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The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a new curated list of 11 historic municipalities that now integrate the Brazilian Tourism Map, placing a spotlight on the preservation of the country’s rich architectural heritage. This strategic mapping will guide public policies and craft unforgettable travel routes across the nation. The selection encompasses breathtaking destinations—from sun-kissed coastlines to the deep countryside—that beautifully preserve original buildings from Brazil’s colonial and imperial eras.
UNESCO World Heritage Landmarks
Among the destinations highlighted by the federal agency are cities globally recognized as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Ouro Preto, nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais, received this prestigious international title in 1980 for its unparalleled concentration of Baroque masterpieces sculpted throughout the 18th century. Two years later, in 1982, the vibrant streetscape of Olinda, in Pernambuco, earned the same formal classification for flawlessly preserving its charming 16th and 17th-century masonry.
The government’s documented itinerary also celebrates the iconic Ver-o-Peso Market in Belém do Pará, an Amazonian cultural hub with 398 years of continuous operation. Deep in the Northern region, the federal guide highlights the magnificent Amazon Theatre in Manaus, an opulent structure inaugurated in 1896 during the golden age of the rubber boom. Down on the Southeastern coast, the picturesque town of Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro, joins the official map thanks to its flawlessly preserved colonial ensemble and its vibrant schedule of international literary festivals.
A Curated List of Must-Visit Destinations
The ministry’s document categorizes these visitation hubs according to the different periods of Brazil’s territorial occupation. The complete list of historic locales cataloged by the Ministry of Tourism includes the following breathtaking municipalities:
- Salvador (Bahia) and São Luís (Maranhão) in the culturally vibrant Northeast region.
- Recife (Pernambuco) and Olinda (Pernambuco), which serve as epicenters for traditional folkloric manifestations.
- Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais), Diamantina (Minas Gerais), and São João del-Rei (Minas Gerais) along the historic gold and diamond mining routes.
- Goiás (Goiás), the ancient Vila Boa nestled within the biodiverse Cerrado savanna biome.
- Alcântara (Maranhão), a fascinating colonial town located just a short boat ride from the state capital.
- Paraty (Rio de Janeiro), idyllically situated between the sparkling sea and the lush Atlantic Forest mountains.
- Manaus (Amazonas), the ultimate representative of a historic urban core in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
To seamlessly connect global and domestic travelers to these extraordinary destinations, the federal administration has launched a series of strategic agreements with the private sector. The Ministry of Tourism introduced the Conheça o Brasil Voando (Discover Brazil by Air) program, which aims to expand the network of direct airline flights to these cultural routes. This initiative is designed to empower local economies by driving sustainable tourism, benefiting the hospitality network, and stimulating local commerce.