12 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Nature & Culture in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu & the Amazon

See Brazil's highlights on this nature and culture-focused itinerary exploring Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, and the Amazon rainforest. From discovering Rio's vibrant neighborhoods to witnessing the impressive Iguacú Falls and venturing deep into the heart of the Amazon, this itinerary is packed with a great mix of must-see sights and local experiences. Highlights include a locally-led food tour in Rio, helicopter rides over the Iguacú Falls, and an overnight jungle adventure in the Amazon.

Your journey begins in the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore the charming district of Santa Teresa and enjoy views from the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. A food tour on Day 4 is next and introduces you to local culinary delights like tapioca crepes and cachaça and cultural insights across several neighborhoods in the city. Then, you'll fly west to Foz do Iguaçu for a close encounter with the thundering cascades of Iguaçu Falls, viewed from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. After marveling at this natural wonder, you'll embark on a city tour of Manaus, immersing yourself in the region's rich Indigenous history.

Leave the urban scenery behind as you stay at a remote lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest. Witness the "Meeting of the Waters" phenomenon, embark on a nocturnal safari, and take an exciting canoe tour. As you navigate the Amazon's igapós (flooded forests) and igarapés (seasonal streams), keep an eye out for exotic wildlife such as monkeys, otters, and anteaters. You'll also have the chance to meet local Indigenous residents and learn about their customs. You'll spend your last night in a jungle camp, learning survival techniques and sleeping under the Amazonian canopy. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Brazil City to Coast Tour: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraty & Ilha Grande

Travelers wanting to split their time between exploring Brazil's cities and the coast west of Rio will enjoy this city-to-coast tour, which takes you from Rio de Janeiro and the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu to the quaint streets of Paraty and the serene beaches of Ilha Grande. You'll experience adventure activities like hang-gliding over Rio, a boat tour of Paraty Bay, and hiking Parrot's Peak—3,221 feet (982 m)—on Ilha Grande.

Your adventure starts in buzzing Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore the city's bohemian neighborhoods and learn about Carnival culture in Samba City (an area within Rio). You'll put on costumes, take pictures, and try out a bit of percussion and samba to feel the Carnival atmosphere. Visit iconic landmarks next, like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, for panoramic views of the port city and beyond. Explore Old Rio's historic sites, including the famous Escadaria Selarón in the scenic neighborhood of Santa Teresa. The city excursion concludes with a thrilling hang-gliding experience over Rio before catching a flight to Foz do Iguaçu.

In Foz do Iguaçu, discover waterfalls, rainforests, and birdlife. Take a walking tour on the Argentine side along the pathways that give a complete view of the falls. From the Brazilian side, explore the more than 275 waterfalls surrounded by abundant plants and wildlife. A visit to Parque das Alves completes the Iguaçu experience, and then you're off to the coastal town of Paraty. Stroll Paraty's colonial streets, sail around its bay to nearby islands, and hike Parrot's Peak before relaxing on Ilha Grande's beautiful beaches in three days. Round off your trip with a boat tour of the unspoiled beaches of Lopez Mendes. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Brazil City & Rainforest Adventure

Adding colorful São Paulo to the itinerary, you'll immerse yourself in Brazil's cultural and natural splendors on this adventure. Experience the bustling city life and sun-soaked beaches of Rio de Janeiro, journey into the heart of the Amazon rainforest for wildlife encounters and overnight camping, and explore the modern metropolis of São Paulo. Highlights include visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer, exploring Rio's famous nightlife, a canoe trip through the Amazon, and a tour of São Paulo's renowned street art.

Discover the famous landmarks, beaches, and samba culture of Rio de Janeiro. Venture up Mount Corcovado to the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain before immersing yourself in the city's nightlife in the Lapa neighborhood. The following day, uncover the historic side of Rio with a guided tour of Old Rio, where you'll learn about life in the favelas and take in views from Two Brothers Peak. Then, you'll fly to Manaus and venture into the Amazon rainforest. Stay in a jungle lodge, discover the local wildlife on a nocturnal walk with a guide, and embark on an overnight jungle experience, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Leaving the Amazon behind, you'll fly back south to São Paulo and explore this bustling metropolis. Discover the city's modern side, stroll through the historic center, and explore the graffiti in Batman Alley on an open-air art tour. Your exploration of São Paulo includes visits to Casa das Rosas, a cultural center; Sesc Avenida Paulista; and the São Paulo Museum of Art. Take time to wander the upscale Oscar Freire shopping street in the charming neighborhood of Jardins and Iguatemi shopping center before your departure from three days in São Paulo. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Tour of Coastal Brazil: Salvador to Jericoacoara

This coastal tour of Brazil brings you from Salvador on the country's east coast to six destinations on the north coast. Ideal for travelers looking for cultural and nature experiences, you'll discover Salvador's dynamic food and music scene, encounter the breathtaking dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and relax in the tranquil beach town of Jericoacoara. Expect boat tours along the Preguiças River, an exhilarating buggy ride in Tatajuba, and ample opportunities to explore local markets and spot wildlife.

In Salvador, the center of Afro-Brazilian culture, you'll explore cultural and culinary highlights with city tours. Visit its historic downtown with the most extensive collection of colonial buildings in Latin America, as well as São Francisco Church and the Cathedral of Salvador. Sample local cuisine on a market tour and cooking demonstration, where a chef will prepare a Bahian dish. Continue to São Luís, a coastal city with 17th-century French architecture, and Barreirinhas, home to the stunning dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Enjoy a boat tour on the Preguiças River, spotting wildlife and visiting local communities along the way.

From there, take a speedboat transfer to Parnaíba on Day 7 to admire the diverse landscape of the Parnaíba River and the stunning spectacle of guarás birds settling down at sunset. Subsequently, you'll visit Barra Grande, a beachside enclave with ideal kitesurfing conditions, famous for its beautiful restaurants, bars, and pousadas. Next on your itinerary is exploring the picturesque town of Jericoacoara, relaxing on the beach, and taking a buggy tour of Tatajuba & Ilha do Amor before enjoying a free day to discover the town at your own pace. Finally, you'll transfer to Fortaleza for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Wildlife Tour in Brazil's Pantanal Region

Discover the exotic wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal region on this nature-focused tour. Perfect for animal lovers, this itinerary offers you the chance to spot jaguars, giant river otters, piranhas, and storks during guided safaris by boat and on horseback. With excursions to the Bay of Piuval, Porto Jofre, and the far North Pantanal, you'll experience the diversity of this unique ecosystem. Round off the trip with time in Cuiabá, a city steeped in colonial history.

Your adventure begins when you arrive in Cuiabá in southern Brazil. From there, transfer to North Pantanal, where you'll embark on a nighttime photographic safari. For the next two days, you'll explore the region as you tour the Bay of Piuval and the Pousada Piuval trail, enjoying nature walks, boat rides, and taking in the beautiful Pantanal sunsets. You'll also get the chance to go horseback riding and experience the area like a local cowboy. Then, you'll transfer to Porto Jofre to participate in guided wildlife tours, including possible jaguar sightings.

The next leg of your journey takes you farther north, where you'll venture on a scenic safari toward the Clarinho River and a paddling adventure, spotting various wildlife species along the way. The following three days have you embarking on horseback rides and treks in and around the Pousada Araras Lodge and private nature reserves, observing various wildlife, and enjoying a photo safari. Finally, you'll transfer back to Cuiabá on Day 11, where you'll have free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. Visit the Palácio da Instrução and the Senhor Bom Jesus de Cuiabá Cathedral or relax before your flight home. Learn more

More Great Brazil Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.