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The 5 Nature Destinations Our Travelers Loved Most in Brazil in 2025

2025 was a special year for travel in Brazil and for everyone who chose to experience the country through nature

At PlanetaEXO, we welcomed more than 1,000 international travelers over the year, all looking for journeys that went beyond short visits and famous highlights.

When we look back at what travelers shared after their trips, through verified reviews and feedback, a clear pattern appears. The destinations that left the strongest impression were those where people could move through the landscape over several days, letting nature set the rhythm instead of following a tight schedule.

Beyond the landscapes themselves, these journeys also stood out for the positive impact they create at each destination, supporting local communities, valuing local knowledge, and traveling in a way that respects the places visited.

Five-star destinations that stood out in 2025, shaped by the adventures travelers valued most.

Lençóis Maranhenses

Walking routes that turn dunes and lagoons into a multi-day journey

Lençóis Maranhenses was the destination most often mentioned throughout the year. What travelers appreciated most were the multi-day trekking routes across the national park, where the journey happens entirely on foot.

Adventurers cross wide dune fields, swim in seasonal freshwater lagoons and spend nights in small villages along the way. Many people describe the experience as crossing a living landscape that changes every day.

An unforgettable experience. Brazil reveals itself here, in Lençóis, through landscapes that are incredible and truly unique in the world.

Franck Nicolas

👉 Explore trekking routes in Lençóis Maranhenses

Vale do Pati (Chapada Diamantina)

Multi-day hikes through deep valleys and local communities

In the Vale do Pati, in Chapada Diamantina, travelers consistently highlighted the classic multi-day trek through the valley as one of the most meaningful experiences of their time in Brazil.

Days are spent hiking between viewpoints, waterfalls and river crossings, while nights are spent in the homes of local families who live inside the park. What stays with many travelers is the sense of continuity — walking all day, sharing meals and waking up surrounded by the same landscape.

From start to finish the whole trip was amazing. The valley is stunning, the hikes were well planned, and the hosting families made the experience even more special.

Dan Heath

👉 Discover the Vale do Pati trekking experiences

Amazon Rainforest

From jungle lodges to survival expeditions deep in the rainforest

The Amazon stood out in 2025 for offering two very different ways of experiencing the rainforest, both leaving a strong impression on travelers.

Some chose classic Amazon jungle lodge adventure, combining river navigation, forest walks and wildlife observation. Others opted for longer survival-style expeditions, learning how to move, navigate and live in the forest over several days.

The lodge and tour were perfect. I learned so much about Amazon, it's people and the wildlife and flora.

Kristina Wagner

👉 Choose your Amazon experience

Pantanal

Wildlife encounters shaped by open landscapes and rivers

In the Pantanal, what travelers remember most is how natural wildlife encounters feel. The open floodplains and rivers allow people to observe animals without long waits or artificial setups.

Many adventurers mention seeing iconic species — including jaguars — early in the trip, which often defines the tone of the days that follow.

A wonderful experience in a beautiful environment. We saw a jaguar on the first day and many other animals during the trip.

Valerio Grandis

👉 See wildlife journeys in the Pantanal

Jalapão

Remote Cerrado landscapes that reward those who go further

Jalapão surprised many travelers in 2025. The most appreciated experiences were multi-day expeditions across the Cerrado, connecting sand dunes, waterfalls, fervedouros (natural springs) and long stretches of open land.

People often describe how distance, dirt roads and long driving days are not inconveniences, but essential parts of what makes the journey feel real and memorable.

Sensational. Jalapão is breathtaking. Incredible landscapes, perfect organization, and very professional guides. An unforgettable experience.

Sarah Danflous

👉 Explore Jalapão expeditions in the Cerrado

What these journeys say about how people want to travel

Across all five destinations, one thing becomes clear: people are choosing trips that give them time to be present. Journeys that unfold over several days, where movement through the landscape matters more than ticking off stops, and where nature sets the rhythm of each day.

If this way of traveling resonates with you, 2026 is a great moment to start planning. These destinations, and the adventures within them, are exactly where many travelers begin when they’re looking for a deeper, more meaningful way to experience Brazil.

👉 Join us on five-star adventures that make a positive impact.

December 31, 2025
Documentary: Tourism That Keeps the Amazon Alive

PlanetaEXO documentary reveals how sustainable travel advances forest conservation, local actions that put climate discourse into practice and strengthen Amazonian communities.

São Paulo, November 2025 – Following the conclusion of COP30 in Belém, a new documentary reinforces that protecting the Amazon increasingly depends on local and continuous action. The sustainable travel platform PlanetaEXO has just released “Tourism that Keeps the Amazon Alive,” a 5-minute film that portrays how Amazonian communities are transforming tourism into an effective strategy for conservation and income generation.

The mini-documentary directed by Lucas Ribeiro, who is also the founder and CEO of PlanetaEXO, features accounts from residents who have replaced old extractive activities with community-based tourism models. By accompanying visitors, sharing traditional knowledge, and directly caring for the territory, they demonstrate that it is possible to keep the forest alive while strengthening their local economies.

Recent figures reinforce the urgency of this movement. Between August 2024 and July 2025, the Legal Amazon recorded 5,796 km² of deforestation, the lowest rate in more than a decade, according to PRODES/INPE. Even so, degradation caused by fire already accounts for almost 40% of recent losses, indicating that pressure on the biome remains high. For many families, tourism is emerging as a concrete alternative to remain in the territory without resorting to practices that compromise the forest.

One of the most striking testimonials in the film sums up this change in perspective. “Tourism showed me that price is different from value. A caboclo cuts down a 300-year-old tree to buy a chicken for lunch and ends up without dinner. That’s price. But when you understand value, that’s when things start to change,” says Roberto Britto, a former logger and current tourism entrepreneur.

Tourism showed me that price is different from value. A caboclo cuts down a 300-year-old tree to buy a chicken for lunch and ends up without dinner. That’s price. But when you understand value, that’s when things start to change.

Roberto Britto

PlanetaEXO has observed a growing interest in responsible travel, which strengthens community projects and amplifies the positive impact of ecotourism. In 2025, the platform recorded a 210% increase in the number of tourists in the Amazon compared to the previous year, with visitors coming from the United States, France, Germany, and other countries.

World Bank data shows that sustainable tourism already generates around US$ 2.3 billion per year in the Amazon. The figure is still far from the US$ 45 billion generated by extractive activities, but it is a new and growing market. The PlanetaEXO documentary highlights the stories of forest dwellers who have discovered responsible tourism as a more sustainable source of income.

“The film focuses on the people behind these efforts. In their own words, they describe how tourism has transformed their daily lives, brought them independence, and offered a dignified alternative to extractivism,” says Lucas Ribeiro. These accounts complement, in a concrete way, the climate discussions raised during COP30.

Technical Data Sheet “Tourism that Keeps the Amazon Alive”

Format: Documentary

Duration: 5 minutes

Director: Lucas Ribeiro
Interviews: Larissa Mariano and Isadora Sá

Production Assistant: Lucas Pinelli

Participants: Joarlison Garrido – Nova Esperança Community; José Pancrácio – Nova Esperança Community; Roberto Brito – Tumbira Community; and Izolena Garrido – Tumbira Community

December 4, 2025
PlanetaEXO: First Brazilian Travel Company in The Long Run
Conscious and positive-impact tourism has just gained new momentum in Brazil. PlanetaEXO announces its affiliation with The Long Run, one of the leading global networks dedicated to sustainable tourism.

With this achievement, PlanetaEXO becomes the first Brazilian travel company to join The Long Run, an international network of destinations committed to responsible tourism. In Brazil, the network already includes names such as Refúgio Ecológico Caiman, Pousada Trijunção, and Ibiti Projeto. Now, this commitment also extends to the experiences offered through PlanetaEXO‘s carefully selected partners, all aligned with The Long Run’s 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce.

“Being alongside such important initiatives and having the recognition of The Long Run is a milestone for us”, says Lucas Ribeiro, founder of PlanetaEXO. “We’ve always believed that tourism can be a force for positive change, and being part of this global community reinforces the value of our mission.”

Photo: Aleksandrs Orlovs

What Is The Long Run and Why It Matters

Founded by the Zeitz Foundation, The Long Run is today one of the most respected global networks promoting tourism that protects nature and supports local communities. Its members commit to four key pillars:
- Conservation: Protect biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.
- Community: Involve and benefit local populations.
- Culture: Promote and respect cultural diversity.
- Commerce: Encourage long-term sustainable business practices.
PlanetaEXO’s admission followed a rigorous evaluation process to ensure alignment with these principles.

Photo: Lucas Neves

Who are we?

Founded in 2021, PlanetaEXO was born from the desire to connect travelers with authentic, responsible adventures led by local guides and communities involved in environmental preservation. The project began in Chapada Diamantina with the iconic Pati Valley trek, but from day one, the goal was broader: to become a global platform for sustainable travel.

PlanetaEXO does more than organize trips, it curates immersive experiences that prioritize environmental respect and community leadership. A significant share of the revenue generated by tours goes directly to local families, guides, and small businesses.

Our model was designed to have a positive impact from the start, not just for travelers, but for everyone involved. We believe extraordinary adventures can go hand in hand with preserving and strengthening the places we visit.”

Lucas Ribeiro

Photo: Clovis Cruvinel

The Value of Global Collaboration

In a world where mass tourism often harms ecosystems and erases cultural identities, The Long Run stands out as a model for transformative and inclusive tourism. The network goes beyond buzzwords and fosters deep, long-term benefits for nature and local communities.

By joining this global movement, PlanetaEXO not only commits to best practices but also gains access to knowledge exchange, training, and international collaboration, tools that are key to improving impact-driven tourism while respecting local realities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for PlanetaEXO

Joining The Long Run signals a new chapter in PlanetaEXO’s journey. The company is currently expanding its itineraries to new regions across Brazil and Latin America, focusing on destinations with high ecological and cultural value.

It also plans to invest in training programs, partnerships with conservation projects, and technological improvements to make sustainable travel more accessible and efficient.

“We want to show that adventure tourism can be a real catalyst for environmental and social change”, concludes Lucas Ribeiro. “Our journey is just beginning.”

About The Long Run

Founded in 2009 by the Zeitz Foundation, The Long Run is a global initiative supporting tourism enterprises committed to a positive, long-term impact. With more than 40 members across five continents, including lodges, private reserves, and community-led projects, the network currently protects over 20 million acres of biodiversity worldwide.

👉 Want to know more about our commitment as a member? Visit PlanetaEXO’s profile on The Long Run website.
May 7, 2025
Best Hikes in Brazil: From Rainforests to Mountain Peaks

Do you love trekking and engaging with nature? Find out the top hiking trails in Brazil in this carefully curated list!

Brazil is the best place on the planet for adventure travel, according to US News & World Report—higher than destinations known for ecotourism like Nepal, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. The list also mentions the country’s attributes to justify the #1 placing: locals’ friendliness, great leisure opportunities, pleasant climate, and scenic views.

Ecological walks are among the favorite activities of any adventurer. The best hikes in Brazil offer breathtaking natural landscapes, including open fields, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, caves, and vast expanses of untouched vegetation.

As an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO knows all about the top trekking destinations for travelers who thirst for authentic connections with nature. See our list right below!

1 – Vale do Pati, Chapada Diamantina (BA)

If you don’t go to Vale do Pati, in Chapada Diamantina National Park, you’re not getting the full experience of hiking in Brazil. This amazing destination in the state of Bahia holds some of the most challenging but exciting treks in the country.

Photo: Guillaume Leman

The trails cross breathtaking views, going through mountains, rock formations, caves, lookouts, rivers, and waterfalls. Swimming and bathing in Funil and Cachoeirão waterfalls are must-have activities for every traveler. Morro do Castelo, a 1280-meter-high cliff, is also a key highlight of a Chapada Diamantina hike.

On average, a Vale do Pati trek requires 15 kilometers of walking per day, but it’s possible to extend (22 km) or shorten (8 km) this number. It all depends on how long you’re staying, what type of experience you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to walk.

2 – Lençóis Maranhenses (MA)

The sand dunes and rainwater lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses can make anyone fall in love. The landscapes are almost otherworldly, with such an impressive beauty it’s hard to describe the feeling they bring—and that’s exactly why this is one of the best hikes in Brazil.

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During your hike through the white sand, you’ll come across stunning lagoons and interact with attentive locals who will make you feel right at home. On multi-day treks, visitors spend the night at the homes of residents who live within the national park, sleeping in hammocks and eating hot meals after the long journey.

The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is between May and September, when the lagoons are full, the sun is bright and the rain ceases. With the support of expert guides, it’s recommended that you stay at least 3 days to fully enjoy the experience.

👉 Explore the adventure: 3-day Lençóis Maranhenses Trek

3 – Petrópolis-Teresópolis, Serra dos Órgãos (RJ)

A common mistake is assuming Rio de Janeiro is all about Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. While the city holds these amazing attractions, the state of Rio is full of natural destinations that every travel junkie should visit.

Photo: Carlos Perez Couto

Petrópolis and Teresópolis are two inland cities divided by Serra dos Órgãos National Park, one of the best places to hike in Brazil. Its massive set of trails reaches more than 200 kilometers, with options for every level of difficulty, suspended trails, and special access for disabled people.

Waterfalls (Véu da Noiva, Andorinhas), natural wells (Paraíso, Capela, Sossego, Ponte Velha, Preguiça), and mountains are all part of the experience. Travelers can also enjoy some mountain climbing on Verruga do Frade, Pico do Garrafão, and the world-famous Dedo de Deus, a 1,692-meter-high peak whose name translates to “Finger of God” due to its elongated shape pointing upwards.

4 – Ilha Grande (RJ)

Ilha Grande is an island in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, in Rio de Janeiro. There are 16 hiking trails of different levels of difficulty that cross secluded areas of tropical forest.

@fernando.ilhagrande

Another highlight is Lopes Mendes Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Surfers love it, but so do hikers. To get there, you can choose trails T10 (Grande de Palmas and Mangues beaches), T11 (Pouso Beach), or T12 (Castelhanos Lighthouse).

Circuits in Ilha Grande range from 4 to 7 days, which allows flexibility for a faster pace or a more thorough exploration.

👉 Read more: When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?

5 – Monte Roraima (RR)

Mount Roraima is a mountain in the triple border of Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana. The highest point is 2,810 meters above sea level, which presents a real challenge for trekkers who are hungry for adrenaline. On average, Roraima treks last 4–5 hours per day, but they can take up to 8 hours depending on the itinerary. Tours span from 6 to 10 days.

@roraimaadventures

The natural pools are one of the reasons why this is one of the best mountain hikes in South America. The clear waters are perfect for bathing, floating, and letting all your troubles be washed away.

Another unforgettable experience is visiting the Valley of Crystals, an area filled with white quartz that shimmers on the ground. Since Mount Roraima is a giant block of sandstone, temperature changes and erosion along the years formed an impressive crystal formation that attracts tourists from all over the planet due to its beauty and supposed energy powers.

👉 Explore the adventure: Mount Roraima Trek 8 days

6 – Serra Fina (SP/MG/RJ)

Steep climbs and high altitudes are some of the reasons why Serra Fina is always included in lists with the best hikes in Brazil.

@bernardoespinhaco

With trails that range from 7 to 26 kilometers, this is also one of the most challenging treks in the country. The Pico dos Três Estados trail, for example, is located on the border of the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. This specific tour takes 3–4 days.

Such a demanding adventure requires great physicality. Hikers tend to prepare themselves for months before going to Serra Fina, making sure to eat well, improve their physical fitness, and do regular medical follow-ups.

All this effort is worth it—the views are beautiful, and the victorious feeling of conquering such a challenge couldn’t be sweeter.

👉 Explore the adventure: 4-day Serra Fina Trekking

7 – Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in Goiás, offers some of the greatest experiences for trekking in Brazil. With great diversity, there are options of easy, moderate, and difficult hikes for every type of traveler. Canyons, natural wells, lookouts, valleys, and waterfalls work together as puzzle pieces to create jaw-dropping scenarios that will surely capture your heart.

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Speaking of waterfalls, there are plenty you have to see for yourself: Cristais, São Bento, Encantado, Almécegas (I and II), Rei do Prata, Sertão Zen, Mirante da Janela, Vale da Lua, Santa Bárbara, Catarata dos Couros, etc.

Trekking in Chapada dos Veadeiros usually lasts 2 to 5 days. If you’re staying a bit longer, you can also enjoy some touristy schedules around the area, like buying hand-made souvenirs in the street markets of Vila de São Jorge and savoring a nice Brazilian meal in Alto Paraíso, the most famous town around the area.

👉 Read more: Trekking Chapada dos Veadeiros

8 – Pico da Neblina (AM)

Pico da Neblina, in the state of Amazonas, is the highest peak of Brazil: 2,995 meters above sea level. To get to the very top, trekkers usually spend up to 15 days in the national park, depending on the group’s rhythm.

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Camping in the forest is a part of the experience, and travelers can also cool off in Tucano Waterfall, explore the Amazon Rainforest, and engage with the local culture. This tour demands great physical effort, but if you love adventure, then it’ll definitely be worth your while.

The journey also requires special permits and expert guides due to its location in Yanomami Indigenous lands.

👉 Explore the adventure: Pico da Neblina National Park Expedition

Discover the best hikes in Brazil with PlanetaEXO!

There’s no doubt that Brazil is one of the best places for hiking. Whether in white sand fields or mountainous regions that share space with waterfalls and natural pools, the adventure is always unforgettable.

PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, connects you with the finest local operators to ensure an authentic, sustainable trip in some of the country’s most gorgeous nature destinations. Contact us now!

October 30, 2024
Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest: A Solution to Deforestation
As deforestation threatens the Amazon, ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest emerges as a key solution, with startups like PlanetaEXO leading the way in supporting Conservation and Local Communities.

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is facing one of its most critical challenges in decades. Deforestation rates have skyrocketed, with over 10,000 square kilometers of forest being cleared annually, driven by illegal logging, mining, and land conversion for agriculture. In addition, record-breaking wildfires and persistent droughts are worsening the situation, with over 50,000 active fires across Brazil.

Sustainable tourism to the Amazon Rainforest is emerging as a viable strategy to combat this environmental crisis while supporting local communities.

“Locally guided tours help shift the focus away from destructive practices.” – Photo: João Paulo Krajewski

PlanetaEXO, a startup dedicated to eco-friendly travel, has been working closely with these communities to offer tours in the Amazon in Brazil that prioritize both environmental conservation and community empowerment. “We’ve seen firsthand how ecolodges and locally guided tours help shift the focus away from destructive practices,” says Lucas Ribeiro, founder of PlanetaEXO.

“By connecting travelers with authentic experiences that benefit local communities, we’re promoting a model of tourism that supports both people and the planet,” he adds.

A sanctuary for biodiversity and a symbol of sustainable tourism: Cristalino Ecological Reserve

According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest could reduce deforestation in the Amazon by providing an alternative source of income to industries that exploit the rainforest.

WWF suggests that responsible tourism can help maintain over 50% of the forest’s biodiversity, while also addressing climate challenges by protecting large swaths of land from forest clearing.

Empowering Local Communities through Sustainable Tourism

The benefits of sustainable tourism are not limited to environmental protection. Ecotourism is also creating economic opportunities for local communities, including many indigenous groups, who have long acted as stewards of the Amazon.

A powerful example of this transformation, highlighted by Projeto Draft, is the story of Roberto Brito Mendonça from Iranduba, Amazonas. Like his father and grandfather before him, Roberto was a logger, using the forest to support his family. In 2008, when his land became part of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, his livelihood was at risk. Faced with uncertainty, Roberto turned to tourism, and by 2012, he began running Pousada do Garrido, one of 24 tourism businesses in the area.

“The Amazon we want is one full of life – and when I say life, I mean especially the human lives that are part of it,” says Roberto Brito.

“Access to education and technology is essential for sustainability,” says Roberto. “If everyone had this opportunity, we can chart a new course for the forest. The Amazon we want is one full of life – and when I say life, I mean especially the human lives that are part of it”.

His story is a testament to how sustainable tourism can offer an alternative to extractive industries, allowing local communities to preserve both nature and their way of life.

Ecolodges Leading by Example

Lodges like Uakari Lodge in the Mamirauá Reserve, Tefé, and Cristalino Lodge, in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, are prime examples of how ecolodges play a critical role in ecotourism. Uakari, located in a semi-flooded ecosystem that represents 3% of the Amazon, aims to protect local biodiversity while supporting eleven local communities.

The lodge operates with sustainability at its core, using solar energy, collecting and storing rainwater, and treating sewage with microorganisms instead of chemicals. Even the roof tiles are made from recycled plastic bottles.

“Uakari Lodge aims to protect local biodiversity while supporting eleven local communities.”

Guests are encouraged to minimize their energy usage, and all waste is treated before being returned to the river. Through its community tourism model, Uakari provides opportunities and training for local people, ensuring that the lodge’s operations have minimal impact on the environment.

Meanwhile, Cristalino Lodge stands out as an ecolodge nestled within one of the largest private reserves in the Amazon, protecting over 11,000 hectares of forest—an area nearly twice the size of Manhattan Island. This vast area is kept in pristine condition, rich in biodiversity, and supports critical conservation efforts.

Being atop Cristalino Lodge’s 164-foot towerview is a breathtaking sight. – Photo: Andre Dib

The lodge adopts sustainable architecture that respects nature, with systems for effluent and wastewater treatment, solar water heating, solar energy, and recycling—all protocols designed to minimize the impact of its operations. By limiting the number of guests per guide on every tour, Cristalino ensures a low-impact experience.

“The lodge adopts sustainable architecture that respects nature.” – Photo Samuel Melim

Visitors to both lodges embark on guided treks and excursions, experiencing the astonishing complexity of the Amazon’s ecosystems.

Uakari Lodge serves as a sanctuary for unique species like the white-faced uakari, while Cristalino Lodge supports research that has documented over 1,356 different plant species, including six previously unknown to science.

By promoting low-impact tourism, both Uakari and Cristalino contribute to the preservation of the forest while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Economic and Global Impact of Sustainable Tourism in the Amazon

The economic comparison between sustainable tourism and private exploitation in the Amazon highlights the importance of eco-friendly travel. According to the World Bank, sustainable tourism in the Amazon is valued at approximately US$2.3 billion annually.

Although this represents only around 5% of the US$45 billion generated by private exploitation of the forest through agriculture, timber harvesting, and mining, ecoutourism provides an essential ally in conservation efforts.

Photo: Samuel Melim

Beyond its financial value, sustainable tourism raises awareness of the Amazon’s deforestation crisis and its impact on the global climate. Tourists who witness the destruction firsthand are often inspired to support conservation projects in their home countries.

Ecotourism also contributes to environmental education, which helps fostering a deeper understanding of the need for sustainable practices worldwide.

Photo: Jorge Lopes

With eco-friendly tours increasingly contributing to nature protection and restoration, ecotourism is able to shape global views on deforestation. Travelers support these efforts, creating a win-win situation where tourism funds the preservation of natural resources in the Amazon.

A Call To Action

As deforestation continues to threaten one of the world’s most important ecosystems, sustainable tourism offers a way forward. By shifting economic incentives and raising global awareness, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the Amazon and protect its biodiversity for future generations.

At PlanetaEXO, we believe that every traveler has the power to make a difference. Our eco-tours offer authentic, responsible tourism experiences that benefit both the environment and the communities that rely on the forest. By choosing sustainable tourism, we can all be part of the solution.

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October 10, 2024