10 Days in Brazil - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Brazil's Culture, Nature & Beaches for Families: Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador & Jericoacoara

Perfect for families visiting Brazil for the first time, this classic 10-day itinerary promises a mix of thrilling kid-friendly excursions, urban adventures, and time at the beach. Starting with a three-day stay in Foz do Iguaçu, you'll experience mighty falls on foot, by helicopter, and onboard a train. Then, catch a flight to Salvador for an intriguing delve into history and culture before wrapping up your stay in Jericoacoara, where dune buggy tours await.

Welcome to Brazil! Upon arriving in Foz do Iguaçu, your family adventure begins with an evening visit to the immense Itaipu Dam. Then, over the following days, discover the staggering power of Iguaçu Falls while soaring in a helicopter, walking on kid-friendly boardwalks, and zipping through lush vegetation onboard a train. Additionally, treat your mini wildlife enthusiasts to an educational day at Parque das Aves before transferring to Salvador. A leisurely first evening here ensures everyone is well-rested for a guided tour of the storied Pelourinho district and an interactive visit to the Lagoa dos Dinossauros.

Next, pack a day bag for a trip to Praia do Forte, an expansive stretch of kid-friendly sand, and make sure to squeeze in a visit to the TAMAR Project to see all sorts of sea turtles. A capoeira class lands on your itinerary the following morning of Day 7, and with energy burned and kicks learned, the longer transfer to Jericoacoara comes as a well-earned break. Yet, plenty more adventures await in this welcoming coastal destination, including a duo of dune buggy tours and the choice between ziplining and kayaking at Lago Grande. Lastly, reminisce about all your adventures during a transfer to the Fortaleza Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Brazil's Coastal Family Vacation: Beaches, Parks & City Culture

This slower-paced family adventure is ideal for those seeking a kid-friendly introduction to Brazil's vibrant culture. Crafted especially for younger children (three years and older), three-day stays in Rio de Janeiro at the start and end of the trip ensure you have a familiar place to relax when you're not out exploring gardens, the surrounding mountainous landscapes, and the artistic district of Santa Teresa. In between your time in Rio de Janeiro, zip east along the coast to Búzios, where you'll have access to welcoming beaches and the epic Radical Parque. 

Your family adventure kicks off in Rio de Janeiro, and considering it's packed with kid-friendly locales, it's an excellent place to settle in for three days. Spend your first afternoon burning off built-up energy at the Cidade do Samba, a Carnaval-themed cultural center and theme park, then dedicate the following two days to uncovering city highlights. Take a train up Corcovado Mountain, zip up Sugarloaf Mountain in a cable car, and get your nature fix in through visits to the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage. Afterward, transfer east to the laid-back coastal town of Búzios for two days of quality family beach time.

Búzios is also home to the immersive Radical Parque, which has plenty of adrenaline-infused and gentle activities to select from. The morning of Day 7, gather up your stuff for a return journey to Rio de Janeiro, and en route, surprise young animal lovers with a hands-on stop at the family-run Engenho do Castelo Farm. Once back in Rio de Janeiro, you'll have a day to spend as you please, perhaps roaming the expansive AquaRio and visiting an inner-city farm. Then, squeeze in a ride on the city's old-fashioned yellow tram and a family cooking class before catching your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Brazil Family Getaway: Salvador, North Pantanal & Morro de São Paulo

Kayak amid North Pantanal's wildlife-rich wetlands, delight in two days on Morro de São Paulo's welcoming beaches, and between, discover Salvador's kid-friendly sites on this family getaway. Each destination promises to introduce tiny travelers (best for five and older) to new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, making the itinerary an excellent choice for families looking to embrace Brazil's diverse offerings. That's not to mention the free time left open for activities of your choosing, which can include everything from nature walks to immersive market visits.

After a quick refresh at your hotel in Salvador, the fun begins with a ride on the Lacerda Elevator, followed by a delightful afternoon at Mercado Central. Then, give the reins to an expert guide for a deep dive into the Pelourinho district's Afro-Brazilian culture before surprising young ones with a visit to the Salvador Zoo and Botanical Park. An early start the next day ensures you arrive at the Ueso Pantanal Lodge in time for dinner and a nature walk. Be sure the kids rest up, though, as soon, you'll be horseback riding and kayaking amid wetlands brimming with jaguars (if luck is on your side to spot one), capybaras, and an abundance of tropical birds.

The second half of your family adventure starts with a day back in Salvador, where you're free to explore city sights or post up on a beach. Then, catamaran or fly to the car-free island of Morro de São Paulo and spend the first of your two-day stay getting acquainted with the island's pristine beaches. Wake up the next morning to a relaxed, unplanned day ahead, and decide as a family if you'd like to snorkel, boat, zipline, or do a mix of all three. Afterward, return to Salvador and tick off any missed activities and a hands-on cooking class before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Fun on Brazil's Coral Coast

Embrace days filled with sunshine and shallow waters on this ultimate Coral Coast family adventure, taking you from Recife south to Maceió. Over 10 idyllic days, enjoy the perfect balance of new sights, tastes, and experiences paired with the peace of mind of safe and welcoming destinations. Roam colorful towns to discover tucked-away eateries, glide through mangroves home to seahorses, watch playful manatees, and when you're not out exploring, join kids in splashing their way across the region's fabulous beaches.

With its vibrant culture and laid-back vibe, Recife is the perfect place to shrug off travel fatigue while introducing little globe-trotters to the joys of travel. Spend your first afternoon lazing on Orla da Praia, then hop between fascinating museums and beautiful churches during a tour of nearby Olinda. Next, journey down the coast to Porto de Galinhas, where you'll hop into a jaganda (flat-bottomed boat) for an adventure through natural pools and mangrove forests. Head back out on the water the following morning, this time aboard a catamaran bound for the Praia dos Carneiros and the Arikindá River. 

Continuing south, you'll soon arrive in Maragogi, a dreamy beach town nestled on the expansive Costa dos Corais. Settle in for a two-day stay, which will be filled with long afternoons of swimming and splashing amid reef-protected waters and thrilling buggy rides. There's more coast to explore, though, and soon you'll be unpacking your bags for a three-night stay in Maceió. Here, between visits to the Municipal Marine Park, the Pajuçara Markets, and quaint eateries, you'll find plentiful time to hop between linked beaches before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Fun-Filled Family Tour of Brazil: Iguaçu Falls, Paraty & São Paulo

This fun-filled family tour of Brazil features a mix of urban adventures and rewarding time in nature; it's perfect for families eager to pack in unique activities. Let expert guides take the reins as you walk amid the mists of Iguaçu Falls, uncover secret symbols in the UNESCO-listed town of Paraty, and bounce along jungle trails in Serra da Bocaina National Park. Additionally, spend quality time together on the beach and let kids pick their adventure in the bustling city of Guarulhos.

Your 10-day Brazilian adventure begins in the sprawling city of São Paulo, where two guided tours allow you and your family to relax while soaking in the sights. Pass through the Museum of Art, admire graffiti art in Vila Madalena, and indulge in Japantown's flavor-packed cuisine. On Day 3, board a flight bound for Foz do Iguaçu, your family's base for the following three nights. A visit to the tropical bird-filled Parque da Aves kicks off your stay, while a driving tour of the Three Borders Landmark and guided walk introduces everyone to the might of Iguaçu Falls from all angles. 

After a leisurely evening in São Paulo, continue to the quaint coastal town of Paraty, where a small inn greets your arrival, and a walking tour unveils the town's hidden symbols. Spend the following morning burning off energy on Trindade Beach, then zip through the jungles of Serra da Bocaina National Park in a Jeep, pausing for memorable swims in clear rock pools. You'll next choose from a variety of activities in Guarulhos, from hiking forest trails to visiting a zoo, while en route to São Paulo. Lastly, pause at Jump'n Joy for squeal-inducing fun before catching your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Brazil Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other 10-day Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.