Brazil's Culture, Nature & Beaches for Families: Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador & Jericoacoara - 10 Days
Highlights
- See the epic cascades of Foz do Iguaçu from above with a helicopter tour
- Get up close and personal with toucans and macaws at Parque das Aves
- Experience the perfect family beach day at Praia do Forte
- Explore the dunes of Jericoacoara via a thrilling buggy drive
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Foz do Iguaçu, Itaipu Dam Light Show | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 2 | Explore the Brazilian Side of the Falls with Scenic Helicopter Flight | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 3 | Explore the Argentine Side of the Falls with Scenic Train Ride | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 4 | Visit the Birds of Parque das Aves, Fly to Salvador | Salvador |
| Day 5 | Salvador City Highlights Tour | Salvador |
| Day 6 | Praia do Forte Beach Day & TAMAR Sea Turtle Project | Salvador |
| Day 7 | Family Capoeira Class, Fly to Fortaleza, Transfer to Jericoacoara | Jericoacoara |
| Day 8 | Dune Buggy Adventure in Jericoacoara National Park | Jericoacoara |
| Day 9 | West Coast & Lago Grande Dune Buggy Tour | Jericoacoara |
| Day 10 | Explore Jericoacoara, Transfer to Fortaleza, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Foz do Iguaçu, Itaipu Dam Light Show
Welcome to Brazil! Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu, a city on the Brazilian side of the world-renowned waterfall. Settle in, relax for a few hours, and get the kids a bite to eat before heading out for your family's first stop—an evening tour of the immense Itaipu Dam. Located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, this is the world's second-largest hydroelectric dam and one of the most expensive objects ever built.
Itaipu is an impressive enough construction by day— it's at night, though, that it quite literally shines. You and the kids will be stationed at a central lookout point, the best place to get an overview of the dam during the show. Even tired kiddos will be captivated by the 747 spotlights and 112 luminaires lighting the enormous structure and its torrents of water in a show set to dramatic music. After a few hours, your driver will take you back to your accommodation to rest for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2: Explore the Brazilian Side of the Falls with Scenic Helicopter Flight
It's time to explore Foz do Iguaçu (Iguaçu Falls), the impressive series of 275 cascades that gives the neighboring city its name. Start by following your private guide along a series of scenic walkways to enjoy the incredible river views. Get the kids to spot the permanent rainbow at the base of the cascade and take in the immensity of the thundering falls before heading up to the refreshment area via elevator.
Take a break to refuel, then round off your tour with a thrilling 10-minute helicopter ride with panoramic landscape views. Enjoy seeing the falls from a different perspective as you admire torrents of over 260 feet (80 m). Back on foot, meet your driver after a leisurely walk through a lush, tropical forest. Head back to your accommodation, or, if you still have time and energy to spare, take the kids for another watery adventure at Aquamania Foz water park, which lies en route to the city.
Day 3: Explore the Argentine Side of the Falls with Scenic Train Ride
Grab the family's passports this morning—you're off to spend another full day exploring the Argentine side of Iguaçu Falls (known as Iguazú in Spanish) with a private guide. Upon arrival, you can start with a scenic train ride to the largest waterfall, Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), or take the 2.4-mile (4 km) alternative walkway if the family is keen on a hike. Considered Iguazú's centerpiece, this horseshoe series of falls comprises over 63,566 cubic feet (1800 cu m) of water tumbling down a 262-foot (80 m) drop.
Afterward, reboard the train and head to the next station, where you can take a gentle stroll down the 2-mile (3 km) wooden walkway to savor the views of the falls from every angle. In the afternoon, return to your hotel with the kids and grab some downtime before heading out to dinner.
Day 4: Visit the Birds of Parque das Aves, Fly to Salvador
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning, then take the kids to Parque des Aves for a few hours. This bird sanctuary features more than 180 avian species, especially native Atlantic Forest wildlife. You'll meet plenty of rare and endangered birds, and budding ornithologists can spot favorites like toucans, macaws, and flamingoes. The kids will also love the excitement of seeing alligators, snakes, and even a butterfly house along the way. Afterward, your driver will drop you back at your accommodation, where you'll meet your transport to the airport for a flight to your next destination, Salvador.
Upon arrival, a driver will wait to take you to your accommodation. This city is Brazil's oldest and, arguably, its cultural capital. The Old Town, with its colorful buildings and lively music, dance, martial arts, and food scene, is a marvelous place for you and the kids to learn about Afro-Brazilian history and culture. If time allows, head out for a stroll and soak in the atmosphere. Grab a delicious dinner, then head back to your hotel to rest for tomorrow.
Day 5: Salvador City Highlights Tour
After breakfast, it's time to soak in the atmosphere of vibrant Salvador with a kid-friendly tour of its highlights. The Pelourinho district, always a favorite with travelers, is an excellent place to start. As you tour one of South America's most extensive collections of 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture, step into the past and learn about the city's tragic history as a center of the trade of enslaved peoples. You'll also hear stories of hope arising from this time and be vividly immersed in modern Afro-Brazilian culture as you taste the best street food amid the sounds of live olodum drumming and capoeira displays.
The Lacerda Elevator, which leads you to the "lower" port area, is also a must-see for its magnificent views over the city and coast. Head to the Mercado Modelo opposite for souvenirs, snacks, and the "Bahia Bands," colorful ribbons worn for good fortune or tied to the gates of the famous Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. If you've still got a few steps left in you, take the little ones to the Lagoa dos Dinossauros (Dinosaur Lagoon). Here, they can delight in life-size roaring replicas of their favorite dino friends before you round the day off with a traditional Afro-Brazilian meal.
Day 6: Praia do Forte Beach Day & TAMAR Sea Turtle Project
It's time to enjoy another essential aspect of Brazilian culture—the beach. The best of Salvador's beaches are outside the city limits, so pack your swimsuits and meet your driver for a day trip to Praia do Forte, about 31 miles (50 km) away. Relax on over 7.5 miles (12 km) of clean, sandy beaches and take the kids snorkeling in the natural pools formed by the coastal reefs. Snooze on the sand while the little ones build their sandcastles, or, if you're feeling more energetic, explore the local village and browse for souvenirs.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants before stopping by the TAMAR Project, a sea turtle rescue and conservation center. Young animal lovers will love getting up close to the large and small sea turtles, and you're also likely to see various fish, sharks, and stingray species. If you're lucky, you and your family can even see hatchling sea turtles being released into the ocean. Afterward, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Salvador in time for dinner.
Day 7: Family Capoeira Class, Fly to Fortaleza, Transfer to Jericoacoara
This morning brings an exciting opportunity for you and your family to learn the basics of capoeira—an artistic form of Afro-Brazilian martial arts and dance. In a kid-friendly private class, a local will talk you through capoeira's history as a form of resistance and then take you through some basic moves. Once you've all had a bit of practice, watch as the kids get to join a regular class with other local youngsters and try out their new skills. Once the classes are over, return to your accommodation, grab a bite to eat, and get ready to head to your next destination, Jericoacoara.
Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you back to Salvador's airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Fortaleza. It's roughly a four-hour drive to Jericoacoara from the airport, so sit back, relax, and watch the scenery unfold. Famous for its sand dunes and beaches, "Jeri," as the locals call it, is the perfect spot for the family to spend quality time together. Check into your accommodation, then let the kids scamper around on the beach to let off some steam after the drive. Relax over dinner at one of the local restaurants before turning in for the night.
Day 8: Dune Buggy Adventure in Jericoacoara National Park
Adventurous kids will love today's trip—a tour of Jericoacoara National Park via a fun ride in a dune buggy. Head through the dunes as you explore the highlights of this spectacular 21,900-acre (88,600 ha) preserved area. You'll visit two beautiful freshwater lagoons tucked away in the dunes: Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul. Perfect for swimming, you can also just stretch out on the sand and sunbathe or enjoy the hammocks provided.
You'll return to Jericoacoara in the late afternoon— just in time to head to a restaurant and relax with a cocktail in hand as the sun goes down. Be sure to watch for the live capoeira and drumming on the beach most evenings—the kids might even feel inspired to practice their new skills!
Day 9: West Coast & Lago Grande Dune Buggy Tour
If yesterday had the kids begging for another dune buggy ride, then today is your lucky day. Start with a relaxing ferry across the Guriú Delta (opt for the additional boat trip and have fun spotting seahorses with the kids), then drive via buggy through the undulating dunes to Praia de Mangu Seco. This secluded spot has calm waters, perfect for swimming with the younger ones. Afterward, let them play on the wooden swings under the trees while you relax in the neighboring hammocks.
Next, it's back to the dune buggies for a drive to Lago Grande. This natural rainwater lagoon offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement—great if your kids are a little older and keen to try something new. Take it slow on the beach, or get a hit of adrenaline on the giant zipline. Go kayaking with the family, or try your hand at paddleboarding. There are plenty of restaurants to stave off the hunger pangs. When your taste for adventure has been satisfied, head to the ferry terminal and cruise back to Jeri.
Day 10: Explore Jericoacoara, Transfer to Fortaleza, Depart
It's the last day of your family adventure, so savor every moment. Spend the morning hanging out by the hotel pool, or take the kids to the beach—Jeri is a wind and kitesurfing mecca, so have fun watching the masters at work or even give it a go yourself. If you're short on time, get the kids an ice cream and stroll along the sandy village streets, spotting vibrant street art while you stock up on souvenirs.
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