How to stay away from overcrowded tourism in South America

Rising taxes, cruise restrictions, short-term rental bans and violence against tourists are some of the current issues affecting many well-known destinations. While making tourism a sustainable activity is a global concern, some destinations like Brazil have nothing to worry about.

With 4,900 miles of coastline and six different biomes across the country, South America’s largest country has plenty of destinations with amazing nature and wilderness, even within its most populated cities.  Here are some examples:

Lençóis Maranhenses, Maranhão
As one of UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Sites, Parque Nacional dos Lençóis is an ecological paradise with over 380,000 acres of dunes, rivers, lagoons, and mangroves. It is a unique landscape that combines the desert and sea, with pristine lagoons that creates an oasis amid its white dunes. 

From April to August, rain is more frequent in this region with predominant rivers. These factors together form beautiful scenes to sightsee, as the waters build lagoons covering most of the park with charming splendor. 
Between October and December rain fades away and the lagoons do the same, but the white dunes will guide you to a seashore with warm weather throughout the year.  Maranhão is located in the Northeast of Brazil, a warm and dry area close to the Equator. The capital is São Luís, approximately 155 miles from Parque Nacional dos Lençóis.

Pedra da Gávea, Rio de Janeiro
Vibrant and warm, Rio de Janeiro is an icon of Brazil and the home of some of its most recognized symbols, such as Cristo Redentor on top of the Corcovado mountain, the Pão de Açúcar cable car, the Floresta da Tijuca, and the Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches. 
Touring the most visited capital of the country offers an urban experience that combines spaces for solitude and contemplation, from a helicopter ride or from any of its lookouts providing a glimpse of the gorgeous geography.  Pedra da Gávea is one of those special spots as it is a monolithic mountain over 2,700 feet tall sitting along the sea and taller than Corcovado mountain. To reach the eroded top of the mountain, the best option is to book a guide from accredited tourism agencies, for a safe hike up. Adding to its charm, from the peak, you can see on one side Barra de Tijuca beach and on the other São Conrado, Leblón, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. 

Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul
Known as “paradise of water”, its nickname is not an overstatement. It is impossible not to react to the Amazonic landscape from Bonito (located in Mato Grosso do Sul). With crystal- clear waters rivers it is the paradise for those who love hiking, scuba diving, trekking, rafting, and even for a moment of silence and relaxation. The whole area is filled with cascades, lakes, rivers, over 80 caves, rocky beds and a diverse flora and fauna. 
With so many attractions in the area, each tour offers a unique experience. It is also a must to visit any of its three crystal-clear water rivers: Bahía Bonita, Prata, and Sucuri. There you will find paradisiacal waters to get a dip surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
The municipality of Bonito is located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, 186 miles away from the capital, Campo Grande. The city is well-known for its natural beauty and is the most prominent tourism