Falling in Love with Brazil: My Journey from Rio to the Mountains

After years of sending clients to Brazil, I finally had the chance to experience it for myself on a fabulous fam trip hosted by Encounter Latin America — and what an adventure it was! From the moment I left Scarborough and boarded my flight with TAP Air Portugal (a smooth connection in Lisbon, by the way!) to landing in Rio de Janeiro, the journey was seamless — the kind of effortless travel experience I always hope to create for my clients.

Arriving in Rio was a dream. Luggage ready, passport control a breeze, and a warm welcome from our lovely host, Julianna, and our local Brazilian guide. On the drive from the airport to Copacabana Beach, I caught my first glimpse of Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance — a pinch-me moment that made it clear I’d truly arrived in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

That first evening we enjoyed a traditional Brazilian feast at Carretão Classic Grill, where endless cuts of sizzling meat were carved right at the table, paired with an abundant salad bar of rice, beans, and local sides. The perfect welcome to Brazil!

The next day was our Rio city tour, and what a day it was. We began at the world-famous Christ the Redeemer, set high above the city in the world’s largest urban forest. A little insider tip: sit on the right-hand side of the tram on the way up for the best views! Tickets were pre-booked (highly recommended to avoid queues), and once we reached the top, the views were simply breathtaking. Standing beneath the statue, looking out across the sweeping coastline of Rio, was one of those unforgettable travel moments.

From there, we explored downtown Rio, full of colonial architecture and charming narrow streets — a contrast to the city’s beaches and mountains. After a delicious local lunch, we made our way to Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset. The cable car journey itself is iconic, but the view from the top? Absolutely phenomenal. To top it all off, we took a helicopter ride around Christ the Redeemer at sunset — soaring over the glowing city as the lights began to twinkle below. Magical doesn’t even begin to describe it.

That evening, we rounded off our time in Rio with cocktails on Copacabana Beach — the ocean breeze, the music, and the energy of the city were unforgettable. I left Rio the next morning with a full heart and a promise to myself that I’d return.

From the city, we ventured into Brazil’s mountainous heartland, travelling back to the 1800s with a visit to Petrópolis, the Imperial City. The European influence here is striking, with elegant streets and grand old buildings. We stopped for lunch at Lago Sul, a brilliant Brazilian churrascaria (definitely a 10/10 experience!) before continuing to the charming town of Tiradentes.

Tiradentes stole a little piece of my heart — cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and a lively main square filled with tavernas, bars, and live music. Staying right in the centre meant we could soak up the atmosphere well into the night. The following day, we explored the town and took a nostalgic steam train to São João del Rei, famous for its historic churches and architecture.

Next, we travelled to Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gold mining history. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and incredible natural scenery, we even trekked through caves to discover hidden waterfalls — such an exhilarating experience! We also visited a working gold mine to see firsthand how the region’s history was shaped by its riches.

Our final stop was Belo Horizonte, the cosmopolitan capital of Minas Gerais. Staying in stylish serviced apartments in the city centre, we wrapped up our trip in true Brazilian style — at the South American Football Cup semi-final between Atlético Mineiro and Independiente del Valle. The atmosphere was electric and such a memorable way to end an extraordinary journey.

Then, it was time to head home on TAP Air Portugal’s new direct service from Belo Horizonte to Lisbon, before making the journey back to Scarborough — tired, happy, and utterly inspired by Brazil.

Brazil truly exceeded every expectation. From vibrant Rio to the charming mountain towns, it’s a country that blends adventure, culture, and luxury in the most effortless way. I can’t wait to help my clients experience this magical destination for themselves — whether that’s sipping a caipirinha on Copacabana or exploring the gold trails of Minas Gerais.