Lush rainforest, beautiful lakes and unspoiled beaches – it’s no surprise Brazil is one of the world’s most popular getaways for couples, and with Valentines Day just around the corner, we’ve come up with five Brazilian destinations for couples to enjoy a romantic escape?
Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Hike through Platô de Monte Verde for sweeping views over Minas Gerais
The tiny village of Monte Verde is likened to a Swiss Alps resort due to its mountainous setting and romantic chalets. It’s one of the few places in Brazil where snow falls in winter – you can watch it settle on the mountaintops from the windows of cosy chalets like Pousada Ricanto Amore Mio, or walk up to one of the six summits. Platô de Monte Verde is the most popular hike in town, offering incredible mountain views.
Visconde De Maua, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Escorrega waterslide is found deep in the Visconde de Mauá rainforest
Skirting a river valley in Brazil’s remote Mantiqueira mountain range, Visconde de Mauá abounds with hiking trails. Along these scenic routes, you can swim beneath gushing waterfalls, cool off in crystal-clear pools, or attempt the Cachoeira do Escorrega – a 30-metre-long waterslide leading to a bottomless plunge pool. Immersed in nature, Pousada Refúgio das Aves is a cosy guesthouse to relax in after the excitement.
Campos do Jordão, Estado de São Paulo, Brazil
Brazil's highest town, Campos do Jordao has a Swiss-like ambience
Located in the Serra de Mantiqueira mountains, Campos do Jordão is Brazil’s highest town. It’s known for its ski resort-like feel, with half-timbered houses and European restaurants lining the streets. The Spanish-themed Pousada Jardon is a popular accommodation choice for couples, and within walking distance of the cable car that runs to the top of Morro do Elefante.
Búzios, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The white-sand beaches of Búzios attract swimmers, snorkellers and wind surfers
Búzios was a sleepy fishing village until 1964, when French actress Brigitte Bardot and her boyfriend visited in order to escape the Paparazzi. This sojourn sparked a wave of development that resulted in the peninsula’s consecration as the ‘Brazilian Saint-Tropez’. If you go, be sure to take a romantic stroll along the waterfront boulevard, where you’ll find a statue of Bardot, cast in bronze. The highly rated La Chimère Buzios Essence is just a minute’s walk from Búzios’s most pristine beaches.
Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Take a romantic stroll around Lago Negro, or hire a pedal boat
Gramado sits along a long walking route known as Rota Romântica, so-called for its breathtaking scenery. The town is known for its timber-framed houses, gourmet chocolate shops and a culture with strong German, Italian and Portuguese influences. The best time to visit is late spring, when the lavender-blue hydrangeas are in bloom around Lake Negro. Hotel Laghetto Pedras Altas isn’t far from the lake, and its lavish spa facilities provide just the sort of relaxation needed after a day’s exploring.