Brazil

Posted bySarah PlattPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,

Brazil is the definition of the total package when it comes to family travel.  While many people think that it may be all about partying at Carnival, we had the perfect family vacation.  We are a family of four that loves exploring new places, meeting the locals – both people and animals, and immersing ourselves in the culture of a new destination.  We traveled to Brazil in July, which is technically winter, but it was a comfortable 80 degrees almost every day.  Our boys were two and almost four years old. We spent 16 nights in Rio de Janeiro followed by 3 nights at Iguazu Falls.  

I had been hesitant to travel further south into South America because it almost always involves an overnight flight with little ones.  We had a brief layover on our outgoing flight before the redeye flight, and returned home on a direct flight.  I can confidently say that I would take a long, overnight flight over daytime travel any day! 

Where to Stay and Why

Like any trip, we did quite a bit of research about where to stay in Rio de Janeiro.  In a city that covers more than 450 square miles and is home to almost seven million people, there was no shortage of options.  Knowing that we wanted a safe area that was close to the beach, we opted to stay in the Copacabana/Ipanema beach areas.  There were parks, grocery stores, and shopping all within a few blocks.  We were lucky to find a vacation rental that was about 2 blocks from both beaches.  The ever-increasing fees of popular vacation rental companies led me to find a locally-owned business that managed luxury rentals in key tourist areas of Rio. Andrea at Best Host Rio made the experience easy, reasonable and seamless.  She offered a selection of apartments throughout the city with varying amenities.  Our apartment was perfectly located in a building with security, parking, a pool and garden.  The apartment even had a rooftop patio with a plunge pool and the best views.  She coordinated a crib rental, offered invaluable insight into the city, and gave tons of recommendations.  

In Iguazu Falls, we found the coolest condo complex called Residencial Collins.  It was on the Brazil side of the falls, conveniently located close to the Falls and the airport.  The apartment itself was brand new with high end furniture and amenities.  The complex had a heated pool, outdoor lounge space with games and shared amenities, and parking. 

Getting Around

We opted to rent a car in Rio de Janeiro, despite the mixed advice.  We heard a lot about safety concerns on public transportation, but also about the volume of traffic.  While Ubers were plentiful, reliable and inexpensive, I wanted to make sure that our children would be able to ride securely in their car seats.  Our two-year-old is most successful on plane rides when he is in his car seat, so we opted to bring it on the plane with us and check the other seat in a bag.  We found Rio to be easy to navigate with Waze and Google Maps and most tourist attractions were helpful with parking.  If our children did not still use car seats, I would not rent a car. 

Because we stayed in such a central location, there were many days that we didn’t touch the rental car!  We traveled with the Joey Wagon and I would recommend it to anyone with babies or toddlers.  Not a day went by that I wasn’t asked about our wagon with both boys riding in it.  It was just as easy to navigate on the beach as the city markets.  Even when visiting tourist attractions throughout the city, the boys would ride in the wagon.

While in Iguazu Falls, we relied entirely on taxis and Ubers.  We were lucky to find a reliable driver in the airport upon arrival that ended up acting as a guide for us during our time there.  I would definitely not recommend renting a car because taxis and Ubers have access to priority lanes and parking.  Because we worked with the same driver, we were still able to use car seats and bring along our Wagon.

Itinerary & Things to do

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Brazil!  Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the world’s most iconic points of interest.  Be sure to create a saved list on Google Maps so that you can keep track of all of the great things to do!

  • Arpoador – This was our favorite beach in Rio.  It’s conveniently located between Ipanema and Copacabana and is the only place to watch the sunset (everyone on the beach even claps when the sun sets).  There are food and drink vendors that walk up and down the beach, which makes things super easy with kids.  It’s also one of the best places to surf in Rio and a great place to rent a surfboard or get a lesson. 
  • Sugarloaf Mountain – An iconic part of the Rio coastal area. The cable car rides take you to a mid-station with food and drink stalls and live music.  A second cable car takes you to the top of the mountain that has a perfect sunset and endless views.
  • Tijuca National Park – Literally a rainforest within city limits, and home to the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue.  You can hire a guide, hike through the forest, or even take a tour on a 4×4 jeep. 
  • Christ the Redeemer – This is a must see in Rio, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.  You access it by taking a train, an attraction in itself, through Tijuca National Park and then climb to the top for some of the most incredible city views.  Bonus: the monkeys that live at the top made for a fun surprise for the kids!
  • Escadaria Selaron – Created completely out of mosaic tile over the course of years, this is iconic in the city. 
  • Rio Star – A giant Ferris wheel in the center of the city, this is fun for the whole family.  On the way in, you can grab snacks and drinks and enjoy the ride.
  • AquaRio – Located in the center of the city, this aquarium was the perfect activity on a rainy day.  The boys especially loved the underwater tunnel.
  •  BioParque of Rio – Our boys are animal obsessed so an afternoon at this zoo and research center was perfect.  There’s even a boat ride that can be added onto the ticket.
  • Santa Teresa Tram – A traditional tourist tram through Santa Teresa, a unique neighborhood.  The ride itself was a highlight, but the views were even better.
  • Botanical Garden – Perfect for a morning stroll, the Botanical Garden has a great kids’ playground and walkways.
  • Museu do Amanha – The Museum of Tomorrow is a must see, inside and out.  It’s a science museum that has a range of exhibits focusing on human’s impact on the world.  It’s also very interactive.
  • Copacabana Fort – An historic fort on a pier overlooking Copacabana beach.
  • Parque Lage – A park with trails, mansion and restaurant.
  • Pedra do Telegrafo – A clifftop rock with the most unique photo op that requires a walk through the forest.  It’s located just outside of the city, but it makes for a great daytrip.
  • Saquarema – If you have time for a daytrip, this is a great stop.  It’s where the World Surfing League holds a championship on their tour and we were lucky enough to be there!
  • Rio Boat Experience – Our boys love to be out on the water, and Rio Boat Experience gave us the best afternoon exploring Rio by boat.

In Iguazu Falls, we were surprised at how much there was to do.  We went to see the waterfalls, but found so much more!

  • Iguazu National Park, Argentina AND Brazil – Iguazu Falls is the actual border between the 2 counties.  With that being said, you can visit between either country, and we chose to do both.  The Brazil side has more panoramic views of the falls, and the Argentine side gets you up close and personal with many trail options.  First, we took the bus to the start of the trail on the Brazil side and got our first glimpse of one of the 7 natural Wonders of the World.  It was breathtaking.  We also took the boat ride, which was such a fun and exhilarating experience.  On the Argentine side, a train takes you to the trails that literally allow you to walk over a waterfall.  One trail, weather-permitting, allows you to view the Devil’s Throat, the biggest fall. 
  • Ciudad del Este, Paraguay – Given that Iguazu Falls is located at the intersection of 3 countries, it was very easy to visit Paraguay for the day.  While there are some attractions, the real reason to visit Ciudad del Este is to shop.  There is no shortage of giant malls with the largest range of imported goods and activities.  While shopping isn’t necessarily the most family-friendly activity, the arcade, virtual reality, and trampoline park provide lots of entertainment for the kids. Outside the malls, the streets are filled with vendors. 
  • Parque das Aves – Located across from the entrance to Foz de Iguasu, this zoo is a great addition to touring the waterfalls.  It’s home to birds, reptiles and butterflies.
  • Tres Fronteras – While you can view the meeting point of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay from any of the 3 countries, the Brazil side has the most to offer.  You do pay an entrance, but there are restaurants and quick serve eateries, a playground, photo op spot, and a show about the history of the location.

Where to Eat

Choosing where to eat in Brazil was so tough, only because the food was so good.  Every restaurant that we visited was extremely accommodating, too.  There were high chairs and children’s menu options everywhere. 

  • Churrasqueira RJ – This was one of our favorite meals.  Not only because it was so delicious, but because they had a playroom full of toys, books and children’s shows.  We were able to enjoy such a nice meal, and the kids had so much fun.
  • Churrascaria Carretao – Looking for the iconic Brazilian steakhouse experience?  There is a full buffet of sides, salads and freshly made sushi.  The main attraction was the choice of meats that a waiter brought around every few moments.  They even provide a card that has green (more, please) on one side and red (I’m good for now) on the other so the waiters know when you’d like more. 
  • Mercearia da Praca – A market and restaurant that has a menu full of homemade goodness.  The pastas, pizzas, desserts were all amazing.

What to Bring

We definitely rely on our staple travel items to help us to be successful. 

For our first redeye flight, I was VERY nervous.  I did a lot of research on products to help my toddler sleep on the plane.  I found that our airline, United, didn’t allow most of these products.  So, we tried an inflatable foot rest.  I would not recommend using one.  It was very difficult to get it level with the seat, and it moved around too much.  I ended up deflating it midway through our flight.

Final Notes

Brazil, like most Latin American countries, is exceptionally family friendly.  By law, priority lines are offered for handicapped, elderly, pregnant women, and families with small children.  At every attraction, airport, and even immigration, there were dedicated spaces for us. 

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