Brazil Highlands Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Brazil Highlands Tours & Trips

• What Makes Mountain Tours in the Brazilian Highlands So Special?

  You'll find these incredible ancient sandstone tepuis reaching up about 2400 meters in the Serra da Mantiqueira and they're just amazing. These formations have been around for millions of years creating these unique little microclimates where you might spot rare wildlife like the woolly spider monkey or red-billed curassow. There's this stunning cave system called Poço Encantado with crystal-clear waters and wait till you see the Cachoeira da Fumaça waterfall dropping a dramatic 400 meters.

• Where Can You Find the Best Guided Mountain Tours?

  If you're up for technical climbing head to Serra da Mantiqueira's Pedra da Mina it tops out at 2797m with some really great panoramic hiking trails. Over at Itatiaia National Park you've got the Agulhas Negras peak at 2791m perfect for different skill levels with well-marked paths. The Serra dos Órgãos range is home to this fantastic 3-day trek called the Petropolis-Teresopolis crossing taking you through Atlantic Rainforest where you'll see the famous Dedo de Deus formation it's pretty incredible.

• What Kind of Local Cultural Experiences Can You Join?

  Beyond just walking through favelas in Rio you can actually join these amazing feijoada gatherings in Santa Teresa's historic mansions get into some capoeira sessions at Lapa's cultural centers and experience real samba school rehearsals in Madureira. Local guides have put together these cool urban hiking experiences that mix historical spots like the colorful Selarón Steps with insider visits to community gardens and local markets.

• What If I'm Not Much of a Hiker?

  Don't worry there are plenty of ways to experience the region's beauty. You can hop on 4x4 tours through Tijuca National Park which is actually the world's largest urban forest and see gorgeous spots like Cascatinha Taunay waterfall. Over at Chapada Diamantina you'll find easy walks to amazing places like the crystal pools at Poço Azul. For something really accessible jump on a regular bus to Petrópolis where you can explore the Imperial Museum and crystal palace with beautiful mountains as your backdrop.

• When's the Best Time to Visit Weather-Wise?

  Winter's your best bet that's June through August with clear skies temps around 15-20°C and hardly any rain. Spring and fall September-November and March-May are really nice too with comfortable temperatures and just occasional afternoon showers perfect for checking out waterfalls. You'll want to skip December through February though because daily thunderstorms can make trails pretty dangerous and you won't get those amazing views you're hoping for.