Two Weeks in Brazil: From Beaches to the Rainforest
Most of our travel plans begin the same way: with me sitting Dan down for what’s become a family tradition—the vacation sales pitch. I lay out the destination, the timeline, and, of course, the all-important budget. But when I stumbled across super-low air miles tickets to Brazil last January, the process took an unexpected turn. With barely enough time to pull together my usual rough itinerary (because, as all deal-hunters know, you have to act fast with these things), I braced myself for the usual back-and-forth. To my utter shock, Dan barely let me finish my opening line before he said, "Sure, sounds great!"
You guys. That’s never happened before.
I scrambled to lock in the saver award fares, and just like that, Brazil was on the calendar for Christmas 2024. Normally, we stick to one big trip a year, with smaller adventures in between, which helps balance the budget and the planning workload. After last summer’s meticulously organized Africa trip (planned by a travel agent), I was itching to get back in the driver’s seat for this one. I thrive on planning—the research, the itineraries, and the satisfaction of knowing we’ll hit the ground running. What I didn’t anticipate, though, was just how challenging this trip would be to plan.
Brazil turned out to be a whole new ballgame. The language barrier made researching and organizing surprisingly tricky. Only a small percentage of Brazilians speak English, and nearly every website I needed to access was in Portuguese. I relied heavily on Google Translate, but even then, things often got lost in translation—emails, booking confirmations, and even some of my confidence. Compounding the challenge was the surprising lack of quality blog posts and videos to lean on for tips.
If you’ve found yourself here in a similar situation, don’t worry. I was nervous and stressed about pulling everything together, but once we arrived in Brazil, it all came together. Google Translate became our MVP, and the locals couldn’t have been kinder. Even when conversations took a little longer to work out, Brazilians were endlessly patient and welcoming, which made all the effort worthwhile.
Itinerary:
When it came time to plan our adventures, we had to face one unavoidable truth: Brazil is massive. It’s a country so vast that flying from the northern Amazon to the southern border can take six to seven hours if you are lucky enough to find a direct flight —this is nearly the same as flying coast-to-coast in the United States. With just two weeks to explore, we knew we had to be selective. Attempting to "see it all" wasn’t realistic, so we focused on curating a well-rounded itinerary that would let us experience Brazil’s incredible diversity.
After much research (and more than a few Google Translate sessions), we decided to anchor our trip in three main regions: Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon Basin, and Campos do Jordão. This plan gave us a dynamic mix of city life, beaches, history, culture, rainforest adventures, wildlife, and even some cooler mountain air—a true cross-section of Brazil’s richness.
Our first stop, Rio de Janeiro, was a no-brainer. Known for its iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio is a city that pulses with life. It was the perfect place to kick off our trip, combining breathtaking views, lively beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, and a chance to immerse ourselves in Brazil’s vibrant culture.
Next, we headed to the Amazon Basin, a region that felt worlds away from the bustling streets of Rio. Exploring the rainforest was a dream come true and one of the most awe-inspiring parts of our trip. We cruised along the mighty Amazon River, spotted exotic wildlife, and even spent a day hiking in to the rainforest —a surreal experience that brought us closer to nature than we ever expected.
Finally, we made our way to Campos do Jordão, a picturesque mountain town often called "the Swiss Alps of Brazil." Its European-style architecture, cooler climate, and charming vibe made it a relaxing contrast to the heat and humidity of the Amazon. We enjoyed leisurely hikes, local cuisine, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains—a perfect way to wrap up our whirlwind trip.
If we’d had more time, I would have loved to visit Iguaçu Falls, the breathtaking waterfalls on Brazil’s border with Argentina and Paraguay, or the tropical beaches of the Northeast coast, known for their crystal-clear waters and colorful fishing villages. But as any seasoned traveler knows, you can’t see everything in one trip—and that just gives us an excuse to return someday.
Rio de Janeiro
For our time in Rio, we stayed at the Hilton Copacabana, and it turned out to be an excellent choice for our family. The location was ideal—right in the heart of Copacabana, with easy access to many of the city’s must-see sights. While the area around the hotel had a noticeable amount of homelessness and could feel a bit gritty at times, we never felt unsafe. That said, we opted not to walk around the immediate area much, especially after dark.
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Hilton was their family suite, which was perfect for our group of four. In many hotels across Brazil, rooms are limited to three occupants, making accommodations tricky for families. The Hilton’s suite not only solved this issue but also came with breathtaking ocean views that we could admire right from our room.
The included breakfast was another highlight. Each morning, we enjoyed a fantastic spread of fresh fruits, pastries, and local specialties that fueled us for busy days of sightseeing. The hotel also featured two pools, which quickly became the kids’ favorite hangout spots after long days of exploring.
While the iconic Copacabana Beach was just steps from the hotel, we chose not to swim there. The water, though inviting, was surprisingly cold, and we had read reports about water quality that made us hesitant. Still, the beach itself was beautiful for walking, and we loved starting our mornings with a stroll along the shore
Rio Experience Highlights:
Eat Rio Food Tour: We began our adventure with the Eat Rio Food Tour, which I highly recommend for your first day. It offers an excellent introduction to the city's culinary delights and cultural nuances.
Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer: We visited both landmarks independently, purchasing tickets online in advance. Guides aren't necessary for these attractions. Upon arrival at Christ the Redeemer, we encountered heavy rain and were given the option to proceed or reschedule. We chose to wait until the next day, and thankfully, the skies were clear for our postponed visit.
Carnaval Tour: We joined a group tour we booked on Viator, which, despite our usual preference for private experiences, was a highlight of the trip. The guides were fluent in English and provided engaging and insightful commentary.
Jardim Botânico and Parque Lage: Both the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden and Parque Lage offered serene environments with diverse flora, making them perfect for leisurely strolls. It was here we had our first monkey sighting!
Ipanema: This neighborhood was delightful to explore, featuring a luxury shopping mall that included a LEGO store—a highlight for Lucas!
Santa Teresa Neighborhood: Known for its galleries and cafes, Santa Teresa charmed us with its artistic ambiance. We visited Parque das Ruínas, offering stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Private City Tour: Through Viator, we arranged a private tour covering several attractions:
Selarón Steps: A vibrant mosaic staircase and a must-see artistic landmark.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro: An architectural marvel with impressive stained-glass windows.
Kobra Mural: A massive and colorful street art piece by Eduardo Kobra.
Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room): A stunning library boasting an extensive collection of Portuguese literature.
Museum of Tomorrow: We toured this futuristic science museum but felt we could have skipped this and just walked around the exterior of the building instead.
São Francisco da Penitência Church: Dating back to the 1600s, this church captivated us with its rich history and baroque architecture.
Confeitaria Colombo: A historic café offering delightful pastries and a glimpse into Rio's belle époque era.
Rio Dining Highlights:
Pérgula Restaurant at Copacabana Palace: A renowned restaurant offering gourmet Brazilian cuisine in a sophisticated poolside setting within the iconic Copacabana Palace.
Bicyclette Café: A charming café known for its French-inspired pastries and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or coffee break.
Casa Camolese: Our favorite dining spot of the trip, located near Jardim Botânico, offering a delightful fusion of contemporary cuisine, craft beer, and a vibrant ambiance.
Aprazível: Nestled in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, this restaurant provides a unique dining experience with panoramic views and a menu rich in Brazilian flavors.
Guacamole Cocina Mexicana: A lively Mexican restaurant near Jardim Botânico, known for its authentic dishes, vibrant décor, and festive atmosphere.
Sunset Beach Club Urca: Situated at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, this venue offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset, along with a selection of refreshing beverages and light fare.
Artigiano Ristorante: An Italian restaurant in Ipanema, celebrated for its traditional dishes, warm ambiance, and extensive wine list.
Manaus and the Amazon Basin
After the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro, arriving in Manaus provided a welcome change of pace. As the gateway to the Amazon, Manaus is primarily a working city, and while it may not boast an abundance of tourist attractions, it offers unique experiences that reflect its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the rainforest.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Amazônia
We chose to stay at Hotel Villa Amazônia, located in the historic center of Manaus, just steps away from the Amazon Theater. This boutique hotel features 30 exclusive apartments, all facing an indoor garden and a natural stone pool. The hotel's design preserves the charm of a restored historic mansion reminiscent of the city's rubber boom era. The on-site restaurant offered exquisite cuisine, and the serene pool area provided a perfect retreat from the tropical heat.
Exploring Manaus
With a full day to explore Manaus before embarking on our Amazon cruise, we arranged a city tour to acquaint ourselves with the local culture and history. Some highlights of our tour were:
Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theater): This iconic opera house, a relic of the rubber boom era, stands as a testament to Manaus's rich cultural past. Despite the Sunday rain, we were able to tour the interior, marveling at its ornate architecture and learning about its historical significance.
Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market: Inspired by Paris's Les Halles market, this vibrant marketplace offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Manaus residents. Here, vendors sell a variety of local goods, from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts. The market's iron framework and design are architectural highlights.
Natural Attractions
Upon returning from our Amazon cruise, we dedicated time to explore two significant institutions that showcase the region's biodiversity:
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA): This research institute focuses on Amazonian flora and fauna. The visitor center features exhibits on local wildlife, including manatees, giant otters, and various fish species. The educational displays provided us with a deeper understanding of the Amazon's ecological importance.
Museu da Amazônia (MUSA): Situated within a 100-hectare area of the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, MUSA offers an immersive experience into the Amazon rainforest. The museum features exhibitions on regional biodiversity, including orchids, bromeliads, and native wildlife. A highlight of our visit was ascending the 42-meter observation tower, which afforded panoramic views of the forest canopy—a truly breathtaking sight, especially during the early morning hours.
Both INPA and MUSA are easily accessible from Manaus and can be explored in a few hours each. They offer invaluable insights into the Amazon's natural wonders and are well worth the visit for anyone interested in the region's ecology.
Amazon Cruise
Our 4-night cruise on the Iberostar Grand Amazon was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. They offer 3, 4, and 7-night options, and we were happy with the 4-night itinerary—it was the perfect length for us. Some travelers choose the full 7 nights, but I think the 4-night option gave us the perfect amount of time to explore the Amazon without feeling stuck on a boat for too long!
Onboard Vibes
We were expecting to be surrounded by an older crowd, but instead, we found a great mix of families and couples. Our kids easily made friends, even with the language barrier (Again, Google Translate for the win!). There were only two other English speakers onboard, so all of our excursions were super small and exclusive feeling.
The Ship
The Iberostar Grand Amazon has been around for 20 years, and unfortunately, it shows. Despite its 5-star rating, the rooms felt damp (which makes sense, given that we were in the middle of the rainforest!), and the ship itself was a little dated and musty. But honestly, it was clean and comfortable, and for what we were looking for—an Amazon adventure—it worked. From talking to other travelers, I understand that this cruise was widely considered one of the best options for exploring the river, and despite its shortcomings, I can understand why. The rainforest has a way of permeating even the most luxurious of cruise ships!
Food on Board
As vegetarians, the food options were a bit limited, but the staff really went out of their way to accommodate us. They were incredibly friendly and made sure we had plenty of options, which made a big difference in our experience.
The Excursions
The excursions were absolutely the highlight of the trip. Twice a day, we hopped on small boats to explore the Amazon, and every excursion felt like something out of a dream. Here’s a look at some of the things we did:
Village Visits: We had the chance to visit local villages and learn about life along the river.
Piranha Fishing: Yes, we fished for piranhas! It was a bit nerve-wracking but also a lot of fun. We caught a few but always released them back into the river.
Wildlife Spotting: We saw various wildlife—colorful birds, sloths, monkeys, and even pink river dolphins. The biodiversity here is just unreal. I returned from the trip with a new appreciation for bird watching and now use an app to track all the bird species I spot!
Rainforest Hikes: The hikes were fascinating. We explored the jungle with a guide, learning about the plants and wildlife that thrive in the Amazon.
Downtime on the Ship
We had more downtime on the boat than we expected, and since the ship is small, there weren’t a lot of activities onboard. If I were to do it again, I’d definitely pack more games, books, or things to do during the downtime. It was still incredibly peaceful to be out on the river with nothing to do but relax and enjoy the surroundings, but a little more onboard entertainment would’ve been nice.
Final Thoughts on the Cruise
All in all, the Iberostar Grand Amazon cruise was an unforgettable experience. The excursions alone made the trip worth it, and the small, intimate feel of the cruise made it feel even more special. If you’re planning a trip to the Amazon, I’d definitely recommend this cruise—it’s the perfect way to explore the heart of the rainforest.
Campos do Jordão
For our final days in Brazil, we considered staying in São Paulo, where our flight would depart from. However, after researching the city, I felt overwhelmed by its size and the logistics of getting around. I expanded my search to a two-hour radius around São Paulo, hoping to find a unique town or resort to spend our last days of vacation. After days of searching, I stumbled upon a hotel called Ort Hotel in Campos do Jordão.
The hotel ticked many boxes for what I was looking for: kids' activities, vegetarian-friendly dining options, pools, and easy access to explore the area. We booked one of their two-bedroom apartments, and it was wonderful to have all that space to spread out after feeling cramped on the cruise ship for multiple days.
Ort Hotel was the perfect respite to end our trip. It felt luxurious and exclusive (they even have a private helipad for arriving guests!), there were endless opportunities to explore, and the food was phenomenal. Originally, our plan was to rent a car and drive the two hours from the airport to Campos do Jordão. But after witnessing the craziness of Brazilian roads and drivers, we opted to book a car transfer instead, and I am so glad we did. The ease of getting there was a breeze, and the hotel shuttled us wherever we needed to go.
Campos do Jordão is a quaint Swiss or Bavarian-style village in the mountains of Brazil. In fact, it’s said to be the highest city in elevation in Brazil. The temperature was perfect—mid-70s—but the air had none of the muggy, humidness of Rio or Manaus. It’s touristy, but in all the expected ways, and we felt incredibly safe.
Highlights in Campos:
Amantikir Park: Botanical gardens complete with an epic treehouse and labyrinth hedge maze.
Parque de Cervejas: An odd park devoted to beer, but with good food options.
Parque Capivari: A family-friendly park offering a variety of attractions, including the Trenó Alpine Coaster and a chair lift to the top of Morro do Elefante for panoramic views of the city.
Fondue: You'll find fondue at all the restaurants in Campos. The Matterhorn is a staple, but we enjoyed ours at the Bam Bam Café.
Before our flight back to the States, we stayed at the Marriott by the São Paulo airport, and it was perfect! It had lots of great amenities, fluent English-speaking staff, and was close to the airport but without the typical noise of an airport hotel.
We opted to fly direct to Brazil from Miami using air miles rewards. We spent two nights in Miami before our trip and two nights in Fort Lauderdale after our trip. This helped us to adjust to the time change and ease back into real life post vacation!
Helpful Tips
Transportation:
Ubers were easy to find wherever we went, and we ended up taking at least 20 of them during our trip, especially in Rio. While the drivers didn’t speak English, the app allows you to input your destination in advance, so there’s no worry about getting lost in translation during the ride. I never felt unsafe, except for one instance when a torrential downpour turned the streets into a blur of zero visibility. But for the most part, Uber was a quick, reliable option to get around.
For days when we planned to do some heavy sightseeing, we opted for private tours through Viator or directly through our hotel. We love having an English-speaking guide and driver, as it ensures a more seamless experience. We’ve found that group tours are not our favorite, mainly because the guides usually have to repeat the same information in multiple languages, which can feel like a bit of a drag.
When traveling between cities, we booked domestic flights with Latam Airways, mainly to earn miles with Alaska Airlines (a nice perk!). Latam was fine, supposedly one of the better airlines for domestic travel in Brazil, though their website can be a little glitchy, so make sure all your details are entered correctly.
If you’re flying into Brazil, be prepared for São Paulo’s airport, which is massive and not the easiest to navigate. We almost missed our connecting flight to Rio because we got completely turned around in the maze of terminals, security checkpoints, and long hallways. Some terminals can take 15-20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, so give yourself plenty of time. And a heads up—don’t count on finding someone who speaks English. If you need help, it’s a good idea to type your question into Google Translate beforehand.
Weather:
We were in Brazil during their summer and rainy season, which runs through December and January. Leading up to the trip, I kept an eye on the weather forecast, but honestly, all it did was stress me out. The forecast predicted rain every single day—sometimes all day—and I was mentally preparing for a soggy vacation. But as it turns out, the forecast was a bit dramatic! The rainstorms we did experience were quick, sudden, and hard to predict. We only had to break out our umbrellas or raincoats once, and honestly, the rain was kind of a welcome relief from the heat. Plus, it was never long before the sun came back out and we dried off.
In the Amazon Basin, though, expect your clothes to stay damp—especially if you leave them out. Kendall learned this the hard way when she packed some slightly damp clothes into her suitcase. A few days later, we discovered they had turned moldy! So, definitely keep that in mind if you're heading to the rainforest.
Food:
As vegetarians, we were a bit underwhelmed by the variety of food options in Brazil. The cuisine is definitely heavy on meat and seafood, which made it a challenge to find enough plant-based meals to satisfy us. We ended up eating a lot of carbs—breads, pasta, rice, and tapioca—and cheese, which was always delicious. But the real highlight of our meals were the tropical fruits, which were fresh, vibrant, and unlike anything we can get back home (I’m still reminiscing the mangoes that melt in your mouth!).
I did a fair bit of research before we left to ensure we had reservations at restaurants that offered vegetarian options, but more often than not, our choices came down to pizza or pasta. By the end of the trip, we were all craving fresh veggies, salads, and our usual home-cooked vegetarian meals. It was definitely a bit of a food culture shock for us, especially when we were used to more diverse options back home.
When it came to drinks, most restaurants did offer a wine list, but the selection by the glass was pretty limited—usually just the option for a whole bottle. At the hotels, the minibars didn’t have wine, only beer, which wasn’t ideal for me since I’m not a beer drinker. Dan, on the other hand, wasn’t too impressed by the beer selection either (though, to be fair, he’s a bit of a craft beer snob!). So, while we didn’t starve, by the end of the trip, we were definitely ready to return to a more veggie-friendly diet.
Currency & Exchange Rate:
Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (pronounced "reals"), and we found the exchange rate to be very favorable during our trip. On average, meals cost less than $50, with many local restaurants offering great value for money. Ubers were a steal, usually under $10 for most rides, and we enjoyed cocktails or a glass of wine for about $5 each—such a great deal compared to what we’re used to!
It’s always a good idea to check the current exchange rate before you travel, but in general, we were pleasantly surprised by how affordable things were once we arrived. It's important to note that US dollars are not accepted as payment in Brazil, and it's actually illegal for businesses to do so. While you might come across a few places in tourist-heavy areas that unofficially accept them, it’s far more reliable to use Brazilian Reais (BRL). We used credit cards for most of our purchases (which worked smoothly everywhere), but we did keep some cash on hand for smaller shops, tips, or when the card machines weren’t working. ATMs are readily available, and most places will accept cards, but it’s a good idea to have some Reais in your wallet just in case.
Final Thoughts:
Our two weeks in Brazil were truly unforgettable—filled with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, delicious (if not always veggie-friendly) food, and amazing cultural experiences. While we didn’t get to see everything this vast country has to offer, we packed in so many incredible adventures that made it all worth it.
And the adventure doesn’t stop here! Next up, we’ll be embarking on a road trip from Nashville to Chicago for spring break and a Scandinavian tour this summer, exploring Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. If you’d like to follow along and read more about these upcoming trips, let me know in the comments!
