Welcome to Brasília

Brasília, conceived as a workable, utopic answer to urban chaos, replaced Rio as capital in 1960 and remains an impressive monument to national initiative. The purpose-built city is lauded by many for its futuristic architecture and avant-garde design, but also criticized for the impracticality of the uberorganized, themed city blocks.

Read More

The original design (plano piloto) was inspired by the crucifix but is often referred to as an airplane, with each of its architectural marvels strategically laid out along the Eixo Monumental (which forms the fuselage), and its residential and commercial blocks along its two outspread wings (asas).

With long distances and harrowing six-lane highways connected by spaghetti junctions, Brasília presents challenges for walkers; consider renting a car or ride shares.

You'll find a lively city hidden behind the futuristic facade. It's not only a pilgrimage for architecture buffs but also foodies, night owls and those seeking a unique travel experience.

Read Less

Top experiences in Brasília

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Skip this step and see all hotels & hostels
Or explore the collection of Best Places to stay in Brasília

Travel guides

Starting at $38.99

Image for

Brasília activities

$1870 Multi-day & Extended Tours

Chapada dos Veadeiros - Pirenópolis (8 days - 7 nights)

Day 1 - From Brasilia to Chapada dos VeadeirosReception at brasília airport and transfer to Pirenópolis (~150km). Accommodation in the chosen lodge and lunch in typical local restaurant. Included: Lunch Day 2 - City Tour and Bonsucesso Farm WaterfallsEnjoy a historical and cultural city tour, with visit to the main monuments of the eighteenth and nineteenth century and lunch in the city. After that we will take 5 km on dirt road to the complex of 6 waterfalls located in Bonsucesso farm. Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 3 - Abade Reserve and Pyrenees ParkWe will go to the Abade Reserve. Enjoy a circular hike of 2.5 km between fields and forests of Cerrado biome and 4 waterfalls where you can shower and bath. After that, we go to the Park of the Pyrenees, hike in altitude, between the veredas and rock formations with millions of years. We finish the day at 1.400 meters of altitude in the second highest peak of the central Brazil. Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 4 - Zen Buddhist Monastery and Waterfalls of DragonsWe will visit one of the most unspoilt regions of Pirenópolis, we will go to Várzea do Lobo, hike through Moist Fields, Riparian Forest to the fantastic complex of eight waterfalls named Waterfalls of Dragons, with beautiful colorful quartzite walls. Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5 - Alto Paraíso and São JorgeWe will take a 360 km trip, have lunch in Alto Paraíso village and arrive in the São Jorge village. Check in at the chosen inn. Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 6 - Cascades and Cachoeira São Bento We will go to Fazenda São Bento farm. Hike in altitude, between the Cerrado rocks and the veredas. Our first stop is at the waterfall Almecega I, with beautiful colorful walls, natural pools of crystal clear water, lookouts and viewpoints. Then, we will go to Almecega II and Cachoeira São Bento. Late lunch in São Jorge village. Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 7 - Canyons and CariocasWe will visit the canyon access trails. We will visit Canyons 1 and 2 with large quartzite walls and several natural pools. Then hike 3 km to the waterfalls of Cariocas, where the black river collapses in a 30 meters fall. Lunch in São Jorge village. Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 8 - Valley of the Moon and Return to BrasíliaThe destination is Valley of the Moon, then a 600 meters trail to São Miguel River, with exotic formations sculpted by the waters for millions of years. Lunch in Alto Paraíso village and return to Brasília. Included: Breakfast, Lunch
See More Activities
Brasília photo credits