Join Destination Expert Hayley on an adventure through Brazil! From the cobblestone streets of historic Paraty to the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro, Hayley and her family discover hidden gems, breathtaking waterfalls, and iconic landmarks in this stunning destination.

Hello everyone! This is Destination Expert, Hayley, reporting from Brazil. I recently visited the Green Coast (southern coast) of Brazil with my husband and our three-year-old son. Tune in this week as I share our adventures and some fun in the sun!

Discovering Paraty: A historic gem perfect for families

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Exploring Paraty through its cobblestone streets! (Photos: Hayley Ward)

We began in the colonial city of Paraty, which means "river of fish" in the local Tupi language, just a four-hour drive east of Rio de Janeiro. Paraty has been around since the 1500s, and you can really feel the history as you walk through its cobblestone streets. Our guide told us that the white stones of the streets were originally brought all the way from Portugal! Today, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its gastronomy, architecture, local artisanry, and boutique shops. The historical center is pedestrian-only, making it a great place to explore on foot and grab some ice cream—a very family-friendly destination.

More of Paraty: Islands, beaches, and a schooner boat adventure

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A day on the water in Paraty. (Photos: Hayley Ward)

The following morning, we headed out on a schooner boat adventure to visit some nearby islands and beaches. The traditional pastel-colored schooners are an emblem of Paraty, although ours was more modern, with all the amenities and comforts. There are approximately 97 islands and over 200 beaches in the archipelago! Even though we had a bit of cloudy weather, the temperature was nice, and we had a wonderful day out on the water exploring the islands.

Onboard, we had our first taste of local cuisine: moqueca, a stew with fish and regional spices, topped with the classic Brazilian farofa (mandioca flour). At each stop, we had the chance to swim, float, paddleboard, explore local beaches, or relax onboard with a juice or cocktail in hand. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful, even when our son’s shoe flew overboard! This is a highly recommended activity to add to your family’s itinerary.

Waterfalls, natural waterslides, and local flavors

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Visiting the environmental education center on our jeep exploration! (Photos: Hayley Ward)

Today, we woke up and drove into the foothills of Paraty in a 4x4 jeep to explore some waterfalls and a beautiful local hacienda that has been transformed into an environmental educational center. At the first waterfall, we went for a short walk and were surprised by the stunning views! Luckily, our guide made sure to get us there before the crowds drew in. Soon after, we got back in the jeep and drove to another waterfall (or cachoeira in Portuguese), where we donned our swimsuits for some fun on natural waterslides – this is definitely a hit for those with kids!

After a local lunch with a view of the waterfalls, we visited Fazenda Bananal to learn about the history of the region and the many projects they are running, such as agroforestry, apiculture, gastronomy, and cultural education. We finished the day with a stop at a local distillery for some cachaça tasting, the local cane sugar alcohol.

Experiencing Rio’s hidden gems, iconic sites, and a taste of Carnaval

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Visiting Christ the Redeemer and feeling the Carnaval vibes with a backstage experience! (Photos: Hayley Ward)

A four-hour drive east from Paraty brought us to Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous cities in Brazil and the former capital of the country. We spent a handful of days exploring the popular sites with our wonderful guide, who was born and raised in Rio! She took us to all the great spots, helping us avoid crowds, and even shared some of her favorite hidden gems with us. She was fantastic with our son—a truly family-friendly experience.

Some of the highlights of Rio include: the Backstage Carnaval Experience (where we learned about the history of Carnaval and even got to dress up!), a downtown city tour, the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood (along with tasting amazing traditional Brazilian cheese bread), the Christ the Redeemer statue, and ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car. It was a truly comprehensive experience of this magical city, leaving us eager to return and keep exploring.

Sunset Sailing – A perfect farewell to a family-friendly adventure

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Incredible views on a sunset sailboat cruise. (Photo: Hayley Ward)

On our last day in Rio, to wrap up our incredible experience in this vibrant city, we took a relaxing sunset sailboat cruise into the bay to see the city sights from the water. Once aboard the sailboat, we were offered complimentary snacks and drinks to accompany our evening. The friendly staff and captain pointed out the sights and took us to a small inlet to swim in the evening light.

It was fun to get to know other guests onboard, and our son even got the chance to steer the boat. Cruising back to Rio, we were gifted with a stunning sunset over the horizon and cityscape. It was a beautiful way to say goodbye to this enchanting place. Everything we did in this city was very accommodating for families and kids—something we appreciated so much!

About the author: Raised among the pine forests of southern Oregon, it was Hayley’s calling to take her passion in Latin American culture and outdoor adventure, and set off on a journey through South America. Now based in Peru for over a decade, Hayley holds an inspiring life story that taught her the transformative power of travel. As a Destination Expert, she relishes helping others to experience it for themselves.