planning to go to brazil during christmas and new years next year.will be around rio and sao paulo for about two weeks.we are in our 30's and very active. looking to do as much as possible. really not into 8 hr hikes but will include some im sure.not afraid to drive. usually i will hire a tour guide and driver as it is cheap in asia.ive been throught asia many times and this is a first going to south america. im going into this trip thinking how could anything be better than seeing mt everest, grand palace,taj mahol, ankor wat patola palace the bustle of hanoi hong kong kathmandu and bagan to name a few.i have traveled by car and by plane (although id rather drive and pass though the small towns).well thats a brief summary so please all you adventure people please help me figure what i can do on this trip that will make me want to return.

thats what i was afraid of, asia really must be better cause theres no suggestions from anybody .

still nothing?

Ok. Now that I'm back from Holydays... here it goes.
Adventure = Brazilian beaches.
You must go to the northeast beaches: Fortaleza (Canoa Quebrada and Jericoacoara are the best), Natal and DEFINiTIVELLY Fernando de Noronha Island. This is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, around 220 miles (354 km) offshore from the Brazilian coast. Amazing for scuba divers. Still amazing for anyone in this world has eyes and heart. Search in the web and see yourself.
Other tips: Buzios and Florianopolis beaches.
Another option for adventures is the Amazon Rainforest. There is the famous Ariau Treetop Hotel.
If you are in your 30's nightlife in Sao Paulo is unforgettable. You should be in Rio on Dec.31st. Fireworks in Copacabana is the best in the coutry.

thank you, i will start to research some of your ideas to see if they are feasable

strongly suggest Natale. jennipabu(sp?) is awesome beach. can go sandsurfing(down hill on surf board type thing); aero bundy (slide down rope from hill into lake and raft picks you up) camel riding; dune buggying w/ stops at ponds/rivers/bars w/ locals selling skewered fish/meat; really good restaurant on the beach in jennipabu. we went to 4 cities and hired tour guides which cost about $400 us/day and it wasn't worth it. study portuguese-it'll help you get around and the brazilians will go out of their way to help you if you make the effort. awesome all inclusive resort is Praia de forte outside of salvador -cute fishing village. recommend only staying for 4 days