Best places to travel in Brazil in 2026 - Hidden Gems and Up & Coming Destinations

Everyone has heard of Brazil's top destinations: Rio de Janeiro. The Amazon. Iguazu Falls. However at 8.5 square kms, almost the size of the United States, Brazil is a huge and highly diverse country. In 2026 the most interesting trips are happening in Brazil's top up and coming destinations. Across the country, smaller beach towns and national parks are gaining attention as travellers look for places that feel undiscovered.

From windy beaches in Rio Grande do Norte to waterfall filled plateaus in Goiás, and rain-filled sand dunes, the best places to travel in Brazil in 2026 will reward travellers who are willing to dig a little deeper with pristine beaches, untouched landscapes, unique local culture, and plenty of room to explore.

The best places to travel in Brazil in 2026

If you are planning a trip to Brazil this year and want some stops beyond the standard itinerary, this list is your perfect guide.

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• Ilha de Boipeba

• Pipa

• Lençóis Maranhenses

• Chapada dos Veadeiros

• São Miguel do Gostoso

• Salvador

• Bonito

• Parintins

Ilha de Boipeba

Boipeba is emerging as a quieter alternative to Morro de São Paulo, though located on the same Tinharé archipelago south of Salvador. With no cars on the island and access primarily by boat, development has remained limited. If you are looking for a beach destination with fewer resorts and less nightlife focused tourism, Boipeba has gained attention for its pristine undeveloped beaches with miles of white sand and palm trees.

The island is structured around small fishing communities, sandy streets, and beachfront pousadas. Beaches are connected by walking trails. Restaurants focus on regional Bahian cuisine, particularly moqueca and fresh seafood. Taxi boats also operate between the beaches and nearby natural pools.

Main Attractions in Ilha de Boipeba

• Moreré Beach for reef pools at low tide

• Cueira Beach for long stretches of sand and beachfront restaurants

• Tassimirim Beach for sheltered swimming conditions

• Village centre of Velha Boipeba for seafood restaurants and local markets

Pipa

Pipa is an up and coming destination for Digital Nomads with a growing expat and Brazilian digital nomad community. Located 2 hours from Natal, it features pink cliffs and surf beaches. Environmental regulations and geography have limited high rise construction, maintaining a small-town feel despite its growing popularity.

Praia do Madeiro is known for dolphin sightings and surfing conditions, while Baía dos Golfinhos can be accessed at low tide on foot. Visitors also explore the Chapadão cliffs for coastal views. Restaurants focus on seafood, regional dishes and international cuisine influenced by long term foreign residents. Boat tours, surf lessons and visits to nearby lagoons form the core activities.

Main Attractions in Pipa

• Praia do Madeiro a perfect surf beach for beginners

• Baía dos Golfinhos accessible only by foot at low tide, for frequent dolphin sightings

• Chapadão cliffs for sunset over the sea

• Pipa Ecological Sanctuary a protected area with 16 hiking trails and various viewpoints

Lençóis Maranhenses

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park stands apart from Brazil’s typical beach destinations. Instead of rainforest or rocky coastline, it features rolling white sand dunes interspersed with seasonal freshwater lagoons formed by rainwater between June and September. While Jericoacoara and other north eastern beach towns receive high volumes of tourism, Lençóis Maranhenses remains more logistically demanding to access, which has limited visitor numbers.

The main gateway towns are Barreirinhas, Atins and Santo Amaro. Guided 4WD tours operate into the park to access lagoons such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita. Activities include swimming in lagoons, hiking across dune fields, and boat trips along the Preguiças River. In Atins, you can also try kitesurfing and fresh seafood restaurants..

Main Attractions in Lençóis Maranhenses

• Lagoa Azul for swimming in the lagoon

• Lagoa Bonita for an elevated viewpoint popular for the sunset

• Preguiças River boat tours departing from Barreirinhas

• Atins village for kitesurfing

• 4WD dune expeditions across the national park

Chapada dos Veadeiros

While many travellers are familiar with Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, the lesser known Chapada dos Veadeiros in the central-Brazilian state of Goiás is gaining recognition as a top destination for hikingand waterfalls. Just 3 hours from the capital city of Brasília, located on a plateau within the Cerrado biome, the region features quartz crystal formations, river canyons, and a high concentration of huge waterfalls. Improved road access and growing eco lodge development have increased tourism recently.

The area is centred around the towns of Alto Paraíso de Goiás and São Jorge, which serve as the main entrance to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Trails range from short waterfall walks to multi-day hikes.

Main Attractions in Chapada dos Veadeiros

• Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park for plateau hikes and river canyons

• Saltos do Rio Preto for high waterfall viewpoints

• Catarata dos Couros for multi-tiered cascades

• Cachoeira Santa Bárbara for clear blue pools, perfect for a swim

• Alto Paraíso de Goiás and São Jorge as base towns for lodging and dining

São Miguel do Gostoso

Travellers to Rio Grande do Norte often base themselves in Natal, but São Miguel do Gostoso is drawing increasing attention as a lower density alternative with consistent wind conditions and a growing boutique accommodation scene. Its location on a peninsula creates steady trade winds for much of the year, which has positioned the town as one of Brazil’s main windsurf and kitesurf hubs without the scale of development seen in larger beach towns.

Key beaches include Praia de Tourinhos, known for its rock formations and sunset views, and

Praia do Maceió, where most water sports schools operate. Here you can book kitesurf and

windsurf lessons, buggy rides along the coast, and boat trips to nearby coral reefs. The town centre has a strip of pousadas, small restaurants and bars, with seafood, tapioca, and regional dishes such as carne de sol commonly featured.

Main Attractions in São Miguel do Gostoso

• Praia de Tourinhos for amazing sunset views

• Praia do Maceió for kitesurf and windsurf schools

• Ponta do Santo Cristo for steady wind conditions and beachfront pousadas

• Buggy tours along the north coast dunes and beaches

Salvador

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, continues to gain relevance as travellers look beyond Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo for a big city experience. Founded in 1549, it was Brazil’s first colonial capital and retains one of the country’s most intact historic centres. Ongoing restoration projects in Pelourinho and expanded flight connections from Europe have increased international interest in the city. For visitors seeking history, music, and to learn about Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is a uniquely interesting city.

In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Salvador has stunning beaches and nearby islands to visit. It also brings a strong culinary identity shaped by West African influence. The upper and lower city are connected by historic infrastructure, and daily life centres around markets, churches and waterfront areas. Street food vendors and established restaurants both feature traditional Bahian dishes, while music and capoeira performances remain part of the culture.

Main Attractions in Salvador

• Pelourinho for colonial architecture and churches

• Elevador Lacerda connecting the upper city to the lower city and the Mercado Modelo

• Praia do Flamengo a beautiful beach with white sand, ideal for surfing

• Porto da Barra Beach for an inner-city beach to swim and relax

• Farol da Barra for sunset, often with live music

Bonito

While many nature travellers focus on the Amazon, Bonito, located near the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, offers a structured and accessible alternative for those seeking rivers, caves and wildlife experiences. It operates under a controlled ecotourism model with daily visitor limits for many attractions, which has helped maintain water clarity and environmental standards. As demand grows for nature based travel with defined infrastructure, Bonito continues to gain profile.

Activities include snorkelling in the Rio da Prata and Rio Sucuri, known for high water visibility, and exploring Gruta do Lago Azul, a cave with a deep blue underground lake. Abismo Anhumas offers rappelling into a cavern followed by diving or snorkelling. Most excursions are booked through accredited agencies, and the town centre has restaurants serving regional beef and freshwater fish.

Main Attractions in Bonito

• Rio da Prata and Rio Sucuri for snorkeling in a crystal clear turquoise river

• Gruta do Lago Azul for caves and and underground lake

• Abismo Anhumas for rappelling and cavern diving

• Buraco das Araras a deep sinkhole filled with birds and wildlife

Parintins

Parintins is gaining recognition as a major cultural festival destination beyond the major carnival destinations of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. Located on Tupinambarana Island deep in the Amazon Rainforest, the city is best known for the annual Festival de Parintins, a three day folklore festival held each June, that features a competition between the Garantido and Caprichoso. If you missed Carnival season in Brazil, the Boi-Bumbá also offers large scale floats, music, dancing, and costumes. You can visit the Bumbódromo arena, where the performances take place, and learn about the symbolism and history behind the two competing groups.

Aside from the festival itself, Parintins offers insight into Amazonian river culture and community life. Boat excursions along the Amazon River and visits to nearby riverside communities are possible, or continue on by slow-boat to Santarem or Belem. Access is only by flight or an overnight boat journey from Manaus.

Main Attractions in Parintins

• Bumbódromo for Festival de Parintins performances

• Festival de Parintins held annually in late June

• Amazon River boat excursions to surrounding river communities

• Riverfront markets selling regional foods and handicrafts

Is it safe to travel Brazil?

In short, yes, with some basic precautions. Brazil is a large country with significant regional differences in crime rates and infrastructure. Safety risks are higher big cities, where issues such as petty theft and phone snatching are more common. Smaller towns, including many smaller beach communities and national park areas, tend to have low crime levels and feel safe for visitors.

Most travellers have a safe trip, by taking some simple practical steps. Avoid displaying valuables and jewellery, carry only the cash you need, and stay aware of your surroundings. Use official transport such as Uber or the metro, and avoid walking alone at night.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil