When you tell someone you’re going on holiday to Brazil, you know immediately that one of two images is going to pop into their head. Either they’re picturing golden beaches lined with palm trees, or they’re thinking about the spectacular costumes and week-long party that is the Rio Carnival! Those are two great reasons to visit Brazil, but what many people aren’t aware of is that as well as top-notch relaxation and drunken excess, Brazil holidays are rapidly becoming a favourite of those of a more adventurous disposition.
Scuba diving in Brazil
With thousands of miles of coastline, it’s not surprising that one of the top attractions on an adventure holiday in Brazil is scuba diving. There are more places to do this than you can shake a stick at, but my favourite would have to be diving off the islands of Fernando de Noronha. These picture-perfect tropical islands are just off the coast of north-east Brazil and apart from the fact that you can find deserted beaches (tourist numbers are severely restricted) to relax on, the clear blue tropical waters are home to a stunning variety of sea life – it’s like swimming in a giant aquarium, with the advantage of being able to have an ice-cold caipirinha as soon as you get out! The waters around Fernando de Noronha are so rich in wildlife that it’s recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I can only advise you to check it out for yourself – it’s not the cheapest bit of Brazil to get to, but it’s definitely worth it!
Trekking in Brazil
If diving isn’t for you, then how about a trek through the diamond-rich hills of the Chapada Diamantina? Once supplying a sizeable proportion of the world’s diamonds, this vast landscape to the north of the town of Lencois is now home to some of Brazil’s best trekking and if you think your Brazil holidays might be a bit sedentary, it’s a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy some superb scenery. Former miners have retrained as guides and can lead you along trails they know like the back of their hands, but which can leave you bewildered: one moment you’re on top of a mountain, looking across a sea of rolling hills; the next, you turn a corner to be presented with a waterfall tumbling into a natural swimming-pool in a hidden glade. Because it’s a little way off the tourist trail, you can go a day without seeing anyone else and you really feel like you have the whole country to yourself.
Rafting at Iguazu Falls
And speaking of waterfalls, a look at adventure holidays in Brazil wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the famous Macuco safari at the incredible Iguazu Falls. The falls themselves are amazing – bigger than Niagara or Victoria – and will take your breath away even on the ‘standard’ visits, but if you want to get up close and personal then the Macuco safari is definitely for you. The trip begins with a short trek through the Iguazu National Park, and you then descend to the river where you board large inflatable rats and head up-river to the falls themselves. Zooming in and out of the spray, and even heading right under some of the falls will leave you pretty soaking but definitely exhilarated!
Surfing in Brazil
To the east of Iguazu, and back on the coast, the lovely city of Florianopolis is considered by many to the adventure sports capital of Brazil and if you’re looking to get a real mix of adventure on your Brazil holidays then this is probably the place for you. Floripa, as the locals call it, is internationally known for the quality of its waves, and it’s the only South American stop on the Professional Surfers Association world tour. Wind-surfing is also very popular here and for watersports in general, Florianopolis is hard to beat. Even back on dry land, however, there is some superb trekking and horse-riding to be done in the hills back from the coast, as well as the chance to take to the air, with some great paragliding opportunities. Add to this some lovely boutique pousadas and you can see why Florianopolis is one of the top holiday destinations in Brazil.
Dan Clarke works for Real Brazil Holidays and likes a little taste of adventure along with his Carnival – a four-day trek in the Chapada Diamantina is certainly a good way to get back into shape! Image by Paul Mannix
