Best of Southern Brazil: Rio de Janeiro to Armação dos Búzios - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Evening Tour of Lapa

Welcome to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and complete a quick briefing on your itinerary for the next two weeks. After you freshen up, it's time to experience the city's nightlife in the lively neighborhood of Lapa. Renowned for its historic arches and bohemian ambience, Lapa transforms after sunset into a bustling hub of live music, samba, and energetic street parties. 

Day 2: Brazilian Cooking Class, Walking Tour of Old Rio

You may want to save your appetite this morning as you head to a cooking class to learn how to make some of Brazil's favorite foods. Learn about the different ingredients and their origins while you prepare dishes like moqueca (seafood stew), aipim frito (yuca fries), and pé de moleque (peanut candy). When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it as a class, washing your food down with a batida de coco, a popular cocktail made from coconut milk and cachaça. With a full stomach, set off on a walking tour of Old Rio, starting in Cinelândia, a bustling square surrounded by neoclassical buildings

Admire the exterior of the National Library, Tiradentes Palace, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Municipal Theatre. Continue to Palacio Imperial, the former residence of Brazil's emperors during the 19th century. Pass by the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the France-Brazil House to get to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, a historic church renowned for its grand facade and opulent Baroque and neoclassical decor. End the tour at Colombo Café for a refreshing drink before transferring back to your hotel.

Day 3: Samba Class, Shop for Souvenirs at the Feira Hippie de Ipanema

Immerse yourself in Rio de Janeiro's vibrant culture this morning with a samba class at a traditional dance school. Samba is a rhythmic music and dance genre that originated in Rio but evolved from a blend of African rhythms brought by enslaved people from West Africa. No dance experience is necessary, so have fun while you learn the basic steps and movements. By the end of the class, you might be moving your hips to the rhythm like a local. 

Day 4: Full-Day Tour of Sugarloaf Mountain & Christ the Redeemer

Join your guide on a full-day tour to two of Rio's most iconic landmarks, starting with a transfer to Urca, where you can take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. Try to snag a window seat on the transfer so you can see the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Cinelândia. When you arrive, board the cable car and ride it to the first stop: Morro da Urca, where you can pause to enjoy scenic views of Guanabara Bay and its islands. Continue to the summit at 1,299 feet (396 m) above sea level for another look at the bay and Mount Corcovado.

Day 5: Fly to Porto Alegre, Wine Tour in Vineyard Valley

Say goodbye to Rio de Janeiro this morning as you transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight south to Porto Alegre, the vibrant state capital of Rio Grande do Sul. The state's soil composition and temperate climate with distinct seasons provide ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapevines, so after checking in, you set off on a wine tour of the region. Start with a two-hour transfer north to Bento Golçalves in the lush Vineyard Valley, where you can find Aurora Winery, the largest winery in Brazil. Tour the vast vineyard and sample the renowned sparkling wines and reds.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Garibaldi to visit Vinícola Armando Peterlongo, the first winery to produce Brazilian champagne. Stroll through the historic cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in a variety of wines, including acclaimed sparkling wines. Other highly-rated wineries in the valley are Miolo Winery, Casa Valduga, and Don Laurindo. Depending on the time, you may visit one or all of them before transferring back to your hotel in Porto Alegre. 

Day 6: Transfer to Gramado, Guided Tour of Gramado & Canela

After just one night in Porto Alegre, it's time to hit the road again on a two-hour transfer north to Gramado, a charming mountain town known for its picturesque streets lined with Bavarian-style architecture. When you arrive, head to the Church of Saint Peter, featuring intricate stained glass windows, landscaped gardens, and a 150-foot-tall (46 m) tower. Continue to the Palace of Festivals, an ornate building known for hosting events and festivals throughout the year. Head to Joaquina Rita Bier Lake and Dark Lake next for a leisurely walk around the tranquil waters. 

Day 7: Wine Tasting Tour on the Maria Fumaça Train 

Explore the area in style today as you board the Maria Fumaça, a vintage steam train that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Serra Gaúcha region. Look out at the rolling vineyards and charming countryside while you enjoy live music and traditional dances performed on board by local artists. Along the way, you'll stop at renowned wineries to sample locally-made wine and learn about the region's wine-making heritage. 

Day 8: Quad Bike Tour to Morro Pelado, Dinner & Show in Nova Petrópolis

Today's adventure is sure to be a memorable one as you set off on a quad-bike tour to Morro Pelado, an impressive hill adorned with a lush forest full of wildlife. Traverse the rugged terrain to get to the base of the hill, where you can find diverse trails perfect for off-roading. Navigate the winding trails, keeping an eye out for birds and small mammals like capybaras and coatis. After a few hours on the quad bike, return to the hotel to relax until this evening's dinner.

Day 9: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu, Guided Tour of Iguaçu National Park 

Trade Gramado's Bavarian architecture for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Iguaçu Falls, this morning. Transfer to the airport to catch a two-hour flight to the charming town of Foz do Iguaçu, then head to the visitor center within Iguaçu National Park to start your tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride the eco-friendly electric bus or follow your private guide down the clearly marked trail to get to the falls. 

Day 10: Explore Iguazú National Park on the Argentine Side

Iguaçu Falls (Iguazú in Spanish) sits on the border of Brazil and Argentina, so you'll leave Brazil behind for the day to explore Iguazú National Park. Ride the ecological train through the jungle to get to Garganta del Diablo, where the majority of the river's flow crashes down into a swirling abyss, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of mist and rainbows. Then, follow your guide down the boardwalk to the different viewpoints overlooking the cascades. If you want an even closer look, opt for a boat tour that takes you right to the base of the falls so you can feel their sheer power.

Day 11: Fly to Armação dos Búzios, Relax at the Beach or Visit Art Galleries

Bid farewell to Iguaçu Falls this morning as you head to your final destination, Armação dos Búzios on the coast of the Rio de Janeiro state. Catch a two-hour flight to Rio de Janeiro first, then meet your driver outside for the 2-3-hour transfer. Check into your hotel and enjoy its amenities, or venture out to explore the area on your own. You could head to Praia Ferradura for a swim in the calm waters or Praia João Fernandes to enjoy watersports like snorkeling, standup paddleboarding, or kayaking. The calm and clear waters make it an ideal spot for discovering marine life, like colorful fish, sea turtles, and squid.

Day 12: Boat Tour From Arraial do Cabo 

Explore more of the coastline today as you transfer one hour south to Arraial do Cabo, often called the "Brazilian Caribbean" because of its crystalline waters and pristine beaches. When you arrive, board a schooner to cruise to nearby islands, like Ilha do Farol, a protected marine reserve renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Go for a dip in the cool waters, keeping an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins, and even rays. 

Day 13: Surf Lessons at Praia de Geribá, Dinner at Insólito Boutique Hotel & Spa

Start your penultimate day in Brazil with surf lessons at Praia de Geribá, known for its consistent waves. The lesson will be limited to five people, so you'll receive plenty of personalized attention and tailored tips. Don't worry if you don't have any surfing experience, as your instructor will also adjust the lesson to your skill level. By the end of the three-hour lesson, you may master the art of riding the waves. Continue practicing on your own or transfer back to the hotel to dry off and relax. 

Day 14: Transfer to Rio de Janeiro, Depart

After two weeks of exploring some of Brazil's best beaches, cities, and cultural landmarks, your adventure is coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, return to one of the beaches in the area to soak up the sun or visit a local market to pick up last-minute souvenirs. Keep an eye on the clock so you can return to the hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer two hours back to Rio de Janeiro to catch your flight home. Safe travels!