AT HOME WITH THE VAQUEIROS

Sao Paulo is an attractive mix of cultures, and combines historic churches and mansions with a vibrant and distinctive arts scene. The stylish Fasano has gorgeous Art Deco-style rooms, and the fashionable Jardins district has museums, theatres and restaurants on the doorstep. But if you want to chill out and relax after your flight, you don’t have to go very far to enjoy the views over the city from your suite, cool off with a dip in the pool and sample some of the country’s excellent cuisine in the Fasano’s own restaurant - which is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Brazil.

It’s time to head to the floodplains of the Pantanal, where you’ll stay at Fazenda Barranco Alto, a traditional family-run farm with hundreds of lakes and hundreds of species of wildlife and birds right on the doorstep, as well as white sand beaches to relax on.

With only a handful of rooms here, you and your family are guaranteed an exclusive experience as you explore these spectacular landscapes, including the dark waters of Rio Negro. Enjoy canoe trips, horse rides and walking safaris, where you’ll have the chance to see the Pantanal’s Big Five – jaguars, tapirs, giant otters, anaconda snakes and anteaters - as well as alligators and howler monkeys, and spot exotic birds such as scarlet macaws in the trees.

On the farm, help the pantaneiro cowboys muster up the cattle, or chill out in a hammock under the shade of a mango tree.

Rio is a must-see on a vacation in Brazil. Enjoy a tour of its iconic landmarks, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue, which looks out over Rio from the top of Mount Corcovado. And then there are the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, with their fine white sand and azure waters.

Take it all in on a bike ride, a lovely way to see the city landmarks and explore the beaches and lagoons, accompanied by the sea breeze. Or venture into the tropical jungles and waterfalls of Tijuca Forest, which is considered to be the largest urban forest in the world, where you might see monkeys, quatis (Brazilian racoons) and toucans.

The luxurious Belmond Copacabana Palace, itself a Rio landmark, is all about location, location, location- it sits right on the legendary Copacabana Beach, with unrivalled beach and sea views as well as stunning interiors.

Angra dos Reis, on Brazil’s Costa Verde, has a tropical coastline fringed with beautiful beaches. From here, set sail on the aquamarine waters on a chartered boat trip to Paraty. Hop onboard a 40ft catamaran, accompanied by an expert crew, including a skipper, a chef and a host, to sail along the beautiful coastline, with opportunities to swim, snorkel and surf in the crystal-clear waters along the way.

During the journey, visit the idyllic island of Ilha Grande, home to rainforests, peaks, wildlife from howler monkeys to maritacas (parrots) and beautiful beaches, where you can try paddle boarding, snorkel with manta rays and exotic fish, follow nature trails around the headland and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Your children can become real-life Robinson Crusoes here.

You’ll also get to see the tropical fjord of Saco do Mamangua – which is a haven for marine life, with several secluded beaches to relax on – as well as enjoy visits to local villages, waterfalls and freshwater lakes. The suites on the catamaran come with comfortable beds, hot showers and air conditioning, so there’s no stinting on luxury onboard. They also have glass floors so you can watch the marine life below. Relax on deck and take in the views, and tuck into a gourmet al fresco dinner under the stars. The children can also take the wheel and be skipper for a while!

Paraty showcases both beauty and history: its impressive jungle-clad mountains sweep down to gorgeous beaches and bays, hidden inlets and pretty peninsulas, and the attractive cobbled streets are lined with galleries, restaurants and colonial mansions, which reflect the thriving arts scene. 

Your villa, Casarao Amarelo, is within walking distance of Paraty’s historic centre, yet is surrounded by rainforest and just steps from a private beach, with an inviting pool and hammocks on the veranda, looking out to the sea.