8 top things to do in Brazil: Unmissable unique experiences

Brazil covers more than 8.5 million square kilometres, making it the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world. It spans multiple ecosystems including the Amazon rainforest, Pantanal wetlands, and 8,000 km coastline with pristine beaches. The sheer scale of Brazil creates a wide range of travel experiences, allowing you to experience major cities, tropical islands, and untouched nature all within the same trip.

From exploring the sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, to boating under Iguazu falls, to encountering jaguars in the Pantanal, Brazil has endless opportunities for once-in a lifetime experiences that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Let's explore eight activities that show unique things to do in Brazil, showing the diversity of incredible experiences you can have in this amazing country.

Here are my top 8 unique things to do in Brazil

1. Explore Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park occupies approximately 1,500 square kilometres in Maranhão state in north-eastern Brazil. The park features a landscape of white sand dunes interspersed with seasonal freshwater lagoons, forming during the rainy months between January and June.

A visit typically begins in Barreirinhas, the main town near the park. From there, local guides lead day tours into the dunes. Lagoons such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita are common destinations. The ideal period is between May and September when the lagoons retain water and sunlight enables vivid colours. Access requires careful planning during the rainy season due to road conditions.

2. Take a Quad-bike Ride at Barra Grande

Barra Grande is a coastal village in the state of Bahia, known for its beaches and natural pools. A quad-bike ride is a common way to explore the surrounding area, where roads are primarily dirt or sand. Tours typically cover the peninsular's lagoons and small villages, providing views of the coastline and local forest areas, such as the Trilha das Bromélias. You should plan you trip with tides in mind, to ensure you can snorkel at the natural pools which are best to visit at low tide. The region is also a site for birdwatching and observing marine life.

3. Take a Boat Ride Under Iguaçu Falls

Iguaçu Falls (or Iguazu Falls) straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina in the state of Paraná. An exciting and unique way to experience the falls is to take a speed boat ride, taking you directly under the falls. Operators provide waterproof gear and safety briefings. A typical trip takes visitors beneath multiple cascades, including the Devil’s Throat section. Access depends on river flow levels and seasonal rainfall. Don't forget to bring a waterproof bag as you will get absolutely soaked.

4. Look for Jaguars in the Pantanal

The Pantanal spans the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and is the world’s largest tropical wetland. It is home to native jaguar populations, most easily spotted from the town of Porto Jofre. Sightings typically occur during the dry season from July to October, when jaguars hunt near river margins. Typically, guides lead tours by boat, exploring the pantanal's river to search for wildlife. Guides use local knowledge of tracks, behaviour patterns and river flows. Here you can also see often also see capybaras, caimans, hyacinth macaws, and caiman, as well as tons of birds.

5. Ride the Slow-Boat on the Amazon from Manaus to Belém via Santarém

A riverboat adventure between Manaus and Belém provides time to observe life along the Amazon River. Stop along the way in Santarém, and visit Alter do Chao, famous for its river beaches that form during the dry season. The full trip duration is around 5 days depending on your chosen boat and any stops you chose to make along the way. Boats vary from basic local ferry style, that require you to bring your own hammock to sleep in, to more comfortable vessels with cabins. On the journey, you can observe riverside communities, floating markets, and regional riverine culture.

6. Go Snorkelling at Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago approximately 350 kilometres off the coast of Pernambuco. It is protected as a marine national park and biodiversity hotspot. There are snorkelling opportunities at beaches like Baía do Sancho, Baía dos Porcos, and Praia do Leão. Visibility is excellent and often exceeds 30 metres. Visitors can expect to see tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and colourful coral formations. The archipelago enforces a daily visitor limit and charges an environmental preservation fee.

7. Surf with Dolphins at Baía dos Golfinhos in Pipa

Pipa, located on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, is known for its beaches and marine wildlife. Baía dos Golfinhos is a protected bay where dolphins often swim close to the shore. You can catch small waves on a surfboard or paddleboard while spotting dolphins swimming nearby. Early mornings are usually the best time, as the water is calmer and the dolphins are more active. Local instructors provide lessons and safety guidance, making the experience suitable for beginners as well as more experienced surfers.

8. Experience the Samba Parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro

The Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí is the centrepiece of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, held each year before Lent, usually in February or early March. Samba schools take to the parade route with coordinated routines, elaborate floats, live music and dancers in colourful costumes. You can choose grandstand seating or front-row boxes to get a full view of the performances. The parades feature dozens of samba schools and thousands of performers, creating an intense, energetic performance.

Beyond the Sambadrome, the streets of Rio host hundreds of blocos, informal street parties where anyone can join in. Each bloco has its own music and rhythm, and often a costume theme. Both the parades and blocos draw large crowds, so planning transport, accommodation and tickets in advance is necessary. Carnival is one of the best chances to experience Brazil’s music, dance and festival culture up close.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil