Brazil's Culture, Nature & Beaches for Families: Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador & Jericoacoara - 10 Days
Highlights
- See the epic Foz do Iguaçu cascades from above with a helicopter tour
- Get up close and personal with toucans and macaws at Parque das Aves
- Experience the perfect family beach day at Praia do Forte
- Explore the dunes of Jericoacoara via a thrilling buggy drive
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Foz do Iguaçu, Itaipu Dam Light Show | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 2 | Helicopter & Walking Tour of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 3 | Tour Iguazú Falls (Argentina) | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 4 | Visit Parque das Aves, Transfer to Salvador | Salvador |
| Day 5 | Salvador City Highlights Tour | Salvador |
| Day 6 | Praia do Forte Beach Day | Salvador |
| Day 7 | Family Capoeira Class, Transfer to Jericoacoara | Jericoacoara |
| Day 8 | Dune Buggy Tour in Jericoacoara National Park | Jericoacoara |
| Day 9 | West Coast Dune Buggy Tour, Adventure & Relaxation in Lago Grande | Jericoacoara |
| Day 10 | Explore Jericoacoara, Transfer to Fortaleza, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Foz do Iguaçu, Itaipu Dam Light Show
Welcome to Brazil! Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu, a city on the Brazilian side of the world-renowned waterfall. Settle in, relax for a few hours, and give the kids a bite before heading out for your family's first stop—an evening tour of the immense Itaipu Dam. Located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, this is the world's second-largest hydroelectric dam and one of the most expensive objects ever built.
Itaipu is an impressive enough construction by day— it's at night, though, that it quite literally shines. You and the kids will be stationed at a central lookout point, the best place to get an overview of the dam during the show. Even tired kiddos will be captivated by the 747 spotlights and 112 luminaires lighting the enormous structure and its torrents of water in a show set to dramatic music. After a few hours, your driver will take you back to your accommodation to rest for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2: Helicopter & Walking Tour of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)
Foz do Iguaçu, an impressive series of 275 cascades making up the world's largest broken waterfall, is one of Brazil's most popular sights—and today, your family will get the chance to experience it firsthand. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel bright and early for a four-hour tour. Take the walkway to Floriano Falls and enjoy the incredible river views. Get the kids to spot the ever-present rainbow at Devil's Gorge Canyon, one of the biggest falls, before taking an elevator up to the shopping and restaurant area, where you can take a lunch break.
Once you've all refueled, take a thrilling 10-minute helicopter ride over the magnificent landscape. The ride will give you a totally different perspective on the captivating torrents, which reach heights above 260 feet (80 m). Back on foot, enjoy the lush tropical landscape. When your tour is over, head back to Foz do Iguaçu. If the kids still have energy to burn, try the Aquamania Foz waterpark on the way back to the city, then head back to your accommodation and relax over dinner.
Day 3: Tour Iguazú Falls (Argentina)
Take a full day to explore the Argentine side of Foz do Iguaçu (known as Iguazú in Spanish) with your family. Upon arrival, take the kids on the scenic train to the tallest waterfall, the Devil's Throat (or take the 2.4-mile (4 km) alternative walkway if the family is keen on a hike). Considered Iguazú's centerpiece, this horseshoe series of falls comprises over 63,566 cubic feet (1800 cu m) of water tumbling down a 262-foot (80 m) drop.
Afterward, reboard the train and head to the next station, where you can take a leisurely stroll down the 2-mile (3 km) wooden walkway to savor the views of the falls from every angle. In the afternoon, return to your hotel with the kids and grab some downtime before heading out to dinner.
Day 4: Visit Parque das Aves, Transfer to Salvador
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning, then take the kids to Parque des Aves for a few hours. This bird sanctuary features more than 180 avian species, especially native Atlantic Forest wildlife. You'll meet plenty of rare and endangered birds, but the kids will also love the excitement of seeing alligators, snakes, and even a butterfly house along the way. Get your budding ornithologists to spot favorites like toucans, macaws, and flamingoes. Afterward, your driver will drop you back at your accommodation, where you'll meet your transport to the airport for a flight to your next destination, Salvador.
Arrive at the airport, and a driver will wait to take you to your accommodation. The city is Brazil's oldest and, arguably, its cultural capital. The Old Town, with its colorful buildings and lively music, dance, martial arts, and food scene, is a marvelous place for you and the kids to learn about Afro-Brazilian history and culture. If time allows, head out for a stroll and soak in the atmosphere. Grab a delicious dinner, then head back to your hotel to rest for tomorrow.
Day 5: Salvador City Highlights Tour
Travelers to Salvador generally make a beeline for the Pelourinho district, and there's a reason why—from the bright 17th and 18th-century architecture to the sound of olodum drumming and live capoeira displays, you and the kids will be transported into a different way of life. Consider taking a guided tour—the bright streets hide the district's tragic past as a center of trade for enslaved African people, but you'll be fascinated to hear the stories of hope and enterprise that also arise from this time. Make sure you stop by the Church of São Francisco, with its awe-inspiring Baroque architecture.
The Lacerda Elevator, which leads you to the "lower" port area, is also a must-see for its magnificent views over the city and coast. Head to the Mercado Modelo opposite for souvenirs, snacks, and the "Bahia Bands," colorful ribbons worn for good fortune or tied to the gates of the famous Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. If you've still got a few steps left in you, take the little ones to the Lagoa dos Dinossauros (Dinosaur Lagoon). Here, they can delight in life-size roaring replicas of their favorite dino friends before you round the day off with a delicious Afro-Brazilian meal.
Day 6: Praia do Forte Beach Day
It's time to enjoy another essential aspect of Brazilian culture—the beach. The best of Salvador's beaches are outside the city limits, so pack your swimsuits and head to Praia do Forte, about 31 miles (50 km) away. Relax on over 7.5 miles (12 km) of clean, sandy beaches and take the kids snorkeling in the natural pools formed by the coastal reefs. Snooze on the sand while the little ones build their sandcastles, or, if you're feeling more energetic, explore the local village and browse for souvenirs.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants before stopping by the TAMAR Project, a sea turtle rescue and conservation center. Young animal lovers will love getting up close to the large and small sea turtles, and you're also likely to see various fish, shark, and stingray species. If you're lucky, you and your family can even see hatchling sea turtles being released into the ocean. Afterward, take the trip back to Salvador City and your accommodation.
Day 7: Family Capoeira Class, Transfer to Jericoacoara
This morning brings an exciting opportunity for you and your family to learn the basics of capoeira—an artistic form of Afro-Brazilian martial arts and dance. In a kid-friendly private class, a local will talk you through capoeira's history as a form of resistance and then take you through some basic moves. Once you've all had a bit of practice, watch as the kids get to join a regular class with other local young ones and try their new skills out. Once the classes are over, return to your accommodation, grab a bite to eat, and get ready to head to your next destination, Jericoacoara.
Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you back to Salvador Airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Fortaleza. It's roughly a four-hour drive to Jericoacoara from the airport, so sit back, relax, and watch the scenery unfold. Famous for its sand dunes and beaches, "Jeri," as the locals call it, is the perfect spot for the family to spend quality time together. Check into your accommodation, then let the kids scamper around on the beach to let off some steam after the drive. Relax over dinner at one of the local restaurants before turning in for the night.
Day 8: Dune Buggy Tour in Jericoacoara National Park
The kids will love today's trip—a tour of Jericoacoara National Park via a fun ride in a dune buggy. Head through the dunes as you explore the highlights of this spectacular 21,900-acre (88,600 ha) preserved area. You'll visit two beautiful freshwater lagoons tucked away in the dunes: Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul. Perfect for swimming, you can also just stretch out on the sand and sunbathe or enjoy the hammocks provided.
You'll return to Jericoacoara in the late afternoon— just in time to head to a restaurant and relax with a cocktail in your hand as the sun goes down. Be sure to watch for the live capoeira and drumming on the beach most evenings—the kids might even feel inspired to practice their new skills!
Day 9: West Coast Dune Buggy Tour, Adventure & Relaxation in Lago Grande
If yesterday had the kids begging for another dune buggy ride, then today is your lucky day. Start with a relaxing ferry across the Guriú Delta (opt for the additional boat trip and have fun spotting seahorses with the kids), then drive via buggy through the undulating dunes to Mangue Seco Beach. This secluded spot has calm waters, perfect for swimming with the younger ones. Afterward, let them play on the wooden swings under the trees while you relax in the neighboring hammocks.
Next, it's back to the dune buggies for a drive to Lago Grande. This natural rainwater lagoon offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement—great if your kids are a little older and keen to try something new. Take it slow on the beach, or get a hit of adrenaline on the giant zipline. Go kayaking with the family, or try your hand at paddleboarding. There are plenty of restaurants to stave off the hunger pangs. When your hunger for good food and adventure has been satisfied, head to the ferry terminal and cruise back to Jeri for an evening of relaxation.
Day 10: Explore Jericoacoara, Transfer to Fortaleza, Depart
It's the last day of your family adventure, so savor every moment. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, then hang out by the hotel pool or take the kids to the beach—Jeri is a wind- and kitesurfing mecca, so have fun watching the masters at work or even give it a go yourself. If you're shorter on time, get the kids an ice cream and stroll along the sandy village streets, spotting the vibrant street art along the way while you stock up on the odd souvenir or two.
More Great Brazil Itineraries
Map
