On Monday, the digital platform PlanetaEXO published a mapped guide featuring 15 premier nature tourism destinations for 2026. The survey highlights locations where tourism directly drives biome conservation and the sustainable development of riverside communities. This curated selection spans pristine sandy beaches, rich wetlands, dense rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs spread across various Brazilian states.
One of the major highlights is the Serra da Capivara National Park in the state of Piauí, covering an impressive 130,000 hectares. This spectacular site is home to an archaeological complex with approximately 30,000 cataloged pieces of ancient rock art. Another top destination is the breathtaking Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, a sprawling 38,000-square-kilometer territory that has become a favorite hotspot for international travelers.
The seamless integration of hospitality and wildlife preservation is the cornerstone of the business model in several mapped regions. At the tri-border of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Bahia, the Trijunção Lodge funds maned wolf safaris in a unique partnership with the Onçafari project. Meanwhile, in the Lima Duarte district, the Ibiti Project develops carefully structured itineraries to generate sustainable economic alternatives for the local population.
The routes documented in the study require the expertise of local guides from regional tour operators, such as the Nas Alturas agency. These professionals meticulously organize itineraries, taking into account exact distances—like the scenic 65-kilometer journey between the Vila Bom Jardim district and downtown Nobres in Mato Grosso. This careful flow management ensures strict compliance with the visitor limits set by park authorities, safeguarding these natural wonders.
Top Highlights from Brazil’s Eco-Tourism Survey
- Lençóis Maranhenses, in Maranhão, focusing on swimming in crystal-clear lagoons and trekking across vast sand dunes.
- Vale do Catimbau, in Pernambuco, which is home to over 6,000 breathtaking records of ancient rock art.
- Fernando de Noronha, a spectacular archipelago dedicated to observing sea turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat.