Sustainable Travel in Brazil

Brazil has the distinction of being the only country in the world that has the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn running through it. It is the largest country in the Latin American region, and bordering all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile. It takes up almost half of the continent, and is one of 17 megadiverse countries. The Amazon River Basin of Brazil includes a vast tropical forest with extensive natural resources spanning a variety of ecological systems and protected habitats. The Amazon rainforest is recognized for having the greatest biological diversity in the world; and it is also home to some 67 indigenous tribes, many of whom are still isolated from the world beyond their territories. The largest wetlands in the world are found here, too, in the western Pantanal. The southeastern Atlantic rainforest is older than the Amazon by some 20 million years. To the south, the landscapes include grasslands, wetlands, pine forests and the dynamic horseshoe that is Iguassu Falls. Larger mammals include pumas, jaguars, ocelots, rare bush dogs, and foxes, and herbivores such as eccaries, tapirs, anteaters, sloths, opossums and armadillos. But Brazil has new regions opening up to tourism such as coastal Paraty with its beaches, forests and mountains. Ubatuba is a coastal town known as the surfing capital of Brazil. The only Portuguese-speaking country in South America, Brazil is famous for soccer and for its renowned Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife. Bustling urban centers such as São Paulo and colorful colonial cities like Ouro Preto and 500-year-old Olinda vie for attention with Brazil’s natural abundance in a complex and fascinating dance.

What are they doing right?

The Ministry of Tourism in Brazil has launched an interactive, online map highlighting sustainable tourism initiatives around the country. In addition, Braztoa, the Brazilian Association of Tourism Operators, which represents over 90% of Brazil’s private tourism sector, offers a Sustainability Program, including annual Sustainability Awards recognizing best practices in Brazil’s travel community. Award winners are highlighted on the Ministry’s interactive map, making sustainable tourism an easier choice for visitors to Brazil.

The Finch Ranking

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The largest country in South America, Brazil stretches across nearly half of the continent, with natural wonders from the Amazon rainforest - known as the “lungs of the earth” - to its extensive river system, to the vast Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland, to the endemic and highly endangered rare Atlantic Coast Forest. Its wealth of nature is matched by Brazil's cultural traditions, which are also rich and diverse, from the indigenous peoples still living in the Amazon to the vibrant modern-day annual Carnival celebrations and samba music that thrive in bustling cities like Rio. Learn more about the values.

Why the Finch Ranking?