- Thrill-Seeking
- Inspiration
- Brazil
Travel advice for Brazil
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by John Malathronas
updated 26.10.2018
My favourite spot in Rio isn’t lying on Ipanema beach or watching the world go by sitting in the Copacabana Palace terrace. Nor does it involve hiking in the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, or snaking around the islands on a boat trip in Guanabara Bay. My favourite spot is unfamiliar to the casual tourist, because it’s difficult to find. You can’t even spot it from high up in the favelas or from the statue of Christ the Redeemer. In fact I’d really have to give you directions there.
Arpoador Beach is so central, it’s ridiculous to even call it out-of-the-way; it lies at the promontory junction of Ipanema and Copacabana. Yet the Copacabana Fort hides it from the east, while beachside hotels and shopping centres hide it from the west. You have to know it’s there rather than discover it casually, for you have to go to the eastern end of Ipanema and trustingly walk on.
What you’ll find there is Rio’s great social leveller: surfing. While the favela kids play football on cracked concrete and the middle classes compete in footvolley on the sandy beaches, everyone is equal when carving the surf of Arpoador. You can see the odd board in Ipanema – the word, after all, means something along the lines of ‘bad, disturbed water’ in Tupi-Guaraní – where there are some easier breaks, but these are for the newbies. It’s in the rocky point of Arpoador where the elite come to ride the most powerful waves that regularly reach five or seven feet, especially in September and October.
Like all gringos, I didn’t find this place for myself; I was taken there by a Brazilian. Edson wasn’t a Carioca local – he came from São Paulo – but he did surf. And one day he took me to Arpoador where I sat on a rock among many others and watched. It was there I acquired one of my insights into Brazilian culture: nothing you do is fully real, unless performed in public with panache. Did the surfers choose choppy Arpoador rather then the Praia do Diabo next door, because of its exceptional point breaks or because there is also a convenient rocky slope opposite, perfectly set for an audience?
Never mind, I was hooked. I still remember learning those surfing terms from Edson. “Look, they’re all firing now!” “Now, this is a cross-step and that was a cut-back.” “Boy, what a mullering.” I thought Edson’s English was funny but his surf talk was up there with the pros; he’d competed abroad, in the States. During a lull he dived in, and I admired him for his kickflips, his skill and his foolhardiness.
I wanted to follow him, too. “Stay here a while, I’ll teach you,” he’d said. But you know how it is. I’d already spent one week in Rio. I wanted to see more of Brazil. I didn’t want to spend all my money on a sport I was unlikely to practice again.
Edson has now moved to Sydney, because the breakers are better there. I did visit him there once, but we eventually lost touch. During my travels I've visited other great surfing spots, from Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa to Biarritz in France. The sport even took off in Newquay nearer home. But I never learned to surf. So every time I end up in Rio, I make a point in returning to Arpoador, my favourite spot, to sit on the rocks and watch the surfers ride the breaks. Not only does it count as free entertainment, but for me it’s also half a day’s contemplation on how different things might have been for me.
9 days / from2042 USD
Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more
Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1700 USD
Blissful Brazil
Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2683 USD
Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls
Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1370 USD
Extraordinary Brazil - Paraty & Iguaçu
Combine adventure and nature in Paraty with the stunning Iguaçu waterfalls. Your trip starts in the colonial town Paraty, Costa Verde's main attraction. Jeep rides, beaches, and a lot of culture are part of the program. Afterwards, fly to Foz do Iguaçu and see the falls from both Argentina & Brazil.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2950 USD
Jaguars in North Pantanal
Spend a week in a lodge in North Pantanal with boat tours, walking trails, horseback riding and an unforgettable Jaguar expedition. Experienced wildlife guides are available in the lodge to explain more of the fascinating fauna and flora around you.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2700 USD
Pure Wildlife - North Pantanal & Amazonia
Discover the world's largest continental flood area - the Pantanal, one of the richest places in biodiversity. Continue your wildlife trip to the Amazon River. Your lodges throughout the trip are located right in nature, with easy access to lodge trails around.
view tour ⤍6 days / from3533 USD
Brazilian Folk Art: Immersion in the Ceramic Valley
This is an unforgettable and intense journey of learning, exchanging and discovering alongside a cultural mediator and the ceramics’ masters the empowerment of the communities. Campo Buriti is a small community with 700 inhabitants where women make the famous clay dolls.
view tour ⤍14 days / from1933 USD
An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7500 USD
Luxury Holidays in South America
Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.
view tour ⤍5 days / from2813 USD
Secrets and Spices of the Amazon
Have you ever imagined tasting the delights of Amazonian cuisine? Uncover the secrets and spices of this unique region that has yet to be discovered by the world and go on a journey that aims at bringing about positive impacts.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2500 USD
Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu
A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
view tour ⤍3 days / from590 USD
Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina
Imagine two nights in this breathtaking destination, coupled with an exhilarating full-day excursion to witness the majestic Iguazu Falls, both in Argentina and Brazil. Experience the power of nature up close, with private services ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1920 USD
North Pantanal in 5 Days
Spend the first night in Cuiaba before heading to the Pantanal. Over the next two days, indulge in exciting daily activities, ranging from boat trips to horseback riding and hikes. All lodges include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
view tour ⤍© Fred S. Pinheiro/Shutterstock
written by John Malathronas
updated 26.10.2018
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil