Throughout the nation of Brazil there are many stunning cities, yet they don’t continuously get the attention they merit. If you are scheduling a trip in the near future, you may want to stay out of the palpable tourist-focused cities like Rio de Janeiro and in its place try one of the other cities that are just as gorgeous but with half the crowds. Many of these places have continued to stay off the radar merely because they are not as popular among tourists, while some can be a little hard to get to as there are no airports directly connecting them. Here are 5 underrated places to visit in Brazil that are absolutely stunning, with XcelTrip:

Curitiba, Paraná

Unlike many popular Brazilian cities, Curitiba sits inland, away from the coastline and consequently, the beaches that make the country so popular. Despite this, the city of Curitiba has much to offer in terms of attractions, especially if you’re into art and nature. The Botanical Garden of Curitiba is one of the most popular places to visit in this city and offers a serene French-inspired nature escape. Also popular is the Oscar Niemeyer Museum which focus on visual arts, architecture and design.

Lençóis National Park, Maranhão

At first glance, this national park in Brazil’s south end may look like a dessert but closer inspection sees that the giant sweeping sand dunes are broken up by turquoise lagoons. The spectacular landscape is created by rainfall as the area sits just outside the Amazon basin and this rainfall collects in the valleys between the dunes. The water remains above ground thanks to a layer of impermeable rock underneath the sand. Visiting the park will be tricky as there are no access roads and 4-wheel drive vehicles are required but make the trip and this is a view you won’t soon forget.

Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

The island of Ilha Grande sits off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro and is truly a piece of Brazilian paradise. The island is still very undeveloped and unspoiled by tourism so visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this Atlantic rainforest. Pristine beaches are ripe for snorkelling and rugged terrain provide plenty of hiking and exploration opportunities.

Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco

If you’re going to Brazil for the beaches, Porto de Galinhas is one town that you simply can’t miss. Located about 60 kilometers south of the state capital of Recife, this destination has been voted “Best Brazilian Beach” eight times in a row by the readers of Voyage & Tourism Brazilian magazine. There’s spectacular reef snorkelling just a couple hundred meters from the shore and at low tide you can explore the natural tide pools teeming with marine life.

Fortaleza, Ceará

Despite the size of this Brazilian state capital, it still remains relatively underrated as most international tourists tend to stick to the better-known names like Rio and Sao Paulo but the name may be familiar as the city played host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The rapidly growing city is a popular leisure destination for Brazilians who enjoy the 25 kilometers of urban beach front along the city’s coast. Each of the four beach areas of Iracema, Meireles, Mucuripe and Praia do Futuro has its own distinct vibe.

Plan your vacation to these 5 underrated places to visit in Brazil with XcelTrip and make memories to last a lifetime.