• Hang Gliding in Rio: Running off the edge of a platform with nothing between you and the ground 800m (2,624 ft.) below requires a leap of faith, so to speak, but once you do, the views of the rainforest and beaches are so enthralling that you almost forget about the ground until your toes touch the sand at São Conrado beach.

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  • Hike or Bike the Chapada Diamantina: These highlands inland from Salvador have rock formations similar to the buttes and mesas of the American Southwest. They also have waterfalls and natural water slides of smooth red marble, plus lots of great hiking and biking trails.

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  • Riding a Beach Buggy from Natal to Fortaleza: The long coast from Natal to Fortaleza is one of the last places on earth with hundreds of kilometers of unobstructed sand. Make the 4-day journey by dune buggy and never once leave the beach, exploring vast towering dunes along the way.

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  • Kite Surfing in Jericoacoara: From July to November, kite-surf fans from around the world gather in this tiny village to enjoy some of the best and most reliable kite-surf conditions in Brazil, suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. Spend the day on the water and catch the stunning sunset at the top of the 60m (200-ft.) sand dune overlooking the town.

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  • Swimming in the Lençóis Maranhenses: The end of the rainy season signals the best time of year to visit the dunes at Lençóis National Park. June to October, the dunes are full of crystal-clear freshwater lagoons. A swim is the best reward for hiking through the desert of dunes.

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  • Canoeing the Amazon: Just you and a canoe in the jungle. Your senses heighten as you listen to the sounds of the forest, watch for splashes in the water, and peer into the trees to find birds, sloths, and monkeys.

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  • Tree Climbing in the Amazon Forest: Get off the river and delve into the forest. Most visitors only see the trees from the bottom up. Actually climbing into the tree will give you a whole new perspective on the forest and its ecosystem.

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  • Swimming in the Waterfalls of Chapada dos Guimarães: The red-rock formations of this minicanyon hide some spectacular waterfalls nestled in small stands of lush tropical forest. With dozens and dozens of falls and trails, it's not hard to find one all for yourself.

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  • Diving in Fernando de Noronha: Brazil's best diving is found on this small archipelago off the coast of Pernambuco. See dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and lots of underwater caves. Crowds are limited, because only 420 visitors are allowed on the island at a time.

    • Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.