The team of Aventura do Brasil

After moving multiple times within Germany and after extensive trips to America, Asia and Africa, at the age of 24 one thing was certain for me: I wanted to live outside of Germany. No sooner said than done. Via stops in Nice, Geneva and The Hague I finally ended up in São Paulo. Why São Paulo? Love... In Nice I met my wife Ana. Since she was still living in São Paulo at the time, we had to decide whether she would come to Europe or I would come to Brazil. Although I did not like São Paulo at all, I flew to Brazil in April 2006 on a one-way ticket.
But I soon realised that we had to get out of São Paulo as quickly as possible. The city is good for working. There is no quality of life there, at least not for me. So, we travelled through this beautiful, huge country to look for our new home. Then in 2008 we found the perfect place: Florianopolis. The city is mostly located on an island in southern Brazil and is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. In a few minutes we can walk to one of the dreamy beaches on the island. In a few minutes we can drive to the lush green Atlantic Rainforest. And in about two and a half hours we are in the almost untouched canyon landscape of the Serra Catarinense. Of course, we don't want to leave here.
I got to know Nicki, the founder of the Aventura do Brasil, in 2007. From the beginning it was clear for us that we would work together and from then on we did it hand in hand. Unfortunately, Nicki passed away much too early. But her dream of the Aventura do Brasil is continued: We want to show you our little paradise and this great and diverse country with full enthusiasm. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

I was born in '81 and come from a small village near Hannover, Germany. Early on, I became interested in other countries and cultures and later, I travelled a lot.
After finishing school and my military service, I wanted to work in this field, so I studied tourism management in the beautiful town of Salzgitter, which led me to get a job working at a small tour operator.
I came to Brazil for the first time in May 2011, where I was able to participate in the South Brazil Active Tour with our then "local partner" Aventura do Brasil. On this trip to Brazil I not only fell in love with the beautiful Ilha de Santa Catarina, but also with my current wife, with whom I live with in Brazil since October 2011.
The work at Aventura has a special appeal for me, not only because I have nice contact with the guests via e-mail or phone, but of course -due to my job - I "have to" see a lot of Brazil. This country is so huge and complex that I cannot claim to have seen everything, but I have seen quite a lot.
If you ask me today what I recommend visiting, I recommend a combination of the Chapada Diamantina National Park and the dreamy island of Boipeba in Bahia. But of course, this could potentially change after the next "business trip"...

I took my first big trip to the USA alone in the mid 90s as a 10-year-old. For me, a person who spent his childhood during the last few years of the GDR, this was a different planet and had a lasting influence on my view of the world and its many beautiful places and diverse cultures.
However, I never thought that I would end up in Brazil. Especially because it would have been difficult for me to ever imagine leaving my beloved hometown of Leipzig. But as it is in life, things usually change and turn out differently than you can (and should) plan. And so, it was for me, too, when I first encountered Brazil in 2013 through a Leipzig samba group. I was fascinated by the energetic and exotic rhythms. But it wasn’t until 2 years later, through my work at that time, that I was able to travel to this gigantic and diverse country for half a year. During this time, I also met my great love at a Brazilian wedding. Since then it was clear to me that I had to find a way to live and work in Brazil. The perfect opportunity came through Aventura do Brasil, as I was already in contact with the Aventura do Brasil team through my old job. And so, it finally happened in August 2016, I left my home country for an indefinite period of time.
Since then I have been living in Rio, this exotic-chaotic exciting and contrasting beach metropolis, nestled between the Mata Atlantica, spectacular granite mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. But who knows which other beautiful and exciting places in this huge country I will end visiting because there are endless places to see. I would like to introduce these magical places to travelers and interested people, so that they also can experience the wonderful refreshing sweet and sweet taste of Brazil.

Brazil - for me that is adventure, love of life, beauty, diversity and my new home. After my first backpacking trip in 2011 it was clear that I wanted to come back and discover much more of this wonderful country.
After my geophysics studies I packed my bags in 2014, boarded the plane and travelled through South America the following year. The rugged, lonely landscapes of Patagonia, the heights of the Andes and the lowlands of the Amazon fascinated me - but I finally stayed in Rio de Janeiro. The "Cidade Maravilhosa" impressed me and welcomed me with open arms. I worked as a German and English teacher and on weekends as a bartender in Copacabana - Portuguese course included.
When I met my husband Nicholas in 2016, I moved to the Amazon with him to work on an environmental project. We lived there in the fishing village of Alter do Chão, the so-called Caribbean of the Amazon- a paradise surrounded by jungle and endless white sandy beaches of the Tapajós river.
But after 1.5 years I had a great longing for mountains and cooler temperatures, so we moved to the highlands of central Brazil. I am now living here in the small town of Alto Paraíso, in the middle of the National Park "Chapada dos Veadeiros" . It is a region which is famous for its waterfalls and is ideal for extensive hiking and mountain bike tours.
From my own experience, I can say that Brazil really has something to offer for every traveler’s wishes, and I am happy to advise our guests to fulfill a travel dream and discover this great exciting country in an individual way.

I have always found foreign countries exciting. That's why I moved to Trento, Italy, right after graduating from high school, where I studied linguistics and tourism. During my studies, I already knew that I didn't want to move back to Germany.
My Brazil fever was mainly awakened by Capoeira. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that has accompanied and fascinated me for several years now. Gradually, the desire to discover and explore Brazil - and thus the home of Capoeira - only grew stronger. So in 2018 I came to Bahia together with friends and my capoeira coach. I was thrilled by the Brazilians' zest for life, the unique panoramas, the diversity, and the impressive nature. During this trip I met my boyfriend in the Chapada Diamantina National Park, and so I "commuted" between Brazil, Italy and Germany for a while.
By chance, I learned about Aventura do Brasil and with this professional perspective I had one more reason to leave behind my roots in Europe and move to Brazil. In the meantime, I am happy to call the national park with its plateaus, waterfalls, natural pools, and numerous natural attractions my home, and I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for Brazil with our guests.

Olá! I'm Jessica and I've lived in the north of Brazil since the beginning of 2017. More precisely, in the beautiful village Alter do Chão, in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It is located on the banks of the Tapajós River, which is known for its fantastic freshwater beaches and, just a few kilometers from us, flows into the largest river in the world: the Amazon.
Once my very structured life in Germany lost its appeal, I ventured to Scotland at the end of 2015 for a year abroad. As the year came to an end, the people I met there and the things I learned pushed me even further away from home. So my dog and I went on an adventure to Brazil - and I've never regretted it for a second!
What excites me most is the fantastic nature and biodiversity of the Amazon. In my garden, I see wild animals like monkeys, sloths, iguanas and colorful bird species every day.
A few years ago I met my dear friend Sarah here in Alter do Chão, through whom I ultimately came across Aventura do Brasil.
When I was young, Brazil wasn't on my bucket, but that was a mistake! With an almost endless variety of landscapes, ecosystems, cities, cultures and music, it is one of the most impressive countries in the world for me...and I hope so to be able to inspire many others with my love for Brazil!

Ever since I can remember, I have always dreamed of the big, wide world. I was born in Romania in 1973 and immigrated with my family to Germany near the city of Mainz when I was 10 years old. When I think back, it feels like discovering new things has always been an important part of me. Since my childhood, change has always been an exciting challenge for me, which, fortunately, I met with great openness. It was in this context that I discovered my love for Latin America. I took my first big trip abroad without my parents to Colombia when I was still in school, even before there were such things as the internet. At some point I decided to turn my passion for travel into my profession and completed a course to become a travel agent, and during my subsequent business studies, I wrote my final thesis on Mercosur. My professional career then got off to a flying start as I was made responsible for sales in the Latin America region. In 2015, I decided it was time to improve my work-life balance and change-up the life I was living. That's how I ended up in Florianópolis. I think it's practically impossible not to fall in love with Floripa right away, and it quickly became clear that I really didn't want to leave. For quite some time, my idea was once again to combine my greatest hobby, traveling, with my professional career, while at the same time utilizing my expertise as a sales professional for the Brazil and Latin America region. After just one exciting conversation with Michael on the topic, it was clear that my personal “Aventura do Brasil” could begin! I am looking forward to sharing my passion for this fascinating region with other travel enthusiasts and, together with a great team, ensure truly unforgettable vacation experiences!

Olá. My name is Leandro and I was born and raised in São Paulo. I have always wanted to travel and explore, and have always had a curiosity for learning new languages, meeting people, and getting to know new cultures.
So in 2003 I decided to move to London, England and lived there for nearly 8 years.
It was not so easy in the beginning, so I worked in cafés and restaurants until I got a job at the Heathrow Airport working for a major airline. During the 3 years I worked there, I was able to travel around and explore many countries in Europe and Asia.
In 2010 I came back to São Paulo, but I did not stay long, and decided to travel around to visit some places in Brazil. I took a trip starting in São Paulo, then went on to Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, and finally ended up in Itacaré where I stayed for 3 years working in a pousada and organizing trips.
In Itacaré I grew passionate about capoeira, surfing, and the local cuisine, such as Acarajé and Moqueca.
There were many trips that we used to organize such as rafting in Taboquinhas, Surf Lessons in Engenhoca Beach, a day trip to Prainha and São José, and a day trip to Fazenda Vila Rosa to see the cacao plantation and all the processes the fruit goes through until it becomes a bar of chocolate.
In 2018 I decided that it was once again time to move—so here I am in Florianópolis, The Magic Island!
I love to surf in Campeche, and when it´s flat I go skateboarding in Lagoa da Conceição. I also love to go hiking out to Lagoinha do Leste and visit the waterfall in Ribeirão da Ilha, as well as enjoy the local food there.

Growing up in Friedrichshafen on the beautiful shores of Lake Constance, one thing has always been clear to me since I was a child: one day I'm going to Brazil. My mother still tells today that when I was a little boy I used to play with the atlas and would always point to Brazil. Why? To this day I still can't explain it, but I always knew it was my destiny. After graduating from high school in 2013, it was clear to me that I would go to Brazil. I did a one-year volunteer program with a children's project in Cáceres in the north of the Pantanal. The problem was that Brazil was even more beautiful than I had imagined. The endless expanses of western Brazil, the unbelievable biodiversity in the Pantanal and above all the lovable joie de vivre of the Brazilians won me over forever. However, I had to return to Germany afterwards, which almost broke my heart. In Germany, I was forced to pursue a "normal" life including my university studies, but I never lost sight of my real goal. Now, I have finally made my dream come true and I am living again at the edge of the Pantanal in beautiful Cáceres. But the rest of Brazil will never lose its charm for me, and I will never stop falling in love with this country. It would be my pleasure to infect you with my passion for Brazil! Bem-vindo ao Brasil!

Hi! I'm Charles, and I originally hail from New Jersey. For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the idea of exploring the world. Over the years this fascination has developed into a passion for traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. I've been blessed with the opportunity to visit 35 countries across six continents. From trekking through the great outdoors to indulging myself at luxurious retreats, I've done it all.

After getting my Covid vaccine in early 2021 I found myself yearning for a change of scenery, so I booked a trip to Brazil. From the moment I arrived, I knew I'd found somewhere magical. The welcoming locals, stunning beaches, unique flora and fauna, exhilarating outdoor activities, bustling cities, and mouthwatering cuisine all confirmed this place was for me. And now, I am fortunate enough to call Brazil home.

I am thrilled to continue exploring this amazing country and to share my passion for Brazil with my fellow travelers. Whether you're in the mood for an adrenaline-packed adventure, relaxing on a quiet beach, sampling the local cuisine, or just soaking up the Brazilian way of life, I'm here to help you create memories that you'll cherish forever. So, let's plan the journey of a lifetime together!

Growing up in a small town on the edge of the Westerwald in Germany, the fascinating world of South America sparked my interest at an early age. It was the irresistible vibrancy of the Brazilian national soccer team - the "Selecao" - with its legends Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, that captured me during the 2002 World Cup. Their incomparable joy of life, so impressively reflected in their style of play, ignited in me a longing for this distant country on the other side of the world.

Therefore, it was only logical that I chose to pursue a career in tourism. So, I began to study Tourism Management with the aim of bridging the gap between my homeland and my passion - South America. Traveling has always been one of my greatest passions, and in 2022 I finally had the opportunity to turn my dream into reality. As part of my studies, I traveled to Ecuador to do an internship in a family-run tourism company in a small town in the Amazon Basin.

After five eventful months, my journey took me to Uruguay. And as fate would have it, ultimately - rather unplanned - to Brazil, more specifically to Florianopolis. I instantly fell in love with the island and its inhabitants. I had to go back to Germany to finish my studies, but one thing was clear: I would return to Florianopolis to live.

Now I'm back in this paradise and grateful every day for the opportunity to live and work here. Brazil has much to offer, and I am convinced that everyone should seize the opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of this unique country for themselves.

At a very young age—around seven years old—I started telling my family that I wanted to leave Germany to see the world and live in other countries. Back then, adults usually responded with laughter or said “let's see", but I remained committed to my desire to explore the world. As soon as I was old enough, I started traveling outside Germany frequently and lived all around the world during most of my twenties. From Mexico to Portugal, Vietnam, Australia, and the Dominican Republic, I embraced new locals and experiences.

Despite all of my travels, when work called me to Brazil, I accepted with some hesitation. I had never considered visiting Brazil. But after arriving, it took less than two weeks for me to fall completely in love with this vast, wonderful country. Within two months, I had decided to settle here full time. The island of Florianópolis in the south of Brazil captured my heart. I love to surf, and the Brazilian waves presented a new challenge for me - along with the vibrant culture and stunning nature. Brazil's way of life felt like it was in a different universe than the German culture I grew up with, but somehow I felt more at home and seen than ever before. Brazil's nature has touched my soul; it is so wild and alive that it deeply nourishes me.

After relocating to Brazil, life took a turn when I fell ill - forcing me to pause and focus on my health. On my path to recovery, I discovered Aventura do Brasil, which offered me the opportunity to share some of the most beautiful places in Brazil with others. It has given me even more stability to work and live here while continuing to create the life I dream about—a life filled with nature and adventure in Brazil.

Always the "gypsy" in my family, I began venturing beyond Germany early on. During my school and university years in Germany, I spent a year abroad in the USA and a semester abroad in Spain. After finishing my studies, I finally set off for good. After working in Ireland for two years, I traveled to South America as a backpacker, planning to refresh my Spanish and move to Barcelona. That journey led me to Brazil, and I fell in love with the country, especially Bahia. Nevertheless, I moved to Barcelona and lived there for almost 15 years. During that time, I frequently spent time in South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina. Now, the tables have turned: I live in Brazil and visit Europe from time to time. I live in Bahia and am happy to lead a simple life surrounded by nature. Beautiful beaches, the rainforest, waterfalls, and many animals are all part of my everyday life here.

How it all began...
A dream became reality: In 1998 Nicole Sagemüller Esteves visited her uncle and aunt - Rudi and Maria, in Brazil for the first time: "Honestly, if I hadn't had any relatives there, Brazil would have been at the bottom of the list of my travel destinations. I couldn't imagine anything else but the classical and common stereotypes: violence and sex tourism in Rio de Janeiro, all the diseases of the world in the Amazon... And that was it. I didn't even have an idea of the size and diversity of this country. So I got myself some travel guides, in which I searched for any useful information about the south of Brazil. Everything I found did not really awaken my wanderlust. "Oktoberfest in Blumenau, German colony towns like Pomerode..." I really asked myself, why did my uncle have to emigrate there of all places? Surely there are much more beautiful and interesting places in this world... And then I was completely taken aback! Beautiful, empty beaches, dense rainforest, endless possibilities for recreation...a paradise! And hardly anybody knows about this? That can't be true! I want to change that...! I want to live here and this beautiful spot on earth should be known to others. And so it was: With a strong will I went back to Germany after my holiday and started my plans right away. First of all I completed a new training as a marketing and sales assistant, because I thought you should know how to market the whole country properly. After a lot of market research, competition analysis, etc. until the finished brochure I went out and contacted all kinds of organizers, to make a long story short: in 2002 the first group came to Estaleiro/Santa Catarina. The people were enthusiastic. Meanwhile more than 800 guests (as of 10/2008) have been in Estaleiro and many of them have become friends and have been back 2, 3 or even 4 times. Also, there are already many interesting stories to tell. Of course, I was also interested in the many other regions of Brazil. This country is so diverse, so huge, so interesting and so full of contrasts... It's impossible to get even a fraction of it on a 14-day round trip throughout of Brazil. It would be comparable to a 2-week tour through Europe. In the meantime, I have also gotten to know the northern and southern Pantanal, the Amazon (among other things, I have travelled the Amazon in a very authentic way - that's why you can also find a Survival Tour in the Amazon with us), Bahia, Foz do Iguaçu and other parts of Brazil of which I am also totally fascinated with. We have also put together completely new tours ourselves.
We would be very happy to introduce you to our little paradise and this great country with full enthusiasm...
Grande abraço,
Nicki († 05.06.2009)