Brazil has added another gem to its crown of natural wonders. The sweeping dunes and lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses have just been inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, a recognition that cements the country’s role as one of the planet’s great guardians of biodiversity.
Stretching across half of South America, Brazil is home to the richest variety of life on Earth – over 116,000 animal species and 46,000 plant species thrive across six vast biomes and three marine ecosystems. It is a land where abundance feels infinite, and every corner reveals a new ecological treasure.
The accolades don’t stop there. Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City,” has been crowned the most beautiful city in the world to visit, according to a global survey by travel platform Civitatis. From its dramatic coastline to its iconic skyline, Rio embodies the vibrancy and allure that make Brazil irresistible to travellers.
Together, these honours celebrate Brazil’s natural wealth while reminding the world of its responsibility: to protect these landscapes, nurture sustainable tourism, and ensure that future generations inherit the same breathtaking legacy.
Brazil’s UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites
Lençóis Maranhenses (Maranhão) – Endless dunes and lagoons sculpted by wind and water – surreal landscapes for explorers and photographers.
Lencois Maranhensis
The newest UNESCO site, inscribed July 26, 2024, dazzles with 155,000 hectares of dunes, lagoons, and coastal strips where the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon meet. Select Latin America offers a five‑day trekking route—fully customizable for travellers seeking this surreal landscape.
Iguaçu National Park (Paraná) – Thundering cascades where nature roars in full force – perfect for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers.
Iguaçu-falls-brazil-side
Home to the thunderous Iguaçu Falls, this park protects vast Atlantic Forest and endangered species like the jaguar. Managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation ICMBio, it lies in the tri‑border region of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, and joined UNESCO’s list in 1986.
Chapada dos Veadeiros & Emas (Goiás) – Plateaus and savannas glowing with ancient energy – ideal for hikers, stargazers, and seekers of natural mysticism.
Flickr: Chris Jackson
Designated in 2001, these Cerrado parks showcase one of Earth’s richest tropical biomes. Emas reveals grasslands, wetlands, and savannas, while Chapada dos Veadeiros emphasizes conservation, research, and visitor education amid dramatic plateaus.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex (Amazonas) – The beating heart of the world’s largest rainforest – for those craving deep jungle adventures and ecological insight.
Curl-crested Aracari
Spanning over six million hectares, this complex safeguards the rainforest’s immense biodiversity and climate role. It includes Jaú National Park (2000) plus Mamirauá, Amanã, and Anavilhanas (2003), located near the Negro and Solimões rivers.
Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha & Atol das Rocas (Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte) – Pristine islands where turquoise seas meet rare wildlife – dreamy for couples, divers, and ocean wanderers.
Fernando de Noronha
Inscribed in 2001, these northeastern islands host sharks, dolphins, turtles, and the largest tropical seabird colonies in the Western Atlantic. They are vital sanctuaries for marine research and endangered species.
Pantanal Conservation Area (Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul) – The planet’s greatest wetland, alive with vibrant species – paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and eco‑tourists.
Refugio da Ilha Pantanal
Recognized in 2000, this vast wetland complex—200,000 square kilometres—forms the world’s largest freshwater system. Its flooded landscapes harbour extraordinary biodiversity across national parks and private reserves.
Atlantic Forest (São Paulo, Paraná) – A lush remnant of Brazil’s once‑vast tropical paradise – tranquil retreats for wellness, meditation, and eco‑lodges – blending beach relaxation with heritage exploration.
Atlantic forest
Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1991 and a UNESCO site in 1999, this stretch of forest preserves endemic species and regulates water cycles, sustaining southeastern Brazil’s ecosystems.
Discovery Coast (Bahia, Espírito Santo) – Golden shores where Brazil’s history and nature converge.
Brazil Atlantic forest
Inscribed in 1999, these eight reserves protect remnants of Atlantic Forest along Brazil’s historic coastline, valued for their scientific, ecological, and cultural significance.
Together, these sites embody Brazil’s unmatched natural wealth and highlight the global importance of protecting them for future generations.
Want to see some of UNESCO sites in Brazil? Start planning your trip here.
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