Top 5 natural wonders of Brazil
Looking for breathtaking visuals and untapped cinematic potential in Brazil? These 10 destinations offer unmatched beauty, cultural richness, and production value—beyond the usual big-city buzz.When people think of filming in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo often come to mind. But the country is massive, and some of its most cinematic landscapes and cultural backdrops lie far from the obvious. Whether you're shooting a documentary, fiction feature, commercial, or music video, here are 5 incredible filming locations in Brazil—curated by Doxie Films—that deserve your lens.
1. Lençóis Maranhenses
Located in the heart of Maranhão, Lençóis Maranhenses is arguably one of the most surreal and visually stunning landscapes on Earth. Endless white sand dunes interrupted by crystal-clear rainwater lagoons create a backdrop that looks straight out of a dream. But filming here comes with its challenges—strong winds can affect sound and camera stability, and access is only possible by 4x4 vehicles through the town of Santo Amaro. Infrastructure for production is minimal, but with the right planning and support, it’s more than possible. At Doxie Films, we help you handle everything—from permits to logistics—ensuring your shoot is not only smooth but also environmentally responsible. Lençóis Maranhenses is a protected national park, and sustainable production practices aren’t just encouraged—they’re mandatory. If you're looking for a location that offers unmatched beauty and cinematic scope, this is it. You won’t regret filming here.
2. Pantanal
Stretching across the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world—and a paradise for wildlife filmmakers. Its vast, open landscapes teem with jaguars, caimans, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species, offering rare opportunities to capture animals in their natural habitat. Filming here demands careful timing, especially during the dry season when wildlife is easier to spot and access improves. Production infrastructure can be limited in remote areas, but at Doxie Films, we help you organize transport, accommodation, permits, and expert local guides to navigate this living, breathing ecosystem safely and responsibly.
Foto Diego Viana
Recommended airport: CGB, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso
3. Chapada Diamantina
Located about 400 kilometers (roughly a six-hour drive) from Salvador, Bahia, Chapada Diamantina is a breathtaking national park known for its dramatic table-top mountains, deep canyons, underground caves, and crystal-clear waterfalls. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, the region is home to small, welcoming communities, many of which descend from former diamond miners who settled here during the 19th-century mining boom. These towns, like Lençóis, Vale do Capão, and Mucugê, offer a rich cultural experience alongside the visual grandeur, blending a deep respect for nature with a slower, more traditional way of life. Filming in Chapada requires thoughtful planning due to the terrain and environmental protections, but the reward is access to some of Brazil’s most cinematic and untouched landscapes.
4. Semi-arid in Alagoas
Nestled in the sertão of Alagoas, the historic town of Piranhas lies along the São Francisco River, a lifeline in Brazil’s semi-arid Northeast. The region is marked by dramatic contrasts—lush riverbanks give way to rocky hillsides covered in typical caatinga vegetation, including towering cacti, thorny shrubs, and twisted trees adapted to the dry climate. This unique ecosystem offers a raw, textured backdrop that’s visually striking and distinctly Brazilian. Piranhas itself is rich in history, known for its colonial architecture and its connection to the cangaço movement—most notably as the site where the body of legendary outlaw Lampião was displayed. The combination of rugged landscape, cultural weight, and the powerful presence of the "Velho Chico" river makes this a compelling location for both fiction and documentary storytelling.
Foto Diego Viana
5. The Amazon
The Amazon is often imagined as an endless sea of green, but it holds far more—powerful rivers, hidden waterfalls, rich biodiversity, and vibrant Indigenous and riverine communities. Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, is the main entry point to the region and offers a unique blend of urban infrastructure and jungle access. From there, crews can reach dense forest areas, cascading falls, and isolated villages by boat or small plane. The Amazon presents logistical challenges, but it also delivers unmatched visual scope—whether you’re filming along the Rio Negro, in a flooded forest, or near one of the many waterfalls tucked deep in the jungle. It’s one of the last places on Earth where nature remains truly untamed, and stories rooted in the region carry global weight.
Recommended airport: MAO, Manaus, Amazonas
Recommended airport: MCZ, Maceió, Alagoas
Recommended airport: SSA, Salvador, Bahia
Production tips
In remote locations across Brazil, access to equipment and production resources can be limited. However, we coordinate reliable transportation of gear directly from major hubs like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It's essential to factor in transportation costs and environmental challenges—particularly in regions like the Amazon, where weather conditions can be extreme and heavy rainfall is common. While our base is in São Paulo, we always work with trusted local professionals who understand the terrain and community dynamics. In the Amazon, for example, we collaborate with former military personnel trained in jungle navigation and survival, ensuring safe and efficient movement through demanding environments.