\n\n
Ecotourism in Brazil is set for remarkable growth by 2026, with a strong focus on environmental conservation areas and community development. A recent survey published by Viagem e Turismo magazine, based on data from the PlanetaEXO platform, has mapped out 15 breathtaking national destinations that seamlessly combine immersive travel with biome protection. This ultimate bucket list ranges from the lush Amazon Basin to the scenic countryside of Rio Grande do Sul.
In the Northeast region, the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia offers a wealth of adventures across more than 38,000 square kilometers. The area is highly sought after for its hiking trails that wind through ancient caves and majestic waterfalls, such as the 400-meter-high Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall). Another major highlight is the Serra da Capivara National Park in Piauí, spanning 130,000 hectares and home to an astonishing open-air museum featuring around 30,000 prehistoric rock art paintings.
World-Class Eco-Infrastructure in the Central-West
The region of Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul, operates a highly organized visitation system where tours must be booked through registered agencies, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Located about 300 kilometers from the state capital of Campo Grande, this world-renowned destination focuses on snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal-clear limestone rivers. In the neighboring state of Mato Grosso, the Vila Bom Jardim district—situated 65 kilometers from the town of Nobres—applies a similar sustainable model to protect stunning waterways like the Salobra River.
The mapping also identifies pristine preservation areas that reward travelers willing to embark on longer overland journeys. In the state of Tocantins, the integrated itinerary between the Jalapão National Park and the Serras Gerais invites visitors on immersive trips lasting up to two weeks, taking travelers deep into the heart of the Brazilian savanna. The report further highlights other remarkable conservation units across the country:
- Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, famous for unforgettable treks across its otherworldly dune fields and crystalline rain-fed lagoons.
- Abrolhos Marine National Park in Bahia, a premier spot for humpback whale watching located within South America’s largest coral reef system.
- Pousada Trijunção, an exclusive eco-lodge operating at the triple border of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Bahia, which champions sustainability through advanced solar energy and water recycling systems.