Join us for an unforgettable journey

We’re so happy you’re here.

We put together this thoughtfully curated trip itinerary with everything you need to be ready for our upcoming Brazil trip. We gathered helpful links, maps, and details here so you can have a quick and easy guide to check at any time. Get ready for a tropical dream!

Meet the Party

  • Steph

  • Joni

  • Jaci

  • Carlos Alberto

  • Carolina

  • Benjamin

  • Má

  • Cacá

  • Lisa

  • John

  • Paul

  • Katie

  • Scott

  • Katy

  • Stephen

  • Rachel

  • Max

  • Mark

  • Megan

  • Lucas

  • Adam

  • River

  • Sofia

  • Gustavo

  • Rafael

  • Alane

Destinations

Our trip encompasses the best things the Brazilian Northeast has to offer – from Steph’s coastal hometown, Recife, to the historical city of Olinda, to rural Alagoinha, and of course, the beaches of Pipa.

Recife

Olinda

Alagoinha

Pipa

Accommodations

Recife | Airbnb A

  • Lisa & John

  • Scott & Katy

  • Paul & Katie

  • Cute apartment on the Boa Viagem waterfront. It has three bedrooms, one en-suite and two bathrooms. It is just a block from the sea and the famous Boa Viagem boardwalk, and right next to the Dona Lindu Park. One minute walk to Jaci and Carlos' house.

  • This Airbnb is booked from Dec 26-31, Jan 2-3, and Jan 6-8.

  • Click here for directions.

  • $300 per person. Please Venmo Lisa until Dec 1st.

Recife | Airbnb B

  • Steph & Joni

  • Stephen & Rachel

  • Mark & Megan

  • Max

  • This Airbnb is a stylish 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex apartment located in the Setúbal area of Boa Viagem, Recife. It offers modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area, and comfortable bedrooms. Its location is ideal, close to the beach, restaurants, and shops, allowing easy access to Recife's vibrant attractions. Seven minute walk to Jaci & Carlos' house.

  • This Airbnb is booked from Dec 26 - Jan 3, and from Jan 6-8.

  • Click here for directions.

  • $275 per person. Please Venmo Steph @stephaniemadeit until Dec 1st.

Recife | J&C Apartment

  • Jaci & Carlos

  • Carol & Ben

Olinda | Pousada do Amparo

  • All rooms at Pousada do Amparo are covered for your stay. It’s a charming historic guesthouse in the heart of Olinda. Relax in the lush gardens or by the pool, and enjoy the vibrant surroundings of the city. We suggest bringing earplugs, as the streets can be lively, but it’s all part of the authentic experience!

  • This Pousada do Amparo is booked on Dec 27 and Dec 28, with check-out at 1pm on Dec 29.

  • Click here for directions.

  • As a thank you for coming all this way to celebrate with us, we’ve covered half of your stay at Pousada do Amparo! You’ll just need to cover the other half of the cost, which ranges from $55 to $100 per room, depending on the room style, for the duration of your stay. This price also includes the breakfast buffet. We’re so grateful to have you here and wanted to show our appreciation!

Olinda | Airbnb da Ladeira

  • This Airbnb in Olinda is a beautiful house featuring spacious rooms, a stylish modern design, and outdoor areas for relaxing. It is close to the city's cultural and historic sites, with amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. This Airbnb will be our spot for late night hangouts, and where Má, Cacá, and friends will be staying.

  • This Airbnb is booked from Dec 27-29.

  • Click here for directions.

Alagoinha | Hotel Estação Cruzeiro

  • We’ll be staying at Hotel Estação Cruzeiro, located about a 15-minute drive from Alagoinha. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a peaceful atmosphere, and essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast. It’s a great base for relaxing after a day of exploring the region and is conveniently close to where we'll be spending most of our time during the celebration. Perfect for unwinding in between activities!

  • This Hotel is booked from Dec 31 - Jan 2.

  • Click here for directions.

  • $35 per person for the duration of the stay. Pay at Check-In.

Pipa | Pousada Bicho Preguiça

  • Pousada Bicho Preguiça in Pipa offers a cozy and tropical retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Located a short walk from Pipa's stunning beaches, it features charming bungalows with private balconies, a relaxing pool, and a laid-back atmosphere. The pousada is perfect for unwinding while being close to Pipa’s vibrant town center, making it an ideal stay for both relaxation and adventure.

  • This Pousada is booked from Jan 3-6.

  • Click here for directions.

  • Price Varies. Half upfront deposit already paid. About $160 per room due at checkout.

The Itinerary

Welcome to our trip itinerary! Click on each day for more details about the activities we’ve planned. While we’ve organized some fun events, most are optional—feel free to explore at your own pace or take a day to unwind. This is your vacation, so make it as adventurous or relaxing as you like!

Time to pack your bags! Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!

Plan Ahead: Your Trip Budget at a Glance

Here’s a clear breakdown of the estimated costs for transportation, accommodation, meals, and optional activities.

FAQs

  • We have a group chat for easy communication during the trip. Join here!

  • Drop your photos here! Group photo album

  • Click here to view detailed budget breakdown.

  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller shops and rural areas may prefer cash. It's a good idea to carry some Brazilian reais for small purchases.

  • The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). The exchange rate is about 1.00 USD – 5.8669 BRL. It’s best to withdraw from ATMs or exchange money at official places, as they offer better rates than airports or hotels.

    • Bom dia! (Good morning!)

    • Por favor (Please)

    • Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you)

    • Onde fica...? (Where is...?)

    • Quanto custa? (How much does it cost?)

    • Desculpa (Sorry)

    • Eu não falo português (I don’t speak Portuguese)

    • Fala inglês? (Do you speak English?)

    • Tudo bem? (How are you?/Is everything okay?)

    Here are the top 3 online resources for learning Portuguese before the trip:

    1. Duolingo
      A free and fun way to learn Portuguese, perfect for beginners. It’s easy to use, with bite-sized lessons that focus on vocabulary, grammar, and everyday phrases.
      Duolingo

    2. PortuguesePod101
      A mix of free and paid content with lessons for all levels. It includes grammar tips, vocabulary, and cultural insights, which are great for travelers.
      PortuguesePod101

    3. Speaking Brazilian YouTube Channel
      Free video lessons that focus on Brazilian Portuguese grammar, pronunciation, and conversation tips.
      Speaking Brazilian

    • Oxe!/Oxente!

      • Used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion, similar to "What?" or "Wow!"

      • Example: Oxe! Como assim? (What? How come?)

    • Vixe!

      • Equivalent to "Oh my!" or "Whoa!" used to express shock or surprise.

      • Example: Vixe, que calor! (Whoa, it’s hot!)

    • Massa!

      • A cool way of saying something is awesome or great, similar to “cool” or “awesome.”

      • Example: Esse show foi massa! (That concert was awesome!)

    • Arretado!

      • A common word in the Northeast meaning "amazing" or "fantastic."

      • Example: Essa comida tá arretada! (This food is fantastic!)

    • Tá ligado?

      • Means "You know?" or "You get it?" used at the end of sentences for emphasis.

      • Example: Essa festa vai ser incrível, tá ligado? (This party is going to be incredible, you know?)

    • Bora?

      • A quick way of asking “Shall we go?”

      • Example: Bora para a praia? (Shall we go to the beach?)

    • Personal space is smaller: Brazilians tend to stand closer when talking.

    • Hugs and cheek kisses are common greetings between friends.

    • Punctuality: Things may run on “Brazilian time,” so be patient.

    • Food sharing: It’s common to share dishes or drinks, especially with friends.

    • Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, so tipping extra is optional.

  • Yes, but check with your carrier about international roaming plans. You can also get a local SIM card at the airport or in most malls, or rely on Wi-Fi for communication. WhatsApp is widely used in Brazil, and it’s a great way to stay in touch.

  • Many places offer free Wi-Fi, including your Airbnbs, hotels, restaurants, and some public spaces. You can activate your international data roaming plan or purchase a local SIM card with a data plan if you want reliable internet access on the go.

  • Stay hydrated, wear light and breathable clothing, take refreshing showers, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. Use sunscreen, a mighty anti-perspirant, and take breaks indoors or in air-conditioned places to cool down!

    • Don’t drink the tap water - please hydrate with filtered and bottled water only.

    • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas. Avoid showing valuables like phones or jewelry in public.

    • Use Ubers or registered taxis at night instead of walking.

    • Only carry what you need for the day and keep your passport in a safe place.

    • Like any big city, be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

  • Essentials include light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget your travel documents (passport, etc.), phone charger, plug adaptor, and any medications. For a packing checklist, click here.

  • Absolutely! We’ve planned a lot of activities for everyone to enjoy, but this trip is all about having fun and making it your own. If you need time to rest, explore on your own, or simply do something different, feel free to opt out. We want everyone to go with the flow at their own pace and enjoy this experience however it feels best for them.

Stay connected.

Join our WhatsApp Group Chat to stay up to date every step of the way.