Discover the Power of Nature in Brazil: Rio, Foz do Iguaçu & North Pantanal - 11 Days

Highlights

• Visit the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain
• See the imposing Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls
• Observe many diverse species of flora and fauna in the Pantanal region
• Relax on the scenic beaches of Rio de Janeiro

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Explore

Welcome to Brazil! Land at the airport in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel in Copacabana. You can get a first impression of Brazil's ancient capital, beautifully nestled between numerous hills and bays. From afar, you can glimpse the city's two landmarks: the statue of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure as you admire Rio de Janeiro's green hills, blue sky, turquoise ocean, beautiful bays, and marvelous beaches. 

Later, enjoy a tour of the historic center of Rio de Janeiro. Walk through Praça XV, Arcos dos Teles, Cinelândia (take the opportunity to visit Confeitaria Colombo), and Arcos da Lapa. You should also check out the rural neighborhood of Santa Teresa, with beautiful houses dating to the early 1900s. Santa Teresa is famous for its traditional tram dating back to 1897 and for having been the residence of numerous painters.

Day 2: Full-Day Private City Tour of Rio de Janeiro

You'll participate in a full-day private city tour of Rio today, allowing you to discover all the main tourist points of the capital. Begin with a visit to one of the seven wonders of the modern world: the Christ the Redeemer statue. This Art Deco-style statue represents Jesus Christ and is on Mount Corcovado's peak. From the top of the 125-foot (38 m) high figure, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of Rio de Janeiro. Next, visit the Escadaria Selarón (Selarón Steps), an architectural work in the Lapa neighborhood decorated by the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.

Finally, head to Sugarloaf Mountain, 1,300 feet (396 m) above sea level in the Urca district, on a peninsula that extends from one end of Guanabara Bay into the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can witness a stunning panoramic sunset. Sugarloaf Mountain can be reached via two cableways. The first hill is called Morro da Urca, and it can be accessed, if desired, via a challenging trek. The second hill is only accessible via cable car.

Day 3: Day Trip to Angra dos Reis

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Costa Verde today. Leave early in the morning from your hotel to reach Angra dos Reis, a journey of about 2.5 hours. From there, take a speedboat to start your exploration of the area. The tour includes some stops on the area's most beautiful beaches, where you can go diving, snorkeling, and swimming and soak in the atmosphere of the archipelago.

Stop at different locations to swim and appreciate the beautiful blue-colored water surrounded by the greenery of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest). You'll visit Ilhas Botinas, Praia do Dentista, Pitangueira, Praia das Flechas, and Piedade. When it's time, you'll return to Angra's port to make the direct transfer to Rio de Janeiro, arriving in the evening a couple of hours later. 

Day 4: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu, Tour Iguaçu Falls (Brazilian Side) & Parque das Aves

Today, take a short domestic flight from Rio de Janeiro to the Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls. Once there, meet your guide and visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park), an internationally recognized center for the recovery and conservation of birds located in the rich and lush Atlantic forest. You'll have direct contact with more than a thousand birds of about 140 different species. Start the tour inside the nursery, where you'll interact and take photos as you walk through 38 acres (15.5 ha) of Atlantic forest. Birds are the main attraction here, but snakes, lizards, and butterflies are also part of the show.

After the Bird Park, you can visit the Brazilian side of Foz do Iguaçu, which, together with the Argentine side, forms the largest waterfall system in the world. You'll get to know the Brazilian side of the Cataratas Park along a walkway of about 0.5 miles (1 km), which ends on a platform from which it is possible to admire the natural spectacle of the Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat). If you'd like, opt for a Macuco Safari on a rubber boat or a helicopter tour to see the falls up close.

Day 5: Full-Day Tour of Iguaçu Falls (Argentine Side)

Meet your guide and prepare to get to know the Argentine side of Cataratas Park. Wander along a series of walkways with views of the waterfalls from above. The longest leads to a spectacular view of the upper part of the cataratas (cataracts) and the Devil's Throat, the largest of the waterfalls, which is nearly 500 feet (150 m) in height. If you'd like, you can book the Gran Aventura Tour, which includes an excursion on a rubber boat.

To access the Iguaçu Falls observation walkways, you'll board a train that drops off visitors on three different sightseeing routes: Devil's Throat, the upper circuit, and the lower circuit. From each route, you can admire views of San Martin Island and different perspectives of the Iguaçu Falls. As you walk, you'll come into closer contact with the cascade, allowing for a more detailed appreciation of the local fauna, flora, and beautiful scenery. At the end of the tour, return to your accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 6: Fly to North Pantanal, Ueso Pantanal Lodge (Day 1) & Nocturnal Wildlife Walk

Travel to your accommodation in North Pantanal today via a short domestic flight and private transfer. From the airport, you'll head to Poconé. This will be your starting point as you travel along the well-known and unpaved Transpantaneira Road toward your accommodation at Ueso Pantanal Lodge. On this route, you'll have the chance to see several types of animals, such as alligators, capybaras, and jabiru storks.

Upon arrival at the pousada (inn), lunch will be served, followed by a short break. Toward the late afternoon, walk along a trail searching for more wildlife. Then take a break for dinner before heading back out again to look for nocturnal animals. Don't forget your flashlight!

Day 7: Ueso Pantanal Lodge (Day 2): Sunrise Walk, Horseback Ride & Boat Tour

Rise early today to enjoy a walk at dawn to see the sunrise before heading off on horseback. Even people who have no experience will be able to enjoy the ride, as the horses are gentle and calm. Returning to the inn a few hours later, you'll have lunch, then go on a trip by boat on the Novo or Claro rivers. With a bit of luck, you'll have the chance to see a family of otters, or a tapir and many birds.

Day 8: Ueso Pantanal Lodge (Day 3): Horseback Ride & Transpantaneira Wildlife Tour

After breakfast, take another horseback ride through the Pantanal fields. During this tour, watch for various species of birds and animals. Stop for lunch, take some free time for a break, and enjoy a swim in the pool. Your next tour will be by car on the Transpantaneira road, where you can expect to see capybaras, alligators, coati, and many birds. With luck, your guide may even spot an anteater or Pantanal deer. Afterward, return to the inn and have dinner. 

Day 9: Return Flight to Rio de Janeiro

Have breakfast at your pousada, then leave for the airport to catch your return flight to Rio de Janeiro. Depending on your flight details, you may have time for another horseback ride or nature walk in the morning. When you reach Rio, a driver will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax for the rest of the day. 

Day 10: Visit Grumari Beach, Tijuca Forest & Rio de Janeiro's Botanical Garden

Set off to discover the wild beaches of Rio de Janeiro, located just 55 minutes from your hotel. Grumari Beach is one of the nicest in the city and is located in an environmental reserve. The beach is surrounded by several cliffs, hills, and restinga (broad-leaved forest) vegetation. With approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) of sand, it's quite large and, therefore, rarely crowded. The sea at Grumari is transparent and very clean, with a color that alternates between green and blue, depending on the sunlight. Grumair is also a surfers' haven due to the excellent waves that can form.

Afterward, explore one of the world's most extensive urban forests on a tour of Tijuca National Park. The Tijuca Forest is home to several species of small animals, such as squirrels, monkeys, porcupines, foxes, and armadillos, as well as butterflies, birds, and reptiles. On the way there, you'll stop to admire the Vista Chinesa viewpoint, the Taunay Waterfall, and the Mayrink Chapel. Then head to the Botanical Garden, where you can see over 7,000 species of tropical plants, bromeliads, orchids, and native Brazilian plants, visit an archaeological site, and explore the Museum of the Environment.

Day 11: Morning Favela Tour, Depart Rio de Janeiro

This half-day tour will help you better understand Rio de Janeiro's socio-economic landscape. Over four hours, you'll get to know a favela and the lives of the people who live there. Stroll through the alleys, see how the locals live, and understand more about their daily lives. Home to thousands of people, the favela is a place of resistance with a vibrant culture on the outskirts of Rio. Depending on the day, you'll visit the Favela da Rocinha or the Favela do Vidigal.

When the tour is finished, transfer to the airport in Rio de Janeiro for your flight home. Boa viagem! 

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