Brazilian Family Experience

Americas, South America | Brazil | Adventure, Eco Holidays, Responsible Holidays, Safaris, Tailor Made, Wildlife | Private Touring | Family Holidays, LGBT

Brazilian Family Experience -1569 - Rio de Janeiro Beaches - Photo Sherolin Santos

Brazilian Family Experience -1569 - Rio de Janeiro - Arpoador Beach Sunset - [Photo Alexandre Macieira]

Brazilian Family Experience -1569 - Pão de Açúcar, Urca - Cable Car , Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Brazilian Family Experience -1569 - Ilha Grande - Islands from above

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Tour ID:121236

Ages:2 - 80

Tailor Made

Arrival:Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Dates are flexible

Prices are Per Person

Seasonal Information

1st Jan - 28th Feb

High Season

1st Mar - 30th Jun

Low Season

1st Jul - 31st Jul

High Season

1st Aug - 10th Dec

Low Season

Brazil has a lot to offer so this is a specially prepared itinerary to make an unforgettable family trip! With a mix of activities that will please all ages, discover the wonders of Rio de Janeiro, the Marvelous City, discover more about our wildlife with all safety at Pantanal and enjoy the crystal clear waters in Bonito. If you have a bit more time, an extension to Paraty will add a touch of history and a view of the Atlantic Rainforest, followed by Ilha Grande with its beautiful beaches for a relaxing end.

: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf with amazing views of the Marvelous City

A specially prepared hike for families at Tijuca Forest

Cooking class with typical Brazilian food

Incredible wildlife at Pantanal

Flotation tour at Bonito in crystal clear waters

Kayak at Paraty bay, recognised for UNESCO as natural and cultural heritage

A relaxing ending in a wonderful Ilha Grande
: Brazil has lot to offer and this special itinerary is full of activities for the entire family. This trip encompasses the best regions to visit in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, known as the Marvelous City, is nothing if not exhilarating. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting the deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. The beaches, in turn, are a true institution in the life of the “cariocas”, as Rio natives are called. Take the opportunity to stroll along the sands and sidewalks of Copacabana or Ipanema, try an açaí berry bowl, drink sweet mate tea with the famous O Globo cassava starch biscuits and watch the sun set over the rocks of Arpoador. In the late afternoon, a cold draft beer in any Urca neighbourhood bar is a must to wrap up the day and confirm that, as the song goes, “o Rio de Janeiro continua lindo” – Rio the Janeiro remains beautiful.

Pantanal

The Pantanal, considered a World Natural Heritage and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is home to one of the largest diversity of fauna and flora on the planet. This lush Brazilian biome extends all the way through the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and has much to offer whenever you visit.

South Pantanal is located in the northwest of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. In the dry season, the animals that go out to hunt provide a spectacle. In the rainy season, the immense freshwater sea that floods the plains fascinates the privileged visitors. It is one of the best places in Brazil for wildlife observation, especially jaguars and Yacare caiman. Among the region’s main attractions are the Negro, Aquidauana and Paraguay rivers, the Pantanal train and the beautiful city of Corumbá, considered the capital of the Pantanal. Local cuisine is rich in fish and barbecue and at the market fairs you can buy handicrafts made from clay and wood. Canoeing, horseback riding, cycling and the trails of Vazante and Murucututu are some of the activities that most attract travelers to this territory. From dawn to sunset, get ready to discover a scenery full of colours, wildlife and lots of water.

Bonito

Bonito, meaning “beautiful”, is recognised worldwide as an attractive management model for ecotourism. The region is famous for its crystal clear waters, due to the presence of calcareous soil, its naturally formed caves as well as animal diversity. In addition to experiencing floating and snorkelling on top of the rivers, it is also an ideal place for diving in some spectacular underwater caves. Here, the visibility of the water can easily pass 40 metres.

The Sucuri River and “Prata” River are great options for those who want to immerse themselves in the Bonito region waters, and for those more adventurous the “Abismo Anhumas” (Anhumas Abyss) provides the adrenaline seeker with the perfect high. This is a cave with a slit through which you can make a rappel descent of 72m. At the end of the descent, it forms a crystal clear lake where you can relax or explore more, either floating or diving.

The culture in the region is a mix between Brazil and Bolivia, as the state rests on the border between the two countries, and even the dishes are a mix of the two. Be sure to try the traditional Bolivian rice or “farofa”, as well as the naturally sourced fish, to experience the most of what the region has to offer.

Paraty

Paraty, a historical town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, because of the architectural buildings and also the Atlantic Rain Forest. Nowadays, the Atlantic Forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the planet, and the Paraty area was deemed extremely important for the preservation of flora, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as climatic, hydrological and geomorphological factors that support these forms of life.

Ilha Grande

One of the most beautiful Brazilian coastal destinations, Ilha Grande belongs to the municipality of Angra dos Reis and is part of an archipelago of 187 islands and islets on the west coast of Rio de Janeiro, known as the Green Coast. Here you will find a peaceful and heavenly place, ideal for those who want direct contact with nature. That is because the island is one of the best-preserved remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, one of the richest ecosystems on the planet, with a biodiversity that includes many endangered species such as the howler monkey.

In this lush, natural setting you will be able to walk easy and difficult level trails, cool off in breathtaking blue waterfalls and lagoons, explore the surroundings on boat rides and experience uninhabited beaches such as Lopes Mendes, which has already been listed as one of the 10 most beautiful in the whole world. The green-coloured sea and crystal clear waters of the island exhibit great marine life thanks to its unique convergence of tropical, subtropical and temperate climate. For those who enjoy water activities, this is one of the best dive sites in Brazil. Despite its great hotel and gastronomic infrastructure, Ilha Grande hasn’t lost the rustic charm of its villages. In Vila do Abraão, a cove that concentrates the largest population of the island, there is a large offer of bars, seafood restaurants and an exciting nightlife packed with traditional Brazilian rhythms, such as Forró.; Hotel Emiliano

Luxury

Full Info

On your arrival, reception and private transfer from the airport to the hotel in Rio de Janeiro (approx 17km – 30 min) Overnight.

Included: Bilingual Guide (English, German or French), Room & Breakfast

Day 2

On day 2, you will have a private driver guide at your disposal for 6 hours to see the main sights in Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado & Sugar Loaf. Everything begins on board a centenarian eco-friendly electric train. It cuts through the well-preserved Atlantic Forest, which is part of Tijuca’s National Park. At the foot of Cristo Redentor, one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World, the most beautiful view overlooking Rio de Janeiro opens out in front of you.

The ride to the Sugar Loaf cable Car unfolds a 360º scenery of breathtaking views, including Leme, Copacabana and Flamengo beaches; the Pedra da Gávea, Maciço da Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, the latter showcasing the statue of Christ the Redeemer; Guanabara Bay; the downtown area; the Santos Dumont Airport; Governador Island; the neighboring city of Niterói; the Rio-Niterói bridge; and the Serra do Mar mountain backdrop, with the famous Dedo de Deus (“God’s Finger”) peak. The cable car ride is included in the tour.

Included: Bilingual Guide (English, German or French), Excursion, Room & Breakfast

Day 3

On day 3 we’ll have a day full of activities starting with the Tijuca Forest Family Hike (Private). A hiking trail takes the group to the top of Pedra Bonita (696m/2283ft), one of the most stunning summits of Rio de Janeiro with great views of the city, the coastline and the rainforest around. In a 50 minute hike going uphill you’ll reach the top and see from an unique angle, Pedra da Gávea, the famous majestic flat rock that is one of the biggest monoliths in the world that ends directly in the ocean at 842m/2762ft high. From this summit, in clear days, we can also see the West coast of Rio, the Barra area with its lagoons and mangroves, also Ipanema and Leblon beaches and Dois Irmãos Peaks Hill.

The trail goes through Tijuca Rainforest National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world with more than 40 km2 and located in the heart of Rio. On the way up, it may be possible to see some wildlife like toucans, coatis and monkeys. During the tour, discover the history of Rio and Tijuca Forest and all about the coffee farms that used to exist there, the reforestation held in the XIX century and a lot about the flora and the tropical rainforest ecosystem. The tour also includes a visit to another sector of the Tijuca Park, stopping by the Chinese View summit, an amazing belvedere in Rio with views to the Southern side and one of the very few spots in the city where you can get Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, the beach and the lagoon in the same frame.

Duration: 4 to 5h

Hike Trail: 3.5 Km

Elevation gain: 203m

Difficulty: easy

Features: Requires reasonable fitness. Short but steep trail up and downhill on rough terrain

What to take: ready-to-eat lunch (fruits, sandwich, etc), water (1.5 litres/person), suncream, insect repellent and a small backpack.

What to wear: athletic clothes and shoes (no sandals!), hat.

Maximum capacity on regular tours: 10 participants (larger groups can be arranged however). Age: 6 + (parents must certify the child enjoys hiking). In case of bad weather, the hike/trail may be adapted for safety reasons.

From Monday To Friday (except holidays/weekends and days in between) Private driver guide on disposal for 4 hours in Rio de Janeiro.

We’ll continue to the Cook in Rio Tour (Private). Learn to cook Brazilian recipes, then eat! Learn a mix of Brazil´s favourite recipes in one fun cooking class. Discover exotic ingredients, techniques and flavours you can use in your dinner parties. English spoken and located in Copacabana. Food and drinks included.

Duration: 4 hours

Attention: transfers not included – you must go to the meeting point by yourself. Closed on Sundays.

Included on day 3: Excursions, English bilingual guide, Ticket, Transport, Room & Breakfast; Fazenda Barranco Alto

Luxury

Full Info

Pousada Refugio da Ilha

Comfort

Full Info

Private transfer from the hotel to the airport in Rio de Janeiro (approx 17km – 30 min). Private transfer from Campo Grande to lodge in Pantanal.

Accompanying guide for activities in English. During your stay at Pousada Aguapé on days 4, 5 & 6 you will have the chance to enjoy two activities a day, to be scheduled by the lodge according to weather conditions.

The activities include:

Horseback riding: 12 people max. (minimum age: 6 years old)

Trails in the nature: 12 people max. (lasting 1h 30 to 4h, depending on the trail)

Photography Safari: 3 vehicles, with 6,12 or 20 seats (duration: 2h 30 – 3h)

Boat ride in the Aquiduana river: 2 boats, with 6 or 9 seats (duration: 2h-2h 30. Swimming and fishing forbidden.)

Piranha fishing: 12 people max.

Night spotlighting by boat or jeep: depending on Safari’s vehicles and boats’ capacities.

Cattle ranching observation: 6 people max. (exclusive for people with horse riding experience.)

Wagon rides : 2 wagons, with 3 or 5 seats (duration: 1h 30 – 3h, depending on the trail.)

Kayak: 6 people max. (duration: 40 min to 1h 30, depending on water level. Note: swimming forbidden. Consider that your clothes will get wet.)

If your flight arrives after 6 p.m. in Campo Grande, it is still possible to go straight to the Pousada if you would like. A snack will be prepared upon your arrival (not a regular dinner, since the kitchen will be already closed for the day) and you will be able to start exploring Pantanal very early in the following morning. (This option is only available during the dry season, from April to November.)

Overnight accommodation options:

Exclusive: Barranco Alto

Comfort: Refugio da Ilha

Included: Bilingual Guide (English, German or French), Transport, Excursion, Room & Full Board; Zagaia Eco Resort

Comfort

Full Info

Hotel Águas de Bonito

Comfort

Full Info

Day 7

On day 7, private transfer from Pantanal to Bonito and free afternoon.

Included: English bilingual guide, Transport, Room & Breakfast

Day 8

On day 8 we’ll have a guide and transport disposal for day tours. First we’ll visit Gruta do Lago Azul. The interpretive trail is about 300 meters to the cavity where the 200 metre descent to the lake is made up of staircases made of limestone rocks. In the first 20 meters drop there’s no support at all, and the rest of the route is structured with handrails. There are four rest stops, while you can admire the view of the cave and hear explanations of the various geological formations that occur there – stalactites, stalagmites, travertines and several other limestone formations. The depth of the lake is estimated at 87 meters, sheltering rare albino shrimp and also bones of extinct animals that lived in the region for over 12,000 years, like the giant sloth. The tourists will have no physical contact with the lake. The return is by the same route.

Restrictions: It’s not permitted for children under 4 years. Children up to 5 years must present a document to prove their age. This trip is not recommended for those with heart disease, labyrinthitis, high blood pressure or mobility issues. The grotto is also not recommended for claustrophobic people due it;s small size and low ceiling. Duration of tour: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

We’ll continue to Gruta de São Miguel, A dry cave with varying geological formations for contemplation and learning about the geology of the area and local history. When arriving on the tour, visitors are equipped with a helmet and flashlight and are invited to watch a video presentation of the Gruta de São Miguel. The tour guide then accompanies the group on the 180 mete suspension bridge which offers the opportunity to walk through the treetops of the Cerrado. A small trail is traversed to reach a lookout of the cave, where you will experience some amazing views. The group will then be shown maps of the cave before entering the cavity. Along the way, the group will see the Speleological stalactite formations, such as stalagmites, columns, travertines and coralóides. It is possible to observe a species of owl called Suindaras (Tyto alba) which inhabit the cave.

At the end of the tour, the group will return by a trail through the forest. It is possible to observe wild animals such as scarlet macaws, agoutis, coatis and others. Restrictions: It’s not permitted for children under 4 years. Children up to 5 years must present a document to prove their age. This trip is not recommended for those with heart disease, labyrinthitis, high blood pressure or mobility issues. The grotto is also not recommended for claustrophobic people due it’s small size and low ceiling. Duration of tour: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Included: English bilingual guide, Transport, Excursion, Room & Breakfast.

Day 9

On day 9, guide and transport disposal for day tours. We’ll visit the Baia Bonita Ecological Reserve. Upon arrival at the reception, visitors are introduced to the tour guide, who gives instructions on the tour, accompanies the group to receive the equipment and assists in the adaptation performed in the pool. To get to the source of the Bonita Bay, you cross a 400-meter trail in the forest, where you can observe typical cerrado trees, birds and other wild animals. There is a moment to view the source of the Baía Bonita River and soon afterwards the group enters the river and floats along an 800 metre stretch, spotting fish such as piraputangas, dourados, mato-grosos, corimbas, among others. The vegetation is also diverse and abundant. The float ends at the meeting of the Baía Bonita River and the Rio Formoso, where the group can enjoy a zipline and bath in the waterfalls. The tour offers a boat of support throughout the route.

Recommended for: adults & children (from 5 years old)

Distance: 7 km from the centre of Bonito

Travel time: 30 minutes

Duration of the tour: Half Day

What to bring: bathing suit, towel, aquatic camera, money for drinks or snacks – it is forbidden to use repellent and sunscreen inside the river, for reasons of environmental preservation

Included: mask, snorkel, neoprene clothing, papete, lifejacket, support boat and accredited guide

Optional: lunch, digital photo service

Attention: This tour does not operate during Sundays.

We’ll continue to a Boat trip adventure in the Rio Formoso by inflatable boat. You have the opportunity to observe the vegetation and the wildlife of the region while being guided by the current. The highlight of the tour is the passage of 3 waterfalls and 2 small rapids – pure adrenaline! At the end of the tour you can enjoy a pleasant bath in Rio Formoso. Children Info: This excursion is only allowed for children over 5 years old and proof of age will be required. For families who have a child under 5 years old, an adult must stay in the reception room and only pay for access to the island. The use of cameras during the tour is prohibited, but a photography service is offered on site. Pregnant women can NOT participate in this tour as well as older people with leg prosthesis and heart problems. It is forbidden to enter the restaurant with drinks or food.

Included: English bilingual guide, Transport, Excursion, Room & Breakfast; Pousada Literária de Paraty

Luxury

Full Info

Pousada do Ouro

Comfort

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Day 10

On day 10, there will be a private transfer from Bonito to Campo Grande.

Private transfer from São Paulo to Paraty (approx 268 km – 04 hrs). Included: Transport, Room & Breakfast

Day 11

On day 11, Tour Kayak HD (Regular Tour). Paddle the warm, sheltered waters of the bay of Paraty on this guided kayak trip to various islands and beaches. Swim, snorkel, and experience wildlife in the mangroves while you escape the busy boat-tripping crowds! No previous experience necessary. We give paddling and safety instruction for sea kayaks.

We’ll continue to a Walking tour in Paraty Half Day (Private Tour). Find out more about Paraty, a UNESCO nominated World Heritage site, on this fascinating walking tour of the old town. Your expert local guide will take you back in time to the Portuguese discovery of Brazil and trace the development of Paraty through the sugar, gold and coffee economic booms. Beautiful colonial architecture, street design ahead of its time, exiled Portuguese royalty and the dark past of the slave trade – these are just some of the ingredients that make up Paraty’s rich and colourful history from the past to the present day.

Level of difficulty: easy

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Included: Excursion, English bilingual guide, Room & Breakfast

Level of Difficulty: all levels catered for – easy/ medium/challenging; On day 12 there will be a private transfer from Paraty to Ilha Grande via Angra dos Reis (private vehicle then regular flexboat). Which is 97 km by private vehicle (1h 35) and 40 min by flexboat. Last departure from Paraty 15h30. Received by bilingual guide at your arrival in Ilha Grande, accompanied by guide to the pousada, with luggage carrier.

Included: Transport, Room & Breakfast

Day 13

On day 13, there is a Lopes Mendes boat transfer (Regular). By boat we leave from Vila Abrãao pier to Mangues Beach from where we will hike appoximately 20 to 30 minutes towards Lopes Mendes beach. For the adventurer at heart, upon arriving at the entrance to Lopes Mendes Beach there is an optional 20 minutes hiking trail which takes you to another beautiful secluded beach, Santo Antonio Beach. Upon arriving in Lopes Mendes Beach (truly one of the most beautiful beaches, known for its fine white sand and crystal clear waters which captivate all visitors) you will enjoy a beach that pleases everyone from the casual swimmer to the experiences surfers. The beach extends 2.4 km in length and at its end has a creek which spills into the ocean and has a small chapel as well as a mosaic on the beach made by Silvio Cavalheiro on a steel buoy. Remember to take some water because there is no selling points in Lopes Mendes Beach. Only at Pouso Beach is there a kiosk where you can drink a refreshing drink and have a snack.

Included: Excursion, Room & Breakfast

Day 14

Day 14 is free to enjoy the island. Beaches and culture makes Ilha Grande a great place to find yourself walking around the island with no pre-scheduled itinerary. Just go and find new places, meet the locals and try the local gastronomy full delicious sea food.

Included: Room & Breakfast; Today you leave Brazil ready for your onwards arrangements

Private transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro via Angra dos Reis (regular flexboat and private vehicle).

40 min in a flexboat and then 2h 45 in a private vehicle (185km)

Included: Transport
: Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
: Private transfers to an from all destinations

Bilingual guide when mentioned on the itinerary

Meals mentioned on the itinerary

Tours & Tickets according to the itinerary

All accommodation which is on a bed and breakfast basis
: Domestic flights

International flights

Meals & drinks not mentioned

Options and extensions

Drivers’ and guides’ tips

Visa fees if necessary

Airport fees

Travel insurance
: Upon arrival at the airport, clients will be met by the guide holding a sign with their name on it.
: Suitable for ages 2 to 80
Some tours have age restrictions for children under 5 years old but we can adapt the itinerary depending on the family's wishes.