The 5 Most Underrated Places in Brazil

When travelers think of Brazil, Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, Bahia’s beaches, and the Iguazú Falls usually come to mind. While these iconic sites are worth visiting, they barely scratch the surface of what this vast country (it’s larger than the continental United States) has to offer. Here are five lesser-known destinations for those craving an authentic glimpse of Brazil.

1. The Cerrado

Often overshadowed by biomes like Amazonia and Pantanal, the Cerrado is South America’s ancient savannah, teeming with wildlife like maned wolves and giant anteaters. It’s also Brazil’s most threatened ecosystem, as it’s in the heart of the country’s agricultural business. Trijunção Lodge offers luxurious safari-style lodging and immersive access to the landscape. Their new Skybeds, the first of their kind in South America, let you sleep beneath a star-strewn sky, surrounded by nature, with five-star comfort.

2. Inhotim

Inhotim is a world-class open-air contemporary art museum in the state of Minas Gerais within 140 acres of landscaped botanical gardens. Works by global artists like Yayoi Kusama stand alongside Brazilian masters such as Adriana Varejão and Hélio Oiticica. Art lovers can arrange curator-led tours paired with private studio visits in Rio and São Paulo. At least two days are needed to absorb the full scope of the museum, so fortunately the Clara Arte Hotel is in the park itself. This newly opened property blends minimalist design with sophisticated accommodation and sweeping views.

3. Alter do Chão

Dubbed the “Caribbean of the Amazon,” Alter do Chão is a laidback jungle town with a beach feel, located where the Tapajós River joins the Amazon. The most comfortable way to explore this region is aboard a private luxury riverboat—think of it as your own floating boutique hotel. With personalized service, expert guides, and chef-prepared meals, you’ll drift through mirror-flat waters to discover hidden beaches and forest communities. Visit between August and December when the river recedes to reveal its most enchanting landscapes.

4. Chapada dos Veadeiros

This region in central Brazil is full of plateaus, quartz-filled trails, and dramatic waterfalls, making it an exceptional hiking destination. It’s also a mecca for esoteric seekers, drawn by its reputed ley lines and UFO legends—the town of Alto Paraíso even boasts a “discoporto,” a runway for flying saucers! While luxury accommodations are scarce, Dehouche works with a fully-serviced private villa in Alto Paraíso that’s ideal for groups seeking exclusivity, tailoring guided hikes for all fitness levels, from gentle waterfall circuits to multi-day treks with overnight camping.

5. Alagoas

While Bahia’s beaches steal the spotlight, the nearby state of Alagoas is a quiet rival, offering some of Brazil’s most idyllic coastline. Coconut groves, warm natural tide pools, and sandbars stretch into calm turquoise seas. Known as the “Coral Coast,” it’s home to one of the continent’s longest natural barrier reefs, which also makes it one of the few spots on Brazil’s coastline with calm waters that are perfect for swimming. My favourite luxury property is the boutique Casa Brasileira with private access to Patacho beach. I often recommend this region for those looking for reliable beach weather a little earlier in Brazil’s summer season (i.e. September toNovember), as it has a warmer, drier climate than the southeast of the country.

Paul Irvine is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Switzerland and France. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Preston at [email protected].