Fun-Filled Family Tour of Brazil: Iguaçu Falls, Paraty & São Paulo - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in São Paulo, Tour of Avenida Paulista

Welcome to Brazil! Your trip begins in São Paulo, one of the world's most populous cities, which offers a rich architectural scene and several important institutions. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your driver, who will transfer you and the family to your city-center hotel.

Spend some time settling in before regrouping in the lobby, where you'll meet your guide for a tour of Avenida Paulista. Orient yourselves by learning about the city's history as you pass through the Museum of Art—an impressive structure that appears as though it's floating above the ground—then see Trianon Park and the Gastronomic Fair. Learn about the country's history at the Itaú Cultural Institute before ending the tour near Japan House, which is well worth exploring for its curious Japanese artifacts. 

 

After your introduction to Brazil's culture and history, it's time for dinner! São Paulo is famous for being a multicultural city, so there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants offering Asian, Uruguayan, Argentine, and Italian food. Since it's your first evening in the city, you may want to consider Coconut Bamboo, a restaurant specializing in Brazilian cuisine. There's even a dedicated children's area equipped with video games! 

Day 2: Kid-Friendly Tour of São Paulo

Enjoy a slow-paced day today, meandering around the city with your guide and taking as little or as much time in each destination as you and the kids fancy. Begin by absorbing the buzz of the city center before moving on to Beco do Batman—a nickname for the area in the Vila Madalena neighborhood. Here, encounter some of São Paulo's best graffiti art and take some eye-catching family photos against these artistic backdrops. 

 

Depending on what interests the family more, choose from two options for the next stage of the tour: explore the Instituto Butantan, a biological research center and a great option for kids interested in science, with museums, a serpentarium, and a reptile house. Or, for any football enthusiasts, don't miss the Museu do Futebol (football museum)! Stop for a quick bite to eat before giving the kids a run around in the fresh air at Parque Estadual Cândido Portinari (Parque Villa Lobos) and having a go on the Ferris wheel.

 

Finish the tour in Bairro da Liberdade, the city's Japantown. Wander down streets decorated with hanging lanterns until you find a restaurant that catches your eye. Here, you can find some of São Paulo's best Japanese food, with sushi bars, ramen shops, and yakisoba noodle stands to choose from! Leave with full stomachs and head back to your hotel for your last night in the city.

Day 3: Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu, Visit the Parque das Aves

Set off from your hotel early this morning and catch a two-hour flight to Foz de Iguaçu. Transfer to your hotel and drop off your luggage, then make your way to nearby Parque das Aves. Focused on the conservation of Atlantic Forest birds, the park provides an immersive experience where you'll be introduced to a multitude of rare and endangered birds. Upon entering the park, follow a path that passes through the bird, animal, and butterfly nurseries.  The birds fly freely around the park, so don't be surprised if a large blue and gold macaw lands within arm's length!

 

Once your appetites start kicking in, head either to the snack bar in the center of the park or the restaurant at the entrance, where you can indulge in hamburgers and other kid-friendly dishes. Don't forget to saunter through the gift shop on your way out! Back in Foz de Iguaçu, spend a leisurely evening at the hotel or wander around the city, and hype yourselves up for tomorrow, where you'll witness one of the world's seven natural wonders: the Iguaçu Falls!

Day 4: Explore Iguaçu Falls, Driving Tour of the Three Borders Landmark

Today, visit the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls! A driver will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and take you to Iguaçu National Park, which is where you'll start your walk. The path doesn't exceed 1.2 miles (2 km), and the ramps are well-maintained so that you can concentrate on the awesome views and not your footing. Take mantelpiece-worthy family photos at the panoramic viewpoint, from where you'll get privileged vistas of almost 80% of the 275 falls that make up this natural wonder.

 

Refuel with some lunch and embark on a three-hour guided tour of the Three Borders Landmark via car. This site unites three countries and offers a view of the borders and unique geographical elements. At the Brazilian obelisk, which was established more than 100 years ago with the colors of the Brazilian flag, immerse yourselves in the history of the country and the continent. After learning about the location and taking in the views, your driver will take you back to Foz de Iguaçu for the evening. 

Day 5: Visit the Argentine Side of the Falls

Meet your driver this morning and hop over the border, where you'll spend the day getting to know the Argentine side of the Iguaçu Falls. Walk along a series of walkways with views from above, and make sure to take the path that leads to the Garganta do Diabo—the largest of the waterfalls at almost 500 feet wide (150 m)! You'll also board a train, which will take you from point to point, something the kids will love. Take a moment to admire the power of the falls and wind your way back to your starting point, where your driver will pick you up and take you back to Foz de Iguaçu.

Day 6: Transfer to São Paulo, Leisure Time 

Enjoy a leisurely morning and sample some traditional Brazilian breakfast items. Pão de Queijo—a type of warm, cheesy cornbread—is a particular favorite among little ones, as is the novelty of having cake for breakfast with Bolo de Fuba, a Brazilian classic. In the afternoon, catch your return flight to São Paulo and greet your driver at the airport, who'll take you back to your hotel. If you've still got some energy, use it to explore the historic center where you'll find Sé Cathedral, the Mosteiro de São Bento (St Benedict's Monastery), and the Martinelli Building, all nearby. 

Day 7: Transfer to Paraty, Walking Tour

Pack your bags, some snacks, and entertainment for the four-hour private transfer northeast to Paraty. Backed by mountains on Brazil's Costa Verde, this small coastal town will enchant you with its narrow, cobbled streets and colorful colonial architecture. Be welcomed to your pousada—a small, family-run inn—and stroll along the tranquil waterfront before meeting your guide for this afternoon's walking tour.

 

Travel back in time through Paraty's historical and cultural wonders with an enthusiastic walking tour guide at your side. Kids will love learning about the secret symbols and their meanings hiding among tiles and paintings on some old buildings. Paraty has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which also includes the Serra da Bocaina National Park, the Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area, and the Historic Center of the National Monument of Paraty. You'll surely enjoy an excellent dinner here, with UNESCO labeling it a Creative City of Gastronomy.

Day 8: Visit Trindade Beach, Private Jeep Tour Around Paraty

Dig out your beach towels and sunscreen this morning, as you'll spend the day at the sea! Your driver will be waiting to take you to Trindade Beach, about an 18-mile (30 km) drive from Paraty. While the sea isn't always suitable for swimming (you'll be forewarned), the sandy beach is perfect for making sand castles and burying the parents! The surrounding verdant landscape makes for an idyllic backdrop, and a nearby beach bar offers a selection of fish-based lunch options. 

 

If the sea wasn't calm enough for a swim, don't worry—you'll be swimming this afternoon! Jump in a privately driven Jeep and wind your way through the lush jungles of the Serra da Bocaina National Park in the Paraty region. Look for exotic wildlife from the open windows, and your driver will stop at several locations where you can take paths to different waterfalls. The Pinga Waterfalls, with their clear rock pools, are the perfect place to take a refreshing dip. After splashing about in the river and visiting several sites of interest, wind your way back to Paraty for your last evening in paradise.

Day 9: Transfer to São Paulo, Explore Guarulhos

It'll be hard to tear yourselves away from Paraty, but it's time to leave. The adventure's not over yet, though. Pack your bags into your private vehicle and take the four-hour drive back to São Paulo, stopping by Guarulhos on the way. Spend the afternoon there, where you can choose from fun, kid-friendly activities. For adventurous families, take one of several trails in Cantareira State Park—a forest of over 17,000 acres (7,000 ha). Picnic near a waterfall and watch out for several endangered species, such as howler monkeys, ocelots, and macaques. 

If you fancy something less active, the Municipal Zoo of Guarulhos is an intimate space with a common area for picnics, a playground, and several animal species, many of which the zoo has rescued over time. Horto Florestal (Forest Garden) is another option and perfect for beautiful photos. Go for a peaceful walk along paths lined with Brazil's unique biodiversity and take a paddle boat onto the tranquil lake. As evening approaches, your driver will take you to your São Paulo hotel. 

Day 10: Jump'n Joy Family Fun Park, Depart Brazil

Before getting a cab to the airport, give your kids a good run around at Jump'n Joy, a family fun park in Guarulhos. With more than 20 attractions to play, run, and jump around, you can be sure boredom won't bite! There are trampolines, ninja circuits, toboggans, spiral slides, and climbing facilities, to name a few. Once the kids have worn themselves out, grab your bags and transfer to the airport. Big a fond farewell to this special country and relive your memories as the airplane takes off. 

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