Brazil has 26 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include waterfalls and dune landscapes, archaeological sites, distinctive urban planning and historic coastal towns. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first which of these themes you want to shape your journey.
Waterfalls, Dunes and Wildlife
In Iguaçu National Park, the waterfall system stretches for almost three kilometers, with vertical drops of up to 80 meters. The park’s rich wildlife is also part of its natural heritage. Endangered and especially vulnerable species include jaguars, giant otters and giant anteaters.
In Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a white coastal dune field dotted with temporary and permanent lagoons shapes the landscape. It covers more than half of the national park. For orientation, the nearest airports are São Luís and Parnaíba; the main gateway towns are Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro do Maranhão. Transport connections can change, so check them before your trip. The national park is also part of the Rota das Emoções, a tourist route linking major destinations along the coasts of Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão.
Urban Planning and Cultural Landscapes
Brasília is a defining example of 20th-century modernist urban planning. The city was laid out along a monumental east-west axis and a curved north-south axis. The urban design concept is especially evident at Praça dos Três Poderes and along the Esplanada dos Ministérios.
The UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of Rio de Janeiro extends from the highest points of the mountains in Tijuca National Park to the sea. It includes Corcovado, with its famous statue of Christ, and the Botanical Garden, founded in 1808. This combination of mountains, city and sea offers a different perspective from Brasília’s clearly planned axial layout.
The Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity World Heritage area encompasses Paraty’s historic center, four protected areas of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and part of the Serra da Bocaina. Paraty’s historic center is one of Brazil’s best-preserved coastal towns. Part of the Caminho do Ouro lies within the boundaries of Serra da Bocaina National Park and offers another historic point of interest.
Indigenous Culture and Hiking Trails
Monte Pascoal National Park and Historic Site encompass the first part of Brazil sighted by Portuguese navigators. Visitors can take part in Indigenous cultural events and sample Indigenous cuisine there. Visitors must hire an Indigenous guide to access the hiking trails in Monte Pascoal National Park and Historic Site. This can be arranged in advance by appointment or directly at the entrance.
The Trilha Subida ao Monte Pascoal is 3,400 meters long in total; the stated walking time for the round trip is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Trilha do Jequitibá passes through lush Atlantic rainforest. The Trilha do Poço Sagrado leads to Txãg'rú Mirawê, a small pool that is among the sources of the Rio Corumbau.
Trails and Regional Products
The Caminhos da Ibiapaba section begins at the visitor center of Ubajara National Park. It follows the Trilha Cara Suja to viewpoints and springs, then continues to Cachoeira da Pinguruta. In the region of traditional mills, visitors can then experience the artisanal production of cachaça and sugarcane products such as rapadura, Tijolim and batidas. Growing and artisanal production of shade-grown coffee are also among the experiences described. The rural businesses involved may change; check in advance which stops are included in a visit.
Discover more destinations: Canguaretama, Majorlândia, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Bahia, Alagoas, Ceará, Rio Grande Do Sul, Paraná, Rio De Janeiro, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Distrito Federal Do Brasil, Rondônia, Rio Grande Do Norte, Amazonas, Maranhão, Pernambuco, Acre, Sergipe, Paraiba, Tocantins, Goias, Pará, Amapá, Piauí, Roraima
