Brazil's Beaches, Waterfalls & Culture: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraty & Ilha Grande - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Half-Day Tour of Cidade do Samba

Welcome to the second most populated city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro! Meet your driver at the airport, then transfer to your beachfront hotel. After checking in and freshening up, join your guide for a half-day tour of Cidade do Samba (Samba City), a sprawling complex that houses the warehouses and workshops of Rio's top samba schools.

Tour the workshop for the Pimpolhos Project, which aims to transform the community by training professionals in dance, production, music, and arts. Learn about the history of samba music and dance and the annual carnival parade. You'll also have a chance to try on some colorful costumes and practice a few samba moves and drum beats. End the tour with a delicious caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, made with a hard sugar cane liquor called cachaça, lime, and sugar.

Day 2: Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue, Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain

Today, you'll discover two of the city's most iconic landmarks, starting atop Mount Corcovado to see the 98-foot (30 m) Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy a short, scenic train ride to the summit, passing through the lush Tijuaca Forest. When you reach the top, admire the massive statue of Jesus Christ, extending his arms in a welcoming embrace, and take in the panoramic views of the sprawling city below. Head down the mountain to the Urca neighborhood, where you can catch a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain.

The two-stage cable car ride takes you from the base to the summit, suspended over the picturesque Guanabar Bay. As you ascend, look for landmarks like the towering statue you just left. From the peak, which reaches an elevation of 1,299 feet (396 m), enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, rainforest, beaches, and monuments that define Río. Take the cable car back down the mountain to return to your hotel, where you can refresh before venturing out for dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants along Copacabana Beach.

Day 3: Full-Day Tour of Rio's Historic Landmarks & Neighborhoods

Set off on another full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, starting at the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião, a modern cathedral renowned for its towering, conical design inspired by the ancient Maya pyramids. Continue to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, an 18th-century baroque-style basilica adorned with intricate frescoes and marble columns. Your next stop is the Monasterio de San Benito to marvel at the interior, where every inch of the walls and ceilings is covered in gold leaf, intricate woodwork, and religious paintings. 

Nearby, the Palácio Tiradentes awaits. This neoclassical building once served as the state legislature and now hosts cultural events. Wander down the Cultural Corridor next to see the eclectic mix of art galleries, theaters, museums, and historic buildings that blend colonial, neoclassical, and modern styles. The route will take you to Praça XV de Novembro, a bustling square named after the date of Brazil's proclamation of the Republic. As you stroll through the plaza, you'll encounter opulent colonial-era buildings, intricate statues, and lush greenery.

 

End the tour in the colorful Santa Teresa neighborhood, home to the iconic Selarón Steps, a vibrant mosaic staircase created by the Chilean painter and ceramist Jorge Selarón. Climb the staircase to see the colorful tiles collected from around the world. From the top, look out for the historic Santa Teresa tram, a century-old, the only bright yellow streetcar that still winds its way through the city.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ilha de Itacuruçá

Trade Rio's bustling streets for the tropical Ilha de Itacuruçá, just 1.5 hours down the coast in Mangaratiba. Board a schooner and sail to the island, stopping along the way for a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. When you arrive, sit down for a delicious lunch, then enjoy free time to discover the pristine beaches, such as Praia da Ilha or Praia Grande. Relax on the soft sand, soak up the sun, and go for dips in the ocean. After a day on the island, sail back to Rio, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles, and stingrays in the water.

Day 5: Rio Hang Gliding Adventure, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu

This morning's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you venture out on a thrilling hang-gliding adventure over São Conrado Beach. Jump in a Jeep and head to Tijuca National Park to get to the launch site on Pedra Bonita Hill. After a safety briefing, strap into your harness and listen to your pilot's instructions as you stand on the precipice of the hill overlooking the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. When it's time, run down the ramp and let the wind take over as the hang glider gracefully takes flight.

Watch as the sprawling beaches, verdant mountains, and urban marvels unfold beneath you as you catch the currents. After the 10-minute ride, you'll land safely on the beach, typically the pristine Praia do Pepino. Return to the hotel to grab your bags, then transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu, home to Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel for the evening.

Day 6: Visit the Argentine Side of Iguaçu Falls 

Leave Brazil behind for the day as you head to the Argentine side of the falls, known as Iguazú. When you arrive, board a train to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), one of the largest and most powerful falls in the national park. As you approach the observation platform, the thunderous roar of the cascading water is a fitting backdrop to the spectacle of the falls. Look out over the massive horseshoe-shaped cascade, then continue down the network of walkways that extend over the river to admire the waterfall from each angle. 

Jump back on the train to the next station, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Upper and Lower circuits. The Upper Circuit is elevated, offering panoramic views of the falls from above, so you can truly appreciate the grandeur of the entire complex. The Lower Circuit brings you closer to the falls, offering intimate encounters with the cascading water. Traverse the misty pathways and feel the cool spray of your skin while you look out at the falls. After exploring the network of trails, transfer back to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 7: Explore the Brazilian Side of Iguaçu Falls, Transfer to Paraty

Spend your last day in Iguaçu Falls exploring the Brazilian side. Immerse yourself in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a stroll along the walkways, starting in the lush tropical rainforest. As you approach the falls, the roar of the water intensifies as you're closer to the water's edge on the Brazilian side. Meander down the path, surrounded by more than 275 waterfalls, until you get to the highest observation deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the cascades and the rushing Rio Iguaçu.

Visit the nearby Parque das Aves next, an aviary sanctuary housing over 140 species of colorful birds. Learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and meet the array of avians, from parrots to toucans to macaws. Now that you've thoroughly explored both sides of the falls, it's time to return to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to the bustling city of São Paulo. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer four hours to your hotel in the charming town of Paraty on the lush Costa Verde.

Day 8: Boat Tour around Paraty Bay

Head to the pier and board a fishing vessel turned tourist boat to cruise around Paraty Bay and discover the area's most beautiful beaches and islands. Enjoy views of lush green hillsides dotted with secluded beaches and hidden coves, stopping at different places around the bay to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. If you go snorkeling, look out for tropical fish like angel fish, butterfly fish, or parrotfish. You'll also stop at some of the surrounding villages for a stroll. After enjoying 40 minutes at each stop, cruise back to Paraty and disembark.

Day 9: Tour Paraty's Natural Wonders, Cachaça Tasting

Immerse yourself in Paraty's culture and natural surroundings with a private tour, starting at the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina, renowned for its diverse ecosystems, encompassing lush Atlantic rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain peaks. Follow your guide down the winding trails teeming with wildlife, including toucans, capuchin monkeys, and even jaguars. Stop at some of the park's falls, like Poço do Tarzan and Pedra Branca, for a refreshing dip in the natural pools below. At Poço do Tarzan, you can even speed down the falls on a natural rock waterslide.

Later, you'll meet with local artisans who will demonstrate how they produce the famous handmade cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugar cane juice. Sample different cachaças and learn about the history of the spirit, which dates back to the 18th century. Then, head to the Ouro Branco Flour House, a well-preserved flour mill, to discover the traditional methods used to transform grains into flour. End the tour with a delicious coffee prepared with freshly ground Brazilian beans and paired with a traditional sweet treat made from unrefined cane sugar.

Day 10: Hike Along the Caminho do Ouro, Transfer to Ilha Grande

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an active adventure and history lesson as you venture down the Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail). This 750-mile (1,299 km) path was built by enslaved people in the 17th and 18th centuries to link the gold mines of Minas Gerais to the coast of Paraty, making it easier to transport gold to Portugal. Start with a 30-minute transfer to Penha and follow the ancient stone paths into the rainforest. The trail passes by Cachoeira do Tobogã, where you can take a refreshing dip in the clear, calm waters and marvel at the natural rock slide that can take you down the cascade.

After the walk, head to a cachaça distillery to learn more about the spirit and how it's made. Then, say goodbye to Paraty as you transfer 1.5 hours to the coastal town of Angra dos Reis. From there, you can hop on a one-hour boat ride to Vila do Abraão, the only town on the lush Ilha Grande. Check into your hotel and head out to discover the peaceful atmosphere. Ilha Grande was closed to the public by the Brazilian government for nearly a century, leaving its natural beauty in pristine condition today. Thanks to its biodiversity and lush Atlantic rainforest, the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Day 11: Half-Day Boat Tour of Ilha Grande

One of the best ways to see Ilha Grande is from the water, so today, you set off on a five-hour boat tour to some of the island's pristine beaches and hidden gems. Start at Dois Rios for panoramic views of the two rivers that meet the sea here. Continue to Praia do Caxadaço, a cozy beach cove tucked away from the more frequented paths. Enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush rainforest before heading to Praia de Parnaioca, known for its vast, inviting stretch of sand and gentle waves.

Soak up the sun and listen to the rhythmic sound of the waves, then make your way to Praia do Aventureiro to take a picture of the iconic bent palm tree, often featured in postcards and travel books. Several more stops are planned at the island's beautiful virgin beaches, where you can swim, lay out, and relax. After a day of beach hopping, you'll return to the harbor around 5 pm. Head to the village or a beachfront restaurant for dinner and indulge in fresh seafood overlooking the water.

Day 12: Hike to Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak)

Your penultimate day in Brazil involves a 4-mile (6 km) hike up Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak), named after the mountain's distinctive shape, which resembles the profile of a parrot's beak when viewed from certain angles. This is the second-highest point on Ilha Grande, so the hike will be challenging but well worth the effort. Start in Vila do Abraão and follow your guide into the lush rainforest, winding through dense vegetation and towering trees. 

 

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like howler monkeys swinging through the trees or tropical birds flying ahead. As you ascend, you'll catch glimpses of the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, motivating you to keep going. After three hours or so, you should reach the summit, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the entire island and even mainland Brazil in the distance. When you're ready, trek back to the village along the same path and treat yourself to a well-deserved meal. 

Day 13: Tour the Blue Lagoon, Transfer to Rio de Janeiro, Depart

Unfortunately, after 13 days in Brazil, your trip is coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, join your guide for a tour to Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), aptly named for its striking azure hue. Approach by boat or hike along the island's scenic trails, then spend a few hours swimming, snorkeling, and simply basking in the sun. When it's time, head to the harbor for a short boat ride to Conceição de Jacareí. Meet your driver there and transfer two hours to the airport in Río de Janeiro for your flight home. Safe travels!