Brazil summer break

Brazil summer break is a student cultural travel program which provides students with the opportunity to learn about Brazilian culture, as well as build their proficiency in Portuguese. Students who participate in this program will be immersed in the Brazilian culture. They will live with a host family and attend a full academic semester at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

If you’re here, you just landed on the right page. Through countless hours of exploring the internet and thousands of user-submitted reviews and opinions we have gathered together an amazing list of the 10 best spots for a Brazil summer break.

Brazil is a country of many different cultures, customs, and traditions. It is a large country with many different climates, so it’s important to plan your trip accordingly. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular destinations for summer vacation in Brazil and how best to prepare for your trip.

Brazil is a country of beaches and sun, where it’s easy to forget about everything else and just focus on fun. With all of the beautiful sights and sounds, it’s no wonder that Brazil is a popular summer break destination for many people.

Whether you’re looking for a beach town vacation or something more urban, there are plenty of options in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is known as “the carnival capital of the world,” and it boasts beautiful beaches, amazing food, and a vibrant nightlife scene. If you prefer something a little more low-key, you can head to Porto Alegre or Florianopolis instead—both cities offer great weather and incredible natural beauty without all of the crowds.

1

New Year’s on the beach

Good for:

• Couples
• Families
• Photo

On New Year’s Eve, mystical tradition and contemporary extravaganza combine in a feast for the eyes on Rio’s beach spectacles. Join the crowds of superstitious locals on the powdery sands of Copacabana, decked head to toe in white for good luck. 

Here, thousands of wooden toy boats are set free into the Atlantic Ocean as end-of-year offerings to the sea deities. At midnight, barges docked off shore release a cascade of fireworks illuminating the bay. Get close up on the beach to the drummers’ hypnotic beat or sit back on Copacabana Palace’s spectacular art deco terrace. 

photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo (CC BY 2.0) modified

2

Summer’s carnival run- up

Good for:

• Couples
• Photo
• Nightlife

During the weeks before February’s carnival explodes into life, the samba schools open their doors to well-wishers at their heart-warming rehearsals. Revel in the elaborate choreography of the costumed dancers at past carnival winners Mangueira or experience the slick performance of Beija-Flor’s community musicians. 

Fantasia (fancy dress) gala balls also mark the weekend before carnival. Thousands of wildly attired partygoers celebrate in opulent style on the Pão de Açúcar hill, overlooking the glittering lights of the city.

See also

• First-Timers Guide to the Rio CarnivalBrazil
• Rio de Janeiro Travel EssentialsBrazil
• 14 Best Things to Do in Rio de JaneiroBrazil

3

Sambadrome parade

Good for:

• Couples
• Photo
• Nightlife

Book early for a Rio de Janeiro summer hotel during carnival week’s annual release of unbridled festivity. Sunday and Monday nights are taken over by the Sambadrome’s flamboyant main procession – lavishly decorated floats of sequinned samba dancers act out spellbinding musical theatre in a packed open-air stadium. 

Let yourself be swept along by the flag-waving supporters of the brilliantly coloured parades. Take a ringside seat to experience the glitz and razzle dazzle a hair’s breadth away or seek the comfort of stands 7 and 9 for relaxed viewing. 

4

Outdoor fun and games

Good for:

• Couples
• Families
• Photo
• Adventure

Summer Sundays see capoeira artists descend on Ipanema beach for an exhibition of their body-bending dance and martial art. Spontaneous games of beach football and volleyball pop up along the blanched white sand – join in with the locals and cool down with a dip in the ocean. 

For draw- dropping views of Rio’s coastline, paraglide off the lush forested hills of Tijuca Park while professionals guide your gentle descent on to the palm-fringed sand of São Conrado beach. 

5

Neighborhood banda processions

Good for:

• Couples
• Families
• Photo
• Nightlife

Authentic summer breaks in Rio de Janeiro are incomplete without a local neighborhood banda (samba session) through the streets of carnival. Welcoming Cariocas (Rio residents) and their families follow their favourite samba orchestra in a colourful celebration of song, story, costume, dance and melody. 

After a day’s sun-worshipping by the azure seas of Ipanema beach, immerse yourself in the riotous magic of the Banda de Ipanema, Rio’s oldest street parade. Join the playful performers on Praça General Osório or wait for their triumphant arrival at sunset on the seafront.