or rent a car. River tours and boats are also available for exploring nearby beaches and islands.
For more information, read the full Amazon Jungle Travel Guide.
7. Serra da Canastra (Minas Gerais)
Serra da Canastra National Park is home to Brazil's most spectacular waterfalls, Cachoeira Casca d'Anta, and is one of the country's key sources of the São Francisco River. Known for its rolling hills and wildlife, including maned wolves and giant anteaters, the park is a hidden gem for hiking and wildlife photography, yet it remains off the radar for most international visitors.
How to get to Serra da Canastra: The closest airport is in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. From there, drive approximately 4-5 hours to the park’s main entry point in São Roque de Minas. A rental car is the best option, as public transport to Serra da Canastra is limited.
8. Praia do Patacho (Alagoas)
Praia do Patacho is an idyllic beach in northeast Brazil, where coconut palms sway over untouched sands, and turquoise waters remain unspoiled by mass tourism. Located far from the bustling resorts, Patacho’s tranquil setting is perfect for those seeking peace. It’s also one of the best places in Brazil for snorkelling, thanks to its coral reefs.
How to get to Praia do Patacho: Fly into Maceio, Alagoas, and from there drive or take a bus to the town of Porto de Pedras, about 2 hours away. Praia do Patacho is a short drive or taxi ride from Porto de Pedras.
For more information, read the full Maceio Travel Guide.
9. Parque Nacional do Monte Roraima (Roraima)
Straddling the border between Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana, Monte Roraima is one of the oldest geological formations on Earth. This imposing tabletop mountain offers one of Brazil's most challenging but rewarding treks. Hikers are treated to awe-inspiring views and unique plant species that thrive on the mountain’s surface, but the remote location keeps visitor numbers low.
How to get to Monte Roraima: The easiest route is to fly into Boa Vista, Roraima. From here, it is possible to organize guided hikes.
10. São Miguel das Missões (Rio Grande do Sul)
Sao Miguel das Missoes is a historical site featuring the ruins of a 17th-century Jesuit mission. Located in southern Brazil, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of the Jesuit missions in South America, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site offers insight into Brazil's colonial history, and its remote location means fewer tourists, allowing for a more contemplative visit.
How to get to Sao Miguel das Missoes: Fly into Santo Angelo's Sepé Tiaraju Airport (GEL) and from there take a bus Sao Miguel das Missoes. It is also possible to reach Santo Angelo by bus from Porto Alegre. Guided tours are available to explore the ruins, but the site can also be visited independently.
These hidden gems show a different side of Brazil, where natural beauty, history, and adventure await those willing to venture off the beaten path.
What's your favorite off the beaten path destination on Brazil? Do you know a hidden gem that should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments!
Comentários