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Top 50 Best Cities in Brazil to Open Your Guesthouse

Top 50 Best Cities in Brazil to Open Your Guesthouse

The Ultimate Guide for Foreign Investors Looking to Enter the Brazilian Hospitality Market


🌎 Introduction: Why Invest in a Guesthouse in Brazil?

Brazil is not only one of the most naturally diverse and beautiful countries in the world, but it also holds immense potential in hospitality and tourism. With over 6 million foreign tourists annually (and growing), opportunities for small boutique hotels and pousadas are booming — especially for investors looking for charming locations, manageable investment, and lifestyle-based businesses.

If you’re a foreign investor dreaming of building a guesthouse in paradise, this guide will help you choose among the 50 best Brazilian cities to make your project a success.


🧭 What You’ll Find in This Guide


📊 Comparative Table: Best Cities to Open a Guesthouse in Brazil

City State Tourism Focus Monthly Demand (High Season) Avg. Investment (USD) Niche Opportunity
Florianópolis SC Beaches, surfing, digital nomads Very High $80k–$250k Boutique beach inn
Paraty RJ Colonial town, culture, islands High $60k–$180k Historic pousada
Jericoacoara CE Desert-beach paradise High $100k–$220k Eco-lodge
Bonito MS Ecotourism, rivers, caves Moderate $70k–$150k Nature lodge
Chapada dos Veadeiros GO Hiking, waterfalls, spirituality Moderate $40k–$120k Rustic retreat
Itacaré BA Surfing, nature High $60k–$130k Surf hostel
Ilha Grande RJ Eco-beach, diving High $70k–$160k Eco guesthouse
Lençóis BA Chapada Diamantina access Moderate $50k–$110k Trekker inn
Gramado RS Luxury, winter tourism Very High $90k–$300k Romantic chalet
Trancoso BA Luxury, boutique travelers High $100k–$350k High-end boutique

(Full list continues further below.)


✅ Why These Cities? What Makes Them Ideal for Pousadas?

1. Tourism Density

Cities like Florianópolis, Jericoacoara, and Gramado receive a consistent flow of both domestic and international tourists.

2. Seasonal Balance

Destinations like Paraty, Itacaré, and Lençóis have milder tourism seasonality, making your income stream less volatile.

3. Niche Appeal

Some cities attract specific audiences, such as:

  • Digital nomads (e.g., Florianópolis)

  • Eco-tourists (e.g., Chapada dos Veadeiros)

  • Luxury travelers (e.g., Trancoso, Gramado)

  • Backpackers & surfers (e.g., Itacaré, Jeri)


💼 Types of Guesthouses to Consider

Niche Ideal Location Target Audience
Eco-Lodge Bonito, Chapada, Ilha Grande Nature lovers, couples, foreigners
Digital Nomad Lodge Florianópolis, São Paulo, Ubatuba Remote workers, young professionals
Luxury Boutique Trancoso, Búzios, Gramado High-end tourists, couples
Surf Hostel Itacaré, Praia do Rosa, Jericoacoara Young travelers, surfers
Cultural Pousada Paraty, Ouro Preto, Olinda Cultural tourists, families

💰 Estimated Capital to Start a Guesthouse in Brazil

Investment Level Suitable City Examples Property Size
Under $80,000 Chapada dos Veadeiros, Lençóis, Olinda Small 4-6 rooms
$80,000–$150,000 Paraty, Itacaré, Ilha Grande 6–10 rooms with amenities
$150,000–$300,000 Gramado, Florianópolis, Jericoacoara 10–15 rooms, themed
$300,000+ Trancoso, Búzios, São Miguel dos Milagres Boutique/luxury, 15+ rooms

⚠️ Legal and Operational Considerations for Foreigners

  • You can own property in Brazil as a foreigner, but business operation requires a CNPJ (Brazilian business ID) and a CPF (tax ID).

  • Partnering with a local lawyer or consultancy is highly recommended.

  • Bureaucracy is complex — zoning laws, sanitation approvals, and environmental regulations vary.

  • Labor laws are strict: expect to hire formally registered employees.

  • Tourist cities may have special licensing rules, especially for beachfront properties.


🏆 Top 50 Cities to Open a Guesthouse in Brazil

Here’s a carefully curated list of 50 cities, selected based on tourism appeal, market potential, affordability, and uniqueness:

  1. Florianópolis (SC)

  2. Paraty (RJ)

  3. Jericoacoara (CE)

  4. Bonito (MS)

  5. Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)

  6. Itacaré (BA)

  7. Ilha Grande (RJ)

  8. Lençóis (BA)

  9. Gramado (RS)

  10. Trancoso (BA)

  11. São Miguel dos Milagres (AL)

  12. Pipa (RN)

  13. Arraial do Cabo (RJ)

  14. Ubatuba (SP)

  15. Cambará do Sul (RS)

  16. Alter do Chão (PA)

  17. Porto de Galinhas (PE)

  18. Maragogi (AL)

  19. Búzios (RJ)

  20. Ouro Preto (MG)

  21. Tiradentes (MG)

  22. Olinda (PE)

  23. Salvador (BA)

  24. Fernando de Noronha (PE)

  25. Praia do Rosa (SC)

  26. Canela (RS)

  27. Ilhabela (SP)

  28. Aracati – Canoa Quebrada (CE)

  29. João Pessoa (PB)

  30. São Luís (MA)

  31. Brasília (DF) – business niche

  32. Curitiba (PR)

  33. Vitória (ES)

  34. Beberibe (CE)

  35. Ilhéus (BA)

  36. Guaramiranga (CE)

  37. Brumadinho (MG)

  38. Nova Petrópolis (RS)

  39. Maceió (AL)

  40. Belém (PA)

  41. Chapada das Mesas (MA)

  42. Icaraí de Amontada (CE)

  43. Pirenópolis (GO)

  44. Barra Grande (PI)

  45. Aracaju (SE)

  46. Campos do Jordão (SP)

  47. Recife (PE)

  48. Fortaleza (CE)

  49. Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – small inns in Santa Teresa

  50. São Paulo (SP) – niche luxury or business guesthouse


🚀 Final Thoughts: Brazil Awaits Your Guesthouse

Brazil is more than just beaches and samba. It’s a land of opportunities for those who dream of running a lifestyle business, living in a tropical paradise, and serving travelers from around the globe.

Whether you’re a digital entrepreneur, a hospitality expert, or just someone who wants to start over with purpose — opening a guesthouse in Brazil can be the path to your freedom.


Would you like help registering your business or choosing the best city according to your profile? Let us know and we’ll connect you with a local consultant.


✈️ Suggested Reading:

How to Buy Real Estate in Brazil as a ForeignerComplete Legal and Tax Guide
👉 https://visitarbrasil.com.br/how-to-buy-property-in-brazil