Journey
Brazil
Who Are We?
At Journey Brazil, we specialize in curating trips that connect and enrich. To create exceptional tailor-made itineraries, we harness our trusted relationships, local connections, and two decades of leadership in the luxury travel industry. With our devotion to detail, impeccable service, and an on-the-ground 24/7 assistant while you’re traveling in Brazil, you’ll feel like a special guest, not a tourist.
We believe that travel should have a positive impact on all those it involves, from the visitors to the visited and everyone in between. We’re constantly exploring, designing, and reimagining travel experiences that not only connect our guests to Brazil’s diverse natural beauty but also promote awareness of protecting local nature, culture, and communities, planting seeds of change for the future.
why Choose Us
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Positive Impact
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Luxury
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Innovation
Our luxury trips are founded on responsible travel principles, striving to influence positive change at every level—from the traveler to the destination and the tourism industry as a whole. Brazil is incredibly rich in in biodiversity, and it is our priority to protect this natural wealth for future generations. Journey Brazil seeks to offer creative, high-touch trips that contribute to the conservation of Brazil’s ecosystems. Whether you’re visiting the iconic Iguazu Falls or venturing into lesser-known regions like the Chapada Diamantina, we prioritize sustainable practices at every turn. We offset the environmental impact of travel through conservation fees and work with partners committed to eco-friendly operations.
We also acknowledge that sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to evolving our initiatives. As leaders in the luxury travel industry, we continuously challenge ourselves, learn, and adapt to ensure our trips benefit the environment and local communities.
With extensive experience in the luxury travel industry, we know what transforms a great journey into an extraordinary one. From ultra-luxe villas in Bahia to private yachts exploring the Brazilian coast, we offer the very best in comfort and exclusivity. In our philosophy, true luxury also goes beyond the material elements—it’s about ease, privacy, and a personalized touch.
From the moment you arrive in Brazil, we take care of every detail, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. With Journey Brazil, you’ll enjoy special access to hidden wonders, expert insights, and the grandeur of Brazil’s diverse landscapes. Whether it’s staying in a private rainforest villa or exploring the remote reaches of the Pantanal, we are dedicated to delivering an experience that is seamless and unforgettable.
At Journey Brazil, we approach travel with a creative spirit. Our bespoke itineraries inspire, challenge, and illuminate from a luxurious perspective, offering a fresh lens on well-known destinations and access to hidden gems.
From the buzzing streets of Rio de Janeiro to the unspoiled beauty of Fernando de Noronha, we’ll take you on adventures never done before. Imagine experiencing Brazil’s breathtaking landscapes from a private helicopter, surfing perfect waves in Itacaré with a world-class instructor, or kayaking through the untouched waterways of the Amazon rainforest, far from the usual tourist paths.
Our trusted relationships with local experts enable exclusive access and deep insights into Brazil’s cultural and natural treasures. Spend time with conservationists protecting endangered species, capture the magic of the Brazilian coastline with a professional photographer, or explore the origins of Brazilian coffee at a plantation with an industry leader.
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Mission
Our mission is rooted in harnessing the power of travel as a transformative force. We believe our luxury journeys can facilitate personal growth, embrace sustainability, and foster intercultural understanding. Through our curated itineraries, we invite you to discover Brazil in a way that not only enchants but also leaves a lasting positive impact.
Our Team
Our dedicated team can be found across Brazil, with hubs in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, as well as along the stunning coasts of Bahia and the Pantanal wetlands. This presence allows us to stay at the forefront of luxury travel in Brazil, uncovering the latest in unique accommodations, adventures, and curated experiences. We are committed to shaping exceptional journeys for each guest, continuously testing, fine-tuning, and delivering the best Brazil has to offer.
Mikael Castro
Co-Founder and Managing Director
“With Journey, my mission is to connect travelers with the heart of Brazil in a sustainable, transformative way. I believe that the best travel experiences foster both personal growth and a deeper connection with the natural world.”
Mikael Castro is a global leader in luxury and sustainable tourism, with over 20 years of experience designing exceptional travel experiences. His career has spanned more than 25 countries and includes visits to over 76 destinations worldwide. Mikael’s journey in the tourism industry began with a deep-rooted passion for conservation and adventure, influenced by his upbringing between Brazil and the United States, and solidified by a life-changing nine-month expedition across Africa with his father.
As a Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist for 2023-24, Mikael combines his expertise in luxury and adventure travel with a commitment to responsible travel practices. He is dedicated to curating experiences that not only showcase Brazil’s unique beauty—from the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro to the remote wilderness of the Amazon—but also foster genuine connections between travelers and the people they meet along the way. His extensive financial and managerial experience ensures that every trip is expertly crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
In addition to his leadership role at Journey Brazil, Mikael has a passion for photography and storytelling, using these mediums to capture the essence of the places and cultures he encounters. His deep love for Brazil, its people, and its diverse landscapes continues to inspire his work, shaping unforgettable travel experiences that leave a lasting impact on both travelers and local communities.
Zachary Rabinor
Founder | President | CEO
“With Journey, I´m passionate about sharing amazing experiences with the world and have a deep belief in travel as a motor of change, transformation, sustainability, and intercultural understanding.”
Zach Rabinor’s love for travel was ignited by a transformative trip to Costa Rica that forever changed his perspective. Born and raised on Lido Beach, New York, Zach grew up with the ocean shaping his identity. Surfing fueled his sense of freedom and connection to nature, while his education at Cornell University, where he studied English Literature and Latin American history, deepened his intellectual curiosity.
After his Costa Rican adventure, Zach’s path diverged from convention. Immersing himself in Central and South America, he taught English, guided expeditions, and pursued conservation projects, all while earning an M.P.I.A. in Sustainable Travel from the University of California, San Diego. His journey led him to Mexico, where its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm people captured his heart.
In 2003, Zach and his wife Rebecca founded Journey Mexico with a mission: to create bespoke, responsible travel experiences that make a positive impact on local communities and ecosystems. This commitment is reflected by the company’s B-Corp certification, a movement that advocates for companies to use their business as a catalyst for change. The travel expert also serves as Chairman of the Oceanic Society and a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council. When not crafting innovative itineraries, Zach can be found exploring Latin America’s untamed coasts in search of waves, stories, and the perfect ceviche.
Zach’s passion for adventure and cultural exchange remains at the heart of Journey Mexico, inspiring travelers to see the world through new eyes.
