Brazil Holidays

Hand-gliding in Rio De Janeiro is world-famous for a reason. You literally sprint off the ramp at Pedra Bonita and be in the air for about 7 to 15 minutes, depending on how the wind feels that day. The best part is landing - you glide down onto the sand at Pepino Beach in São Conrado.

Manaus is the gateway city for Amazon exploration, accessible by direct flight from Rio or Sao Paulo. From here, lodge-based wildlife tours, river canoe expeditions and multi-day jungle hikes are all available through established operators.

Whether you are looking for dense tropical rainforests or dramatic red-rock canyons, trekking in Brazil covers an incredible amount of diverse ground. If you want a multi-day trek shaped by local culture, head to Bahia's Vale do Pati. For something more technical, Rio’s Serra dos Órgãos delivers stunning, high-altitude alpine ridges.

From the beginner-friendly rapids of Brotas to Rio's year-round action on the Paraibuna River, Brazil is a sleeper hit for whitewater rafting. If you want a bit of scenery with your splash, try the Mambucaba River in Paraty, it winds right through the Atlantic Forest, giving you front-row seats to local wildlife between the rapids.

The Pantanal beats the Amazon for wildlife density per square kilometer. Jaguars here are habituated to boats and spotted regularly between July and October from the rivers around Porto Jofre. The same area produces tapir, giant river otter, giant anteater and hundreds of bird species.

Built on gold wealth during the 18th century, Ouro Preto remains one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial towns. Steep cobbled streets wind past baroque churches, former mansions and historic squares. The town played a central role in Brazil’s independence movement and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This UNESCO-listed national park in Piauí protects one of the most important archaeological landscapes in the Americas. Hundreds of rock shelters contain prehistoric paintings, some believed to be thousands of years old. The surrounding scenery feels unexpectedly rugged, with canyons, cliffs and dry scrubland stretching for miles.

At the heart of Salvador, Pelourinho reflects centuries of Portuguese, African and Brazilian influences. Colourful colonial buildings, historic churches and lively public squares fill the district. Beyond the architecture, many visitors come to understand the area's importance in shaping Afro-Brazilian culture, music and traditions.

The São Miguel Ruins are among the most important reminders of the Jesuit Missions established across southern Brazil during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the remains of the red sandstone church still dominate the landscape, offering insight into the region’s complex Indigenous and colonial history.

Housed inside the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, the Imperial Museum in Petrópolis offers a glimpse into Brazil's imperial era. Original furniture, royal carriages, jewellery and personal belongings remain on display. Visitors are even asked to wear protective slippers to preserve the historic wooden floors.

Months before Carnival, Rio’s samba schools open up their practice halls for some incredible warmup parties. It’s where locals and tourists dance together to massive drum sections and this year's new songs. These nights are packed, and totally real, giving you a genuine look at the Carnival spirit. The energy is unmatched. 

In Salvador, capoeira circles are an amazing mix of martial arts, dance, and history. You’ll see people moving to the hypnotic beat of the berimbau in historic squares like Pelourinho. It’s a deep, gravity-defying display of Afro-Brazilian culture and resistance. Catching a live "roda" is easily the best way to experience Bahia.

Football isn't just a sport in Brazil, it's pretty much a national religion. From kids playing barefoot in the streets to the absolute madness inside the Maracanã, the energy is just on another level. Whether it's a brutal local derby or the "Seleção" playing, match days are pure, loud chaos.

Carnival gets all the hype, but June in Brazil belongs to Festa Junina. It’s a massive nationwide celebration of country life. Picture everyone wearing plaid shirts, dancing the “quadrilha”, and crowding around huge bonfires to eat corn treats and drink mulled wine. With all the colorful flags hanging everywhere, it is so much fun to witness.

Rio Carnival is a massive, world-famous festival held in Rio de Janeiro before Lent. It features spectacular samba school parades in the Sambadrome, vibrant street parties called "blocos," and elaborate costumes. Rooted in diverse cultural traditions, the event attracts millions of visitors, celebrating Brazilian music, dance, and infectious energy.

This is Brazil's second-largest street festival, trailing only the Rio Carnival. Held every year on the second Thursday of January, the event is a beautiful display of religious syncretism. Devotees dress entirely in white and take part in an 8-kilometer procession, walking all the way to the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim.

Deep in the Amazon rainforest, a small island city called Parintins hosts one of Brazil's biggest cultural spectacles every June: Boi-Bumbá festival. Think of it as a massive, theatrical folklore battle. The town is fiercely divided into two teams: the blue team, Caprichoso, and the red team, Garantido. For three nights, they compete in a stadium called the Bumbódromo, using incredible floats and Indigenous-inspired dances.

Every August, Barretos completely changes for the Festa do Peão: Latin America’s biggest rodeo. You get intense bull riding, massive sertanejo concerts, and the traditional "Queima do Alho" food. It’s a dusty, wild celebration of Brazil’s real cowboy culture. If you’re into country life, you absolutely have to experience Barretos at least once. 

Every October, Blumenau brings a massive slice of Germany to Brazil. You’ll get non-stop beer, traditional folk dancing, and huge parades through the city center. This 18-to-19-day party at Vila Germânica is the biggest Oktoberfest in the Americas. It’s an incredibly fun mix of German heritage and Brazilian energy.

Every October, millions of people crowd Belém for Círio de Nazaré. It’s an unbelievable sight. Devotees pack the streets, holding onto a 400-meter rope to pull the flower-covered statue through the city. It’s an intense, emotional marathon of singing and pure willpower, easily the biggest religious festival in the Amazon.

Beto Carrero World is this massive theme park down in Santa Catarina, and it’s easily the biggest in Latin America. The park features over 100 attractions split into multiple themed areas alongside a large zoo and top-notch live stunt shows. If you're looking for a fun trip with family or friends, it's just an awesome place to go. 

Located in the revamped port zone, AquaRio is South America's largest aquarium. Spanning 26,000 square meters, it houses 4.5 million liters of water and 28 enclosures featuring over 10,000 animals from 350 species. Highlights include a modern underwater glass tunnel where sharks and rays glide overhead, making it an excellent destination for families.

Located in Gramado, Exceed Park is easily Brazil's coolest high-tech arcade setup. It’s packed with ultra-realistic Formula 1 simulators, crazy immersive VR games, and professional gaming rigs. Whether you’re trying to break lap records or just fight zombies in virtual worlds, it’s an awesome spot for anyone into gaming.

Ibirapuera is basically São Paulo’s Central Park, and the buildings were designed by the legendary Oscar Niemeyer. It’s got a great mix of running trails, museums like MAM, and the iconic Auditório. Whether you’re skating, biking, or just laying by the lake, it’s easily the best spot in the city to hang out.