Amazonian forests, skyscrapers and waterfalls: What not to miss in Brazil

The mysterious and rich Brazil invites you to an incredible journey through its vast expanses, where history, culture and nature intertwine in an amazing union. This country-continent surprises with its scale and diversity: from enchanting carnivals and ancient historical monuments to the picturesque Amazon forests and Iguazu Falls.

Not only Rio de Janeiro, with its party atmosphere and pristine beaches, is popular among tourists. Paulo and El Salvador deserve special attention, where you can see a lot of interesting things, the Independent writes.

7 best places for tourists in Brazil

São Paulo

Discover São Paulo: a giant city where concrete jungles intertwine with green gardens to create a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. This city, the largest in the country, is reminiscent of Rio with its beaches and lively life but impresses with its skyscraper-covered cityscape and many artistic and cultural centres.

São Paulo is the economic and cultural centre of the State of São Paulo, a place where history, art and culture merge in amazing harmony. Immerse yourself in a variety of museums that touch on topics from football to Afro-Brazilian history, and enjoy works of art at the city's Museu de Arte and Pina Luz, which features works from El Greco to contemporary masters.

For some solitude, visit Ibirapuera Park, the city's largest green space, or immerse yourself in sophistication on Rua Oscar Freire, considered Brazil's equivalent of Fifth Avenue. Climb the skyscrapers to enjoy the magnificent views: Farol Santander or Edificio Italia offers breathtaking panoramas of this skyscraper city.

Manaus and the Amazon

Manaus, the majestic gateway to the heart of the Amazon, attracts travellers with its rich history and access to one of the least explored parts of this rainforest. About 10 percent of the world's biodiversity is concentrated here in the emerald maze of the Amazon, offering cruises and jungle exploration for the most adventurous travellers.

The city of Manaus, the capital of the Amazon with a population of more than a million people, is adorned with a majestic 19th-century theatre and the Adolfo Duca Botanical Garden, which covers an area of 100 square kilometres. It is also the site of the "Meeting of the Waters," where the dark waters of the Rio Negro meet the brown waters of the Rio Solimões.

But the true greatness of Manaus is associated with the Amazon. This mystical forest remains virtually unexplored and has magnificent wildlife that attracts only a few and even fewer people who know it. June is the best time to visit it as the rains subside, the water level is optimal for wildlife watching, and there are many opportunities for cruises and jungle lodge stays.

Iguazu Park

The Iguazu National Park, a crown of beauty at the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is a breathtaking sight. This system of 275 waterfalls inspires with the wonders of nature as water roars and pours from the rocks, and the green mountain peaks are complemented by iridescent hues over the murky water.

Although only 20% of the waterfalls are located in Brazil, the remaining 80% are in Argentina, where they are known as Iguazu. The city of Foz do Iguazu is becoming the best entry point to the Brazilian part of this amazing natural ensemble, providing panoramic views, while the Argentine side offers up-close encounters with the falls on guided river excursions.

But the real gem is the Devil's Throat Falls, a drop of about 260 feet high and nearly 500 feet wide. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this majestic view that leaves you breathless and feeling the majesty of nature in all its power.

El Salvador

Bahia, with its temperate climate, is one of the most picturesque and popular destinations in Brazil for tourists. Salvador de Bahia, the colonial capital of Portugal, reveals its importance and uniqueness in a modern image. Here, Afro-Brazilian culture, natural beauty and bright colours are intertwined with rhythm and colonial shades, creating a unique atmosphere.

The city begins on the shores of the Bay of All Saints with long beaches of golden sand surrounded by tropical islands and fishing villages. Ancient architecture is hidden among the skyscrapers, especially in Pelourinho, the historic city centre, which is adorned with colourful colonial architecture. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is steeped in Afro-Brazilian culture, from capoeira schools to street food and cultural centres. The Brasileiro Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology are nearby.

The Maritime Museum offers a dive into the city's medieval history, showcasing the 18th-century NS do Bonfim Church, Largo do Pelourinho Square, and the Santo Antonio da Barra Fort. Salvador is also famous for the second most popular carnival in Brazil, creating a unique festive mood for visitors if they get here at the right time.

Pantanal

The Pantanal wetlands, stretching across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, are a unique corner of nature. It is a vast tropical area, famous as the largest flooded grasslands and wetlands in the world. The Pantanal, along with the Amazon, is considered one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Brazil, attracting nature lovers from all over the world.

Its landscape is full of dense vegetation and wildlife, including jaguars, crocodiles and more than 656 species of birds. From June to September, it is a prime time to get to know the local fauna, with a variety of off-road and river tours providing opportunities to encounter the wildlife. For any level of experience, whether you're a beginner photographer or an experienced explorer, there are accommodation and excursion options to see the Big Five Brazil: jaguars, anteaters, tapirs, giant otters and wolves.

Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto, which literally translates from Portuguese as "black gold," was the largest city in South America during the gold rush era. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, it was the state capital until 1897 and today is located near the modern state capital, Belo Horizonte.

It is a city with a storied history of mines and gold discoveries, surrounded by steep hills and creeks, which hindered its further development. However, this gave it a unique colonial architectural appearance. Ouro Preto's architectural style is reminiscent of some Portuguese cities, with intricate facades, reddish-brown roofs, and pastel colours adorning the historic UNESCO-listed buildings.

Ouro Preto is a less-visited and smaller city, making it a great option for combining a trip with Belo Horizonte. The visit includes a tour of religious buildings, an immersion in Brazilian history through museums such as the Oratory Museum, and the opportunity to visit Minas de Passage, the world's largest mine accessible to tourists.