Brazil is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically important landscapes. From the Amazon Rainforest to the Atlantic Forest, from canyons to coral reefs, the country offers a wide range of eco-tourism destinations in Brazil that allow visitors to connect with nature while supporting conservation and local communities.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife, waterfalls, or sustainable travel, here are Brazil’s top eco-tourism spots to add to your itinerary.
Top Eco-Tourism Destinations in Brazil
1. Bonito – Mato Grosso do Sul
Bonito is considered Brazil’s eco-tourism capital for good reason. It’s known for its crystal-clear rivers, caves, and natural springs, all protected through strict environmental regulations.
Highlights:
- Snorkeling in Rio da Prata and Aquário Natural
- Floating over schools of fish in freshwater caves
- Exploring Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave)
Eco-certification is required for most attractions, and group sizes are limited to minimize impact.
2. Chapada dos Veadeiros – Goiás
A high-altitude national park filled with canyons, waterfalls, and quartz crystal fields.
Best for:
- Hiking through Vale da Lua and Cachoeira Santa Bárbara
- Stargazing and yoga retreats in Alto Paraíso
- Observing unique flora and fauna in the cerrado biome
Chapada dos Veadeiros is both mystical and majestic—perfect for spiritual and eco-conscious travelers.
3. Fernando de Noronha – Pernambuco
A volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, Noronha is one of Brazil’s most protected destinations.
Eco-tourism features:
- Daily visitor limits and environmental preservation fees
- Turtles, dolphins, and reef fish in Baía do Sancho and Baía dos Porcos
- Strict sustainability policies for lodges and tours
Noronha is pricey but worth it for responsible luxury and untouched nature.
4. Pantanal – Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul
The world’s largest tropical wetland, ideal for wildlife watching and bird photography.
Unique wildlife:
- Capybaras, jaguars, giant otters, caimans, and hundreds of bird species
- Boat safaris, horseback tours, and jungle walks
- Seasonal flooding creates a dynamic ecosystem
Best visited during the dry season (June–October) for animal spotting.
5. Amazon Rainforest – Amazonas, Pará, Acre
The heart of South America’s biodiversity and a life-changing experience for nature lovers.
Ways to visit:
- Stay in eco-lodges near Manaus or Tefé
- Join river cruises or community-based tours
- Learn from Indigenous and ribeirinho guides
The Amazon offers immersive, educational, and humbling experiences—best enjoyed with responsible operators.
6. Itaimbezinho Canyon – Rio Grande do Sul
Located within Aparados da Serra National Park, this lesser-known destination features deep canyons and cool highland air.
Great for:
- Short and long hikes with panoramic views
- Waterfalls and native araucária forests
- Birdwatching and landscape photography
A quiet alternative to crowded parks in the Southeast.
7. Ilha Grande – Rio de Janeiro
A car-free island covered in Atlantic Forest and surrounded by beaches and mountains.
What makes it eco-friendly:
- Sustainable lodging and limited infrastructure
- Dozens of hiking trails connecting secluded beaches and waterfalls
- Marine reserves for snorkeling and diving
Avoid high season and explore the island on foot or by kayak.
8. Lençóis Maranhenses – Maranhão
A surreal desert of white dunes filled with seasonal blue lagoons.
Activities:
- Guided hikes across dunes
- Swimming in lagoons like Lagoa Bonita and Lagoa Azul
- Community-based tourism in Atins and Santo Amaro
Best visited from June to September when lagoons are full.
9. Vale do Pati – Chapada Diamantina, Bahia
Often considered the best trekking destination in Brazil, Vale do Pati offers multi-day hikes through untouched mountain scenery.
Why it’s special:
- Stay in local family homes (casas de apoio)
- Visit waterfalls, plateaus, and natural pools
- No cars, phones, or city noise—just silence and scenery
The perfect eco-adventure for experienced hikers.
10. Reserva Mamirauá – Amazonas
A sustainable development reserve near Tefé, offering one of the most immersive Amazon experiences in Brazil.
Activities:
- Wildlife viewing in flooded forests
- Canoe trips and forest hikes
- Cultural exchanges with local communities
The Uakari Lodge here is a model for community-run, science-based ecotourism.
Responsible Travel Tips in Brazil’s Eco-Destinations
- Travel with certified eco-tourism agencies
- Support local guides and cooperatives
- Leave no trace: take your trash and don’t disturb nature
- Avoid plastic and bring a refillable water bottle
- Don’t feed or touch wildlife
- Choose accommodation with sustainability practices
Eco-tourism is about experiencing nature while protecting it—not just observing, but respecting and contributing.
Top Eco-Tourism Destinations in Brazil
Brazil is a dream destination for eco-travelers. Whether you’re snorkeling in Bonito’s rivers, hiking through highlands, or watching dolphins in the Amazon, these experiences allow you to see the natural heart of the country while helping to preserve it.
When you travel with purpose, your journey becomes part of something bigger—and Brazil offers endless opportunities for exactly that.
✈️ I’m Miles Carter, a travel writer and explorer passionate about discovering stories that maps can’t show.🌍 From bustling cities to quiet mountain trails, I bring you practical tips, unique experiences, and honest travel advice to help you explore the world with purpose.📍 This blog is your compass to smarter, deeper, and more meaningful travel.
Let’s wander beyond the obvious.