Top 10 Must-See and Do Activities in Brazil: Beyond the Ordinary

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Dive into an unforgettable journey across Brazil, where every stop offers a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and one-of-a-kind experiences tailored for the luxury-seeking traveler. Brazil is more than just a destination; it’s an adventure-packed, vibrant playground waiting to be explored. From the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro to the peaceful wilds of the Pantanal, every moment here invites you into a world where luxury meets adventure head-on. Below are the top 10 must-experience activities in Brazil, handpicked for those eager to soak in the exceptional, steering clear of the beaten path.

1. Sky-High Tour of Rio de Janeiro

Start your Brazilian adventure with a jaw-dropping helicopter ride over Rio de Janeiro. Soar above famed sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the bustling Copacabana Beach. This VIP tour gives you a bird’s-eye view of Rio’s stunning landscape, blending city vibes with the lush greenery of Tijuca National Forest, all from the plush seat of your private chopper.

Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

2. Exclusive Rio Carnival Access

Zambia - Giraffes

Dive into the heart of the Rio Carnival with VIP treatment. Enjoy the spectacle from the luxury of your own box, decked out with the finest Brazilian eats and bubbly. Get even closer to the action by joining in a samba parade, decked out in eye-catching costumes, for an experience you’ll never forget.

3. Personalised Amazon Yacht Adventure

Embark on a custom yacht voyage down the Amazon River, the pulse of the planet’s biggest rainforest. This tailor-made adventure lets you choose your stops, from hidden villages to up-close wildlife encounters, all enjoyed from the deck of your own luxury yacht, perfectly blending chill vibes with thrilling discoveries.

Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

4. Stylish Safari in the Pantanal

Zambia - Giraffes

Navigate the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland, in style with a luxury wildlife safari. Stay at exclusive lodges that offer private tours to spot jaguars, capybaras, and an array of bird species. Embrace the thrill of capturing wildlife on camera, enjoy horseback riding through stunning landscapes, and take part in serene river safaris, all while basking in the comfort of your upscale accommodation.

5. São Paulo’s Gourmet Trail

São Paulo stands as Brazil’s culinary capital, a city teeming with Michelin-starred restaurants and hidden culinary treasures. Go on a guided gourmet journey led by a local foodie, exploring the city’s finest spots, from high-end dining to secret food markets. Dive into Brazil’s rich flavours with exclusive tastings, meet-and-greets with top chefs, and cooking classes that delve into the heart of Brazilian cuisine.

Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

6. Florianópolis: A Luxurious Escape to the Island of Magic

Zambia - Giraffes

Florianópolis, often referred to as “Ilha da Magia” (Island of Magic), is a radiant city that blends stunning natural landscapes with a bustling urban atmosphere. Nestled on the island of Santa Catarina and connected to mainland Brazil by a picturesque bridge, Florianópolis offers a unique experience for luxury travelers. Renowned for its soft white sand beaches, the city is a haven for surfers and beachgoers alike. Dotted with high-end resorts and exquisite seafood restaurants, it invites visitors to indulge in its laid-back yet sophisticated island culture. The city’s vibrant nightlife and rich architectural heritage, alongside its commitment to preserving natural beauty through numerous ecological reserves, make Florianópolis a compelling stop on any Brazilian luxury tour.

7. Brasília – The Capital: Arch and Art

Brasília stands as a monument to modernist architecture and urban planning, famously designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa. As the capital of Brazil, it serves as a canvas showcasing monumental buildings and innovative artistic expressions. The city’s layout resembles an airplane, symbolizing Brazil’s forward-looking spirit. Visitors to Brasília are treated to a plethora of architectural marvels, from the sweeping curves of the National Congress building to the Cathedral of Brasília, whose glass roof soars skyward like hands reaching towards heaven. This city combines art and architecture in a way that captivates art lovers and luxury travelers, offering a unique glimpse into the soul of Brazilian modernism.

Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

8. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Zambia - Giraffes

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a surreal landscape unlike any other, often described as the desert that floods. It features vast expanses of brilliant white sand dunes, which during the rainy season transform into magical lagoons of crystal-clear turquoise water. This ethereal setting offers luxury adventurers the opportunity to explore in exclusive, eco-friendly style. Visitors can enjoy serene walks along the soft dunes or dip into the refreshing lagoons, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. This park is a must-see for those looking to experience the unique natural phenomena of Brazil, combining stark beauty with a sense of serene isolation.

9. Salvador de Bahia: Artistic Legacy

Salvador de Bahia pulses with a vibrant artistic legacy that is integral to Brazilian culture. Known as the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture, this city is a colorful tapestry of historical significance and contemporary artistic expression. The Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, hosting a myriad of studios and galleries that showcase the work of local artists. Salvador’s rich musical heritage can be felt in the rhythmic beats of samba and axé that spill from the bars into the lively streets. For the discerning traveler, Salvador offers not only a deep dive into Brazil’s artistic heart but also a chance to engage with the dynamic traditions that continue to influence global culture profoundly.

Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

10. Luxury Spa Retreat in the Highlands

Zambia - Giraffes

Wrap up your Brazilian journey with a relaxing stay at a luxury spa nestled in the breathtaking highlands. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, indulge in personalised wellness treatments that blend traditional Brazilian techniques with modern practices. This serene getaway provides the perfect balance of relaxation and rejuvenation, ensuring you return from your travels completely refreshed and inspired.

These top 10 experiences in Brazil promise luxury travellers not just moments of sheer indulgence and excitement but also a deeper connection with the country’s soul, leaving lasting memories. Beyond the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, it’s the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people that make these experiences truly unforgettable.

READY TO DIVE INTO THE HEART OF BRAZIL’S LUXURY?

Get in touch now for bespoke travel guidance and make your Brazilian adventure truly unparalleled. Together, we’ll tailor every moment of your journey, ensuring that from the wilds of the Pantanal to the vibrant streets of Rio, your experience is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity.

German and Niece in Cape Town

What Our Clients Say

Brendan Magauran
Brendan Magauran
2024-04-14
Incredible! Beyond expectations. German guided us on an absolutely amazing trip to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus and a safari at Thornybush game reserve. Every recommendation was spot on from a restaurants to a guided tour of Cape Point, the Hop on hop off bus, where to visit in the wine country, lodging in a beach front suite in Hermanus. As for the safari at Thornybush - WOW! More than we could have ever imagined in terms of luxury and game sightings. Thank you German. Looking forward to our next trip with you as our guide. And yes, we have told all family and friends, this is the man to contact for their travels.
Ellen H.
Ellen H.
2024-04-12
We feel beyond lucky to have found Nanan Travel! We are from the USA and are DIY-ers, used to making our own travel arrangements. When planning for our bucket-list trip to S. Africa, it quickly got overwhelming and stressful to differentiate among the innumerable safari options on the internet, figure out domestic flights, assess safety concerns, find a private driver to tour Cape Point, etc. We did not want to travel with a tour group, nor use a global internet travel agency, so I looked for a travel agent actually based in Cape Town so that we could deal with just one person who really knew the area. I found Nanan based on location and reviews, then was sold by their individualized approach and willingness to help with as much or as little of the planning as one wants. We reached out to German de la Melena and he answered immediately, even though it was a Sunday evening in Cape Town, wanting to hear all about our wishes so that he could work on things promptly and have a suggested itinerary by the time we woke up the next morning! He was thoughtful, conscientious, friendly, worked within our budget and did not try to upsell us, gave us options and even incorporated some specific requests we had. From that initial contact on, all the stress and worry about our upcoming trip went away! After designing a fantastic itinerary for us, the true test of an amazing travel agent came when my husband injured himself the week before our trip and couldn’t travel, requiring us to postpone for 4 weeks. While we were dealing with stressful health issues, we gave German our medical documentation and he took care of the rest. He had to change all of our reservations and domestic flights, and went above and beyond to do so without our incurring more expense. What a huge relief! German remained remarkably responsive before and during our trip, able to advise on any question and troubleshoot any problem, reachable by What’s App in minutes. Between the great itinerary and the peace of mind, working with German and knowing he had our back truly made all the difference in our experience being the trip of a lifetime!! Thank you, German! You deserve more than 5 stars and I will refer everyone I know to you!
Pablo Berenbaum
Pablo Berenbaum
2024-03-17
Exclente organización. Hoteles, tours, impecables !!! Gracias Germán x las sugerencias, el viaje fue INCREIBLE !
Faisal Alaali
Faisal Alaali
2024-03-13
I cannot say enough great things about Nanan Travel. He organized a spectacular trip to South Africa for me, and every detail was absolutely perfect. From the boutique hotels to the incredible safari stays, everything was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was seamlessly planned, and I never once had to worry about a thing. The accommodations were luxurious, the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. Last part was the stay in Cape Town before heading back home. The city is absolutely stunning, and I was able to explore all it had to offer thanks to the amazing recommendations from German. I highly recommend Nanan Travel for anyone looking to plan a trip to South Africa or any other destination. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and overall expertise make them the best in the business. Thank you German for an incredible journey that I will never forget!
Manuel D
Manuel D
2024-03-08
Hemos pasado días espectaculares en Sudáfrica y Zimbabue, toda la organización de nuestros hijos con German funcionaron perfectamente. Todas las actividades, lodges, tours, safaris, fueron perfectos, así como el trato recibido en cada lugar fue muy personalizado, haciendo que este viaje sea inolvidable. Cada detalle funcionó a la perfección. Nanan Travel es 100% confiable y recomendable.
Monica C
Monica C
2024-03-08
Acabamos de llegar a Lima después de un viaje soñado a Africa. Mi hija y su esposo, que habían hecho Safari el año pasado por su Luna de Miel, querían que los cuatros papas viviéramos y sintiéramos toda la adrenalina y experiencias que ellos habían vivido, así que no lo pensaron dos veces y nos invitaron a este viaje único y maravilloso. Gracias Nanan Travel, gracias German, hemos vivido lo que realmente quisieron transmitirnos los Manuela y Rodrigo, los lugares visitados, las atenciones, los hoteles y su staff, todo, y la experiencia de estar con los animales asi de cerca es única. Si quieren hacer un viaje soñado, no dejen de contactar a German, escriban a Nanan Travel, y no se arrepentirán. Gracias por Todo!!
Gustavo Rivera
Gustavo Rivera
2024-03-05
Fue espectacular, desde el momento en que llegamos a Cape Town hasta que llegamos a Lima de vuelta estuvimos súper engreídos, los lugares escogidos para descansar , los guías, todo lo conocido !!, realmente un viaje de ensueño, recomendado a mil !!! Gracias Germán, eres un capo !!!
Violeta Rivera
Violeta Rivera
2024-03-05
Espectacular ! hemos pasado unos días increíbles con un servicio de primera Volvería hacer el mismo viaje mañana mismo !!!
Lizbett Arevalo
Lizbett Arevalo
2024-02-26
If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy… German is the way to go! My 16 YO son and I had the best dream trip came true to South Africa thanks to him! I can’t thank you enough German! Starting from Cape town then Safari and meeting my best friend in Johannesburg… I call it an OVER THE TOP kind of vacation🤩🤩🤩🙌🙏❤️🐆🐘🇿🇦🦁 🦏

× Just Ask Nanan!