I am not a huge enthusiast of top destination lists as they usually drive everyone to conventional places because they are trendy or cheaper. I think diversity, uniqueness, creative choices and the unconventional are always more stimulating experiences.
But after a lot of thinking and research, I have decided to share this creative list of destinations in Brazil as I believe they are off the beaten track, remote or a truly gem for ecotourists, adventurers and nature lovers.
Check out these 10 ecotourism destinations in Brazil that you must visit one day:
- Serra do Roncador, Mato Grosso
A region surrounded by fables, mysticism and beauty located in the most central point of Brazil. Serra do Roncador begins in the municipality of Barra do Garças, in Mato Grosso, and ends in Serra do Cachimbo, in the northern state of Pará, mixing plateaus with a mountain range of imposing rock formations and numerous caves, rock inscriptions and turquoise underground lakes. The area is not yet a popular destination, but it is a fascinating invitation for eco-adventurers, mystical explorers and nature lovers.
- Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas
Presidente Figueiredo is a municipality located in the metropolitan area of Manaus, Amazonas’s state capital. It is known as the “Land of the Waterfalls” due to its more than 150 falls surrounded by rivers, rapids, caves and astonishing rainforest that is the backdrop for activities such as rafting, kayaking, aqua riding, zip lining, rappelling, bird watching and trekking.
- Pau Brasil National Park, Bahia
Founded in April 1999 and set in the Costa do Descobrimento (Discovery Coast), in Porto Seguro, Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil finally opened its doors for public visitation on April 2016. The National Park embraces 47 thousand acres of Atlantic Rainforest, the most threated biome in the country. It also has six trekking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, extraordinary birds and the “Brazil wood refuge”, which gather young and millenary trees.
- Três Coroas, Rio Grande do Sul
Três Coroas is only 40 minutes away from famed Gramado, in the South Highlands, but only a few people know it. It is a paradise for eco tourists that use the Paranhana River for rafting and canoeing practices. Private and public parks, set amid the amazing green of the highlands, offer infrastructure and activities for families, such as zip line, canopy, rappelling, archery and much more.
- Monte Verde, Minas Gerais
Surrounded by the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira, Monte Verde in the state of Minas Gerais is a small city set at 1.600 meters high. It resembles the architecture, the charisma and the atmosphere of some small European villages. Monte Verde invites you for a rural tourism adventure, by visiting old farms with trekking trails, horse riding and amazing typical food.
- Ilha do Marajó, Pará
Brazil’s largest island and the largest fluvial island in the world is becoming popular for its uniqueness. Located in the North of the country, at the mouth of the Amazon River, it holds beautiful secluded beaches and distinctive villages. Beyond the eco tourism, Ilha do Marajó allures those who love different cultures by exploring the local food and craftwork, meeting fascinating people and even seeing a herd of water buffaloes. In October 2016, the state Government has launched a new direct flight connecting the capital, Belém, to the municipality of Soure, in the island. If you fancy a slow and inspirational tourism, consider adding Ilha do Marajó to your bucket list.
- Nobres, Mato Grosso
Nobres is frequently compared to the renowned Bonito for its crystal clear blue lakes, charming waterfalls and freshwater natural aquariums. They are set in neighbour states and offer similar activities, such as freshwater diving, snorkelling, trekking, zip lining, rappelling and wildlife watching. The great difference is that Nobres still has a more untouched atmosphere with a less developed infrastructure, which is balanced by the cheaper prices.
- Chapada das Mesas, Maranhão
Maranhão state is home to this astonishing National Park with 395 thousand acres of Brazilian Savannah. Trails and waterfalls are hidden among dazing rock formations that are an exceptional background for any photography. The highlight is the sunset at Pedra Caída (fallen rock), which has a crack resembling map of the state of Tocantins. The many trails and itineraries vary in price and difficulty level.
- Morretes, Paraná
Only one hour from Cutitiba and surrounded by the green beauty of Serra do Mar, we find the hospitable city of Morretes. Many visitors take the train from Curitiba to arrive in Morretes, on a scenic tour bordered by steep cliffs. It is a small city, but it has a lot to offer: from trails, rafting and waterfalls to a typical meat dish called Barreado.
- Caparaó National Park, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais
Parque Nacional do Caparaó, on the boarder of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states, is one of the main destinations for mountain climbers in Brazil. It is home to the third highest peak in Brazil, Pico da Bandeira, which is 2.892 meters high. Waterfalls, trails, natural swimming ponds and enchanting sunset and sunrise views are some of its appeals.
I think the word ´ecotourism´ should be abolished – it is a meaningless, undefined, unregulated and extremely misleading term. This is not just my opinion but that of many people associated with nature conservation. An acceptable expression could be ´nature tourism´. [Acho que a palavra “ecoturismo” deve ser abolida – é um termo sem sentido, indefinido, não regulamentado e extremamente enganoso. Esta não é apenas a minha opinião, mas que de muitas pessoas associadas à conservação da natureza. Uma expressão aceitável poderia ser “turismo natural”.]