Can’t-Miss Natural Attractions On a Walking Holiday In Brazil

As far as destinations for an exotic walking holiday go, few are as attractive as Brazil. With famously friendly natives, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of stunning scenery, the country of ‘samba’ music and world-famous carnival celebrations offers everything a keen wanderer might be looking for. When heading out to the largest country in South America there are have plenty of mandatory natural spots to ramble through; so if you are planning on visiting Brazil in the near future, make sure to include the following on your list.

The Amazon Forest. This is perhaps the most obvious of the locations discussed in this article, as far as can’t-miss attractions for a walking holiday in Brazil go. Sprawling out over an impressively large area – although nowhere near as large as it used to be, unfortunately – the Amazon forest offers everything nature-lovers find appealing about hiking holidays: first-hand contact with nature (including plenty of exotic fauna), adventure trails to explore, and the possibility of rafting or canoeing down-river for added thrills. From the home base of Manaus, it is easy to venture into the forest, and hikers visiting Brazil should not pass up on this experience.

Foz do Iguazu waterfalls. A waterfall is invariably one of the most breath-taking sights travellers will come across on the course of a walking holiday. The Iguazu Falls, in the heart of the Amazon forest between Argentina and Brazil, are among the most imposing in the world, rivalling such famous sites as Niagara Falls for sheer size and scope. These impressive torrents of water can be admired from the Brazilian side as well as the Argentinian one.

The Pantanal swamplands. In keeping with the natural theme, those who have exhausted the possibilities of the Amazon (if such a thing is possible!) and experienced the Iguazu Falls should head out to the Pantanal, the largest marsh in the world. Like the Amazon, this is an excellent location in which to come into contact with Brazil’s diverse fauna, most of which hikers will be able to see close - with a little luck and proper guidance.

Fernando de Noronha. A perfect conclusion to any nature-centric walking holiday, UNESCO World Heritage Site Fernando de Noronha is a group of 21 islands used as a natural preserve, and which serves as an example of good work for conservationists the world over. Only 4.200 visitors are allowed on the island at any given time, so those who intend to visit should make sure to get their names in early to avoid disappointment.

It is clear, then, that Brazil is much more than just the idyllic beaches and the sights of Rio de Janeiro. The country offers a treasure trove of natural beauty, which will entice any avid rambler.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a walking holiday to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.