Off-the-Beaten-Path Family Fun in Brazil: Waterfalls, Rainforests, Beaches & Dunes - 14 Days

Highlights

• Soar above the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu by helicopter
• Spot nocturnal animals by torchlight on a rainforest night walk
• Experience the thrill of piranha fishing
• Pick up some capoeira (martial arts) skills in a private class with the family
• Cruise the sands of Jericoacoara in dune buggy style

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Foz do Iguaçu, Parque Des Aves & Itaipu Dam Light Show

Welcome to Brazil! Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu. Settle in, then head half an hour out of town to Parque das Aves. Showcasing around 180 species of Brazil's colorful avian characters, you and the kids will love meeting macaws, toucans, and a host of other rare and endangered birds. The park isn't limited to friends of the feathered variety, though, with plenty of alligators and snakes to up the excitement a notch, plus an enchanting butterfly house.

The evening brings another bright spectacle. Itaipu Dam is the world's third-largest hydroelectric dam and supplies a vast output to Paraguay and Brazil. It's also famous for its captivating evening light and sound show. You and the kids will be located at a central lookout, perfectly placed to view an impressive display of 747 spotlights and 112 luminaires illuminating the immense structure. Even tired little ones will be enthralled. Afterward, your driver will return you to your accommodation.

Day 2: Helicopter & Walking Tour of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian Side)

You and the family will explore Foz do Iguaçu today, the impressive series of 275 cascades that gives the neighboring city its name. It's one of Brazil's most famous sights, and today, you'll have the chance to see it both on foot and from the air. Start along a series of scenic walkways to enjoy the incredible river views. Get the kids to spot the permanent rainbow at the base of the cascade and take in the immensity of the thundering falls before heading up to the refreshment area via elevator. 

Take a break to refuel, then round off your tour with a thrilling 10-minute helicopter ride with panoramic landscape views. Enjoy seeing the falls from a different perspective as you admire torrents of over 260 feet (80 m). Back on foot, meet your driver after a leisurely walk through a lush, tropical forest. Head back to your accommodation, or, if you still have time and energy to spare, take the kids for another watery adventure at Aquamania Foz water park, which lies en route to the city. 

Day 3: Tour More of Foz do Iguaçu (Argentine Side)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, then head over the border with your family to explore the Argentine side of Foz do Iguaçu (known as Iguazú in Spanish). When you arrive, make a beeline for the scenic train (or opt for the 2.4 mi/4 km walkway depending on your ages and fitness levels). This fun ride will see you to Iguazú's masterpiece, the horseshoe series of falls known as Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Take in the beauty of over 63,566 cubic feet (1,800 cu m) of water tumbling more than 260 feet (80 m) into mist-shrouded pools. 

Afterward, reboard the train and head to the next station, where you can disembark to stroll down the well-maintained 2-mile (3 km) wooden walkway. This will bring you closer to the falls and allow you to savor the view from every angle. Take a break at one of the plentiful snack stands or restaurants, then consider investigating one or more of the other walkways or even taking a rafting trip if time allows. Later in the afternoon, return to your accommodation with the kids and grab some downtime before heading out to dinner. 

Day 4: Fly to Manaus, Meet Manatees & Otters at Bosque da Ciência

Day 5: Transfer to the Amazon & Juma Lodge, Explore the Area & Night Hike

Your Amazon adventure starts today, with a morning pickup at your Manaus hotel. Your driver will take you to your rainforest accommodation, Juma Lodge, via the Meeting of the Waters. Here the muddy waters of the Río Solimões meet the black waters of the Río Negro. You and the kids will witness them running side by side for several miles without mixing due to their different speeds, temperatures, and consistencies. Eventually, they mingle to form the mighty Río Amazonas. 

Once settled at Juma Lodge, head to the nearby observation tower. At 102 feet high (31 m), you'll get an excellent overview of the region. Your guide will talk you through the hotel's construction and sustainability practices while you take in the wildlife around you. You'll be able to plant native seedlings, giving the youngsters a new appreciation of the forest around them. Spend the rest of the afternoon on a canoe tour of the tiny igarapés and igapós (flooded sections of forest)—as you paddle quietly through the watery network, you and the kids will feel genuinely immersed in the forest around you. 

Evening brings another expedition: a night tour by flashlight during which you and the kids will observe frogs, birds, and caimans. Listen to the orchestra of nocturnal animals, experience the excitement of spotting wildlife with the kids—and, with just a little luck with the weather, you'll enjoy spectacular starry skies. Back at your accommodation, it's time to bundle up the wee ones and head off to bed to rest before tomorrow's adventures.

Day 6: Rainforest Hike & Piranha Fishing 

Morning brings a fresh experience of the beauty around you, with an early excursion to watch the sunrise. Marvel with the kids as the sky slowly changes color and the rainforest comes to life around you. Grab a pair of binoculars each and have fun spotting the participants in the dawn chorus of waking birds before heading back to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast. 

Later in the day, take a guided jungle hike. A local expert will show you the various edible and medicinal plants that flourish in the forest around you and describe the methods used to extract their goodness. The paths you'll use are constantly changed to avoid environmental damage, so you'll enjoy a literal off-the-beaten-path trip through an untouched landscape. 

End the afternoon with a guided motorboat trip to fish for the infamous piranha. Your guide will teach you about the various native fish species as you and the kids try your luck on the fishing lines—seasoned with maybe just a little friendly family competition over the best catch. At sunset, you'll begin returning to the lodge, giving you stunning views of the Amazon as dusk draws near. 

Day 7: Rainforest Picnic & Visit with the Locals

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a little free time at the lodge—check out the pool or museum with the kids, or take a quick trip back to the observation tower. Around midmorning, head out for a guided hike with the kids. Explore the paths, spotting wildlife and native plants. As lunchtime rolls around, you'll be rewarded with a delicious traditional barbecue cooked over the fire and a siesta in the hammocks provided. 

Once you're all refreshed, take a three-hour trip to visit with the region's Indigenous locals. You and the kids will learn firsthand how to identify and use traditional medicinal plants, and you'll see how one of the region's main exports, manioc flour, is prepared. There's plenty of hands-on fun for the little ones, with live demonstrations and the chance to put their tree-climbing skills to the test.

Back at the lodge museum, settle in for a captivating evening lecture with one of the guides. The whole family will leave with a vivid idea of daily life here and knowledge of the local tales and legends. After this deep dive into Amazon culture, head to the restaurant and improve your knowledge of regional cuisine with a tasty dinner. 

Day 8: Pirarucu Floating Dock Trip, Transfer to Manaus, Fly to Salvador

Rise bright and early for your transfer to Manaus airport. Your driver will meet you at the lodge reception after breakfast. On the way, squeeze in one last Amazon outing, with a stop-off at a floating dock where you and the kids will meet the pirarucu fish. At over 9.8 feet (3 m) in length and weighing up to 440 pounds (200 kg), these fish are bound to impress—the kids will love the excitement of getting close up to feed them.

From here, you'll head to the airport to catch a flight to Salvador, a lively and historic coastal city known as Brazil's cultural capital. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you and the kids to your hotel in the city. Settle in, grab some dinner, and rest for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 9: Explore Salvador's Highlights

Day 10: Praia do Forte Day Trip & TAMAR Sea Turtle Project

Slow down the pace today with a relaxing family beach day at Praia do Forte, about 31 miles (50 km) from the city. This gorgeous stretch of over 7 miles (12 km) of coconut tree-lined coastline, punctuated by coral reefs and natural pools, is a popular family destination for good reason. With plenty of local restaurants, there's enough infrastructure to easily spend the whole day here snorkeling, playing in the sand, or browsing for souvenirs in the local village. 

After lunch, stop by the TAMAR Project sea turtle rescue and conservation center with the kids. Get up close to large and small sea turtles and various fish, shark, and stingray species as you and the kids learn firsthand about fragile local ecosystems and the efforts of locals to protect them. You might even see hatchling sea turtles being released into the ocean. Afterward, head back to Salvador City and take the kids out for a tasty Afro-Brazilian dinner before returning to your accommodation.

Day 11: Family Capoeira Class, Fly to Fortaleza, Transfer to Jericoacoara

There's time for one last taste of Salvador culture this morning, and it's sure to be a memorable one—a private capoeira class for you and the kids. You'll learn about this martial art's history as a form of resistance and the basic moves. Practice your skills together as a family, then sit back and watch as the youngsters get to join a regular class with local kids and put it all into practice. Once the class is done, head back to your accommodation, grab a bite to eat, and get ready to head to your next destination, Jericoacoara. 

Head to reception and meet your driver to arrive on time at Salvador Airport for the quick flight to Fortaleza. Jericoacoara, or "Jeri" as the locals call it, is about four hours from the airport, so sit back in the car and watch the scenery unfold. Jeri is the perfect spot for family fun and relaxation, surrounded by imposing dunes and immaculate beaches. Once you've settled into your accommodation, head to the beach to let off steam after the drive. There are plenty of handy local restaurants, so follow your nose to a delicious dinner, then head back to your hotel for some rest. 

Day 12: Dune Buggy Adventure in Jericoacoara National Park

Day 13: West Coast Dune Buggy Tour, Adventure & Relaxation in Lago Grande 

The kids will be raring to go today, with another dune buggy tour on the cards. Start with a ferry ride across the Guriú Delta—opt for an additional boat trip to delight the family with some seahorse spotting—then jump in the waiting buggy and drive through the undulating dunes to Praia de Mangue Seco. Its calm waters and seclusion make this beach perfect for swimming with the little ones, and the wooden swings and hammocks nestled in the treeline are an additional drawcard. 

Next, head to Lago Grande, a nearby natural rainwater lagoon. As well as the usual beachy fun, you'll find several activities here perfect for older kids and more adventurous family members. With a giant zipline, kayak rentals, and paddleboarding options, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained, and there are several local restaurants to stave off hunger pangs. Sate your appetite for swimming, good food, and adventure, then head to the ferry terminal and cruise back to Jeri.

Day 14: Transfer to Fortaleza, Depart 

Sadly, it's the last day of your Brazilian adventure—but there's still time to pack in some fun, as well as those suitcases. After a leisurely breakfast, take the kids to the beach and watch the master wind and kite surfers (and give it a go yourselves!). If you're short on time, relax at the hotel pool with the kids or grab an ice cream and stroll the sandy streets, keeping an eye out for the vibrant street art along the way while you stock up on the odd souvenir or two. 

If you're lucky enough to have a late flight, head to Duna do Por do Sol, where you and the kids can enjoy the thrill of sandboarding the impressive golden dunes amid panoramic views. Alternatively, head to the striking coastal rock formations of Pedra Furada and take some family photos—be sure to check the tide times, though, as the beach isn't always accessible. Meet your driver in good time for the five-hour drive to Fortaleza Airport to catch your onward flight. Safe travels!

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