Ah, family vacations! The dream of exploring new destinations together starts building up just after the chaos of the back-to-school routine settles. For our big family summer trip, we chose Brazil—a destination I hadn’t considered much before. But after reading a blog post about family-friendly travel in the Northeast region, I was convinced it was the perfect getaway. A conversation with a friend who had traveled there also sparked my curiosity. The landscapes sounded amazing!
After contacting a local agency, Brazil Discovery, run by Joel, a Frenchman who’s lived in Brazil for over 20 years, I was fully sold on the idea. He helped design our itinerary, which included a few days in Rio de Janeiro—because, really, what’s Brazil without experiencing Rio?
Our Brazil Itinerary from Rio to the Northeast
We spent the first few days getting to know Rio de Janeiro, before heading north to explore the stunning beaches and wild landscapes of the Northeast. Here’s a quick look at our trip:
- Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
- Day 2-4: Rio de Janeiro
- Day 5: Sao Luis
- Day 6-9: Lençóis Maranhenses (Barreirinhas)
- Day 10-12: Camocim
- Day 13-16: Jericoacoara
Practical Tips for Your Family Vacation in Brazil
When to Visit Brazil
Brazil is vast—over 8 million square kilometers, compared to France’s 644,000 square kilometers! Depending on where you’re headed, the best time to go varies.
- Rio de Janeiro: The ideal season is between May and November. This is the dry season, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. We visited in August, expecting cooler weather, but instead, we were greeted with 29°C every day—perfect for beach days and sightseeing!
- Northeast Brazil: The rainy season runs from January to July, with the best period for travel being September to November. However, we found August to be quite pleasant. It was warm but not unbearable thanks to a refreshing breeze. The temperature was around 30°C, sometimes more, but it felt ideal.
Getting to Rio
We opted for a flight, which is the most practical option unless you fancy a more adventurous journey by sea. Here are a few things to note:
- Flights from Paris to Rio typically take about 11.5 hours.
- You’ll need a valid passport (ideally six months beyond your return date).
- The time zone difference ranges from -3 hours to -7 hours, depending on the region and the time of year. For Rio and the Northeast, it’s typically -5 hours during the summer.
Suggested Itinerary for a Family Trip to Brazil
Brazil offers endless possibilities for families. When you think of this vast country, you could start with the more well-known spots like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, or Iguazu Falls. For us, the Northeast region was the perfect choice—new, full of nature, and warm, with gorgeous beaches.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
While I usually prefer handling travel logistics myself, booking an agency helped us save a lot of time and stress, especially in a country as large and unfamiliar as Brazil. Our accommodations were a mix of hotels, pousadas (charming inns), and bungalows, with a few compromises for the best value:
- Rio de Janeiro: We opted for a family room in a 2-block hotel away from the beach. It was small but functional, and the breakfast buffet was plentiful. I’d usually go for an apartment, but I didn’t have the time to plan it myself.
- Sao Luis: A more upscale hotel with a family suite that included two rooms and a shared entry.
- Barreirinhas: A beautiful family bungalow set in lush greenery, complete with a lovely restaurant and two stunning pools.
- Camocim: A beautiful pousada (charming hotel) with a mezzanine room, hammocks, and an excellent kitchen.
- Jericoacoara: A family room in an excellently located hotel with a cozy pool and beachfront dining.
Planning Your Trip: DIY or Agency?
While I love organizing vacations—researching must-see places, booking accommodations, and finding activities for the kids—Brazil required a little more help. We were running out of time, and working with a local agency saved us so much effort. Joel from Brazil Discovery handled everything from hotel reservations to transfers and activity planning. He also gave us valuable advice about Rio de Janeiro, and even helped with last-minute requests. It was a relief to have someone on the ground handling all the details.
How Much Does a Family Trip to Brazil Cost?
- Flights: If you book well in advance, you can find tickets from Paris to Rio for between €700 and €1000 per person, depending on whether it’s a direct flight or not.
- Agency Costs: For our family of four, the total cost of the trip (flights, accommodation, transfers, activities) was between €6,000 and €7,000. Booking earlier could have saved us more, especially for internal flights.
Meals and Spending Tips
Most of our breakfasts were included in the accommodation, but lunch and dinner were not. We kept costs manageable with a few tricks:
- Big breakfasts helped us stay full until lunch.
- We packed sandwiches and snacks (mostly from breakfast buffets) for day trips.
- When eating out, we shared meals—Brazilian portions are large, and you can usually split one dish between two or more people. Expect to pay around €20 for a meal for four.
- Buffet restaurants by weight are a great way to eat affordably. You pay for what you load onto your plate, and it’s a fun and casual dining experience for the family.
Practical Travel Tips
- Service in Brazil: Service can be slow, often taking 30 to 45 minutes for a dish to arrive. Stay patient and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
- Data & Communication: Buy a local SIM card for internet and calls—it’s super affordable. We got 2 GB of data and 2 hours of local calls for €25 for a month.
How to Stay Connected and Avoid Surprises
While many Brazilians don’t speak English, Google Translate was a lifesaver. It worked offline too, which helped us communicate easily wherever we went. Also, using a Revolut or N26 card saved us a lot on transaction fees.
Would I Recommend This Trip?
In short, yes! The trip was magical, unforgettable, and full of adventure. Whether exploring the iconic sights of Rio, relaxing on the beaches of Jericoacoara, or discovering the Northeast’s stunning landscapes, we experienced the best of Brazil. With the help of a local agency, we were able to enjoy the trip without the usual travel headaches. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination with a balance of discovery and relaxation, Brazil is definitely worth considering.
I’m Jules, passionate about current events and travel. Curious about the world, I explore trends, analyze events, and share my discoveries. Through my insights and stories, I take you across the globe to fuel your curiosity and thirst for adventure.
