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How to See Brazil off the Beaten Path, According to a Top Travel Advisor

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 7:32 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Beyond the Beaches: Unveiling Brazil’s Hidden Treasures

When most travelers think of Brazil, images of Rio’s Copacabana, the pulsating energy of São Paulo, or the Amazon’s misty canopy come to mind. Yet, Brazil’s sheer breadth hides a constellation of lesser‑known wonders that beckon the curious explorer. Travel + Leisure’s “Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path Brazil” dives into ten such destinations, each offering a slice of culture, nature, or history that feels almost too good to be true. Below is a comprehensive guide distilled from that feature, enriched by additional insights from linked resources.

1. Chapada dos Veadeiros – The Soul of Cerrado

Nestled in the heart of the cerrado biome, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is a sanctuary of granite plateaus, crystal‑clear rivers, and a rainbow of flora. The article highlights the park’s iconic waterfalls—Cachoeira da Lua, Cachoeira do Segredo, and Cachoeira do Gato—each accessible via well‑maintained trails that reward hikers with mist‑kissed scenery and secluded coves.

Travel + Leisure recommends visiting during the dry season (May to September) for clearer paths and vivid sunsets over the plateau. A guided tour, though pricier than a solo trek, offers deeper context on local indigenous communities and the park’s ecological significance. A linked piece on the Cachoeira do Gato details its 30‑meter plunge and the best times to capture the water’s golden hue.

2. Lençóis Maranhenses – The Desert of Water

This UNESCO‑listed national park is a surreal landscape where white sand dunes meet a mosaic of lagoons that appear during the rainy season (January to May). Each year the park blooms in turquoise, creating a kaleidoscope that attracts photographers and dreamers alike. The Travel + Leisure article emphasizes the “miracle” of seeing fresh lagoons after a rainstorm, urging travelers to bring swimsuits and a camera.

A referenced guide to the Manga Lagoon explains the best viewpoints—such as the Cave of the Dragon—and suggests a stay in the nearby town of São Paulo de Anapu for authentic local cuisine. The piece also advises visiting São Paulo de Anapu only during the wet season to experience the lagoon’s full glory.

3. Morro de São Paulo – A Coral‑Colored Paradise

Off the coast of the state of Paraíba lies Morro de São Paulo, an idyllic archipelago where coral reefs, hidden coves, and black‑sand beaches combine to form an untouched paradise. The article spotlights the island’s Cave of the Whale, a limestone cave that, according to legend, once sheltered a solitary blue whale.

Travelers are urged to use the ferry from João Pessoa or a chartered boat to reach the island, and the linked “Morro de São Paulo ferry schedules” page lists departure times and seasonal variations. The article underscores the importance of staying in eco‑friendly lodging, as Morro de São Paulo is part of a protected marine reserve.

4. Ouro Preto – A Colonial Jewel in Minas Gerais

The old mining town of Ouro Preto, famed for its baroque churches and gold‑infused history, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The feature highlights São João del Ponto and Cathedral of São João del Ponto, whose gold‑plated façades shimmer under the subtropical sun. The town’s cobblestone streets invite leisurely strolls and a taste of Minas Gerais’ famed “pão de queijo” and “feijão tropeiro.”

A linked “Ouro Preto itinerary” suggests a three‑day visit: day one exploring the colonial churches, day two hiking to Cerro do Bom Jesus, and day three a day trip to the nearby town of Paracatu to see the famous gold‑leaf mosaics.

5. Paraty – The Charcoal‑Burnt Coastal Town

Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro’s lush Atlantic Forest, boasts a perfectly preserved colonial architecture. The article mentions the town’s Arcos da Lapa and Casa da Cultura, as well as the Paraty Museum. The surrounding Ilha do Três Corujas is a sanctuary for dolphins and a popular spot for kayaking.

Travel + Leisure advises taking a guided bike tour of the town’s historic center, which offers a deeper understanding of the local history and an opportunity to taste the famed cachaça produced in nearby distilleries. The linked “Paraty bike tour guide” offers a map and a schedule of local festivals.

6. Chapada dos Guimarães – The Rocky Playground

Located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Chapada dos Guimarães is a playground of canyons, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The feature highlights Mirante da Pedra Branca for its panoramic view over the Vale dos Gira. The Cachoeira da Pérola is another must‑see, renowned for its emerald‑green pool.

A recommended two‑day itinerary, found in the linked “Chapada dos Guimarães travel guide,” includes a sunrise hike to Mirante da Pedra Branca, a midday swim at Cachoeira da Pérola**, and a night under the stars at a nearby eco‑lodging.

7. Iguaçu – The Lesser‑Known Falls

While the Iguaçu Falls on the Argentine side are famed worldwide, the Brazilian side offers a different perspective. The article encourages exploring Tango Falls, a smaller, but equally majestic cascade, and the Catarata do Itaipu, a towering wall of water that is a spectacular sight during the rainy season. A linked “Iguaçu Falls best viewpoints” page provides GPS coordinates for the best photo ops.

For those looking to blend nature with culture, the article recommends visiting the Iguaçu National Park and taking a guided tour that explains the geological history of the falls.

8. Pata Jato – The Amazon’s Secret Village

Hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest, Pata Jato is a remote village that offers an authentic indigenous experience. The article describes the village’s Mundurau dance performances and the annual Canoe Race that draws competitors from across the region. The linked “Pata Jato travel logistics” page details the river routes from Belém and the best time of year (dry season) to avoid flooding.

The guide also highlights the local cuisine—particularly the pato‑no‑arroz (duck cooked in a pot), a culinary delight that is both flavorful and deeply rooted in the community’s traditions.

9. São Sebastião da Grama – The City of Light

A small fishing town in Pernambuco, São Sebastião da Grama earned its nickname “Cidade da Luz” because its inhabitants create glowing lanterns from shells. The article suggests a sunset walk along the beach and a visit to the Santo Agostinho chapel, which houses a unique collection of shell mosaics.

A recommended day itinerary, found in the linked “São Sebastião da Grama guide,” includes a sunrise hike up the hill for sunrise, lunch at a local seafood shack, and a nighttime lantern‑making workshop.

10. Arraial do Santo Antonio – The Ghostly Town

Set on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic, Arraial do Santo Antonio is a former mining town now standing empty, save for the echo of its past. The article details the Fortaleza do Santo Antonio, the remnants of its fortifications, and the Museu do Ribeirão that chronicles the lives of the miners.

Travel + Leisure suggests a twilight exploration, where the moonlit ruins create an eerie, almost cinematic atmosphere. A linked “Arraial do Santo Antonio ghost tour” recommends bringing a flashlight and a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Practical Tips for the Off‑beat Adventurer

Final Thoughts

Brazil’s grandeur extends far beyond its famous coastlines and metropolitan hubs. From the crystalline lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses to the haunting ruins of Arraial do Santo Antonio, each hidden gem offers a unique narrative that enriches the traveler’s experience. The Travel + Leisure feature, paired with the supplementary links, provides a roadmap for those ready to chart a course less traveled. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a leisure traveler seeking deeper cultural immersion, Brazil’s off‑the‑beaten‑path destinations promise memories that will linger long after the return journey.