Brazil is the 5th biggest country in the world, and it really is a land of extremes. Vibrant carnivals, cities packed full of iconic landmarks right on the beach, and the Amazon’s flora and fauna are just a few of the reasons to visit this incredible country.  In this article, we’ll take a look at 7 of the most popular landmarks in Brazil and give you the inside track on them. Then, you can decide which ones you want to visit and the easiest way to travel around Brazil and really make the most of your trip!   

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

 
Brazil is a land of extremes, contrasts and diversity / Photo: Source
  When you think of Brazilian landmarks, Christ the Redeemer is probably the first one that springs to mind. And it’s not hard to see why! This huge art deco statue of Jesus Christ watches over the city of Rio de Janeiro from the top of Mount Corcovado. You can either hike up through Tijuca National Park or take the Corcovado Railway to the summit of the 709 metre hill. Head up during the day to see the entire city and the bay below Christ’s 28 metre outstretched arms. At night, you can see it from pretty much anywhere in the city thanks to its bright glow!  There are several iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. The others are Sugar Loaf Mountain (which you get a great view of from Christ the Redeemer), Copacabana Beach, and the national football stadium – the Maracana!    Travel Tip: Discover the magic of the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro with the Highlights of Rio Private Tour we have designed for you!    

The Amazon Rainforest

 
The Amazon is the largest remaining tropical rainforest in the world and produces 20% of the world's oxygen / Photo: Source
  Where do you even start with this incredible rainforest, also known as the lungs of the world? Well, a good place is the city of Manaus. It’s the capital of Brazil’s enormous Amazonas Region and the jumping off point for exploring the Amazon. Close to the city, you can see the natural phenomenon “The Meeting of the Waters”. This is where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy brown waters of the Solimões River and run side by side for about 6km.  In the city itself, don’t miss the Teatro Amazonas Renaissance style theatre. This incredible landmark seems a bit out of place in a city so close to the rainforest! While you’re here, you may as well stay in a jungle eco lodge too and take part in activities like piranha fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and trying to spot elusive Amazon wildlife such as jaguars and caimans!  

Foz do Iguaçu

 
No trip to Brazil is complete without a visit to las Cataratas del Iguazú. Is an immersion experience in the nature / Photo: Source
  What's more impressive than a waterfall? Perhaps the 275 waterfalls found on the triple border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay! That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Foz do Iguaçu (the Iguaçu Falls). Although it’s not the tallest or the widest waterfall in the world, it’s certainly one of the most impressive. To get the best views of the falls (which naturally, are on the Brazilian side), use the catwalks and towers strategically positioned around. Don’t miss the Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat) – the largest of all the waterfalls. You can cross over into the Argentinian and Paraguayan sides of the falls too. It’s a great place to spend a day or two as the falls are surrounded by the UNESCO listed Iguaçu Natonal Park, home to indigenous flora and fauna.  

Cidade Alta, Salvador

 
Cidade Alta was the first capital of colonial Brazil, has everything to attract attention / Photo: Source
  Another UNESCO World Heritage site? Surely not. However, once you see the Cidade Alta of Salvador, regarded as one of the finest collections of 17th and 18th century colonial buildings in South America, you won’t be surprised. The city’s Old Quarter is known as the Pelourinho, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful monasteries and churches in all of Brazil.   If you can only visit one, head to São Francisco Church, where you’ll find intricate gold carvings and traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles. Salvador is also known for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture and being home to some of the best restaurants and beaches in Brazil!  

The modernist architecture of Brasilia

 
 Because of its unique architecture in the world, Brasilia is the only modern city to win the title of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO as a landmark of modern architecture / Photo: Source
  From some of the finest colonial architecture to the most intriguing contemporary buildings. Our next stop is Brasilia, the nation’s capital. You might think that a city that has less than 60 years of history isn’t worth a place on your Brazil itinerary, but you might want to rethink that. Built in just three years, Brasilia replaced Rio de Janeiro as the national capital in 1960. It’s one of the only cities in the world based on a single architectural concept. Brasilia’s architecture is so impressive that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage City.  Check out the Presidential Palace, the Supreme Court, and the Cathedral.  

Itambezinho Canyon

 
The famous Itaimbezinho canyon – Itaimbe in Tupi-Guarani means “cut rock” - is located in the Serra do Mar, Brazilian Highlands / Photo: Source
  Other than the Amazon, lots of the places we’ve included are manmade. And they’re right in the middle of cities! However, Brazil offers such a wealth of natural attractions that you’ll definitely want to head out of the city. One of the world leaders in eco-tourism, one of the best places to experience that is in Aparados da Serra National Park in the south of the country. There’s no deeper canyon in Brazil than Itambezinho and it’s a great place to see rare flora and fauna. Just make sure you go in the dry season!   

Museu de Arte, São Paulo

 
 "MASP" is not an ordinary art museum. It does not follow any particular route, so it allows you to tour the gallery making your own ontological journey through the world of art / Photo: Source
  If you’re into art, you won’t want to miss a visit to Sao Paulo. MASP (the Museu de Arte Sao Paulo) has the most comprehensive collection of Western art in the whole of South America. Yes, here you can admire works by Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso, to name just a few! But it’s not just what’s in the museum, it’s the building itself. It really is a beacon of modernist architecture! There are a number of other cool art museums to check out too. These include the Pavilhão da Bienal de Artes, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the Museu do Ipiranga!   That’s enough now, right?   We’re sure that after reading about the 7 most iconic landmarks in Brazil, you’ll probably be itching to get your trip booked and plan your visit to all of them and more! If you need a bit of help planning your trip, check out Daytours4u. Here, you’ll find a number of great tours in Brazil and the rest of Latin America too!   
 
By: Daniel Hall, an avid traveller, English teacher, and writer from the UK. He does a cooking class in every country he visits.