This week, the PlanetaEXO travel platform released a comprehensive study highlighting 15 highly recommended Brazilian ecotourism destinations for 2026. The mapping prioritizes magnificent geographical areas where tourism actively funds environmental conservation and boosts local community economies. The curated options range from the lush Amazon biome to the striking Northeastern semi-arid region.
Among the highlighted locations is the Serra da Capivara National Park in Piauí. Spanning a protected area of 130,000 hectares, this archaeological marvel is home to approximately 30,000 cataloged ancient rock art sites and requires the expertise of certified local guides to explore. In Bahia, the Chapada Diamantina joins the itinerary with its awe-inspiring geological wonders, including the spectacular Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall), boasting an impressive 400-meter drop.
The report also details innovative private initiatives that seamlessly blend eco-friendly hospitality with wildlife research. Located at the tri-border of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Bahia, the Pousada Trijunção lodge maintains a direct partnership with the Onçafari organization to track and monitor magnificent maned wolves. Meanwhile, in the countryside of Minas Gerais, the Ibiti Project manages lands in the Lima Duarte district with a focus on generating sustainable rural income alternatives while preserving the environment.
Sustainable Access in Pristine Limestone Basins
In the Central-West region, municipalities blessed with crystal-clear limestone rivers operate under strict visitor capacity regulations to preserve their delicate ecosystems. In Mato Grosso, the celebrated freshwater snorkeling activities of Nobres are strategically concentrated 65 kilometers away from the urban center, in the charming district of Vila Bom Jardim. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the world-renowned ecotourism hub of Bonito requires the use of digital vouchers—issued by authorized local tour operators—to ensure sustainable access to its magnificent rivers and the Zagaia Eco Resort.
This nature tourism itinerary documents the mesmerizing transition between dry landscapes, vast flooded wetlands, and vibrant marine coral reefs. The report highlights thrilling overland and aquatic expeditions across the following protected areas:
- The Pantanal (Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul)
- Abrolhos Marine National Park (Bahia)
- Catimbau National Park (Pernambuco)
- Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão)