The first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions Brazil is probably Carnival in Rio, Copacabana Beach and lots of beautiful girls. Not far from the truth at all! As the fifth largest country in the world, there are many fantastic places to see in Brazil, starting from the beautiful beaches, the untouched wilderness of the Amazon rainforests and many cultural and historic sites.

Here are top 15 tourist attractions in Brazil that will make your trip truly memorable.

1. Jericoara – Ceará

This small fishing village, located in the northwest state of Ceará – far from traffic jam and urban noise, is one of the most beautiful, secluded spots in Brazil. You get the chance to watch the stunning sunrise from the hammock in crystal clear water and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.

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2. Porto de Galinhas

Must be an unforgettable experience to swim among these coral reefs and watch plenty of fish by your side. The photo below explains why this beach was nominated several times as one of the most magnificent beaches in Brazil.

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3. Gruta do Lago Azul

Discovered in 1924 by the local Indians, this 200 ft deep cave is one of the largest flooded cavities in the world. Feels like another dimension being surrounded with stalactites and stalagmites all around you and incredibly clear blue water shimmering in the light. Also known as Blue Lake Grotto, it is believed that saber-toothed tiger and giant ground sloths once lived there 10,000 years ago. Their fossils were discovered on the bottom of the lake by the cave divers.

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4. Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul

This is one of the largest wetland ecosystems, rich in wildlife like anywhere else and diverse aquatic plants. Jaguar, marsh deer, hyacinth macaw, maned wolf and crowned solitary eagle are just some of the rarest animals that inhabit this area.

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5. Fernando de Noronha

As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the number of visitors per day is limited to 460 and there is a small environmental tax to pay. This amazing archipelago consists of 21 islets, of which only the biggest one is populated. It is the perfect place for divers and snorkelers, place where you can see many sea turtles and dolphins. Pristine beaches and breathtaking beauty has made the archipelago one of the top honeymoon destinations.

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6. Iguazu Falls

Between the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay stretch the majestic Iguazu Falls. Bigger and wider than The Victoria and Niagara Falls, the Iguazu Falls consist of more than 200 smaller waterfalls. They can be reached from all three countries – from the Brazilian side, tourists can experience the power of the falls on a long walkway through the canyon.

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7. Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer

Perhaps, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is situated at the very peak of Corcovado Mountain. It’s become a famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro, along with the beautiful beaches down there. The view is simply spectacular. You have to see it – to believe it!

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8. Olinda, Pernambuco

Located in the northeastern part of the country, Olinda is considered one of the best-preserved colonial cities. Many of the monuments find their place on the list of World Heritage Sites as well. The city has a rich culture and history, especially the downtown area. There is also their traditional Carnival that looks like the one in Portugal.

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9. Cathedral of Brasilia

This futuristically-looking cathedral, a work of Oscar Niemeyer, is the first monument of this kind in the city of Brasilia. There are four bronze statues in front of the entrance, symbolizing the evangelists, and three suspended angels inside. The ceiling of the cathedral is made of 36,000 pieces of stained glass, evoking a tremendous sense of awe.

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10. Amazon River

The second longest river in the world, the Amazon is home to around 3,000 species of fish. Amazonia National Park is the world’s most important ecosystem and biggest natural reserve. The best time to visit it is between July and December. We suggest you to try one of the boat tours and enjoy the beautiful landscapes all around.

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11. Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is among the most popular tourist attractions in Brazil – not only for the Carneval, but also for the gorgeous beaches where you can get almost anything. Of course, number 1 is Copacabana Beach that stretches from Avenida Princesa Isabel to Copacabana Fortress. It has the reputation of one of the most picked destinations, the perfect place to see many good-looking people.

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12. Canoa Quebrada, Ceará

Believed to having been discovered by the hippiesin the 70’s, the beach is slowly becoming more and more popular among the tourists. It is located in the northeastern country of Ceará, where many locals still work as fishermen. The dunes and sandstone cliffs are the biggest landmarks of this part of Brazil.

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13. Rio Carnival

Welcome to the biggest party in the world! During the four days of this celebration Rio de Janeiro is probably the most crowded place on Earth. More than a half million of tourists from around the globe come to experience the madness of the most popular carnival. There, it’s all about dancing, it’s all about samba!

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14. Botanical Garden of Curitiba

It is a major tourist spot and one of the symbols of the city of Curitiba. The greenhouse inside is as beautiful as its surroundings. The visitors can enjoy various types of plants and flowers all at one place.

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15. Itacare, Bahia

Located in the state of Bahia, Itacare is a small beach town just south of its capital city of Salvador. Famous for white sandy beaches, it is also a popular spot for adventure seekers and surfers. The weather and the water is warm throughout the whole year, making it the perfect place for swimming, surfing or diving. There are also many secret beaches and natural lagoons ideal for children.

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