Last updated: . Clarified dated flight and road-trip advice, travel-document checks, airline services and COVID-era observations while preserving the family’s Brazil experiences. Date information added October 31, 2026.
Is Brazil beckoning to your travel spirit? Are you wondering if you can head there with the kids? Our family of seven went to Brazil for six weeks and flew several times within Brazil. We rented a car, took many taxis and Ubers, and walked around. Read about our experience with Ubers and Taxis in Brazil.
Brazil offers incredible experiences, landscapes, cultures, and more for tourists. From the sand dunes in Natal, sprawling beaches in Florianopolis, andthe Amazon Rainforest outside of Manaus to the massive metropolis of São Paulo and the Christ statue in Rio, you’ll have no shortage of things to do in Brazil. This country is the fifth largest in the world and nearly as big as the United States.
A lot of entertainment, even in the streets!
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*
Before booking, check documents for every traveler’s nationality and route, including passports, visas, and any child travel authorization. Requirements for Brazilian minors vary with age, who accompanies them, and whether the trip is domestic or international; do not assume the same rule applies to every foreign child. Start with ANAC’s passenger information and the Federal Police guidance for minors leaving Brazil.
Is It Safe To Travel In Brazil With Kids?
I’m going to be straight with you: we encountered safety concerns in Brazil that affected how we traveled. However, I wanted to go for many years, and after traveling the world for over three years, I figured we could take on Brazil.
We had some fantastic experiences and some horrible ones in Brazil. I don’t regret going, but I also have a healthy appreciation for the danger that exists there.
That being said families travel successfully to Brazil every day! I wouldn’t recommend Brazil for brand-new travelers, and I would encourage some standard tips, such as:
Don’t be out after dark.
Choose areas and transport carefully using current, location-specific advice; being in a tourist area is not a safety guarantee.
Be aware of those around you, and don’t be distracted by your phone. Our daughter was attacked for her phone while trying to read a map. Thankfully, others stepped in, and she walked away unharmed and with her phone, although very shaken up.
Do not flash valuables like jewelry, electronics, etc.
Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach.
In the most extreme cases, some Brazilians carry two wallets: the one they can give away and the one they want to keep.
I don’t mean to scare you, but after over 40 countries, I was surprised by how cautious we needed to be in Brazil.
The Amazon Theater
Traveling Around Brazil With Kids
Driving in Brazil
We rented two cars (big family problems!) to drive into Chapada Diamantina. This incredible national park was worth the hassle.
Something to know when driving a rental car in Brazil:
Check the rental agreement and any insurance or protection carefully before pickup, including collision, theft, liability, excess, exclusions, and the deposit. I was rear-ended in Brazil, and we had to pay for the damages out of pocket. That was a major bummer, but buying a particular policy does not automatically guarantee a lower deposit or that every loss is covered.
Getting gas in Brazil is full service. You won’t be filling your car with gas, which can be difficult if you don’t speak Portuguese. (We live in Portugal now, but I spoke no Portuguese when we visited Brazil!)
Some driving outside the cities felt unpredictable to us. Follow the road rules, leave space, and avoid copying risky passing or other unsafe behavior.
When approaching a small city, you’ll need to slow down for several large speed bumps. There often is no traffic lights in the small towns, only speed bumps.
In case you have a big family like us, you may not be able to find a single car for more than five passengers in the city of Natal, hence why we rented two!
Our family’s Brazil road trip and hike in Chapada Diamantina. This film shares trip experiences; check current local guidance and travel rules for your own plans.
Flying In Brazil With Kids
We took over ten flights in Brazil with kids during our extended stay. We found it to be pleasant and easy to do.
However, there are several differences between flying in Brazil and other countries. Here are a few:
Airports: Check the terminals, connection times, facilities, and transfer arrangements for the airports on your own itinerary. Our experience on one route will not tell you what to expect at every airport.
Airlines: Identify the airline actually operating each segment, including regional connections, and check its current baggage, child-equipment, seating, and onboard-service policies for your fare.
Safety: We took more than ten flights during our stay. That personal experience is not a comparative aviation safety assessment. For official information, use ANAC’s aviation data and current advice relevant to your itinerary.
Language: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and while many people speak English, it is not as widely spoken as in some other countries. This can make communication with airline staff and other travelers more challenging for those who do not speak Portuguese.
Differences Between Flying In Brazil Versus Other Countries
Follow the screening instructions for your flight. On our past domestic trips, we were asked to remove computers. Procedures vary, so do not assume that only laptops need to come out at every airport.
We carried litre water bottles through screening on some domestic flights during that trip. That does not mean liquids are unrestricted on every Brazil itinerary. International flights and domestic legs using international boarding areas have liquid restrictions; exceptions for medicines, baby food, or special diets have conditions. Check ANAC’s current passenger guidance and your airline’s instructions for the route you are flying.
We had flights without the snack or drink service we expected. Service varies by airline, route, cabin, and fare, so check your booking and plan suitable food and drinks within the applicable screening rules.
Our visit was during COVID restrictions, including limitations around eating onboard. Those are memories of that trip; follow the current airline instructions rather than using our old restrictions as present guidance.
Masks were required on our flights during that COVID-era trip. Check current airline and destination requirements for your own travel dates.
Not all planes have TVs, similar to domestic flights in the USA.
Premium-cabin tickets were an occasional splurge for us! We splurged on some really late flights (once we left at 2 am!) and loved it. We even got lay-flat seats on one flight.
Wi-Fi availability depends on the airline and aircraft. We would download entertainment before boarding rather than count on a connection.
Getting off the plane was very strict. It might be for Covid or routine, but the flight attendants told which rows could stand up to get their bags when the flight landed. If you stood up as soon as the flight landed, you were firmly told to sit back down.
Keep each traveler’s required identification and travel documents accessible throughout the journey. We had gate document checks, but the timing and requirements depend on the route and traveler.
Finding a lot of food in the airports outside São Paulo or Rio can be difficult.
Fun pro tip: Sometimes, you can get a massage in the airport while waiting for your flight! This can do miracles after flying for a long time!
The amazing Iguazu Falls
Top Things To See In Brazil
São Paulo has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Some of the most popular cultural attractions in the city include the São Paulo Museum of Art, the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, and the Municipal Theatre. The city is particularly famous for its pizza, which is considered one of the best in the world.
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, which are popular with tourists and locals. The iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer is also located in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil.
Natal is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, including Ponta Negra, Genipabu, and Pipa. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, white sand, and stunning natural scenery.
Salvador is located in the state of Bahia. Pelourinho is Salvador’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can wander through the colorful colonial buildings, churches, and museums. Another top thing to see in Salvador is the Lacerda Elevator, a historic elevator that connects the upper and lower parts of Salvador. Visitors can take a ride to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Iguazu Falls is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the falls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides or explore independently.
The Meeting of Waters in the Amazon is a natural phenomenon where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy-colored waters of the Solimões River, creating a striking visual contrast. The Meeting of Waters is located near the city of Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, and is a popular tourist attraction. The two rivers have different temperatures, densities, and speeds, which also contributes to their non-mixing. It is best seen from a boat or ferry, where visitors can witness the clear line between the two rivers.
Genipabu Beachis a popular tourist destination near Natal inRio Grande do Norte. It is famous for its stunning dunes and beautiful beaches. The region around Genipabu is rich in culture, influenced by Portuguese, African, and indigenous traditions.
You didn’t visit Brazil if you have no picture of this statue: Christ the Redeemer
Other Things To Do In Brazil With Kids
Brazil is gifted with beautiful scenery – falls, rainforests, statues, and many more! Here are some tour options you can try if you’re still filling up your Brazil itinerary:
Fall in love with Rio de Janeiro by taking the Sugarloaf Cable Car ride, which will give you fantastic panoramic views and bring you to Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Take your little ones on a wildlife adventure and learn about Brazil’s colorful biodiversity with a guided Animal Tour to BioParque do Rio and AquaRio. Zoo and park are always a hit for families traveling with kids!
Colorful avenues are common in Brazil
Where To Stay In Brazil With Kids
Here are some hotel options for your stay in Brazil:
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is located in Ipanema, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana Fort and Parque Henrique Lage are local landmarks.
Emiliano Rio is located in Copacabana. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden and AquaRio are also worth visiting. It’s in a central location which the guests love. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden and AquaRio are also worth visiting.
Facebook
Pinterest
Youtube