Brazil is having a moment — its music, cuisine, and culture are captivating travelers from around the globe. This week, Travel + Leisure officially named Brazil the 2026 Destination of the Year, celebrating the country’s boundless energy and diversity. From Amazonian adventures to coastal escapes and vibrant urban life, Brazil promises a travel experience that feels as alive as its people.
Why Brazil, Why Now
The announcement marks the eleventh year that Travel + Leisure editors have chosen a global Destination of the Year, placing Brazil among previous honorees such as Thailand, Costa Rica, and Italy. For 2026, the spotlight turns to South America’s largest nation — a land that embodies joy, rhythm, and renewal.
“Brazil is a country of incredible energy and diversity,” said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure. “Whether you’re exploring the food scene in Belém, dancing through Carnival in Rio, or relaxing on the beaches of Bahia, Brazil has something for every type of traveler.”
To celebrate the recognition, Travel + Leisure’s December/January 2026 issue features Brazilian pop superstar Anitta on the cover — an artist who personifies the country’s global influence and irresistible spirit.
Exploring Brazil’s Five Regions
Brazil is divided into five major regions, each with its own personality, traditions, and landscapes — making it one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations.
- North: Home to the Amazon rainforest, the planet’s largest tropical forest, with extraordinary biodiversity, Indigenous cultures, and winding rivers that reveal nature at its purest form.
- Northeast: The soul of Afro-Brazilian culture, where states like Bahia, Maranhão, and Ceará invite visitors to dance to axé music, taste moqueca stew, and experience warm hospitality by the sea.
- Central-West: Known for Brasília, the country’s futuristic capital designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and for the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, famous for jaguar sightings and eco-lodges.
- Southeast: Brazil’s most cosmopolitan region — with Rio de Janeiro’s breathtaking beaches and Carnival parades, São Paulo’s world-class dining and arts scene, and Minas Gerais’ colonial towns surrounded by rolling hills.
- South: A blend of European charm and tropical adventure, with Santa Catarina’s surf beaches and Florianópolis’s laid-back island vibe attracting digital nomads and nature lovers alike.
Whether flying in from the East Coast, the West Coast, or across the Atlantic, Brazil’s major gateways — São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), and Brasília (BSB) — connect travelers to every corner of this vast, vibrant country.
A Land of Diverse Experiences
From Rio’s legendary Carnival to Belém’s rising culinary scene, Brazil offers a journey through contrasts: city skylines and jungle canopies, luxury resorts and remote villages, samba beats and sacred rituals.
- In Rio de Janeiro, expect world-famous beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana, the towering Christ the Redeemer, and nightlife that dances until sunrise.
- São Paulo, the country’s cultural and economic capital, leads the way in gastronomy, design, and contemporary art, with restaurants by top chefs and vibrant creative districts.
- Along Bahia’s coast, destinations like Itacaré, Trancoso, and Paraty blend pristine beaches with colonial heritage and Afro-Brazilian spirituality.
- In Belém, Indigenous and Amazonian influences shape one of South America’s most exciting food movements — a new frontier for culinary travelers.
Cultural and Culinary Renaissance
Beyond its postcard landscapes, Brazil is undergoing a cultural renaissance. Quilombo communities across the country are reclaiming Afro-Brazilian traditions through art, food, and music. Local chefs are redefining Brazilian cuisine by spotlighting native ingredients from the Amazon, the cerrado, and the Atlantic coast.
In cities like São Paulo, restaurants fuse innovation with heritage, while in Belém, dishes like tacacá and maniçoba connect travelers to the deep flavors of the forest. Together, they make Brazil one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world for 2026.
Sustainability and Connection
With its immense biodiversity, Brazil is also embracing sustainable tourism — from eco-lodges in the Amazon and the Pantanal to conservation programs protecting coral reefs and mangroves. Travelers seeking authentic and eco-conscious experiences will find initiatives that support local communities, Indigenous groups, and cultural preservation.
Tourism Growth and Global Recognition
The recognition from Travel + Leisure is expected to boost international tourism in 2026, generating new economic opportunities across Brazil’s diverse regions. The country’s tourism board has strengthened global campaigns promoting Brazil as both a luxury destination and an adventure paradise, appealing to travelers looking for meaning, rhythm, and renewal after years of travel restrictions.
Plan Your Trip: What to Expect in 2026
Travelers heading to Brazil in 2026 can look forward to an unforgettable mix of experiences — from watching samba schools parade at Carnival to diving in Fernando de Noronha, kayaking through Amazon rivers, or savoring caipirinhas at sunset in Rio.
The country’s hospitality sector continues to expand with new boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and cultural events that promise both excitement and serenity.
A comprehensive guide to planning your trip — including itineraries, hotel recommendations, and insider tips — is now available at TravelandLeisure.com.
Brazil’s Global Moment
As Brazil takes center stage as Travel + Leisure’s 2026 Destination of the Year, the message is clear: the world is ready to rediscover the country that embodies joy, music, and unity.
From Carnival confetti to rainforest canopies, Brazil invites travelers not just to visit — but to feel.
