Ready to travel more consciously and sustainably? Sustainable tourism is nothing more than tourism which focuses on preserving the environment, local communities and local culture. Sustainable tourism is closely linked to ecotourism. There are many things that you, as a holidaymaker, can do, to bring more sustainability to your trips, even when traveling with a bit of more comfort. How to do this? By following these 5 simple tips:
- Stay at sustainable boutique hotels instead of big chain resorts (see our hand-picked suggestions below)
- Learn about the culture of the chosen destination in order to value it
- Consume items from authentic local producers, instead of opting for big stores
- Do not leave garbage where you go & avoid the use of plastics
- Do not leave the air conditioning on all the time and avoid wasting food
Each of these tips can be put into practice literally anywhere you travel in Brazil.
Brazil’s diverse natural heritage make it a prime location for ecotourism. There are 6 different ecosystems, all absolutely stunning in their own way: Amazon, Atlantic Rainforest, Atlantic Coast, cerrado, caatinga, Pantanal. Government investment in ecotourism have led to a thriving industry with many private companies and institutes providing opportunities for sustainable travel in Brazil. The ecotourism in Brazil is growing at a rate significantly higher than the global tourism growth (20% vs 7.5% year over year).
The Ministry of Tourism and Braztoa have created an award program for sustainable tourism which is also recognized by the UNWTO. When planning your next holiday in Brazil, if you want to contribute to sustainable tourism, you can go to places where everything is centered around it, such as:
1. Bonito – Mato Grosso do Sul
The ecotourism in Bonito is taken seriously. A lot of things are designed to generate the least possible impact on the environment. You can get tickets in a digital, the number of people which can visit each site is limited per day, transportation to the attractions is shared. Local authorities work with the private sector to modernize waste management practices, introducing circular economy models to better manage liquid, plastics and electronic waste.
Recommended Tour in Bonito
Sustainable boutique hotels in Bonito: Hotel Santa Esmeralda, Pousada Boyra
2. Fernando de Noronha – Pernambuco
There is a limited number of visitors who can arrive per day and one needs to pay a preservation tax per each person visiting the island (65 BRL per person per night), as well as a beach entry card valid for 10 days to visit the conservation areas (70% of the island). There is a Plastic Zero initiative, a decree that prohibits the entry, circulation and sale of plastics on the island. There is also the Noronha Carbono Zero initiative, which determines that, from 2030, only electric cars will circulate on the island.
Recommended Tour in Fernando de Noronha
Sustainable boutique hotel in Fernando de Noronha: Pousada Maravilha
3. Boipeba Island – Bahia
Boipeba is considered one of the most paradisaical destinations in Brazil and is a reference of sustainable tourism in the country. The local public management is doing a lot to preserve the beauties and culture of this destination. Boipeba is currently recognized as an environmental protected area. The circulation of motor vehicles is prohibited and it is prohibited to use non-recyclable bottles. You can explore the island on foot, by bike, by quad bike or even with the famous tractor bus. Socializing with local residents from the fishing communities and quilombolas, is a true cultural exchange.
Recommended Tour in Boipeba
Sustainable boutique hotel in Boipeba: Pousada Mangabeiras
4. Amazon Rainforest – Amazonas & Para
The incredible region of the Amazon is home to a variety of eco-friendly lodges, tours, and activities that are designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience in nature. From guided jungle hikes and canoe trips, to sustainable fishing and bird-watching excursions, the Amazon is a place where adventure meets sustainability, and where the thrill of discovery meets the tranquility of nature. Most of the time you will be guided by local guides who know a lot about the forest. Indigenous people are tightly connected with the preservation of forests in Brazil.
Recommended Tour in the Amazon Region
Sustainable boutique hotels in the Amazon: Uacari Lodge, Cristalino Lodge, Amazon Rainforest Cruise, Amazon Emotions Lodge
5. Pantanal – Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul
To get to know the ecosystem of the Pantanal better, we recommend spending the night at a local farm and go on wildlife safaris and fishing tours. An important feature of ecotourism is education, which brings awareness about the human impact on the visited places and vital conservation methods. The lodges in the Pantanal are intensely involved in environmental conservation, with various water-saving, reforestation initiative, the amazing Oncafari initiative involved in preservation of the jaguars in the Pantanal and more. One works to prevent species loss through the development and adoption of adequate policy instruments that reduce and prevent overfishing, poaching, loss of native vegetation, simplification of the landscape, exploitation and trade of threatened species, and introduction of exotic species. Horseback riding and hikes focused on wildlife observation, fishing and canoeing are particularly popular.
Recommended Tour in the Pantanal
Sustainable boutique hotels in the Pantanal: Araras Lodge, Caiman, Fazenda Barranco Alto, Fazenda Baia das Pedras, Barra Mansa Lodge
6. Lencois Maranhenses (Maranhao) & Jericoacoara (Ceara)
These two north-eastern Brazilian parks are protected by law. Entry to these national park is carefully monitored. Only authorized vehicles can perform transport in the park and only in allowed areas. Most of the park is not allowed for cars and ATVs. Construction of hotels is not allowed in the protected areas of the park as well. One can take a trekking expedition to the local oases and have an immersive experience of the park, while sleeping in hammocks with local families. In Jericoacoara a tourism tax targeted at sustainable development is collected per person.
Recommended Tour in Lencois Maranhenses and Jericoacoara
Sustainable boutique hotels on the Route of Emotions: La Ferme de Georges, Vila do Junco, Vila Kalango, Ilha dos Poldros, Baia das Carnaubas
7. Chapada dos Veadeiros – Goias
Chapada dos Veadeiros is a protected area. Some attractions have a limited number of visitors allowed per day. When coming here you will learn about nature and preservation. Chapada is also a great place for recharging your batteries, practicing yoga and appreciating pure nature. There is a great community of therapeutic professionals who live in Alto Paraiso de Goias, the gateway to Chapada dos Veadeiros, making this place a true urban spa in the middle of Brazil.
Recommended Tour in Chapada dos Veadeiros
Sustainable boutique hotels in Chapada dos Veadeiros: Hidden Treasure, Casa da Lua
8. Chapada Diamantina – Bahia
Chapada Diamantina is one of the main ecotourism destinations in Brazil. Here you can practice ecological sports such as trekking and walking, swimming in transparent waters, breathing fresh air, and escaping in a comforting relaxation in this environment that enhances life.
Recommended Tour in Chapada Diamantina
Sustainable boutique hotels in Chapada Diamantina: Canto das Aguas, Refugio na Serra, Flor de Acucena
9. Chapada das Mesas – Maranhao
One of the most stunning ecotourism destinations in Brazil, Chapada das Mesas is located in the south of Maranhão, in a transitional region between the caatinga and the cerrado, close to the Amazon rainforest. Chapada das Mesas is yet an unknown destination. It hosting numerous waterfalls, crystalline lakes, table-mountains and rivers. It is a true paradise for hiking, swimming and recharging in pure nature. There are only a few hotels and one can really appreciate the place on its own. The attractions are carefully managed.
Recommended Tour in Chapada das Mesas
Sustainable boutique hotels in Chapada das Mesas: Pousada dos Candeeiros, Rancho das Estrelas
10. Chapada dos Guimaraes – Mato Grosso
Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park is considered a mystical region, located right in the middle of the South American continent. In the transition between the cerrado and the Amazon rainforest, the Guimarães plateau acts as the dividing line between the Paraguay and Amazon river basins, forming an ecosystem of great ecological interest and fascinating geological formations. The cerrado is one of the South American lowland endemic centers for birds. Here you will find waterfalls, spectacular rock formations, crystalline lakes, table-mountains and the cerrado. There are only a few lodges and one can take advantage of the proximity of another Bonito-like destination, such as Bom Jardim, with crystalline natural pools and waterfalls.
Recommended Tour in Chapada das Mesas
Sustainable boutique hotel in Chapada dos Guimaraes: Pousada do Parque
11. Pico da Neblina – Amazonas
Pico da Neblina combines a unique cultural encounters with the natives of the Amazon rainforest, the Yanomami people in one of the most preserved regions in the Brazilian Amazon. You will be guided by Yanomami guides. The expedition rules are strict and encompass a lot of sustainability. All travellers must:
- Respect Yanomami customs, beliefs and traditions
- Follow the safety instructions of the local guides during the trail
- Do not take any material from the Yanomami Indigenous Land, including the collection of fruits, plants, seeds and stones
- Bring all the garbage produced during the expedition
- Do not practice hunting, fishing and extractivism
- Do not carry or consume alcoholic beverages or illegal substances
- Do not purchase handicrafts that contain animal parts (feather, tooth, skin, etc.)
- Use only biodegradable soap (preferably from coconut) and shampoo
Recommended Tour in Pico da Neblina
Sustainable boutique hotel in Sao Gabriel do Cachoeira: Pousada Bawary
12. Roraima Tepuy – Roraima
Roraima is an off the beaten track destination and a dream for every serious hiker. When visiting Roraima, you will be guided by local indigenous guides. The expedition rules are strict and encompass a lot of sustainability. This is a pure hiking expedition, where one gets really conscious about nature preservation.
Recommended Tour in Roraima
Sustainable Hotels: normally one sleeps in tents when doing the expedition to Roraima
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We hope that you found this blogpost about sustainable tourism in Brazil useful. If you wish to plan your trip, contact us. We would be delighted to guide you.
Boutique Travel Experts