Date of publication 20/03/2026
Discover Brazil’s Best-Kept Secrets
Are you looking for 5-star hotels in Brazil? Before choosing your destination, it’s worth knowing that, with more than 3 million square miles of territory, Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world. That means an extraordinary range of cultures and ecosystems coexist here, inhabited by so many species that not all of them have even been observed by humans yet. This vastness extends to the emotional landscape of your future vacation: prepare to experience it all in surroundings whose beauty can feel almost overwhelming.
Below, we’ll guide you through what to see in Brazil and what to do in Bahia, Praia do Forte, and Manaus, three of our standout destinations, so you can uncover their many secrets. You’ll also find recommendations on the best times to travel, what to pack, and how to approach tourismmore responsibly. And, for a little extra inspiration, we’ll open the doors to Iberostar accommodations.
The Versatility of an Infinite Country
Consistently ranked among the top destinations in South America, the land of bossa nova and Barroco Mineiro is, in every sense, boundless. To bring it into focus, we’ll center on the northeast, home to Salvador de Bahia with its vibrant cultural energy and, just about 1 hour and 25 minutes away, the idyllic Praia do Forte, officially designated a Protected Ecotourism Destination and ideal for combining relaxation with active plans.
From there, we’ll travel to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon to embark on an adventure at one of the best All-Inclusive hotels in Brazil, an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Bahia and the Cultural Pulse of the Northeast
The Color and History of Salvador’s Streets
An old colonial city bursting with color, where art expresses itself in its own way around every corner. History, literature, and music intertwine here, creating a vibrant interaction that often ends in celebration in Bahia’s hotels. From the panoramic views at the Lacerda Elevator to the intimacy of altars dedicated to the orishas, the African-rooted Yoruba deities still revered in the region, the capital of this state will surprise you with its remarkable photogenic beauty. In this guide to Salvador de Bahia, you’ll find every detail.
Sacred Rhythms and an All-Encompassing Essence
Like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia has become a well-known LGBTQ+ destination thanks to its diversity and spirit of tolerance. An eclectic essence surrounds everything, making this city with a musical soul a welcoming host. Out of the vibrant fusion of Caribbean influences and adopted African rhythms emerged musical styles such as samba-reggae, axé, afoxé, and Samba de Roda, which gives its name both to a musical tradition and to a festival recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Flavors That Tell a Story in Every Dish
Among Brazil’s lesser-known flavors, beyond classics like feijoada, the national dish, or pão de queijo, you’ll find vatapá, an Afro-Brazilian cream made with coconut milk, flour, shrimp, and spices such as ginger and cilantro that traveled from afar. Another is açaí prepared in the traditional way, not as it’s often served elsewhere: unsweetened, mixed with cassava flour and paired with meat or fish. Yes, you read that correctly. In Salvador de Bahia’s traditional restaurants, you’ll taste these stories and many more.
A Walk Through Pelourinho
Staying at 5-star hotels in Brazil gives you the chance to combine a luxurious stay—luxury understood as exclusive service, but also as a connection with places and with yourself—with excursions into the heart of local life. That life can be felt, tasted, and even touched in Bahia’s Pelourinho neighborhood. Its texture is shaped by Portuguese Baroque buildings, cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and a carnival that rivals Rio’s in spirit and energy.
Sailing Across the Bay of All Saints
Beyond taking in its mysteries from the city’s viewpoints, you can also sail across the Bay of All Saints on a schooner or catamaran, a classic excursion departing from Salvador’s Nautical Terminal. On the other side, after about an hour of pure wonder, magical spots of white sand and crystalline waters await, such as Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica. On the latter lies the idyllic Ponta de Areia, considered one of the best beaches in Brazil. Don’t miss the snorkeling and diving areas around Ilha dos Frades, with its distinctive star-like shape and hills covered in lush greenery.
Sunset at Farol da Barra
Farol da Barra, also known as the Santo Antônio Lighthouse, offers one of the most striking sunsets of the trip. Perhaps it’s the almost unreal colors of the sky and the contrast between the rocky shoreline and grassy slopes that descend toward the Atlantic Ocean. Or perhaps it’s the history of the place, linked to shipwrecks and legendary love stories. As the sun sets, it’s common to see locals and travelers sitting together, enjoying picnics where pão de queijo, fried cassava, and chicken coxinhas are often shared. As an added plan, the lighthouse’s iconic black-and-white striped tower houses the city’s Nautical Museum.
The Natural Haven of Praia do Forte
Miles of White Sand and Endless Palm Groves
From the lively rhythm of the city to the turquoise calm of Praia do Forte. Here, among palm groves that seem to stretch forever and miles of white sand, Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte stands out as a living universe integrated into its natural surroundings. This five-star resort, guided by a sustainable philosophy, offers access to a unique protected environment while you enjoy expert treatments in the spa, unwind by the pool, explore its restaurants, or relax in a suite with ocean views.
The Sea Turtle Sanctuary of Project Tamar
Within the resort itself lies the sea turtle sanctuary of Project Tamar. As an active part of the natural reserve where it is located, Iberostar helps protect four endangered species that inhabit the beach or come ashore here to nest. A monitoring station is open for visits during your stay. In addition, the entire complex and all our 5-star hotels in Brazil are free of single-use plastics—we were global pioneers in implementing this measure—and operate with electricity sourced from 100% renewable energy.
Natural Pools to Disconnect From the World
There are many things to do in Praia do Forte. One of them is swimming in the natural pools at Papa-Gente. This coral reef area formed when tectonic plate movement created a deep break in the coral platform, allowing the Atlantic Ocean to shape a microenvironment with its own delicate balance. Picture yourself snorkeling among colorful tropical fish and, as you surface, spotting a family of humpback whales on the horizon.
Garcia D’Ávila Castle
Speaking of family connections, your loved ones will love staying at Iberostar Waves Bahia and practicing responsible tourism in Praia do Forte. From this 5-star property, considered one of the best family hotels in Brazil, you’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with Project Tamar or observe marine wildlife in its natural habitat while strolling through tropical gardens, relaxing by the shore, and enjoying entertainment designed for every age.
Between swims, storybook places await, such as Garcia D’Ávila Castle, a fortress built in the 16th century that overlooks the sea from Praia do Forte. Its historical significance lies in the fact that it was the first fortified construction in the Americasdesigned in a medieval style and conceived as a residence.
The Lungs of the Planet From Manaus
The Gateway to the Vast Amazon
There are hotels in Manaus unlike any others. Your gateway to the Amazon takes on a new form and offers an experience of exceptional comfort. Sail along the Amazon River departing from Manaus, following three different itineraries that venture deep into the rainforest and the cultures of the planet’s most abundant river ecosystem. Before getting there, a few notes about this extraordinary habitat, revered for helping oxygenate the Earth with its immense green lungs and for sustaining more than 3,000 recorded species, with thousands more still waiting to be cataloged.
The Meeting of the Waters and the River’s Spectacle
In the Amazon, the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, nine South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, expand their natural realms in a breathtaking display. Choosing this destination for your vacation means visiting some of the Amazon’s most fascinating fish in their natural habitat, including piracú, vampire fish, piranhas, and electric eels. Among mammals, the pink river dolphin stands out. Amphibians such as poison dart frogs and reptiles like the green anaconda also inhabit this extraordinary ecosystem.
Sleeping Under the Stars in the Heart of the Jungle
Grand Amazon Expedition is a ship designed as a luxury hotel that you may never want to leave. This five-star vessel, the only All-Inclusive cruise on the Brazilian Amazon offering a truly immersive stay in the ecosystem, has been carefully designed so every detail enhances the experience. From cuisine created with ancestral ingredients from the region to cabins where sunrise views are never the same, everything is crafted to make your journey unforgettable. In addition to sleeping under the stars in the heart of the jungle, you’ll explore the Amazon in depth through daytime and nighttime excursions along its three routes.
Museum of the Amazon (MUSA)
Within the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve lies a hidden treasure: the Museum of the Amazon (MUSA), a botanical garden and living gallery that spans more than 247 acres. Here you’ll discover more about the Brazilian Amazon. Located in the Manaus area, it features hiking trails, exhibitions that showcase Amazonian biodiversity, research laboratories dedicated to protecting it, and a 138-foot observation tower with sweeping views. Treat yourself to the ending your journey deserves from its heights.
Tips for a Meaningful and Respectful Journey
The Best Time to Experience This Great Adventure
Like tropical fruit, adapt to the climate depending on your travel plans. The best time to visit Brazil if you’re looking for a balance between good weather and moderate visitor numbers is between April and May, during the fall, or between September and October, during the spring. From December to March, the high season, you’ll find bright and warm summer weather but also higher prices and larger crowds. Keep in mind that the average annual temperature is around a pleasant 77°F. Still, it’s best to check the specific weather forecast for each destination before finalizing your plans.
Small Gestures for More Conscious Travel
Choosing to stay at beachfront hotels in Brazil comes with an unspoken agreement to incorporate small gestures of sustainable tourism into your vacation routine whenever possible. Simply booking with Iberostar is already a step toward traveling in a more conscious and respectful way. While you disconnect from everyday routines and embrace adventure, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint almost without noticing.
Essential Packing for the Tropics and the Jungle
In your suitcase, include items such as refillable water bottles, reusable containers, solid toiletries, eco-friendly sunscreen, insect repellent, and cloth bags to replace plastic ones. Comfortable, versatile footwear is essential. And remember to adapt your clothing to the season so you won’t need to buy unnecessary items during the trip. The natural environments of Praia do Forte and the Amazon, especially their delicate inhabitants, will thank you for it. Our 5-star hotels in Brazil will be your best allies.
