BRAZIL

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

BELO HORIZONTE (CNF/PLU)

Belo Horizonte, Brazil’s first planned modern city, is the vibrant capital of Minas Gerais, affectionately known as “Beagá.” Nestled within a ring of jagged mountains, the city is a premier destination for lovers of architecture and gastronomy. It serves as the gateway to the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, where Oscar Niemeyer’s revolutionary curves meet the lush landscapes of Roberto Burle Marx. Beyond its monuments, “BH” is celebrated as the “bar capital” of the world, boasting a legendary boteco culture. At the Mercado Central, visitors can immerse themselves in the scents of local cachaça and “pão de queijo,” while the Liberdade Cultural Circuit offers a sophisticated blend of museums housed in historic palaces.

BRASILIA (BSB)

Brasília, the purpose-built capital of Brazil, is a 20th-century modernist masterpiece designed in the shape of a soaring bird. It remains the world’s only modern city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the visionary collaboration between urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer. Visitors can explore the Monumental Axis, featuring the striking Cathedral of Brasília and the twin towers of the National Congress. Beyond its sleek concrete curves, the city offers lush superblocks, the serene Lake Paranoá, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a unique pilgrimage for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

FERNANDO DE NORONHA (FEN)

Fernando de Noronha, an exquisite volcanic archipelago off Brazil’s northeast coast, is a restricted ecological sanctuary where nature remains untouched. It is globally renowned for Baía do Sancho, frequently voted the world’s most beautiful beach. The island serves as a premier destination for sustainable tourism, offering unparalleled snorkeling alongside sea turtles, rays, and the world’s largest resident population of spinner dolphins. Visitors can explore the historic Vila dos Remédios, hike to the iconic Morro do Pico, or dive in crystal-clear waters with 50-meter visibility. With its strict daily visitor limits and charming boutique “pousadas,” Noronha offers an exclusive, high-end tropical escape.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves (alternative to Natal and Recife)

NATAL (NAT)

Natal, the sun-drenched capital of Rio Grande do Norte, is affectionately known as the “City of the Sun” for its 300 days of annual sunshine. It remains a major tourist hub, famous for the towering Morro do Careca dune at Ponta Negra Beach and the star-shaped Fortress of the Three Wise Men. Visitors can ride buggies through the rolling Genipabu Dunes, explore the world’s largest cashew tree in nearby Parnamirim, or snorkel in the crystal-clear “Brazilian Caribbean” of Maracajaú. With its blend of historic Portuguese charm and adventurous coastal landscapes, Natal is an essential northeastern gateway.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves (alternative to Fernando de Noronha and Recife)

RECIFE (REC)

Recife, the vibrant “Venice of Brazil,” is a sprawling coastal metropolis defined by its intricate network of rivers, bridges, and islands. It serves as a massive cultural and gastronomic hub, featuring the historic Recife Antigo district where colonial architecture meets the tech-forward “Porto Digital.” Visitors can explore the Ricardo Brennand Institute, a medieval-style castle housing a world-class armory, or relax on the sun-soaked sands of Boa Viagem. Famous for the frenetic rhythms of Frevo and Maracatu during its legendary Carnival, Recife offers a rich tapestry of Dutch and Portuguese heritage set against a modern urban skyline.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves (alternative to Fernando de Noronha and Natal)

RIO DE JANEIRO (GIG/SDU)

Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City,” is a vibrant coastal metropolis in Brazil renowned for its dramatic fusion of jagged granite peaks and sprawling Atlantic beaches. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is celebrated for its “Carioca Landscapes,” where urban life thrives between the lush Tijuca National Park and the sea. Visitors are captivated by iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado and the panoramic cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. From the sun-drenched sands of Copacabana and Ipanema to the rhythmic soul of samba in the Lapa district, Rio offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty and festive energy.