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Journey Brazil is a custom luxury travel company creating high-end and ultra-luxury experiences throughout Brazil. 

Core Mission:

  • Travel as a force for positive transformation, connecting guests to Brazil’s heart through:
    • Private Access once in a lifetime experiences
    • Meaningful cultural experiences
    • Conservation and wildlife encounters
    • Authentic community connections
    • Responsible, sustainable practices

Based in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Co-Founder & Managing Director: Mikael Castro

  • Named Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist for 2025
  • Passionate adventurer with deep Brazil expertise
  • Vision for transformative, responsible travel
  • On-the-ground presence ensuring quality

Backed by Journey Zach Rabinor (Founder, President & CEO)20+ years proven track record in Latin America

Journey Brazil stands apart through:

  • Positive Impact Focus:
    • Travel that uplifts both visitor and visited
    • Support for local communities and conservation
    • Responsible practices throughout operations
    • Cultural exchange and understanding
  • Innovation & Creativity:
    • Revealing Brazil’s “many colors” – from wilderness to urban culture
    • Hidden gems and fresh perspectives on classics
    • Bespoke itineraries celebrating Brazil’s uniqueness
    • Creative mindset in experience design
  • Elevated Stays
    • High-touch, concierge-style service
    • Access to top guides and hosts
    • Privacy in nature’s wonders
    • Expert logistics across Brazil’s vast geography
    • Making guests feel special, never like tourists
  • On-the-Ground Expertise:
    • Team based in Rio de Janeiro
    • Constant exploration and personal vetting
    • Partnerships with leading conservation programs
    • Mastery of Brazil’s logistical complexity

Journey Brazil creates fully customized luxury itineraries with pricing based on:

  • Specific destinations and regions (Amazon, Pantanal, Rio, beaches, etc.)
  • Accommodation tier (luxury lodges, private villas, 5-star hotels)
  • Length of stay (minimum 8 days recommended)
  • Experiences and activities included
  • Season and travel dates
  • Private flights or domestic commercial flights
  • Group size

What’s Included:

  • Luxury accommodations personally selected by Journey Brazil
  • Private ground transportation
  • Expert guides and conservation specialists
  • Domestic flights and connections
  • Most meals
  • 24/7 travel assistant support
  • All logistics and coordination

Note: Brazil is the world’s 5th largest country – similar in size to the contiguous United States. Proper exploration requires time and thoughtful logistics planning.

Contact Journey Brazil for customized pricing based on your specific vision: hello@journeybrazil.com

Here’s our recommended booking timeline, but we are always happy to book any last minute giveaways.

Recommended Booking Timeline

  • Peak Seasons (6+ months advance):
    • New Year’s Eve (Reveillon): December 31 – January 1
    • Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana celebration
    • Carnival: February/March (dates vary)
      • Rio, Salvador, Recife, and other major cities
    • Summer Holidays: December-February (Southern Hemisphere summer)
    • Festive Season: December-January
  • Regular Travel: 3-4 months in advance recommended
  • Last-Minute: We always explore what is possible; contact Journey Brazil to explore options and availability

Early planning ensures access to exclusive lodges (especially in the Amazon and Pantanal), best guides, and prime accommodation choices.

Brazil is a large country with a lot to offer, so we recommend anywhere from 8 days to beyond to explore the wonderful regions within Brazil

  • Recommended Duration:
    • Recommended minimum: 8 days
    • Ideal for meaningful experience: 10-14 days
    • Multi-region exploration: 14-21 days
  • Why Brazil Requires Time:
    • Brazil is slightly larger than the contiguous United States
    • Distances between regions are vast
    • Domestic flights often required between destinations that can be complicated without a guide to navigate
    • Each region deserves time to appreciate properly
    • Allows for both adventure and relaxation pacing
  • Sample Regional Time Allocation:
    • Rio de Janeiro: X days
    • Amazon (private boat): X days
    • Pantanal (jaguar safari): X days
    • Beach destination: X days
    • Salvador/Bahia culture:X days

Your Journey Brazil travel planner will design optimal pacing based on your interests and available time.

Journey Brazil designs custom itineraries across all six of Brazil’s diverse biomes:

  • Major Cities & Culture:
    • Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, beaches, culture
    • Salvador: Afro-Brazilian heritage, historic Pelourinho
    • São Paulo: Art, culture, culinary capital
  • Amazon Rainforest:
    • Private luxury boat expeditions
    • Jungle lodges and eco-resorts
    •  Biodiversity research and conservation experiences
  • Pantanal Wetlands:
    • World’s best jaguar viewing
    • Onçafari conservation program
    • Wildlife safaris and photography
  • Cerrado:
    • Brazil’s savanna biome
    • Chapada dos Veadeiros
  • Coastal Beaches:
    • Bahia beaches: Trancoso, Itacaré
    • Fernando de Noronha: UNESCO World Heritage marine park
    • Northeast beaches: Unspoiled coastlines
  • Natural Wonders:
    • Iguazu Falls: Spectacular waterfalls
    • Lençóis Maranhenses: Desert-like sand dunes with seasonal lagoons

See our sample Itineraries for more details

*Popular Combinations:*

Journey Brazil’s logistics expertise ensures smooth connections and optimal pacing across Brazil’s vast geography.

Your dedicated Journey travel planner guides you or your travel agent through every step, ensuring a seamless planning experience.
Step-by-step custom planning:

  1. Initial Consultation: Share your interests, travel dates, group size, budget, and dream experiences
  2. Itinerary Design: Journey Mexico’s expert team designs a personalized proposed itinerary
  3. Collaborative Refinement: Review, discuss, and adjust details until everything feels perfect
  4. Finalization: Confirm all arrangements, accommodations, and experiences
  5. Pre-Travel Support: Receive detailed itinerary documents and 24/7 emergency contact information
  6. During Travel: Personal travel assistant available via WhatsApp for any need
  7. Post-Travel: Follow-up to ensure complete satisfaction

Every itinerary is 100% customized – Journey Brazil never offers cookie-cutter packages.You can contact Journey Brazil directly or work with your preferred travel advisor who will collaborate with the Journey Brazil team.

Yes, Journey Brazil coordinates all logistics from arrival to departure (excluding international flights):

  • What’s Handled:
    • Private airport transfers and ground transportation
    • Domestic flights between regions
    • Private boat and helicopter charters when needed
    • Professional drivers and guides
    • Complex timing and connections across vast distances
    • Restaurant reservations
    • Special arrangements and celebrations
  • Why This Matters in Brazil:
    • Brazil is the world’s 5th largest country
    • Requires expert coordination across time zones and regions
    • Domestic logistics can be complex
    • Journey Brazil’s in-country expertise ensures seamless, worry-free travel

Journey Brazil provides 24/7 dedicated travel assistant support throughout your entire journey via:

  • Personal travel assistant accessible via WhatsApp
  • Emergency phone support
  • On-the-ground coordinators in each region
  • Real-time assistance with:
  • Plan adjustments or changes
  • Restaurant reservations
  • Special requests
  • Logistics coordination
  • Problem resolution

This around-the-clock concierge service ensures seamless, worry-free travel from arrival to departure.

Journey Brazil’s pricing is transparent and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

  • Initial Deposit:
    • A non-refundable initial deposit is required to secure your booking and begin planning your custom itinerary
    • This deposit holds your dates with hotels, villas, and experiences
  • Payment Schedule:
    • Typical payment schedule: X% down payment within X days of reservation confirmation
    • Final payment due X days prior to arrival (timing varies by property and season)
    • All payments can be made via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) with a X processing fee, or by wire transfer (no processing fee)
  • What’s Included in Pricing:
    • All in-country accommodations
    • Private ground transportation with professional drivers
    •  Expert guides and specialists
    • Most meals (typically breakfast and select lunches/dinners)
    • Activities and entrance fees as specified in your itinerary
    • 24/7 in-country support
  • What’s Not Included:
    • International flights (can be arranged through your trusted travel agent)
    • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
    • Personal expenses and gratuities
    • Some meals and beverages
    • Optional activities not included in your itinerary
  • Pricing Considerations:
    • All quoted prices are subject to availability and may change until services are confirmed
    • Peak season travel costs will be higher
    • Pricing varies by destination, accommodation tier, season, and group size
    • Sample itineraries on the website show estimated pricing; final costs depend on your specific customizations
  • Travel Insurance:
    • We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment.

Journey Brazil curates exceptional luxury accommodations suited to each experience:

  • Property Types:
    • City luxury:5-star hotels in Rio, Salvador, São Paulo
    • Private villas: Exclusive beach homes and mountain retreats
    • Jungle lodges:Luxury Amazon accommodations and eco-resorts
    • Wilderness lodges: Pantanal safari lodges (jaguar viewing)
    • Beach resorts: Bahia coast boutique properties
    • Biological research stations: Unique overnight conservation experiences
    • Private boats: Amazon expedition vessels
    • Exclusive properties: Accommodations available only through Journey Brazil
  • Each is personally selected for:
    • Quality of service and genuine hospitality
    • Sense of place and authentic Brazilian character
    • How it enhances your overall journey
    • Sustainability and responsible practices

Yes, Journey Brazil specializes in luxury Amazon experiences including:

  • Private Boat Expeditions (Recommended):
    • Exclusive use of luxury expedition boats
    • Multi-day immersive journeys deep into the Amazon
    • Expert naturalist guides
    • Wildlife viewing from the water
    • Visits to remote communities
    • Fishing for piranha and peacock bass
    • Flexibility to explore at your own pace
  • Why Private Boat is Best:
    • Covers far more territory than lodge-based stays
    • Deeper immersion in the rainforest
    • Privacy and personalized experience
    • Access to remote areas rarely visited
    • Comfort while exploring one of Earth’s wildest places
  • Jungle Lodges:
    • Luxury eco-lodges for those preferring a fixed base
    • Wildlife walks and canopy towers
    • Biodiversity research partnerships

Yes, Journey Brazil partners with Onçafari Jaguar conservation program for world-class jaguar viewing in the Pantanal wetlands:

  • Jaguar Safari Experiences:
    • Best jaguar viewing opportunities on Earth
    • Participation in conservation research
    • Expert guides trained in jaguar tracking
    • Luxury safari lodges with exceptional service
    • Photography-focused safaris
    • Multi-day immersive wildlife experiences
  • Other Pantanal Wildlife:
    • Caimans (alligators)
    • Diverse bird species

The Pantanal offers one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

Journey Brazil focuses on private experiences providing:

  • Deeper cultural connection and authentic interactions
  • Flexibility to customize daily
  • Your own pace without rushing
  • Privacy for couples, families, and groups
  • More exclusive access and opportunities
  • Personal attention from expert guides
  • Shared experiences offered selectively when they add genuine value, such as certain conservation programs.

Journey Brazil partners with leading experts at the top of their game:

  • Types of Guides & Hosts:
    • Conservation specialists: Jaguar researchers, Amazon biodiversity experts
    • Naturalists and biologists: Wildlife and ecology authorities
    • Community leaders: Cultural ambassadors and local hosts
    • Chefs: Brazilian culinary masters
    • Artists and musicians: Cultural practitioners
    • Pro photographers: For photography-focused journeys
    • Adventure guides: Surf instructors, trek leaders

Each experience is led by someone with genuine expertise and passion, ensuring educational, authentic, and enriching encounters.

Journey Brazil reveals Brazil in all its colors through:

  • Hidden Gems:
    • Secret beaches and off-the-radar destinations
    • Community-led experiences
    •  Lesser-known natural wonders
    • Local perspectives and insider access
  • Fresh Perspectives:
    • New ways to experience Rio, Amazon, and other classics
    • Creative approaches to traditional sights
    •  Behind-the-scenes cultural immersion
  • Exclusive Access:
    • Private boat Amazon expeditions
    • Onçafari jaguar conservation participation
    • Biological research stations
    • Community partnerships
    • Properties exclusive to Journey Brazil
  • Conservation & Education:
    • Meaningful contribution to Brazil’s natural heritage
    • Learn from specialists in the field
    • Participate in actual conservation work
    • Educational yet engaging experiences

Absolutely. Journey Brazil designs itineraries around any passion including:

  • Wildlife photography: Pro photographer guides, prime locations, best times
  • Conservation: Hands-on participation in research programs
  • Surfing: Pro surfer guides, best breaks, surf-focused itineraries
  • Brazilian music: Samba, bossa nova, local music scenes
  • Culinary arts: Cooking classes, market tours, farm-to-table
  • Culture and history: Deep dives into Afro-Brazilian heritage, indigenous communities
  • Adventure sports: Hang gliding, kitesurfing, trekking
  • Birding: 1,800+ species, expert ornithologist guides
  • Any other interest

Yes, all dietary needs and preferences are accommodated:

  • Vegetarian and vegan
  • Gluten-free and celiac disease
  • Food allergies and intolerances
  • Religious dietary restrictions
  • Personal preferences
  • Children’s meals

Inform your travel planner during the planning process, and all accommodations and restaurants will be notified.

Yes, we encourage all types of travelers and especially families.. Couples with young children, multigenerational family groups, teen & tween travelers, and extended family gatherings

  • Family-Friendly Features:
    • Age-appropriate wildlife experiences
    • Educational yet fun activities
    • Mix of adventure and relaxation
    • Private villas with space for everyone
    • Flexible pacing for different energy levels
    • Expert guides skilled with children

As a certified B Corporation, Journey Brazil is committed to responsible tourism through:

  • Environmental Practices:
    • Partnering with eco-conscious properties
    • Supporting conservation initiatives
    • Minimizing environmental impact
    • Promoting sustainable transportation options
  • Social Impact:
    • Supporting local communities and businesses
    • Fair wages and working conditions for guides and staff
    • Partnerships with indigenous artisans and cooperatives
    • Cultural preservation efforts
    • Educational experiences that foster understanding
  • Economic Benefits:
    • Keeping tourism revenue in local communities
    • Long-term relationships with Mexican partners
    •  Supporting small businesses and family enterprises

Journey Brazil acknowledges responsible travel and sustainability as an ongoing journey, continually adapting practices and learning for positive impact.

Onçafari Jaguar Conservation (Pantanal):

SSS description


These experiences provide both meaningful education and tangible contribution to Brazil’s natural and cultural heritage.

With proper planning and reputable operators like Journey Brazil, millions of travelers visit safely each year.

  • Brazil has areas with high crime rates, particularly in favelas and certain urban districts however we do not operate in those areas
  • Tourist areas and destinations where Journey Brazil operates have much better safety records
  • Safety requires awareness, smart planning, and working with experienced local operators

 

Government Travel Advisories:

  • U.S. State Department: Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution for Brazil overall (similar ratings to countries like UK, France, Spain, etc)
  • Certain areas have higher warnings (border regions, favelas)
  • Tourist destinations generally considered safer with precautions

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