8 places to shoot in Brazil that look like a Sci-Fi film
From caves with natural pools to rocks that resemble the lunar surface, Brazil is filled with locations that could easily be in one of the Star Wars saga films.
Even if you don't know much about Brazil, you likely have some image of the country in your mind. White sandy beaches and blue seas, tropical rainforests, and colourful streets during Carnival might be some of the things you've seen, but believe me, there's much more to see!
Brazil is a country of continental dimensions, resulting in a wide variety of landscapes and terrains throughout its territory. Brazilian cities also differ significantly from one another and showcase diverse architectural styles, ranging from colonial houses to ultra-modern skyscrapers.
It might never have crossed your mind, but besides being
the perfect setting for a nature film or a beach-set romantic comedy, Brazil also boasts impressive locations that could easily serve as the backdrop for a sci-fi film.
Unique rock formations, caves with crystal-clear water, and buildings that could belong to an intergalactic city in Star Wars are some of the things you'll find on this list of
places in Brazil that look like they're from another world.
8 places to shoot in Brazil that look like a Sci-Fi film
1. Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) - State of Rio de Janeiro
As the name suggests, Museu do Amanhã (in english, Museum of Tomorrow), located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, resembles a construction from the future.
The building, designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is a true architectural masterpiece, with its futuristic lines inspired by the shape of the bromeliad, a plant typical of Brazilian forests. Inside, the museum's exhibitions and areas are dedicated to exploring current themes such as technological advancement, climate change, the environment, and sustainability.
Please note that the structure of the Museum is copyrighted and filming the structure requires a dispensation from the Museum. The staff are very pro-active when they see camera crews filming in front of the structure.
2. Poço Encantado, Chapada Diamantina - State of Bahia
The Chapada Diamantina region is one of the most intriguing places in northeastern Brazil, thanks to its terrain filled with mountains, waterfalls, and impressive rock formations. One of these is the Poço Encantado grotto, one of the most visited spots in the region.
When daylight enters the grotto's cavity, a true spectacle unfolds. The subterranean waters, which were previously transparent, suddenly take on a deep blue hue, leaving visitors mesmerised.
3. Vale da Lua (Valley of the Moon), Chapada dos Veadeiros - State of Goiás
If there is a place in Brazil that could easily be mistaken for the lunar surface, it is the
Vale da Lua. With its peculiar rock formations that have a smooth and circular appearance, the site has become famous for its mystical atmosphere and for providing unique photographic opportunities. Besides the rocks, Vale da Lua also features natural pools, which are a true oasis for those visiting the region.
4. Lajedo de Pai Mateus - State of Paraíba
Lajeado de Pai Mateus is another place in Brazil that looks like it belongs in another galaxy. The site is a rocky elevation adorned with large rounded stones, where you can find rock paintings. During sunset, the place can easily be mistaken for a Star Wars location.
5. Lençóis maranhenses - State of Maranhão
Visitors to the Lençóis Maranhenses are captivated by one of Brazil's most beautiful natural landscapes. The area is a national park spanning 115,000 hectares, filled with white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons that form during the rainy season.
6. Parque Estadual do Jalapão (Jalapão State Park) - State of Tocantins
Parque Estadual do Jalapão boasts exuberant natural beauty and is still largely untouched by mass tourism. What impresses visitors the most are its diverse landscapes, ranging from golden dunes to the so-called "fervedouros", natural pools where you can float in crystal-clear waters.
There are also stunning rock formations, such as
Pedra Furada, which resembles a Martian landscape. The best time to film at this location is late afternoon, as the sun sets directly behind the rock, offering breathtaking imagery.
7. Parque Nacional das Emas (Emu National Park) - State of Goiás
Parque Nacional das Emas is a natural conservation unit dedicated to protecting the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome that resembles the famous savannas. Besides its environmental purpose, the place is perfect for getting to know the typical animals of the region, such as the giant anteater and the Emu, the bird that gives the park its name.
Another unmissable attraction is the rare phenomenon of bioluminescence, where greenish lights produced by firefly larvae radiate from inside termite mounds.
8. Terra Ronca - State of Goiás
Terra Ronca State Park is a haven of caves and grottoes, being one of the largest places in Latin America to observe these rock formations. Those who enter Terra Ronca's underground world have the privilege of seeing beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as water mirrors that form on the ground.
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