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.
Timor Leste
Timor Leste is the newest country in Asia and it is situated in the Southeast of the continent. It is worth visiting because of its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, and a growing sense of peace and stability. With welcoming locals, a thriving arts scene, and a strong connection to its natural resources, Timor-Leste offers the chance to experience an emerging destination full of potential and authenticity.
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Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
Ataúro Island
Timor-Leste’s Ataúro Island is the untouched ecotourism gem of Southeast Asia. is a small island situated 25 km north of Dili, East Timor, on the extinct Wetar segment of the volcanic Inner Banda Arc, between the Indonesian islands of Alor and Wetar.
KNOW THEIR STORY
THEIR SCORE CARD
Sustainability
In recent years, the government in Timor Leste has initiated programs to protect its diverse ecosystems and marine life. The country’s coral reefs and coastal areas are under increased focus for preservation, with marine sanctuaries and protected zones established to safeguard these vital habitats.
Furthermore, reforestation projects aim to combat deforestation which has been a persistent issue in the country. The promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and ecotourism offers opportunities for both economic growth and the preservation of the nation’s natural beauty.
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.
Tourism & People
Timor-Leste’s emerging tourism industry attracts visitors with its natural beauty and rich underwater world. Travellers can find the perfect destination for diving, cultural experiences, and exploring rugged landscapes. The local Timorese people, known for their warm hospitality, are eager to share their traditions and history. Their cultural heritage is multi-layered – a fascinating combination of traditional Timorese, Portuguese, Chinese and Indonesian influences. This permeates their local architecture, cuisine, clothing styles and artistic endeavors.
Nature & Wildlife
Timor-Leste’s untamed natural beauty ranges from lush rainforests to pristine coral reefs. Its diverse vegetation reflects the varying micro-climates, transitioning from open savannah to dense forests, while mangroves dot the coastlines. Although larger native mammals and reptiles have diminished due to centuries of habitation, the country is home to monkeys, spotted cuscus, rusa deer, reptiles like tokay lizards and geckos, and birdlife that includes over 240 species, 23 of which are endemic.
The coastal fringing reefs within the Coral Triangle are exceptionally diverse, making Timor-Leste a global hotspot for marine biodiversity. Marine protected areas maintained by local fishermen offer incredible snorkeling and diving experiences, with diverse marine life from reef fish and corals to turtles, manta rays, dugongs, and whale sharks. Atauro, a nearby island, has recently been discovered to have the most bio-diverse waters in the world in terms of reef fish. Timor-Leste is also renowned as a global hotspot for whales and dolphins, attracting enthusiasts year-round, with October to December being the peak migration season.
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.”
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