![\"Rio](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/My-photo-of-Rio-de-Janeiro-views-taken-January-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"Copacabana](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Copacabana-beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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I just loved calling this fun, dynamic city my home for two years! I thought it was jaw-droppingly beautiful, with its heart-stirring views from Corcovado Mountain, the imposing Christ the Redeemer statue, golden beaches such as glamorous Copacabana and trendy Ipanema, and a skyline<\/a> framed by tree-covered peaks.<\/span><\/p>\n I was taken in by its upbeat energy \u2014 the samba rhythms, beachside buzz, and warm, welcoming spirit made it all feel very irresistible. When here, I ticked off all the touristy things – I hiked the mist-shrouded Tijuca Rainforest, admired the colorful Selar\u00f3n Steps, explored bohemian Santa Teresa, soaked up the views from iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, samba danced in bohemian Lapa, watched the dazzling Ginga Tropical show<\/a> and enjoyed a flavorful feijoada at the quirky Bar do Mineiro<\/a>! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favorite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I found myself mesmerized by this truly unique natural wonder! I discovered a breathtaking landscape of vast, surreal white sand dunes dotted with vivid turquoise lagoons \u2014 a magical sight that appeared after the rainy season. It felt serene, otherworldly, and unlike anywhere I\u2019d ever been before!<\/p>\n From my charming Reviver Hostel<\/a> base in S\u00e3o Lu\u00eds, I took a 4-hour bus to Barreirinhas, the main gateway to the park, and joined a thrilling 4×4 tour<\/a> across the dunes. I swam in the surreal, azure lagoons, cruised along the scenic Pregui\u00e7as River, visited the peaceful fishing villages of Atins and Mandacaru, and ended the day watching a spectacular sunset glow over the endless sands! I just have to mention that access is limited in the dry season (lagoons often disappear from around September to December).<\/p>\n My favourite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this beach destination was paradise-like! I discovered wide stretches of soft white sand, aquamarine waters, colorful fishing boats, and clear natural pools teeming with marine life. The vibrant village, with its colonial-style buildings and lively beachfront restaurants, gave it a charming tropical feel.<\/span><\/p>\n I was really taken with its relaxed yet fun vibe \u2014 the perfect mix of beach bliss, culture, and nightlife. After flying into Recife International Airport, I drove an hour to Porto de Galinhas and spent an idyllic week at the Insta-worthy Pousada Maracabana Spa<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n From snorkeling in clear natural pools and gliding on a jangada raft above glowing reefs to watching super-cute baby sea turtles hatch and exploring the lively, color-splashed village \u2014 every moment felt incredibly special!<\/p>\n My highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Brazil\u2019s first colonial capital, known as the \u201cCapital of Happiness,\u201d completely lived up to its name! I thought it was gorgeous, with cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, ornate churches, lively squares, and golden beaches framed by coconut palms and ocean views.<\/p>\n One thing that really struck me was its joyful Afro-Brazilian energy \u2014 a heady mix of samba rhythms, street festivals, and warm, welcoming locals. After flying into Salvador-Deputado Lu\u00eds Eduardo Magalh\u00e3es International Airport, I drove 30 minutes to the city and spent a vibrant week at the colonial-style Hotel Villa Bahia. <\/a><\/p>\n I roamed through the pastel maze of the soulful Pelourinho district, soared up the art deco Elevador Lacerda (and was treated to epic views!), unwound on the sun-soaked Porto da Barra Beach, cheered mesmerizing capoeira shows, and devoured spicy Bahian street food at the bustling Mercado Modelo. My highlight was easily catching the electrifying Carnaval Baiano though \u2014 it was a joy-soaked riot of sound and color!<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Dining at Amado Restaurant<\/a> – I loved its bayfront setting, rustic-chic decor adorned with local art, warm service, and my fragrant herbal pesto risotto topped with pistachios and char-grilled broccoli!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n I thought this vast national park was absolutely breathtaking! I discovered dramatic canyons, cascading waterfalls, ultra-clear cave pools, and mist-shrouded valleys framed by rocky plateaus and tropical forests. It felt like a remote, unspoiled paradise \u2014 both adventurous and deeply peaceful!<\/p>\n I drove six hours from Salvador to Len\u00e7\u00f3is, the main gateway, and spent five very special days exploring. I hiked to the towering Cachoeira da Fuma\u00e7a, swam in the glowing blue waters of the ethereal Po\u00e7o Azul and mystical Po\u00e7o Encantado, and explored the vast caves of otherworldly Gruta da Lapa Doce. I also trekked through the stunning Vale do Pati, climbed the dramatic Morro do Pai In\u00e1cio (the views were sublime!), and stayed in the charming colonial town of Len\u00e7\u00f3is.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought the remote little beach town of Jericoacoara was utterly charming! I found it idyllic, with wide white-sand beaches curving into calm blue waters, framed by rolling dunes, lush mangroves, and sandy streets lined with pretty thatched-roof buildings. It felt rustic, bohemian, and blissfully laid-back \u2014 a paradise without the overdevelopment!<\/p>\n I have to admit, it took some effort to get there, but it was so worth it! I flew into Fortaleza, took a 4-hour bus to Jericoacoara, and crossed sandy tracks for the final stretch, which only added to its off-the-beaten-path allure.<\/p>\n I spent a week watching windsurfers skim the turquoise waves at peaceful Praia do Pre\u00e1, climbing the cinematic Por do Sol dune, hiking to Pedra Furada\u2019s photogenic rock arch, watching captivating capoeira shows at dusk, and swimming in the clear lagoons of Para\u00edso and Azul!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favorite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is one of the largest tropical wetlands on the planet, and I discovered it was utterly photogenic! I found vast open landscapes, lush vegetation, and an incredible variety of wildlife thriving in its unique aquatic ecosystem. It felt wonderfully remote and untouched \u2014 a true off-the-beaten-track adventure filled with both peace and raw natural beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n I flew into Campo Grande, then took a four-hour guided tour bus (partly on unpaved roads) into the extraordinary wetlands, where I stayed for four unforgettable days. I went on a thrilling river safari along the remote Paraguay River, hiked with a very knowledgeable local guide, and visited traditional fazendas (ranches). I have need to mention that I came in the wet season (which is November to March) so I found the mosquitoes and humidity to be intense!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Staying at the unique Pantanal Jungle Lodge<\/a> – I really liked my bamboo-and-teak room, scenic wetland walkways, and their delicious pumpkin and coconut stew with cilantro and lemongrass!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Fernando de Noronha completely captivated me \u2014 a volcanic UNESCO World Heritage archipelago<\/a> of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and shimmering turquoise seas. I adored its peaceful, remote vibe and how carefully its pristine beauty had been protected.<\/p>\n After a two-hour flight from Natal, I arrived in this natural utopia \u2014 Fernando de Noronha \u2014 and spent four enchanting days at the beautiful casa-style Pousada do Vale<\/a>. I snorkeled in Ba\u00eda do Sancho\u2019s turquoise waters (which is often regarded as one of the world’s best beaches!), hiked to breezy Forte dos Rem\u00e9dios and gazed at ocean views, swam with gorgeous sea turtles and watched sunsets at pristine Praia do Sueste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Hanging out at the organic Noronha All Natural<\/a> – I adored the boho vibe, ocean-view hammocks, friendly owners, and tasty healthy dishes \u2014 especially the Moqueca de Palmitos and A\u00e7a\u00ed Recharge smoothie!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This world-famous series of waterfalls was just pure cinema! I was blown away by this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sheer size and power \u2014 around 275 mighty cascades thundering through lush tropical forest. Igua\u00e7u Falls felt wild, exhilarating, and truly extraordinary!<\/span><\/p>\n I flew into Foz do Igua\u00e7u International Airport, drove 30 minutes to the Falls, and spent three unforgettable days at the Insta-worthy LAS Hotel Boutique<\/a>. I felt the roar of the thundering Devil\u2019s Throat up close from the walkways, hiked through jungle-clad Iguaz\u00fa National Park<\/a>, took a thrilling boat ride beneath the cascades, and spent hours just admiring the breathtaking views from the platforms! I just saw that it could get very crowded, especially near the main viewpoints!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favourite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Hearing the almost deafening roar of the waterfalls blending with the melodic calls of tropical birds and the fresh, earthy scent of rain-soaked leaves drifting through the misty rainforest air!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Once a leper colony and prison, this tranquil, car-free island was captivating, with its mix of unspoiled beaches \u2014 from hidden sandy coves to long tropical shores backed by rainforest \u2014 and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Its laid-back, slow-paced vibe completely won me over.<\/p>\n I took a one-hour ferry from Angra dos Reis and spent four gorgeous days exploring. I wandered the fascinating ruins of eerie C\u00e2ndido Mendes Prison, hiked to the pristine Lopes Mendes Beach, snorkeled in the beautifully clear Lagoa Azul, relaxed on dreamy Aventureiro Beach, and climbed Pico do Papagaio where I admired the Insta-worthy panoramic views!<\/p>\n\n
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2. Len\u00e7\u00f3is National Park, Maranh\u00e3o<\/h2>\n
![\"Len\u00e7\u00f3is](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lencois-National-Park.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Len\u00e7\u00f3is](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lencois-National-Park-Beach.webp)
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3. Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco<\/h2>\n
![\"Porto](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Porto-de-Galinhas.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Porto](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Porto-de-Galinhas.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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4. Salvador, Bahia<\/h2>\n
![\"Salvador](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Salvador-in-Bahia.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/My-snapshot-of-Pelourinhos-colorful-facades-in-Salvador.webp)
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5. Chapada Diamantina, Bahia<\/h2>\n
![\"Chapada](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Chapada-Diamantina.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Chapada](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Chapada-Diamantina-Cave.webp)
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6. Jericoacoara, Ceara<\/h2>\n
![\"Jericoacoara](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Jericoacoara-in-Ceara.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Jericoacoara](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Jericoacoara.jpg?resize=1000%2C669&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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7. Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul<\/h2>\n
![\"Pantanal,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Pantanal-Mato-Grosso-do-Sul.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Pantanal](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Pantanal.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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8. Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco<\/h2>\n
![\"Fernando](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Fernando-de-Noronha.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Fernando](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Fernando-de-Noronha.webp)
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9. Igua\u00e7u Falls, Paran\u00e1<\/h2>\n
![\"Iguazu\u0301](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-photograph-of-Iguazu-Falls.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-shot-of-Iguazu-Falls-from-the-top.webp)
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10. Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro<\/h2>\n
![\"Ilha](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ilha-Grande-Drone-Shot.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Ilha](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ilha-Grande.webp)
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