Festivals, celebrations, crafts, music and dances in Brazil are diverse, authentic and just fascinating – and you are more than welcome to take part! We love sharing our culture, making new friends and having fun.
Supporting local artisans and artists, going to restaurants and bars with live music, visiting museums and galleries, taking walking tours, eating at local markets and participating in community-based tourism (such as in Araribá) are all very good ways to help us preserve our traditions and a key aspect of being a responsible traveler.
Brazil
World’s greatest biodiversity and cultural melting pot.
Home to the AMAZON FOREST and many other important ecosystems, such as the ATLANTIC FOREST and the Pantanal, BRAZIL is a perfect destination for your green holidays. More than that, Brazil is also ethnically and culturally diverse, which is seen in its architecture, festivals, music, and food. Being the 5th largest country in the world, Brazil differs a lot from north to south, and east to west, so one visit will probably not be enough. Brazil is a place that captures you and makes you feel that there is still so much more to explore!
Not sure where to go?
Explore the options for a responsible trip
GOOD PLACES TO VISIT
Explore destinations that were certified for their sustainability efforts
GOOD TRAVEL BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities that are committed to sustainability. Their efforts are summarised in a SCORECARD (click on the picture). For the Good Travel Seal, the higher the number of stars or the level (level 3 is the highest), the more aspects of sustainability are checked by an independent auditor.
- Accommodations
- Restaurants
- Activities
- Others
Hotel Senac Barreira Roxa
Good Travel Seal Level 2
The hotel combines the grandeur of Brazil's finest hotel developments with the charm and comfort of small hotels, featuring a regional-chic style with sophisticated touches. Located between the majestic Dunas Park and the stunning Atlantic Ocean, it offers an experience that values sustainability and seaside elegance. Every detail is carefully planned to provide a memorable stay, where guests can enjoy the best that nature and comfort have to offer.
Pousada Xamã
Good Travel Seal Level 2
Located in a privileged position, Xamã is renowned for its sustainable hospitality and ideal location. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the company is associated with the Preserve Pipa movement, ensuring the preservation of the local paradise. The team is dedicated to education, friendliness, and resilience, ensuring a welcoming experience for guests, employees, and partners, aligned with its mission to provide excellence in service with love and environmental care.
Pousada Toca da Coruja
Good Travel Seal Level 2
Toca da Coruja is the ideal destination for those seeking harmony between luxury and nature. Located at Pipa Beach in Tibau do Sul, it offers a refuge of tranquility and well-being. Immersed in an Atlantic rainforest reserve, Toca is committed to environmental preservation, providing a deep and safe connection with the environment. Its facilities blend colonial decor with modern elements, ensuring comfort and coziness for guests.
Kilombo Villas
Good Travel Seal Level 2
Kilombo Villas is a luxury hotel located in Northeast Brazil, on the paradisiacal Sibaúma Beach. At Kilombo, true luxury is the connection with nature combined with exclusivity, refinement, and the experience that the hotel provides.
Hotel Real Nob
Good Travel Seal Level 2
Guests of Hotel Real NOB can enjoy the charms of the Orleans region, SC, bringing their families for a sustainable and welcoming experience. We offer a delicious colonial-style breakfast highlighting local ingredients and personalized room service, providing a stay where everyone truly feels at home.
Pousada Canário Azul
Good Travel Seal Level 2
Hotel Located 380 meters from Bombas Beach in Bombinhas, SC, Pousada Canário Azul accommodates 2 to 3 people in comfortable suites with a mini kitchen and air conditioning. The delicious breakfast, served in the room, includes fresh bread, homemade cake, and seasonal fresh fruits. Committed to sustainability, the inn adopts environmentally friendly practices and cares for the environment, providing a welcoming and responsible stay for its guests.
Sustainability
Brazil has significant initiatives and programs for promoting green practices and is engaged in developing more sustainable tourism destinations. The Ministry of Tourism and Braztoa (Brazilian Association of Tour Operators) are responsible for creating the Braztoa Sustainability Award, the country’s largest award on sustainable tourism and recognised by the UNWTO.
These organisations also developed the Map for Sustainable Tourism in Brazil. , in which the awarded initiatives are presented and promoted. The map aims to give visibility to businesses and destinations committed to increasing sustainability in the country’s tourism industry.
Photo © Thiago Japyassu
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
Barão de Cocais
The Quitanda and Guava Festival is a cultural and gastronomic event held in the city of Barão de Cocais. It celebrates the tradition of Minas Gerais Quitandas, which are a variety of sweets, biscuits, and homemade bread typical of the state’s cuisine, prepared using traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, one of the problems has been maintaining the originality of the festival and meeting the needs of the growing audience. The solution emerged as a joint effort of the participants themselves, who dedicated resources to the event, committed vigorously, and intensified the sense of belonging among family farmers.
Bodoquena
Despite its immense potential for tourism due to its natural beauty, Bodoquena has been neglected by the authorities, and tourism has not been treated as an alternative for improving the local economy. The lack of infrastructure for tourists discouraged them from staying in the city. Hence, in 2021, the Eco Serrana Park recognized the potential partnership with the Serra da Bodoquena National Park and initiated an environmental collaboration, transforming it into a tourist asset for the destination. The Park, which needed to implement the Management Plan developed in 2001, opening trails for visitors and implementing environmental actions, realized that this collaboration would be beneficial for all parties involved. The partnership provided mutual benefits, expanding tourist flow and working on environmental and preservation actions.
Bom Jardim da Serra
With the growth of tourism in Serra Catarinense being necessary for the economic growth and the development of the region, logistic, social and environmental challenges affected the life of the traditional communities and families who are often marginalized. The need to adapt economic activities to develop a sustainable tourism model was the main target. The boundaries of Bom Jardim da Serra were set, sustainable practices were promoted , balancing environmental preservation and the permanence of families in the region , with tourism as the main pillar.
Bombinhas
With the consolidation of the city of Bombinhas as an important tourist destination, traditional practices gave way to modern ones, the city’s development, the aging and passing of the elderly, the lack of documentation of this way of life, and the lack of interest among the younger generation, all contributed to local traditions fading into oblivion. Valuing and promoting local culture was urgent, as was recognizing those who still held the knowledge of ancestral practices. Thus, in 2013, the title “Master of Traditional Culture of Bombinhas” was created to recognize and value the holders of local knowledge, promoting the transmission of such knowledge and contributing to the safeguarding of Bombinhas’ culture and history.
Fernando de Noronha
On the island of Fernando de Noronha, waste production is posing a significant challenge, due to the increased number of residents and tourists. To tackle this issue, the Noronha plastic zero program was born with the aim to eliminate disposable plastic waste on the island. Dedicated agents promote conscious consumption and environmental awareness , while addressing community needs. The results were evident : a significant reduction in disposable plastics and private-public partnerships, making a positive impact on the environment and setting an example for other touristic destinations.
Itá
“Cachaça” is a typically Brazilian drink and the world’s third most consumed distillate. Brazil’s annual production is 1.3 billion liters, of which 400 thousand are from artisanal stills. In the municipality of Itá, production integrates the historical context and continues, despite the difficulties. Determined to perpetuate the family’s tradition, Mrs. Marli had to invest in knowledge to improve her product. She seeked technical support from EMATER to improve sugarcane tilling, production methods, and the acquisition of more productive sugarcane varieties for producing “cachaça”. Gradually, aesthetic and architectural improvements to the Cachaçaria Simon in Itá were made, focusing on improving tourist service. With the increase in the flow of tourists to Itá ́s hotel network, she partners with hotel owners who start to bring groups weekly to the Cachaçaria, for guided visits, to hear the family story, and to taste and buy “cachaça” and other artisanal liqueurs.
Penha
The fisherman’s paths trail emerged from the urgent need of action to preserve and maintain the abandoned paths of Penha- Santa Catarina , full of archeological sites, biodiversity and local stories. With the motivation and involvement of local communities, from municipality to school students, from integrating high school tourism course to training local guides, forces were joined to develop solutions promoting conscious economic development, environmental education and therefore responsible tourism. This 14 km path trail through the lush Atlantic forest offers an inspiring journey, connecting tourists to the local history and warm hospitality of the community.
Rota do enxaimel
Rota do Enxaimel is a place that holds a rich cultural, historical, and scenic heritage. However, its potential as a tourism attraction was underdeveloped. Together with the post-pandemic circumstances, many businesses faced an existential threat. Until 2021 when six local business owners decided to take control in their own hands and establish a tourism development association to work together toward developing Rota do Enxaimel as a tourism attraction. Since then, the number of visitors has increased sevenfold. Besides that, the initiative has brought substantial benefits to the local community.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, located in the Trairi region faced serious water resource problems that hampered traditional economic activities, such as livestock and agriculture. Realizing the need to strengthen the local economy, municipal management saw tourism as an opportunity, especially due to the strategic geographic location of the municipality. To attract tourists, it was decided to build a Religious Tourist Complex: Sanctuary of Santa Rita de Cássia with the largest Catholic statue in the world. In just over two years, the project was completed and, in 2010, the Religious Tourist Complex became a reality, transforming Santa Cruz into the largest religious destination in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.
São Miguel do Gostoso
As more pesticides are used in conventional agriculture, putting public health and food security at risk, São Miguel do Gostoso started the The Agroecological and Solidarity Economy Fair , providing income for rural residents facing tough conditions since the pandemic. Over time, the fair became crucial for both sellers and consumers. Integrated with local tourism, the fair has significant impacts on the local production chain through the solidarity economy, improving the quality of life, cultural values, empowering women and establishing a major responsible tourism attraction in the region.
Sirinhaém
The harvesting of mussels, oysters, and crabs in Sirinhaém, Pernambuco, is a traditional activity that has been passed over to generations. This practice primarily takes place in the fishing community of Aver o Mar by the ‘shellfish women’, who are descendants of slaves and quilombolas from the neighboring municipality of Sirinhaém. From birth, these women have been immersed in the world of shellfish, learning from their parents and relatives. This ancestral connection has sparked their interest in valorizing this activity through tourism, effectively turning the mangrove ecosystem into a local gastronomic heritage. The involvement of shellfish women in promoting Community-Based Tourism is crucial for the region’s sustainability. By offering immersive experiences to visitors, they not only share knowledge about crustacean collection and traditional recipe preparation but also preserve the local culture and environment.
Tamandaré
From the socioeconomic pressure and challenges on the population in Tamandaré, the Padre Arlindo Association was born, with the main focus to empower the local community through a holistic sustainable approach. From emergency food drive, to training, to tourism , the Padre Arlindo village is operating as a vibrant marketplace that celebrates creativity and boosts local employment , fostering environmental stewardship. This social initiative promotes sustainable progress and community resilience, creating a lasting impact in the region.
Tibau do Sul
With real estate development expanding in the municipality of Tibau do Sul, resulting in significant increase in deforestation, affecting the fauna and flora , the Mata de Pipa state park was an urgent need to protect the area. The park facilitates research , environmental education , recreational activities and ecological tourism. The park’s headquarters offer significant potential for various uses, promoting the socio-cultural aspects of neighboring communities .
Treze Tílias
The most Austrian city in Brazil, Treze Tílias, has culture as a pillar of sustainable tourism. Keeping culture and traditions alive amidst globalization, lack of resources, inadequate public policies, and insufficient educational programs. Strengthening community through cultural initiatives and festivals and implementing educational programs about local culture to foster appreciation among youth.
Tourism & People
Tourism in Brazil is mostly domestic and regional (56% of international tourists are South Americans), but nevertheless of great importance for the country’s GDP. Popular destinations – especially beach ones – may experience overtourism during summer holidays, New Year’s Eve and Carnival; however, given the size of the country, there are countless alternative destinations to choose from when trying to avoid these very touristic areas.
Brazilians are very open and friendly to foreign visitors, and if you know a few words in Portuguese, this will be very helpful, as English is not commonly spoken here.
Photo © Vinicius Pontes
Travel tips from our editors
Try Local Food and Products
Brazilian cuisine is highly underrated! While Mexican food conquered the world (for good reasons!), most people are not familiar with Brazilian dishes and never had the chance to try.
So, if you are in Brazil, take this opportunity to explore the immense variety of local fruits, legumes and vegetables, many only found in South America! The cuisine changes drastically from region to region in Brazil, but some ingredients are loved and used daily by all Brazilians, such as rice, beans and mandioca (cassava).
Also, if you have a sweet tooth, our desserts will definitely not disappoint!
Enjoy the Rich Culture
Getting around
Depending on the location of the places you wish to visit, it is often more convenient to fly, after all Brazil is huge! All capital cities and major destinations are served with national (and sometimes international) airports. Renting a car or travelling by bus, nevertheless, are also very good options for a more slow-paced travel. Buses are affordable and comfortable, but renting your own vehicle is more suitable for reaching more secluded places and for having more freedom to enjoy the landscapes and cities. Travelling by train is not an option, as railways are used only for the transportation of goods. There are, however, a few exceptions of scenic train routes for tourists, such as the one in Rio Negrinho, one of our featured sustainable destinations.
Nature & Wildlife
Brazil is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting unparalleled biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, is a sanctuary for countless species, from jaguars and macaws to vibrant poison dart frogs. The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is an incredible birdwatching destination and home to capybaras, caimans, and giant otters. The Atlantic Forest is rich in endemic species, such as the golden lion tamarin. Brazil’s diverse ecosystems offer an array of experiences, whether you’re exploring the Amazon’s jungle, trekking in the highlands, or lounging on pristine beaches, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts.
Sustainability Recognitions
Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.
Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).
Fernanda Rodak | Page Editor
“Brazil is a worldwide known hotspot for biodiversity as well as home to a multitude of cultural expressions. The natural and cultural heritage and immense variety of tourism experiences in the country are valuable assets for its competitiveness. Yet, as we envision a post Covid-19 era, sustainability in tourism becomes crucial to build resilience and guarantee the long-lasting health of Brazil’s ecosystems and well-being of the hosting communities. This would also ensure an active contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Country Partner
At Instituto DEL, we work with the mission of creating favorable environments for the implementation of public policies that strengthen sustainable development in Brazil. We believe in the transformative power of tourism, which is why, through the DEL Turismo program, we support destinations and enterprises on their sustainability journey.
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