Planning a Multigenerational Trip to Brazil
Brazil is an incredibly diverse country that offers something for travelers of all ages. From the world-famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro to remote waterfalls tucked away in the rainforest, it makes for the perfect multigenerational vacation spot.
We recently returned from a two week trip to Brazil with grandparents, parents and kids in tow to celebrate a milestone 45th anniversary.
VeronicTravel was indispensable in the planning of our unforgettable multi-generational trip. Here’s an inside look.
A Quick Overview of Our Multigenerational Family Trip to Brazil
We spent three days in Rio de Janeiro and one week at the Rio Das Pedras Club Med, about two hours south of Rio along the coast.
From the beginning, the plan was to spend a week at the Club Med so that the whole family could find activities we each enjoyed without feeling forced to do everything together.
However, we all agreed that since we were flying so far, we wanted to spend a few days exploring Rio before heading to the Club Med.
Where We Stayed in Rio
It was our first time visiting Rio, so we stayed at the legendary Copacabana Beach area, at the PortoBay hotel overlooking the water.
What we liked about the hotel:
- Beautiful views of the beach and Christ the Redeemer statue
- Rooftop pool and bar
- Helpful hotel staff
For first-timers in Rio, this was an ideal home base.
Must-See Rio Highlights
We visited Rio during a record-breaking heat wave. With young kids in tow, we couldn’t explore as much as we might have liked under different circumstances. However, these were the highlights of our time in Rio:
- Taking the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain offers stunning 360-degree views of Rio, making it a great first day activity to get your bearings. Gliding high above the city in a cable car is also exciting for kids and adults alike, allowing you to take in panoramic vistas as you make your way up to the top lookout point. Beginning your time in Rio with a ride up Sugarloaf Mountain lets you take in the sprawling city and start mapping out places you’d like to visit next.
- Seeing the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue up close after taking the cog railway up Corcovado Mountain. Despite the heat, we felt a spiritual awe standing beneath the giant statue.
- Two mornings organized by VeronicTravel with a private tour guide in an air conditioned van to efficiently see top sites like the modern Metropolitan Cathedral, colorful Santa Teresa neighborhood and of course, Rio’s world famous beaches.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO BRAZIL NOW!
Rio Das Pedras Club Med
The Club Med provided built-in family time during meals while also giving us independence during free time. We did book one Club Med group excursion – a boat trip – which ended up being a major highlight.
Club Med Highlights
Day Trip to Ilha Grande Island
We booked a private charter boat tour and made several stops to swim and soak up nearly empty alabaster beaches along the way. A key highlight was swimming in an iconic hidden blue lagoon cove only accessible by boat.
Waterfall Hike
One of our favorite activities was the guided 90 minute jungle hike to a hidden waterfall and swimming hole – a gorgeous setting away from everything where we could enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Rio Das Pedras Beach and Zen Pool
The Club Med sits along a pristine sandy beach with medium-sized waves perfect for kids. We loved relaxing on the resort’s hammocks and lounge chairs under the beach’s shady trees and diving into the ocean to play in the surf.
This Club Med also provided a lovely, secluded “piscine calme”, adult-only pool overlooking the beach. This was the ultimate vacation-spot for adults who had managed to drop off their kids at the Mini Club!
Waterskiing and Wakeboarding Lessons
For those interested, the Club Med also offers beginner waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons when weather allows. It’s also an ideal spot for more advanced skiers to slalom to their heart’s content. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, the private cove is perfect for some time out on the water.
Kid-Friendly Activities at Kids Club
The Kids Club staff (the GO’s, gentils organisateurs, as they are known at Club Med) kept our children enthralled with activities like archery, kayaking, soccer, crafts and swimming. You can drop children off at any time for a nice parent break!
Tips & Takeaways
- Brush up on basic Portuguese phrases, as English fluency remains spotty outside hotels.
- Be prepared that you may not have a full week of sunny weather. Come prepared with rain ponchos and umbrellas – seasonal rainfall means sudden intense downpours are common.
- Don’t miss a chance to try flavors of Brazilian cuisine like feijoada bean stew or fresh squeezed fruit juices!
We returned home exhausted but filled with special memories. Brazil proved itself the ultimate family destination, allowing us to explore together while also catering well to multi-generational groups. Start planning your own Brazilian family adventure today!
