Discover Brazil's Colorful Cities, Waterfalls & Beaches - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Half-Day Beach Tour 

Welcome to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, nestled between towering mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Meet your driver outside the airport, transfer to your hotel to check in, and change into your bathing suit for a half-day beach tour. When you're ready, follow your guide to some of the city's best beaches, starting at the famous Praia de Copacabana with its 2.4-mile (4 km) expanse of golden sand. A short walk takes you to the quieter Praia do Leme, known for its tranquil waters and views of the city from the top of Pedra do Leme. 

Your last stop is Praia de Ipanema, which is divided into sections called postos that cater to different crowds, like families or surfers. You'll have a few hours of free time to spend on one of these beaches for a refreshing swim and soak up the sun. When you get hungry, stop one of the vendors selling various drinks and local foods, like queijo coalho (grilled cheese on a stick), freshly made acai bowls, or grilled sweet corn. You can watch the sunset from all three beaches, which is the perfect way to end your first day in Brazil. 

Day 2: Visit Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain, Samba by Night Tour

Spend the day exploring two of the city's most iconic landmarks, starting with Christ the Redeemer atop Mount Corcovado. This famous statue of Jesus Christ, standing at 98 feet tall (30 m) with an arm span of 91 feet (28 m), is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take a scenic train through Tijuca Forest National Park to get to the top of the mountain for a closer look at the Art Deco statue and to enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape below. Continue to the charming neighborhood of Urca, overlooking Guanabara Bay, to take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain.

Day 3: Half-Day Tour of Vidigal & Morro Dois Irmãos, Afternoon Bicycle Tour

This morning, you'll join your guide for a tour of Vidigal, one of Rio's most famous favelas—informal settlements characterized by their densely packed, makeshift dwellings and vibrant culture. Start with a walk along the water, where your guide will share the history of favelas. Then, hop in a van and ride up the steep Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountain) through Vidigal's winding streets lined with colorful murals to get to the 0.9-mile (1.5 km) Two Brothers Trail. Follow your guide to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the city, pristine beaches, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

You'll go on another active adventure in the afternoon as you cycle 10-15 miles (16-24 km) across the city. Start along Flamengo's waterfront bike path, passing through Flamengo Park, where you can admire monumental sculptures by local artists. Continue through the upscale neighborhood of Botafogo, then along Praia de Copacabana and Praia de Ipanema. You'll also pass by the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, a large saltwater lagoon that connects to the ocean. After three hours of cycling and exploring the city, return to your hotel to rest your feet.

Day 4: Hang Glide Over Rio, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu

Get ready for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip: hang-gliding over São Conrado Beach. Jump in a Jeep and head to Tijuca National Park to get to the launch site on Pedra Bonita Hill. Complete a safety briefing, strap into your harness, and listen to your pilot's instructions as you stand on the hill's precipice overlooking the Atlantic Ocean's vastness. 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 for a two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu, a charming city 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 5: Visit the Argentine Side of Iguazú Falls

Leave Brazil behind for the day as you cross the border to see the other side of the falls in Argentina. When you arrive, board a train to the tallest waterfall, Garganta del Diablo, which plunges over 262 feet (80 m) into the mist-shrouded pools below. After enjoying the view and feeling the powerful mist, reboard the train and head to the next station, where you'll walk along 2 miles (3 km) of wooden walkways to get closer to the falls. When you're done admiring the natural wonder from every angle, your guide will take you into the jungle in a vehicle designed to traverse the rugged terrain. 

Look out at the flora and fauna native to the region, including towering trees, vibrant orchids, and colorful butterflies. After 30 minutes, you'll arrive at Porto Macuco, where you can board a boat to navigate the turbulent Iguazú River and get an up-close look at the falls. Head upriver to the base of Salto Tres Mosqueteros, where you'll be enveloped by the mist and thunderous sound of the waterfall. Next, your captain will take you as close as possible to the second largest drop in the falls, Salto San Martín, so you can look over the precipice before returning to the dock and returning to your hotel in Brazil.

Day 6: Explore the Brazilian Side of Iguaçu Falls, Fly to Salvador

Discover more of Iguaçu Falls today, this time on the Brazilian side. Follow your guide down the well-maintained walkways through the Atlantic rainforest to get to the observation decks, where you can see over 275 waterfalls spreading across nearly 1.8 miles (3 km). Get another look at Garganta do Diablo and watch it plunge into the abyss from afar. After exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, continue to the on-site Parque das Aves, a bird sanctuary home to over 1,400 birds from around 180 species, including toucans, macaws, and parrots.

The park is also home to reptiles like anacondas and iguanas and playful mammals like coatis and capybaras. Wander through the spacious aviaries and natural habitats for a close-up encounter with these animals. Educational exhibits and informative presentations will enhance your experience, offering insights into the park's conservation efforts. When you're done in the park, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver for a ride to the airport, where you can catch a 2.5-hour flight to the seaside city of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil.

Day 7: Full-Day Tour of Pelourinho & Cidade Baixa

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour of Salvador, starting in the UNESCO-listed historic district, Pelourinho, home to one of Latin America's largest existing collections of 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture. Wander along the cobblestone streets past museums, art galleries, and churches like the Baroque Igreja e Convento de São Francisco. Step inside to see the ornate woodwork, gilded carvings, and intricate azulejos—Portuguese tiles known for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and historical significance. 

Then, head to the Elevador Lacerda and ride down to Cidade Baixa, the city's coastal area. Follow your guide to the 18th-century Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim to marvel at the neoclassical facade adorned with colorful azulejos. End the tour at the Mercado Modelo, a historic market full of handmade goods, like ceramics, woodwork, artwork, traditional Bahian clothing, jewelry, and local delights. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in authentic Bahian cuisine, like acarajé, deep-fried bean patties filled with savory fillings, such as shrimp or stew.

Day 8: Full-Day Cultural Tour of Cachoeira

Trade the coast for the Bahian countryside today as you set off on a one-hour transfer inland to the UNESCO-listed town of Cachoeira this morning. On the way, stop at a busy country market in Santo Amaro to browse the array of exotic fruits and vegetables. Once you grab a snack for the road, continue the drive through the rolling hills. When you arrive, sit down for lunch, then join your guide for a stroll along the cobblestone streets to admire the town's well-preserved colonial architecture, like the Town Hall of Cachoeira, an 18th-century architectural gem.

As you walk, learn about the town's rich history and culture as it has been influenced by centuries of African traditions brought by enslaved people in the 1600s. Cross the iconic 19th-century Dom Pedro II Bridge to the Dannemann Cigar Company in São Félix. Step into the factory and immerse yourself in the rich aroma of tobacco leaves, watching as skilled artisans meticulously hand-roll cigars using time-honored techniques. At the end of the tour, sample a premium cigar to savor the flavor of the beloved Brazilian tobacco that only grows in this region before returning to your hotel in Salvador. 

Day 9: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Transfer to Ilha Grande

Say goodbye to Salvador this morning as you transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight back to Rio de Janeiro. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer two hours to Conceição de Jacareí, where you can catch a 20-30 minute boat to Ilha Grande, a car-free island known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. When you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Stay at the hotel to take advantage of its amenities and rest after your journey or go to one of the many beaches, like Praia de Palmas or Praia de Lopes Mendes, to soak up the sun. 

Day 10: Half-Day Boat Tour of Ilha Grande

Change into your bathing suit and lather on the sunscreen to prepare for a day of beach hopping around the island on a five-hour boat tour. Start in the late morning and head to 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 wide, 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 11: Hike to Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak)

Day 12: Transfer to Rio de Janeiro, Depart

Although your trip culminates today, you can spend your last few hours in Brazil relaxing on one of Ilha Grande's beaches. Return to one of the beaches you've already visited or head to Praia de Abraão, as it's close to the village, harbor, and an array of restaurants in case you get hungry. Relax on the soft sand lined with palm trees, swim in the calm water, and enjoy some last-minute sunbathing. When it's time, head to the harbor for a quick boat ride back to Conceição de Jacareí, where you can meet your driver and transfer two hours to the airport in Rio de Janeiro for your flight home. Safe travels!