Adventure tourism

It’s a type of trip focused on recreational, noncompetitive adventure activities, as defined by the Ministry of Tourism. They are usually grouped by environment: land, water and air.

The difference from sport is that no prior practice is required. The visitor arrives without experience, receives equipment and instructions, and does the activity accompanied by staff. Some sections and modalities are for beginners and others require fitness or previous practice; it is the operator’s responsibility to inform the level of each activity.

Adventure and ecotourism share the same settings. A gentle trail made for landscape viewing is ecotourism; when rope, raft, helmet or motor are involved, the trip becomes adventure tourism. Competitive sports are outside this type of tourism.

In the interior of São Paulo, Brotas is a reference for rafting and other river and waterfall activities such as canyoning, zip-lining and tree-top courses. In southern Santa Catarina, the canyons of Praia Grande are traversed along the rim or inside the riverbeds, on trails that require a guide.

In the Serra da Mantiqueira, São Bento do Sapucaí is sought for climbing and the via ferrata routes of Pedra do Baú. In Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, the Vale do Pati crossing takes several days, with overnight stays in locals’ houses.

In Minas Gerais, Delfinópolis is the starting point for guided 4x4 tours through Serra da Canastra: jeeps climb dirt roads to viewpoints and waterfalls unreachable by regular cars. In Tocantins, Jalapão is explored in traction vehicles over sandy roads, among orange dunes, rivers and fervedouros.

In the air, Rio de Janeiro offers tandem hang gliding and paragliding flights over the forest and beaches. For diving, Fernando de Noronha is among the country’s most sought-after spots.

The adventure activity is run by a licensed operator. In Brazil, companies and tour guides must be registered with Cadastur, the Ministry of Tourism’s registry, which can be checked online. There are also Brazilian technical standards for activities and for the training of guides.

Before booking, it’s worth asking what’s included: equipment, transport to the site, insurance, and snacks. The operator should explain the level of exertion, the minimum age, and what happens in case of rain. On the day, the guide’s instructions are the rule, including when they decide to postpone or shorten the outing because of the weather.

For your bag: clothing that can get wet and dries quickly, closed shoes that stay on the foot, a change of dry clothes, sunscreen, and a container for water. In mountain areas, bring a warm layer. Loose items like glasses and phones need a cord or a waterproof pouch.

A long weekend can include two or three activities at the same destination. Activities and transport are paid separately: check the current price list with the operator.