Wondering what to do in Brazil? Everyday life in Brazil might seem enough of an adventure, with capoeira presentations on street corners, samba shows on beaches, and daily soap opera episodes on Globo. However, if you want to make your stay in Brazil even more caliente, why not indulge in adventure travel abroad programs in Brazil? Taking up 47% of South America’s land mass, there’s space for endless Brazil activities that provide adrenaline rushes equal to any neighborhood soccer match.
Go wild during adventure travel programs in Brazil!
Between the largest river in the world, some of the highest waterfalls, jungle still uncharted, volcanic mountain ranges, and sand dunes perfect for sandboarding, the many extreme ecosystems of Brazil provide a scenic backdrop to all land and water adventures. Considering that the country’s highest mountain peak is shrouded in clouds so high above civilization that it wasn’t even discovered until 1950’s, the chances for geographic and self-discovery are pretty high.
So, test your limits, step out of your comfort zone, and utter a prayer to Christ the Redeemer before jumping out of a plane or throwing straw potatoes on top of your hot dog. Reach new levels of loco with some of these fun activities in Brazil for adventurous travelers!
8 fun recreational activities in Brazil
1. Animal Conservation
We’re macaw-LL about it when it comes to animal conservation in Brazil.
With 64 national park and over 200 conservation programs, there are as many opportunities to get involved with wildlife as there are types of birds in the jungle (hint: it’s a lot). With over four million animal species, Brazil is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and will give you plenty to gawk at. Not only does Brazil boast the largest diversity of monkey species in the world, but there are pink dolphins and endangered animals that needs your help (cue giant anteaters and otters). Especially appealing to those that love to be active outside and participate in field work, animal work is sure to be a hoot.
- Recommended program: Mammal Inventory
- Browse ALL animal conservation programs in Brazil
2. Rainforest Tours
Rainforest canopy tours will keep your heart thumpin’.
Between fishing for piranhas and swimming with pink river dolphins, the Amazon is guaranteed thrill when it comes to activities to do in Brazil. Before entering this vast territory full of wild beasts and crawly critters, programs offer some sort of orientation and training session of basic jungle survival skills. Then, it’s off to river crossings in canoes, muddy treks, hammock beds, and poison dart frogs sightings. And with hundreds of indigenous tribes tucked away between riverbends, a hospitality stop at a traditional Amerindian community is usually included in the package. Unleash the Tarzan within!
- Recommended program: Extreme Amazon Survival
- Browse ALL rainforest tour programs in Brazil
3. Sports
Get involved in new sports like Capoeira & Footvolley or stick to your old faves, like futebol.
One of the most fun activities in Brazil is cultural immersion! Serving as the nation’s backbone and primary pastime, ‘sports’ are practically synonymous with ‘Brazil’ and program activities come in all ball sizes. Soccer is the main cheer here, but beach volleyball, capoeira, various dance styles, and rugby are strong contestants. Whether you want to train yourself or teach disabled children, there is a sporting opportunity to get your heart rate up. Who knows; you might just meet (or be) the next Pele!
- Recommended program: Oyster Worldwide
- Browse ALL sports programs in Brazil
4. Surfing
Surf is literally ALWAYS up in Brazil & no one’s complaining.
With 7,491km of coastline and remarkably beautiful beaches, surfer culture is at high tide and one of the most fun activities in Brazil. Jump on the wave with a surfing program that will test your core and shape your balance! After training sessions and plenty of guided practice, relax barefooted in the sand, capirinha in hand and golden sun overhead. With program lengths flexible and locations ranging form hippie beaches to cosmopolitan backdrops, the pull of the surfer current is strong and always a good option.
- Recommended program: Rio Surfing Adventure
- Browse ALL surfing programs in Brazil
5. Art
Feeling inspired to make your next great masterpiece is exhilarating!
While at first look, it might not sound like one of the most adventurous activities to do in Brazil, art plays a big part in the Brazilian scene and is anything but dull. With lots of childcare programs and public work opportunities, favelas are a particularly needy area for artwork to keep street urchins out of trouble and in creative outlets. Not only does art unify communities, but it offers much-needed pride to low-income areas that are desperate for culture and attractions. Programs are usually organized as after-school activities, with plenty of time during the day and on weekends to explore the city and hunt for inspiration.
- Recommended program: GoEco
- Browse ALL art programs in Brazil
6. Hiking
Fresh air, jungle forest, brightly colored birds? These hikes have a payoff like no other.
Boasting 21 UNESCO sites and several extreme ecosystems, there is a wonderful walk for every day abroad. Whether you are looking for a one-day mountain hike or a weeklong trek through the jungle, exploring Brazil on foot is a great way to connect with Madre Tierra. There are volcanic treks, mountain trails, beach walks, and Amazon tours that take you to places otherwise unreachable, which makes this one of the most rewarding (and fun) activities in Brazil. Hikes usually include a knowledgeable guide, transportation to/between trail points, any potential camping equipment, and trekking buddies, so all you have to do is follow the alpha and remember to take plenty of photos on the way!
- Recommended program: Rosemary Dream
- Browse ALL hiking programs in Brazil
7. Yoga
Namast-ay here 5ever.
Sometimes, the wildest journey is the one happening inside of you when sitting perfectly still. With cultural influences both from Western and Easterns strands of philosophy- not to mention plenty of indigenous tribes and their own naturalistic beliefs-, there is a rich foundation of spirituality to support internal growth. Daily mindfulness, artistic expression, and connection with nature are prevalent themes in wellness programs, and setting ranges from jungle immersion to island retreats. As muscles are stretched and the mind is disciplined, new strength will glow within and allow you to tackle all adventure activities in Brazil with a calm mind.
- Recommended program: Rosemary Dream
- Browse ALL yoga programs in Brazil
8. Homestay
Get to know your new lil’ sister during homestay programs in Brazil!
If organized group adventure activities don’t appeal too much, homestay programs are the solution for daily authentic adventures in and outside of the house. Explore the cuisine, traditions, and music of local Brazilians while adopting new overseas families. Every day is an opportunity for cultural immersion, with language practice and culinary treats abound (who would turn down homemade cheese bread?). And with Brazil being the largest lusophone population in the world, there are literally millions of people waiting to be you friend and greet you with a bem vinda!
- Recommended program: TalkTalkBnb
- Browse ALL homestay programs in Brazil
9. Study Abroad
Nothing screams adventure travel like the chance to live long term in an exciting Brazilian city and get to know life there as a student abroad. From weekend trips around the region to classes at wineries (yes, this has been known to happen!), knocking out course credits amidst samba festivals and backpacking trips is tough to beat. Trade in your midnight pizza binges for pão de queijo binges and ace that next exam.
- Recommended program: ISA Study Abroad in Florianópolis, Brazil
- Browse ALL study abroad programs in Brazil
[Still wondering what to do in Brazil? Browse ALL Brazil Adventure Programs]
Next steps to adventure travel in Brazil
Now that you have the inside scoop and know where to have the most epic adventures in Brazil, it's time to choose who you want to travel with! Choosing an adventure tour program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:
- Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU want to adventure in Brazil is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals—mountains? Amazon? The coast? Don't let your adrenaline hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
- Pick your adventure. Do some reflection on just how much adrenaline you want to get pumpin', and which type of company or organization would best satiate your adventurous appetite.
- Choose from the best adventure travel abroad programs in the world. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program reputation, and how the adventure at stake matches your preferences. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right adventure tour for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on unplanned travel (in addition to tour costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to raise money for a trip fast will serve you (and your wallet) well!
- Get prepared! Preparing for backpacking and adventure travel abroad is as fun as it sounds (eight essential to do's here!). With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.
You’re ready to tackle these Brazil activities!
With all these Brazil activities within reach, you’re bound to have a blast abroad!
Is your heart pounding yet, just imagining swinging through vines with monkeys and mastering the fast footwork of samba steps? Are your palms sweaty thinking about swimming alongside whales and throwing spears at piranhas? Then you’re on the right track. Recreational activities in Brazil are calling!
Next, ask yourself what can you do in Brazil that would really offer you the time of your life, download an adventure travel guide, then start exploring organizations and select the program that best matches your interests, budget, and time frame. [And thank Brazil for being the largest export of coffee while you’re at it, ‘cuz you’re gonna need it to finish shifting through all of the options and to keep yourself energized while flitting through all of those fun Brazil activities!]
Throw on some Havaianas, inhale a deep breath, and take a leap of faith into the craziness that is Brazil. Whether you are scaling the tallest volcanic peaks or diving into new depths of underwater caves, there is an adventure waiting just for you; indulge. After all, ¡la vida es un carnaval!
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