Brazil: 5 Places to See from Rio to Iguazu Falls
Explore Brazil's most iconic destinations across 1,865 km, from the natural wonder of Iguazu Falls to the colonial charm of Ouro Preto, vibrant São Paulo, and the biodiverse Pantanal wetlands. This route connects South America's top attractions spanning from the northeast to the southeast regions.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls
- End
- Pantanal
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls
- São Paulo — Largest city in Brazil
- Ouro Preto — Picturesque and well-preserved colonial town nestled in the mountains
- Rio de Janeiro — Famous for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Christ the Redeemer, and Copacabana Beach
- Pantanal — World's largest wetland in Western Brazil, extending into Bolivia and Paraguay
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Explore Jericoacoara on horseback or in dune buggies to see the most scenery, as the area features beautiful beaches, dunes, and lagoons.
- Tip
- Visit the Brazília Cathedral with its distinctive glass roof resembling hands reaching to heaven; explore the planned city's green spaces and peaceful parks.
- Tip
- Wander the cobbled streets of Ouro Preto's old town to experience 18th century churches dotted on hilltops in this well-preserved colonial gold rush town.
- Tip
- Visit Lençóis Maranhenses to see golden dunes rolling into turquoise lagoons; it's surprisingly off the beaten path with fewer crowds.
- Tip
- Explore Paraty's historic center with cobbled streets and multicolored colonial houses, plus two colonial defense forts with original walls and cannons.
- Tip
- Visit the Enchanted Pool in Chapada Diamantina National Park and see Brazil's highest waterfall at 380m with dramatic mountain ranges and sweeping valleys.
- Tip
- In Olinda, browse colonial churches, colorful old houses, and numerous artisan studios selling paintings and handicrafts in this preserved colonial city.
- Tip
- Visit the Pantanal to see wildlife guaranteed; capybara and caiman are present in millions, and it has one of the largest jaguar populations in the Americas.
- Tip
- In Manaus, visit the opera house and the meeting of the waters where two different colored parts of the Amazon River meet before heading into the jungle.
- Timing
- Visit Salvador during Carnival to experience its vibrant art scene and rich Afro-Brazilian culture at its most intoxicating.
Video on this route
15 Best Places to Visit in Brazil - Travel Video