Brazil trip | Family trip Brazil: cities, nature and adventure

Iguazu is the world's largest set of waterfalls and is located in northern Argentina, in a border triangle of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. In addition, the Iguazu Falls are the world's most powerful waterfalls. Nowhere else in the world does such a huge mass of water fall down simultaneously. The falls lie in the middle of a green jungle full of monkeys, toucans and caimans. Long before the Spanish and Portuguese colonised the area, the Guarani Indians lived in this region. 'Iguazu' in Guarani language means big water. This beautiful waterfall marks the confluence of the Iguazu River in Argentina and the Parana River in Brazil. A popular tourist destination, it attracts visitors from all over the world to visit Iguazu National Park and its breathtaking waterfalls.

Foz do Iguazu, the world's largest set of waterfalls, is located in northern Argentina, in a border triangle of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The Iguazu Falls are the world's most powerful waterfalls. There is nowhere else in the world where such a huge mass of water falls down simultaneously. The falls lie in the middle of a green jungle full of monkeys, toucans and caimans. Long before the Spanish and Portuguese colonised the area, the Guarani Indians lived in this region. 'Iguazu' in Guarani language means big water. This magnificent waterfall marks the confluence of the Iguazu River in Argentina and the Parana River in Brazil.

Northeast Argentina includes the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes and Entre Ríos. But is also home to one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls - the Iguazu Falls. This beautiful area is crossed by the meandering Iguazu, Parana and Uruguay rivers, vast wetlands alive with a variety of birds and a host of vibrant cities. Visitors can explore the colonial architecture of Santa Fe, visit the stylish city of Corrientes and discover the capital Posadas, which serves as the gateway resting place of Jesuit missions. There are also a variety of beautiful national parks in the northeast, home to a variety of wildlife. Other popular attractions include: Mocona Falls and the serene wetlands of Esteros del Ibera.

Paraty is situated on an idyllic bay dotted with dozens of small islands featuring beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. Behind and alongside Paraty lie the rainforests and steep mountains. When the explorer ‘Amerigo Vespucci’ – after whom the continent is named – sailed into Paraty Bay, he uttered the famous words: ‘My God, if paradise on earth exists, it cannot be far from here’. At that time, the picturesque village itself didn’t even exist yet!
In the past, Paraty was the final stop on the ‘gold trail’ – the route between Diamantina, Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and Paraty – along which gold was transported to be shipped from Paraty to its final destination: the Portuguese Crown. However, the precious cargo often never made it beyond Paraty Bay, where pirates lay in wait. The cobbled streets of this picture-perfect town take you past historic monuments and colourful houses that evoke a bygone era. The small, compact centre is easy to explore on foot, though the cobblestones are no match for any heels!

Brazil's southeastern state of Sao Paulo is dominated by its eponymous capital city. Nicknamed the 'locomotive of Brazil', Sao Paulo is the country's economic and industrial centre: a dizzying, disorienting - but always thrilling - juggernaut of a city, offering enough sights and attractions to satisfy even the most seasoned traveller. The largest city in the southern hemisphere, Sao Paulo can be intimidating to navigate at first, but it will reward visitors who explore its world-class art galleries and museums, its chic restaurants and its iconic sights (such as the neo-Gothic Sao Paulo Cathedral). Elsewhere in Sao Paulo state, the Serra da Mantiqueira play host to mountain retreats, while you can explore the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in Iporanga and kick back on rainforest-fringed beaches in Ubatuba.

Situated in the south-western corner of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the picturesque town of Bonito is known as the heart of ecotourism in Brazil. Here, you can enjoy waterfalls, lush forests, crystal-clear rivers and mysterious caves with sparkling lakes and ancient stalactites. The area is also home to the Rio da Prata Ecological Refuge, a nature park whose main attraction is the transparent blue water of the Olho d’Agua spring, the source of the Rio da Prata river.
A snorkelling trip is a particularly enjoyable and relaxing experience: you put on a special wetsuit and drift down the river in complete relaxation. The water is crystal clear; it’s as if you’re in a natural aquarium. Plan a snorkelling trip in the crystal-clear waters of the Rio da Prata, Rio Sucurí or Bahia Bonita. There may also be opportunities to organise a short trek in this area, or pay a visit to Buraco das Araras, which is famous for the bright red macaws that fly around this crater. It’s best to go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the birds are most active. Another highly recommended activity is a visit to the Lago Azul Caves. These caves take their name from the vivid blue colour of the lagoon.

Located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the southern Pantanal is a wondrous combination of picturesque cattle ranches and a pristine landscape encompassing almost two-thirds of the largest tropical wetland in South America. Visitors to the region can begin the Southern Pantanal experience in Corumba, the largest city in the Pantanal and the historic centre of the region. On the way to the city is the dirt road of Estrada Parque, a popular nature trail that is home to capybara, jaguar, giant anteaters, anacondas and a variety of birds. For a taste of local cowboy culture, visit the cattle ranches of Aquidauana and Miranda to discover the cattle drives, music and traditional leather of the pantaneiro cowboys, kayaking, canoeing and fishing on the rivers and explore the Maracajú plateau and Serra mountain ranges.

The north and south Pantanal together form the largest delta in the world; it is one of the best places in Brazil, in fact the best place in the Western Hemisphere, to spot animals. The area is home to the 'Big Three' rare mammals: the jaguar, the tapir and the average 30-kilo giant otter. Also living here is the capybara - the largest rodent in the world - monkeys and especially birds are present in large numbers. The endemic Jabiru stork can also be spotted here with a bit of luck. Days in this area are dedicated to nature and wildlife exploration.

Situated in central-west Brazil and sharing borders with Paraguay and Bolivia, Mato Grosso do Sul is one of the most naturally beautiful states in Brazil. This popular tourist destination attracts visitors from around the world with its spectacular beaches and impressive reefs, as well as its incredible network of lagoons and lakes, inhabited by an abundance of plant and animal life. In addition to its natural attractions, visitors to the area can look forward to exploring a diverse variety of interesting cultural sites. These include the Museu das Culturas Dom Bosco in Campo Grande, boasting an excellent collection of over 10 000 species of flora and fauna; the interactive waterfront museum of Muhpan in Corumba, with intriguing displays on human habitation in the region; and Forte de Coimbra, originally built in 1775 to ward off invaders from neighbouring countries.

With its quaint architecture and cobbled streets, Armação dos Búzios, commonly known as Búzios, combines an old-fashioned village harmony with a sophisticated range of boutiques, fine restaurants, villas and hotels. Located on the peninsula of the same name, Buzios has many bays and pretty spots. Since French actress Brigitte Bardot visited Buzios in the 1960s and fell in love with the place, tourism has steadily increased. It is now a trendy small and beautiful place to enjoy a wonderful coastal holiday.

Located in the southwestern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, lies the small agricultural town of Miranda. The town serves as a gateway to the adventure destinations of Pantanal and Bonito. This town offers an authentic glimpse of Brazilian culture and traditional way of life, largely untouched by tourism. Visitors can enjoy a range of wonderful activities, including birdwatching, watching otters living along the crystal-clear Salobrinho River or visiting the Terena Cultural Centre, which showcases local cultural heritage. Don't miss the annual festival, Festa do Homem Pantaneiro, a four-day extravaganza of lassoing, rodeo and a variety of Pantanal cowboy traditions.

Catuçaba is situated halfway between Picinguaba and São Paulo and lies close to the charming village of São Luiz de Piraitinga. At the start of the 20th century, this region produced over 80 per cent of the world’s coffee, bringing wealth to São Paulo and Brazil. In 1960, coffee production moved inland, leaving many of the beautiful farms and homes behind.
In the area around Catuçaba, you can go horse-riding, hiking or fishing in one of the five lakes. You can also go for a swim at the beautiful waterfalls found in the surrounding area. If you enjoy visiting towns, São Luiz de Piraitinga is highly recommended. It is an authentic little town that has retained most of its traditions. The São Luiz carnival is one of the best known in Brazil.

Sao Luis do Paraitinga, one of the most popular destinations in São Paulo state, is located in the eastern part of the state, in the middle of the Serra do Mar State Park and just east of the Branco River. A centre for ecotourism, the town is known for its sparkling waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers and one of the largest contiguous areas of Atlantic Forest. A popular location among hikers and whitewater rafters, it also offers opportunities for horse riding, rock climbing, canopying and zip-lining. History buffs can take a step back in time when admiring the rich collection of national heritage monuments built centuries ago, especially the many historical sites around the central square. Other highlights include charming traditional markets, several impressive historical churches and an almost year-round calendar of traditional 'caipira' cultural events and festivals.

Located in the municipality of Paraty in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Saco do Mamanguá is a fjord-like inlet, Brazil's only tropical fjord, which forms a narrow 7-kilometre-long channel in the mountains southeast of Paraty. Located in the beautiful Juatinga Peninsula Eco-reserve, this unique marine protected ecosystem houses the dense vegetation of the Atlantic rainforest, surrounded by mountains and beautiful beaches with an emerald green sea. Locals make their living from tourism, selling wooden handicrafts and fishing. Visitors can enjoy spotting turtles, exploring the lush mangroves and climbing the Saco do Mamanguá sugarloaf mountain for breathtaking panoramic views. They can also take part in a boat trip to discover the natural charms of the area.

Copacabana is a vibrant coastal neighbourhood synonymous with leisure, luxury and nightlife. It is characterised by multi-million-dollar penthouses, stunning neoclassical buildings and apartments set against a magnificent backdrop of jungle-clad mountains in Rio de Janeiro. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village, it has now become a paradise for leisure-seekers, brimming with restaurants, nightclubs, bars and hotels, and exuding a lively, vibrant energy.
Visit Forte de Copacabana, a fort and museum that traces the area’s history from the early days of the Portuguese colony up to the mid-19th century, to learn more about its past. Art lovers will appreciate a visit to The Eva Klabin Foundation (Casa Museu Eva Klabin), a historic house belonging to the famous art and antiques collector Eva Klabin, housing over 1,000 works of art from all over the world. No visit to Copacabana is complete without a trip to the world-famous Copacabana Beach, a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand dotted with brightly coloured parasols, bars and a popular spot for water sports, football, volleyball or simply lazing in the sun.