Who hasn’t dreamed of spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the tropics? A vacation in Brazil to celebrate the festive season is an experience you should have at least once in your life. Away from the winter cold, in a tropical atmosphere made lively by samba and enhanced by a few caipirinhas, an unforgettable holiday awaits you. Brazil is a very religious country, with a strong attachment to Catholic traditions and celebrations. From Christmas to New Year’s Eve, the end-of-year festivities are a time of great excitement for the locals, with a gentle, euphoric atmosphere in every corner of the country. With family or friends, the winter vacations are the ideal time to discover the Brazilian sense of celebration. It is important to note that from December 27th, many hotels will be operating policies of 4 or 5 nights minimum stay.
Without further ado,here are five dream destinations in Brazil for your Christmas vacations!
Jericoacoara: A Magical Christmas Under the Brazilian Nordeste Sun
Celebrating Christmas on one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches is a luxury not available to everyone! A stay in Jericoacoara is a little taste of paradise. Brought to light in the 70s by a group of travelers, Jericoacoara, or Jeri, was originally a simple fishing village in the Ceará region. Today, it’s a veritable Eldorado, renowned for the beauty of its landscapes. A stay in Jericoacoara in December is like the magic of Christmas under the Brazilian sun.
To get to Jericoacoara, you first need to get to Fortaleza airport. You then have two options. You can continue by road to reach the town in 4h30, or take the beach route by 4×4 or buggy. The latter option, which can be done in one or two days, allows you to admire the absolutely magnificent Cearense coastline. More than 300 km of beaches separate Fortaleza and Jericoacoara. If you have a little more time and would like to discover another Ceará gem just a stone’s throw from Jericoacoara, the village of Guajiru will be a stopover you won’t regret.
Jeri, a Charming Village Surrounded by Dream Beaches
Extremely well preserved, Jericoacoara never ceases to impress travelers from all over the world who come to admire its immense dream beaches. Fine sand as far as the eye can see and crystal-clear waters, among the most peaceful in Ceará, make up Jericoacoara’s incredible coastline. Despite the influx of tourists, the village has retained its remarkable authenticity. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed. The streets are lined with sand, dotted with coconut palms and colorful flowers. In the evening, the village gathers on the Duna do Pôr do Sol to admire the exceptional sunset. There are also numerous bars and restaurants, which come alive at dusk.
Jericoacoara is exceptional when it comes to accommodation. There are several ranges of hotels, all very charming and located just a stone’s throw from the beach. The Hotel Hurricane Praia transports you into a tropical atmosphere as soon as you enter the premises. Its swimming pool/lagoon is surrounded by a lovely garden with a direct view of the ocean. The rooms have been designed in a warm bungalow style, and each has one or two floors. Hurricane Praia also offers a superior room category with a jacuzzi and private terrace.
Another of Jericoacoara’s nuggets is Vila Kalango. Right in the heart of Praia Principal, Vila Kalango is perfectly integrated into Jeri’s panorama. Decorated with warmth and natural materials, the cabanas on stilts create an air of simplicity and escape in the hotel’s charming rooms. Ideally located, you can admire the sunset from the restaurant while sipping a Christmas caipirinha!
The Ceará Coastline: An Exceptional Panorama and a Wide Range of Activities
Jeri doesn’t just attract visitors for its relaxation. Its natural park, Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara, offers a wide range of excursions and hikes, each more sublime than the last. Its immense fine sand dunes, interspersed with freshwater lagoons, create an exceptional backdrop of wild, dreamlike beauty. From horseback riding to buggy excursions, the many activities on offer in the will enable you to take full advantage of this exceptional panorama. Don’t miss a visit to the incredible Barrinha beach, still little known to tourists. You can also discover the immense Tatajuba dunes, a setting straight out of a postcard.
All Jericoacoara’s beaches are swept by the trade winds typical of northeastern Brazil, making it a very popular spot for kitesurfers. Sports enthusiasts from all over the world can be found just a few kilometers away, on the beaches of Preá and Guriú. All the beaches are swept by the trade winds, typical of northeastern Brazil, making them a very popular spot for sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Trancoso: A Bohemian Brazilian Christmas
Trancoso is an iconic Brazilian destination. Nestled on the Bahian coast, this former fishing village has become a unique place harboring a bohemian/chic atmosphere. A hot spot for hippies in the ’80s, today it’s a haven for artists and similar minded people. However, all kinds of people mix here, giving the village a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. With its tropical climate, the village enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round (between 25 and 30°C), with occasional light rains, always welcome during the hot day. Just an hour’s drive from Porto Seguro airport, Trancoso is a haven of peace that deserves to be discovered! A gentle way of life and unrivaled authenticity promise a magical Christmas vacation.
An Escape to One of Brazil’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Surrounded by the Atlantic forest and bordered by the ocean, Trancoso’s idyllic landscape is an explosion of color. With its emerald waters, lush green vegetation, and multicolored houses, this little piece of paradise is also home to an astonishing array of local fauna. Its biodiversity is as captivating as it is varied. Monkeys, birds, and fish of all kinds inhabit this little Bahian Eden with its end-of-the-world feel. Whether it’s a hike in the Rio do Brasil reserve or a lazy day on the Praia de Espelho, you won’t be disappointed by Trancoso’s beauty. Its inhabitants are committed to protecting this paradise and have developed a keen ecological conscience.
An Intimate Getaway of Luxury and Nature on the Bahia Coast
Famous for its many celebrities, the village has retained its rugged beauty. The pousadas are among the finest in the country. Pure architecture perfectly blended with the surrounding nature, warm, modern interiors – a perfect blend of luxury and bohemia. We’ve selected the finest accommodations in the area for an intimate and exclusive stay.
Paraty: Christmas Vacations in the Heart of a Historic Brazilian City
Paraty is first and foremost an ideal location for discovering both a renowned heritage and breathtaking natural spaces. Located on the Costa Verde in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a village steeped in history, surrounded by islands and tropical forests. Founded in the 17th century, Paraty soon became an important crossroads in the triangular trade of the colonization of the Americas. Lost in the heart of the Costa Verde, it was totally preserved and forgotten until a road was built to get there in the middle of the last century. Today, it’s a charming little colonial town, with cobbled streets and a gentle atmosphere. The city has even been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its great beauty. Between culture and nature, Paraty is sure to make your Christmas vacation a success. Accessible only by road, Paraty is about 4 hours from Rio de Janeiro.
The Costa Verde, Forest and Ocean, an Exceptional Mosaic of Nature
Paraty is an ideal playground for exploration enthusiasts. There are several protected nature reserves, such as the Serra da Bocaina National Park, a spectacular place between the mountains and the sea. The city is surrounded by the Mata Atlântica, an ancestral jungle of endemic species, a pearl of the world’s biodiversity. From the village, several hikes lead to beautiful waterfalls in the forest. For those who prefer to relax, there are several nearby beaches within easy reach by road. There are also many boat excursions available from the port. If you are lucky you might have the privilege of swimming with sea turtles!
A Historic Center with Typical Colonial Charm
Rich in history, Paraty has preserved its authenticity. Small cobbled alleyways (exclusively pedestrian!) dotted with art galleries and craft stores of all kinds make up the village center. The sidewalks are also busy with artisans selling their creations. During the colonial period, Paraty was a major producer of Brazilian commodities such as coffee, sugar cane, and cachaça. As a result, you’ll also find many small stalls along the alleyways, where there’s no shortage of local specialties.
Paraty is marvelous living painting where time seems to stand still. Its aesthetics and architecture take us right back to the time of the “New World,” a true invitation to travel somewhere special this Christmas.
Itacaré: Treat Yourself to a Bahian Paradise for Your Christmas Vacation
If you’re looking for a postcard tropical setting for your Christmas vacations, Itacaré is the place to go. Nestled on the Costa do Cacau in the south of the state of Bahia, Itacaré enjoys a privileged location. The village lies at the mouth of the Rio das Contas (Pearl River), next to the Mata Atlântica, Brazil’s Atlantic forest. Stretches of golden beaches, luxuriant nature, a fishing village frequented by surfers – the contrast of this setting is breathtaking. This piece of paradise, between jungle and ocean, offers a wide range of activities. Unspoiled, Itacaré’s wild and fascinating charm is an invitation not to be refused. The nearest airport is Ilhéus, so you’ll need to make a stopover in one of Brazil’s major cities. From Ilhéus, it’s a two-hour drive to paradise.
Costa do Cacau, an Eden of Striking Biodiversity
Itacaré will delight ecotourism fans. Two nature reserves, Serra Grande and Serra de Conduru, are just a stone’s throw from the town. Each offers a wide variety of excursions in a mythical setting, that of an ecosystem over 60 million years old. The flora and fauna are equally dense. On a stroll, you may catch sight of a spider monkey or one of the 620 species of birds found on the Mata Atlântica. Hiking, water sports, rafting (Itacaré is one of the best spots in Brazil), or simply lazing around, if there’s one thing you can’t do in Itacaré, it’s get bored. The many beaches, waves, and sunshine are ideal for one of the town’s flagship activities: surfing.
Itacaré, a Quiet, Colorful Village
The village of Itacaré is a perfect example of Bahian aesthetics. Life, color, and a lot of history! Once a pirate hideout, then a whaling mecca, Itacaré went on to become a major cocoa producer in the 20th century. Today, the village welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Depending on the era, the village’s alleyways have been walked by very different individuals, and this richness is felt in Itacaré’s atmosphere. Many bars and restaurants liven up the village streets, but always with the gentle way of life typical of this wonderful place. It’s a little paradise on earth, still preserved and authentic.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca-Style Christmas Celebrations
If you’re particularly attached to the atmosphere and celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Rio de Janeiro is the perfect destination for you! In addition to the city’s world-renowned beauty, every year the cariocas (locals) pull out all the stops to make New Year’s Eve even more magical than the previous year. Traditions and decorations are major elements of this period of joy! On the 31st, thousands of people, both tourists and locals, gather on the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca. Everyone is dressed in white to watch the fireworks. At midnight, the tradition is that everyone leaps into the water to jump over 7 waves to attract the grace of the sea goddess Iemanja. The whole city is abuzz with activity, and it’s an ideal time to discover the sometimes exuberant lifestyle of the Carioca people.
The Cidade Maravilhosa, a Hybrid City Between Sea, Mountains, and Rainforest
Rio de Janeiro is first and foremost a mixed city, a crossroads between urbanization and nature that gives the city a large part of its identity. The greenest megalopolis in the world, Rio de Janeiro is encircled by the Mata Atlântica, with its high mountains dotting many of the city’s districts. At the same time, wide sandy beaches line the coastline of the Marvelous City. The famous Copacabana, a mythical beach where you can enjoy a caipirinha with your feet in the water. The setting is unique and majestic, and lends itself to a host of nature activities. There are numerous hiking trails, a breath of fresh air and tranquility right in the heart of the city.
Discover the Cultural Vitality of Rio de Janeiro
Rio is also an art of living. This dynamic city is renowned for its incredible energy. Museums, shopping malls, historic districts, and emblematic tourist sites such as Sugarloaf and Corcovado, the city has no shortage of activities. There’s so much to do in Rio, you could spend weeks here. We’ve put together a special Rio de Janeiro discovery tour to help you get to know the city and its people.
When it comes to gastronomy, the megalopolis is equally rich, whether in restaurants or on the street, the choices are endless and the temptations omnipresent. A very festive city, it’s not uncommon to find street parties all over the city center. Cariocas and tourists alike gather to enjoy cold beers, salgados (a typically Brazilian savoury bite stuffed with meat or cheese) and cocktails, while dancing to the rhythm of the samba. Rio is a warm, relaxed city where life is good. You’ll feel right at home here, making it an ideal destination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Exploring Brazil during the festive season promises a unique blend of traditional celebrations, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From the tranquil beaches of Jericoacoara and Trancoso to the historic charm of Paraty, the tropical paradise of Itacaré, and the bustling excitement of Rio de Janeiro, there’s a perfect destination for every traveler. Enjoy the festive season in Brazil and create unforgettable memories.
