Brazil with children – our favourite family-friendly activities

– Tick off some iconic sights

No trip to Rio is complete without hopping on the cog train chugging up the side of Corcovado Mountain. Here, take the ultimate selfie beneath the welcoming arms of Christ the Redeemer statue. The next port of call is Sugarloaf Mountain. Why take the cable car when you can hike the Morro da Urca Trail through lush forest with hardly a soul in sight, surrounded by marmosets and squawking birds. At the top, you can enjoy a traditional caipirinha cocktail looking out over Guanabara Bay. High above the clouds, with the faint sounds of samba from the city clubs below, this is the place to enjoy the ultimate Brazilian sunset. A perfect end to your first day in Brazil with with children.

– Get down with the locals

Ever wanted to learn to surf? Ipanema Beach has to offer the best location for kudos in the playground. Or how about taking on the local kids with a footvolley match on Copacabana Beach? For all those budding musicians out there, you can also enjoy a percussion class. Perhaps the most fun however is to take a samba class with a local dance school. For a true in-depth local experience, however, take a guided favela tour in one of the designated safe areas – a real eye-opener for kids.

– Bike tour along Copacabana & Ipanema beaches

A brilliant introduction to this exciting city and a great way to tick off some legendary locations and enjoy some entertaining people-watching. Cycle past a kaleidoscope of Brazilian life and watch fiercely contested beach volleyball matches. Take in the itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini stands and seafood shacks blaring bossa nova beats. Bronzed elderly couples stroll hand in hand, runners race past in Speedos and workers on their lunch break enjoy the sun. Using safe cycle lanes throughout, this is the perfect way to explore Rio on a trip to Brazil with kids.

– Hike Pedro Bonito Peak

Rio is all about nature and is home to the largest Atlantic rainforest in the world. Spend a brilliant morning climbing up Pedro Bonito peak in Tijuca National Park. Far removed from the crowds you will meander through dense forest in the company of sloths and howler monkeys. Emerge on the smooth rounded rock face to sweeping views of Rio’s famous coastline and beaches.

– Explore the Barra da Tijuca mangrove swamps

Incredibly for such a highly populated metropolis, you can go caiman-spotting in Rio’s suburbs. The mangroves of Barra de Tijuca are home to wealthy island houses, simple fishermen’s huts and a wide-ranging birdlife including egrets and cormorants. Hop between the various islands by water taxi and explore the tiny alleyways with their pastel-coloured houses where artists and witch doctors reside. Enjoy mouth-watering local fare in one of the trendy waterside bars. Then take a cruise deeper into the swamps to spot capybaras, giant crabs, howler monkeys, and yes, even evil-eyed caiman lurking on the banks.

– Kayaking in Paraty Bay

Kayak through the mangroves in the calm, protected waters of Paraty Bay. Spot enormous crabs and egrets swooping overhead. Emerge into the turquoise waters of the bay and follow sea turtles to secluded beaches for some swimming time. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted island with your toes in the sand. Head back to Paraty – hopefully with turtles still in tow…

– Jeep and Waterfall Safari

The order of this tour is somewhat amusing – keep the adults happy with a visit to a cachaca distillery then take a bumpy 4WD drive (perhaps go easy with the cachaça) to a trail where the children can swim, splash and dive happily amongst a variety of waterfalls. The most exciting is Tarzan Falls where you can ‘toboggan’ down a rockface into a deep pool below. The guide will then show off his skills by ‘surfing’ it standing up – do not try this at home!

– Saco da Mamangua Fjord

Take a boat trip up Brazil’s only natural fjord, keeping an eye out for sea turtles. Then climb through dense Atlantic rainforest up Pao de Acucar (the ‘other’ Sugarloaf Mountain). Reach the rocky summit for stupendous 360° views of the emerald fjord and green forest. Back down to the beach for a swim before a fresh fish lunch.

– Ponta Negra Coastal Hike

A day of easy coastal walks and idyllic deserted beaches. Sound appealing? This is the perfect family day out and a highlight of any visit to Brazil with kids – meandering through Atlantic rainforest, massive palm trees and acai plants, clambering over giant roots to emerge into the sunshine onto a long stretch of virtually deserted sandy beach. A few low-key bars play muted samba and reggae, hammocks sway and volleyball pitches lie waiting to be used.

– Ilha Grande

In between Rio and Paraty lies this little gem of an island reached by a short ferry ride. Here rustic lodges lie on the edge of idyllic beaches. Go snorkelling, kayak the coast, and enjoy a relaxed pace of life where two feet and boats are the only forms of transport. Bliss

– Horseback Safari

Rise early to head out and catch the wildlife at its best in the dawn light. A herd of snout-nosed cute capybaras will have the younger ones cooing whilst the older ones will play daredevil and see how close they can come to an evil-eyed caiman wallowing on the banks of the river. A trio of giant Rheas waddle their way through the endless herds of cattle and a giant anteater lumbers its way comically between the bushes (they also have giant ants here).

The birds here will impress even the least interested – pink spoonbills flashing their rosy under girth, herons, egrets and bright blue macaws soar above whilst a Southern Screamer reminds parents of the school playground. A Jesus bird entertains by walking on water and then, with a huge swoosh, a Jabiru Stork flies in with an impressive display from its gigantic wingspan.

– Piranha Fishing

Surely the fishing trip with the most kudos for any child? Head out on the river and see how many of these nippers you can catch. Their jaws are incredibly fierce-looking, although in reality they do not (usually) dine out on humans. A wonderfully exiting addition to a holiday in Brazil with the children

– Kayak Safari

A favourite activity with the kids in Brazil is a late afternoon kayak in the Pantanal. Capuchin monkeys swing from tree to tree on the riverside, and howler monkeys, with their infamous hoot, squabble between themselves. A motmot bird defends its nest and pairs of macaws accompany you. Keep your eyes peeled for a riverside jaguar and the glint of a caiman eye. Just don’t let your hands dangle off the side of the kayak too much.

– Night Safari

Heading off on a night safari brings perhaps the most intense feeling of anticipation from any wildlife experience. The guide shines the powerful light into the undergrowth hoping to catch the eyes of giant anteaters, capybaras, lurking caiman, and crab-eating fox. The eyes and semi-luminous white flanks of the cattle reflect back, looking like something out of a horror movie.

On a branch overhead, a spectacled owl peers down disapprovingly. Fireflies dance around your head and the Southern Cross shines brightly higher above. The undergrowth is full of various strange sounds that the guide can easily ‘decode’. Back on the road, a hundred suicidal frogs leap out and a boa constrictor forces the vehicle to swerve. By the river, an ocelot is spotted trying to glean some remains of a recent fishing expedition. And there is always that hope that the eyes shining back at you belong to a jaguar…

– Hammock Time

With excursions in the early morning and late afternoon, the middle of the day is spent doing precisely nothing. Too hot for animals, one is forced to laze in a hammock or take a dip in a gloriously fresh swimming pool. Head for lunch in a wonderfully rustic open-air restaurant and enjoy a mean caipirinha (or for the youngsters, a thirst-quenching acai fruit juice) in the bar. Purgatory. Just watch that mockingbirds don’t steal your homemade pineapple cake.

– Boca da Onca

A fabulous introduction to the natural attractions of this area. This 10km walk is an easy meander through shaded forest packed with monkeys, birds and the odd snake. A series of nine waterfalls, tumbling over calcified limestone terraces, create a trail with plenty of swimming opportunities including diving through a cave to reach the waterfall the other side. Cue lots of squealing (from all ages). Further on a natural beach provides a great bathing spot where the water is exquisitely blue and hugely refreshing after the humidity of the forest.

The final dip is beneath the stunning Boca da Onca Falls themselves, the highest in the state. The falls plummet 150m creating a photogenic shimmer of rainbows and showers.

Possibly the most fun you can have snorkelling with giant fish and caiman… Float or snorkel your way downriver (with not a kick of the legs required) on the Olha Aguas River. This translates as ‘Eye Water’ which is apt as the colour of the water is absolutely eye-watering – pure emerald green or bright turquoise depending on the depth. At various times you will be accompanied by tiny fish, great big Durados, crabs and catfish – and even (harmless) caiman. At the end walk back through the forest to the cackle of monkeys and macaws takes you to a delicious homemade Brazilian buffet. Simply perfect for all ages and abilities.

– Cachoeira de Bodequena and Estancia Hermosa

Both of these locations offer superb waterfall fun on a holiday in Brazil with the kids. Estancia Hermosa is a well-established, family-run traditional ‘fazenda’ or farm located on a series of waterfalls. A short boat trip midway provides added interest and wildlife of course abounds in the surrounding forest.

The slightly newer Cachoeira de Bodequena offers equally wonderful bathing spots beneath waterfalls from rock terraces. It also has the added bonus of a natural pool replete with inflatable kayaks where a guide takes you over a short waterfall for that adrenalin kick. A volleyball court with hordes of monkeys overhead completes the picture.

– Buraca das Araras

Near to the Rio da Prata ranch is the largest sinkhole in South America. For once this trip does not involve getting wet – unless you fall into the lake at the bottom of the sinkhole. Not recommended as there are two caiman that live there who did exactly that…. 88 macaws (exactly) reside here and at various times of day swoop, soar and generally flit around in an avante garde display of colour. Perfect for younger children too as the walk is in the shade of the trees and under a kilometre in length. And who doesn’t love getting up close to a macaw anyway?

– Dine out at Casa da Joao

So you have swum with them and spotted them on the riverbanks. You may have even fished for them. But now it is time to try dining out on caiman and piranha at Bonito’s most lauded restaurant, Casa da Joao. And yes, they taste just like chicken. Highly recommended is the Treida fish dish with of course the ubiquitous farafa (yukka) accompaniment. And the puddings…..well a word of warning, Brazilians have a very sweet tooth and you will find it hard to resist gorging on chocolate anthill cake – kids will love it.

– Train to Devils Throat on the Argentine side

Swap Brazilian reals for Argentine pesos and hop on the electric train that meanders through the rainforest along the Argentine side of the falls. There are options to hop off and follow the Lower and Upper Walkways but most people head straight for the end of the line where iron walkways take you right to the heart of the most dramatic section of the falls – the Devil’s Throat. View the remains of the old walkways, long swept away by floods, and try to avoid ruining a hundred selfies as others all try to get the best angle and be mesmerised by the sheer deluge of water tumbling over the drop. Garganta del Diablo indeed.

– Macuco Safari into the falls

Hint: You are going to get very, VERY wet. Think white water rafting on a speedboat – an absolute highlight of any holiday to Brazil with the kids. Children will love it and parents will discover their inner child.

A jet boat takes you through the rapids right to the base of the falls. And then repeatedly drives the boat into the massive shower of water. Again. And again. And again. If you have ever wanted a shower during the day due to the humidity, you are going to get one now. The biggest power shower of your life. And just when you thought it was safe to open your eyes and stop gripping the side of the boat, the captain switches off the engine as you drift towards a massive whirlpool….. (waterproof camera essential, waterproof poncho useless).

– Walk on the wild side in Brazil

The Brazilian side of Iguazu is widely recognised as the more natural and spread out so there are less contained pockets of tourists in one place. It is a beautiful walk along the cliffside with stunning views of the various cascades (275 in total). There are numerous spots where you can snap that perfect ‘rainbow’ shot and being so close to the falls, there is an amazing sense of the speed, force and strength of Mother Nature.

– Stay at the glorious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

If you are going to splash (sorry!) the cash anywhere on your holiday to Brazil with the kids, this is the place to do it. Not only is the Belmond an exquisite old colonial hotel, with immaculate gardens, billiard room, piano bar and swimming pool, it is also the only place that offers exclusive access to the falls once the park is officially shut. Hop on one of the hotel bikes and ride out through the forest looking for howler monkeys and parakeets, enjoy a cachaca cocktail within sight of the falls at sunset, and enjoy a peaceful walk at sunrise with only the raccoons and toucans for company. Magic.

– Backstage experience at the Bird Park

Fancy getting up close and personal with a macaw or toucan? Welcome to the Parque das Aves, just outside the entrance to Iguazu National Park. An internationally recognised rescue and conservation centre, the bird park is home to 150 species set in lush rainforest. The backstage experience offers the opportunity to feed such exotic birds in an environmentally and responsible way. The tour may include feeding a flamingo chick or toucan, entering the aviary of native songbirds, getting to know the endangered Atlantic rainforest parrots and interacting with a macaw.

– Take to the water from your rainforest lodge

Head out on motorised canoes and let the animal-spotting competitiveness begin! By day, the twitches in the trees and the flash of colour in the skies reveal leaping spider monkeys and pairs of macaws. By night you will be amazed how many eyes glint back at your torchlight. Your specialised guide will then teach you the art of piranha fishing so you can catch your own supper.

– Take a liveaboard river cruise

Possibly the most unique way to explore the Amazon is by cruising the waters during the day and sleeping on your river cruise boat at night. Get further afield and experience different parts of the jungle in one trip.  With opportunities to go ashore and trek through the forest to visit local villages, this is a luxuriously exciting means of experiencing the Amazon with kids.

– Meet the locals

Visit an indigenous family to learn about the medicinal value of the flora and also some of the unique local customs. A truly fascinating insight that the children will not forget. Challenge the local kids to a game of football – there is always space for football in Brazil, even in the jungle!

– Overnight stay at a jungle survival camp

Surely the ultimate Amazon experience. Learn how to find water and use plants for first aid and food. Dine on Cupuacu fruit and Jambu fish tips then fall asleep to the unbelievably loud sounds of the forest, swinging in your hammock (safely off the ground so that creepy crawlies can’t get you).

– Swim with pink dolphins

The Amazon is home to anacondas, crocodiles, rarely-seen human tribes and unbelievable vines and towering trees. It is also where the rather cute pink dolphin resides. Enjoy interaction with these creatures in a responsible way, supporting local conservation efforts. Swimming with these friendly and sociable cetaceans is an incredible experience where it is best to put the camera down and simply enjoy their ‘fly-bys’ underwater, seemingly grinning at you in fun. They are loving the encounter and you will too. An unforgettable part of any trip to Brazil with kids.