Can't believe I just saw this thread. I have been to Brazil a few times, my wife is from Forteleza. Also been to Rio, Sao Paulo, Manuas, Combuco (small beach town). Great, friendly people. Beautiful women, good beer and great food.
I did not get an opportunity to go wheelin, except in a buggy on the beach south of Forteleza. Miles and miles of empty beaches in a buggy is a great time.
Noticed most of the 4x4's in the pictures are Jeeps. Can't go anywhere without running into a bunch of those things.