Highlights
- Climb to Christ the Redeemer for breathtaking views of Rio
- Visit Sugarloaf Mountain and wander Santa Teresa and Old Rio
- Get drenched as you get up close to the many waterfalls at Iguaçu Falls
- Admire the colorful, exotic birds at Parque das Aves (Bird Park)
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Explore Rio | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 2 | Christ the Redeemer & City Tour, Visit Maracanã Stadium | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 3 | Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, Santa Teresa & Old Rio | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 4 | Discover the Rio Botanical Garden Tour, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 5 | Argentine Side Falls Tour | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 6 | Brazilian Side Falls Tour & Birds Park, Depart Foz do Iguaçu |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Explore Rio
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), as Rio is known, is a sprawling harbor city known for its beaches, festive culture, and raucous entertainment. On the drive into the center, catch views of Mount Corcovado's iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Cable cars transport visitors up its towering peak to enjoy expansive city views. This is your free day in Rio de Janeiro. Take this opportunity to explore the city on your own.
Stroll along the Copacabana boardwalk to the Forte de Copacabana, a historic Portuguese-colonial fort sitting on a rocky cape at the far southern end of the beach, which is still a working naval base with amazing views. Walk to Arpoador Beach, one of the most incredible places to surf in Copacabana, that's also an atmospheric spot to view the coastline. Or, visit Ipanema Beach, the best beach to experience the local vibe. All tribes come here to enjoy the swaying palm trees guarding the soft sand stretch, from surfers to tourists and locals working out to beach vendors.
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer & City Tour, Visit Maracanã Stadium
Today's guided tour covers some of Rio's most famous landmarks. First, you'll head to the top of Mount Corcovado to visit Christ the Redeemer, a 98-foot (30 m) statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city below. Commissioned in 1920, it was built to symbolize the welcoming spirit of both Rio and Brazil. Once you arrive at the summit of the 2,310-foot (704 m) Corcovado and the base of this Art Deco statue, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Rio and beyond, from the southern beaches to Guanabara Bay and farther north to the city of Duque de Caxias.
After descending Mount Corcovado, continue to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sambadrome, and Maracanã Stadium. One of South America's most iconic soccer temples, it was built to open the 1950 World Cup. Host to the FIFA World Cup Final again in 2014 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, the arena is now a historical site that remains a world-class arena and event venue. You'll take a one-hour tour of this massive stadium before returning to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to explore.
Day 3: Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, Santa Teresa & Old Rio
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and continue to the Urca neighborhood and the mouth of Guanabara Bay. You'll hop on a cable car up to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) here. This nearly 1,300-foot (396 m) mountain peak unsurprisingly gets its name because it resembles a mound of sugar. From its peak, you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the rainforest, beaches, cityscapes, and monuments that define Brazil's most famous coastal city. After descending, you'll head to Santa Teresa, with its winding paved streets. In the 19th century, it was the wealthiest neighborhood in the city.
To get there, take the traditional tramway uphill, passing the colonial houses and lush vegetation. At the top, you'll find popular bars and restaurants, workshops, impressive street art, and the famous mosaic stairs of the Chilean artist Selaron. Afterward, explore Old Rio, located in the city's heart, with its natural and architectural landmarks. See its Belvedere, cultural centers, studios, galleries, restaurants, bars, and hotels, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic and bohemian Rio.
Day 4: Discover the Rio Botanical Garden Tour, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu
This morning meet your guide to visit the Rio Botanical Garden, one of the 10 most significant in the world. This magnificent 338-acre (137 ha) garden is over 200 years old, featuring 134 impressive royal palms and more than 7000 types of plants. As you enter, you'll see those palm trees lining the main avenue, Barbosa Rodrigues, dating back to when the garden was created. In addition to numerous greenhouses, orchidariums, and rose gardens, you'll discover a lake with giant aquatic plants, such as the Vitória regia, the largest water lily in the Amazon and a main attraction.
You'll see orchids, bromeliads, cacti, colossal bamboo, and carnivorous plants, among many others. Monkeys are sometimes visible during the visit, and there are always plenty of birds flying over the trees, especially toucans. After the visit, you'll return to the hotel. A little later, brace yourself for a change of scenery as you're picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for a flight inland to Foz do Iguaçu. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a driver and taken directly to your hotel.
Day 5: Argentine Side Falls Tour
With over 275 cascades, Iguaçu Falls is the world's largest waterfall system, and it spans the borders of both Brazil and Argentina. Today you'll hop over the border to see the impressive Argentine side of Iguaçu (known as Iguazú in Spanish) in Argentine National Park.
Take a small train with your guide to the best viewpoint of the "Devil's Mouth" or Garganta do Diablo (known as the Garganta del Diablo in Argentina) waterfall, one of the standout features of this natural wonder and its highest point. At 262 feet (80 m) high, the thundering mass of water plunges into the depths directly in front of you, and you'll observe the falls from a series of viewpoints and footbridges along the edge. Experience the roar, the spray, and the power of this natural phenomenon before transferring back to Foz do Iguaçu in the afternoon.
Day 6: Brazilian Side Falls Tour & Bird Park, Depart Foz do Iguaçu
Rise early to see more of Iguaçu Falls on the Brazilian side. After passing through the visitors' center, take a half-mile (1 km) walk and marvel at the surrounding beauty. As you move along, enjoy the panoramic view of the falls and get up close to the Garganta do Diablo from this side. Your tour ends at the top of Iguaçu Falls, which can be accessed with a ride up the dizzying panoramic elevator. Then, follow the catwalk to the Porto Canoas Space, where you'll see the Rio Iguaçu up close.
Next, it's on to visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) of Foz do Iguaçu, home to more than 150 different species. At this internationally-recognized center for the protection of birds, you'll be able to observe macaws, parrots, and toucans at close range amid the lush rainforest. Later, your trip comes to an end as you're picked up from your hotel by a private car and transferred to the airport to catch a flight to Rio, followed by a connecting flight to your final destination. Safe travels!
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