Hike Brazil

Tourism in Brazil is well regulated, but there are scammers out there and it can be hard for a foreigner to find informations for a safe trip, especially considering that the government doesn’t provide information in English language.
So I wrote this comprehensive compilation of the most important things.

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Make sure the tour agency is legitimate

Tour Agencies and Tour Guides must be registered at the Ministry of Tourism and own a Cadastur number that you can manually verify at: https://cadastur.turismo.gov.br/

If they don’t provide you the Cadastur number, they’re operating ilegally, and that means you won’t have any assured legal protection in case something bad happens during your trip.

Take as an example my registration as both a Tour Guide and Tour Agency: https://cadastur.turismo.gov.br/cadastur/#!/public/qrcode/50934823000162

Make sure Tour and Trekking Guides are qualified

Generalist Tour Guides must finish the equivalent course and be registered as “Guia de Turismo” at the Ministry of Tourism.

Trekking Guides don’t need a Tour Guide certification, but they should – at least – have an “Adventure Tourism Leader” certification, also known as CMC.

Optionally, but ideally, they should also have a Wilderness First Aid certification and Radio Operation knowledge, to ensure your safety in case of emergency.

I’m both a Tour Guide and a Trekking Guide, and you can check my certifications here.

Make sure your Tour Guide speaks your language

Imagine if you or anyone in your group has an accident and you can’t communicate with your guide, you’re gonna be in big trouble.

The Tour Guide card shows the language that the guide speaks. As you can see in the picture below, I speak Portuguese, Spanish, English and Italian.

Be cautious with sleazy Tour Guides

If you’re a woman and you notice your guide is acting flirty or touchy before even starting the tour, don’t even go with him.
If he harasses your during a tour, report him to the agency!

Always ask for safety equipment

Make sure your guide is carrying a First Aid Kit.
Are you gonna camp in the cold? Ask for a proper sleeping bag.
Is it gonna rain on the camping area? Ask for a proper tent.
Are you going climbing? Ask for the climbing gear!
Are you taking a boat? Ask for the life vests!

Conclusion

Whenever you see a tour advertisement in Brazil, search or ask for their Cadastur number, and make sure your guide works accordingly with the laws and follows the best practices. Have a good trip!

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If you have any questions, leave a comment!

And if you’re looking for hiking adventures in Brazil, check my itineraries.
I’m a certified trekking guide and I would love to show you around.