Brazil · best-of list
The 9 Best Outdoor Spots in Brazil
All 9 outdoor spots our route editors picked in Brazil, across 3 destinations, gathered in one list. 6 come with an insider tip, and 6 cost nothing to visit.
Our curated picks
9 outdoor spots in Brazil, grouped by destination. Destinations with the most picks come first; this is not a ranking.
Ilha Grande 4 picks
Cachoeira da Feiticeira
Ilha Grande · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Waterfall about 1.5 hours' walk from Abraão, with a pool for a cool swim.
Photo: Rafael Enoque · Google
Lagoa Azul
Ilha Grande · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Shallow lagoon between islets with clear water for snorkeling, usually on a boat tour.
Tip: Join an early tour to avoid the midday boat crowd.
Photo: Julien Glv · Google
Lagoa Verde
Ilha Grande · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Emerald cove on the west side of the island, good for snorkeling among fish.
Photo: Mana Teixeira · Google
Lopes Mendes
Ilha Grande · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Long white-sand beach on the ocean side, reached by trail or boat plus a short walk.
Tip: Take the boat to Pouso and walk 15 minutes; bring water and food.
Photo: Walter Heinze · Google
Rio de Janeiro 3 picks
Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Famous beach divided by lifeguard posts, with Dois Irmãos peaks at the far end.
Tip: Watch sunset from Arpoador rock; locals clap when the sun drops.
Photo: Sadam Jraibah · Google
Jardim Botânico
Rio de Janeiro · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Botanical garden founded in 1808, known for its avenue of imperial palms.
Photo: feliven · CC BY 2.0
Tijuca National Park
Rio de Janeiro · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
One of the world's largest urban forests, with waterfalls and trails to Pico da Tijuca.
Tip: Hike with a guide or in a group.
Photo: Halley Pacheco de Oliveira · CC BY-SA 3.0
Paraty 2 picks
Cachoeira do Tobogã
Paraty · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Smooth rock slide into a river pool in the village of Penha.
Tip: Watch locals first; the rock is slippery.
Photo: José Olavo Cerávolo · Google
Trindade
Paraty · On our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route
Fishing village with beaches and the Piscina Natural do Cachadaço, a tidal pool under boulders.
Tip: Go at low tide for the natural pool.
Photo: Nivaldo Júnio · Google
How we picked these
Every entry is a stop on at least one of TripsCircle's hand-curated routes, chosen by our route editors, who wrote the reason to go shown with each place. These are our curated picks, not a scored ranking: we haven't rated or reviewed them against each other. The list is grouped by destination, and within each destination places that appear on more routes come first.
Prices ($ to $$$$) and visit lengths are rough guides from our route notes, not quotes. Check opening hours before you go.
About this list
How did you choose the outdoor spots in Brazil?
Each one is a stop on a TripsCircle route that our editors built by hand, and each comes with a written reason to go. This page shows all 9 of them. They are curated picks, not a ranked score.
Which part of Brazil has the most outdoor spots on this list?
Ilha Grande has the most (4 of 9), followed by Rio de Janeiro (3) and Paraty (2).
Are any of these free?
6 picks on this list are marked free in our route notes: Ipanema Beach, Cachoeira do Tobogã, Lopes Mendes, Tijuca National Park, Trindade, and more. Check ahead, since parking or special exhibits can cost extra.
More lists for Brazil
Best outdoor spots nearby
Destinations on this list
- Ilha Grande 4 on this list
- Rio de Janeiro 3 on this list
- Paraty 2 on this list
Turn this list into a plan
Open a curated route in TripsCircle, add the spots your crew wants, vote with polls and keep everyone on one shared itinerary.