Epic Tour Across Brazil: Urban Cities, Cultural Excursions, Beaches & Rainforest - 21 Days

Highlights

• Ascend via cable car to the panoramic peak of Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain
• Soar across the crashing waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu on a helicopter tour
• Take a nighttime excursion to meet the elusive nocturnal animals of South Pantanal 
• Swim, surf, and sunbathe on the peaceful beaches of Praia do Forte

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa District & Municipal Theater

Welcome to Brazil! Your flight lands in Rio de Janeiro, or "Cidade Maravilhosa" (Marvelous City), a bustling metropolis known for its beaches, festive culture, and lively entertainment. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel, after which you'll head out for a sightseeing tour of the city. 

Start in the historic Santa Teresa district. Located in the hills of Rio, this charming neighborhood has narrow, winding streets lined with elegant old mansions, many of which have been converted to hotels, bars, and restaurants. Stop by one of the many local artists' studios for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or visit Ruins Park, an art gallery built among the ruins of a mansion.

You'll have time to stroll around as your guide explains more about the area's history and cultural importance, then finish with a visit to the Municipal Theater, one of Latin America's main showhouses. Built in the early 20th century, the building's design was inspired by Charles Garnier's Paris Opera. Afterward, you're free to continue exploring on your own. Check out the world-famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, see the gardens of Jardim Botânico, or just enjoy a coffee at a neighborhood café and people-watch.

Day 2: Discover Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain

Today's tour covers some of Rio's most celebrated landmarks. Meet your guide and head to the top of Mount Corcovado, home to Christ the Redeemer, a 98-foot (30 m) Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city. Commissioned by a local Catholic group in 1920, it was built to symbolize the welcoming spirit of Brazil. The statue took almost 10 years to complete and remains an iconic symbol of Brazil and Rio. At the summit, stroll around the statue's base, taking in panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and the city below.

After descending Mount Corcovado, head to the Urca neighborhood. Here, you'll take a cable car up to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). This nearly 1,300-foot (396 m) mountain peak unsurprisingly gets its name due to its resemblance to a sugar mound. Enjoy the bird's-eye view as the car ascends, and at the top, you'll get a 360-degree view of the rainforest, beaches, cityscape, and local monuments. Ride the car back down, and then spend the rest of your day free as you wish.

Day 3: Full-Day City Tour of Old Rio

Discover Old Rio this morning, and meet your guide after breakfast, who'll show you another side of this incredible city. Stroll the historic streets of the city's oldest districts and visit sites such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is unusual in that rather than the expected traditional design, its style is based on Maya pyramids and the impressive Saint Benedict Monastery. Stop by the stately government building, Tiradentes Palace, then walk to the 18th-century Lapa dos Mercadores Church, which has a beautiful ornate nave.

Make your way back to the Santa Teresa neighborhood and the colorful Selarón staircase. Built by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, the 215 steps, which measure more than 400 feet (125 m) long, are covered with thousands of tiles collected from more than 60 countries worldwide. Before returning to your hotel, stop by the Sambadrome, built specifically to host parades during Rio's annual Carnival.

Day 4: Hang Gliding Adventure, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu

Get ready for adrenaline-infused fun as you embark on a hang-gliding adventure across the city. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you to São Conrado Beach, where you'll travel by Jeep into Tijuca Forest National Park. Arrive at Pedra da Gávea, a giant monolithic mountain with an elevation of more than 2,700 feet (844 m). You'll take to the skies after instruction from your expert guides and a safety briefing! 

Soar from the Pedra Bonita ramp as the wind carries you up and across the sky. Enjoy soft tropical breezes washing across your face, the endless blue sky ahead, and bustling Rio below, all accompanied by nothing but silence—since hang-gliders have no engine, your flight is free of any noise or vibration. Flight time averages about 10 minutes, depending on the wind, and your landing takes place on a nearby beach, usually Praia do Pepino in São Conrado. Touch down on the warm sand and relish the excitement of this incredible experience! 

Later this afternoon, check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to your next destination, Foz do Iguaçu. Located in Paraná, the city is a gateway to Iguazú Falls National Park, which spans Argentina and Brazil. Your driver will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel, where the afternoon is yours, to rest and regroup. 

Day 5: Iguaçu Falls (Argentina Side), Boat Tour to Falls 

Start your exploration of Iguazú Falls National Park with a visit to the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. You'll meet your guide and drive into the park, boarding a train to the massive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) waterfall. You'll have time to disembark and see the falls, taking in its incredible drop of more than 260 feet (80 m) into mist-shrouded pools. Reboard the train and head to the next station, where you'll take a walking tour of about 2 miles (3 km) along wooded footpaths and walkways that bring you closer to the falls and provide a more complete view.

End the day with a tour that combines deep jungle and crashing waterfalls—all the elements that make Iguaçu so special. With your guide, enter the jungle through the Sendero Yacaratiá trail, riding in vehicles specifically designed for the terrain. You'll hear about the local species that live in the area and learn about the local flora and fauna from your guide.

The 30-minute drive takes you to Porto Macuco, where you'll put your personal items in waterproof bags, don a life jacket, and board a boat. Cruise upriver through the canyons of the Río Paraná, then approach the base of Salto Tres Mosqueteros (Three Musketeers Falls). Feel the strength and energy of the water as the boat gets as close as it can to the second-largest drop in the falls, Salto San Martín. While being this close to the cascades is thrilling, you're also likely to get wet, so dress accordingly! Afterward, return to the park entrance to transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 6: Iguaçu Falls (Brazilian Side) with Helicopter Tour, Fly to Campo Grande

Explore the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls today, starting at the visitor's center, where you'll board a bus into the park. Arrive at a footbridge and continue on foot through a subtropical rainforest while watching for wildlife such as toucans or even jaguars, eventually arriving at a different view of the Devil's Throat waterfall. This is the perfect place for photos, as the Brazilian side showcases a constant rainbow that floats above the water.

The tour takes between two and four hours, after which you'll stop at Parque das Aves, a 40-acre (16 ha) bird sanctuary. The sanctuary cares for more than 143 species, with five immersive aviaries that house over 1,000 birds. See toucans and curassows up close, visit the parakeet nursery, and experience a flock of 100 macaws flying directly over your head. The park also has resident butterflies, caimans, anacondas, and alligators.

Before departing the falls, you'll have an opportunity to see this natural wonder via helicopter. This 10-minute tour takes you on a quick ride across the falls, offering a panoramic view of the rushing water and surrounding forest. Return to your hotel and check out, then take a private transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a 3.5-hour flight to Campo Grande, a city in west central Brazil located near Prosa State Park. Check into your hotel and rest up for tomorrow's adventures, or step out to explore the town

Day 7: Transfer to South Pantanal, Nocturnal Wildlife Tour

You're off to the vast wetlands of South Pantanal today. Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel in the morning for the scenic 4.5-hour drive. Arrive and settle into your home for the next three nights—a traditional Brazilian farm surrounded by nature known as a pousada. 

This expansive wetland is the largest in the world, covering 57,915 sq miles (150,000 sq km) and stretching from southern Brazil into neighboring Paraguay and Bolivia. The ecosystem here is noteworthy for being home to the highest concentration of wildlife in the Americas. During wildlife excursions here, you're likely to see exotic animals such as monkeys, pumas, ocelots, caimans, and hundreds of different bird species.

After check-in, enjoy some downtime and dinner, then wait for sunset, after which you'll embark on a nighttime wildlife viewing excursion. You'll travel by vehicle with your guide to the best wildlife-viewing areas. Listen to the soundtrack of frogs and insects chirping and flitting around, and hold your breath as you look out for some of the area's most secretive, nocturnal animals, such as capybaras, anteaters, foxes, and the rare ocelot.

Day 8: Motorboating on the Aquidauana River, Hiking Around South Pantanal

Start the morning with a 2.5-hour motorboat ride down the Río Aquidauana. Join other passengers on this small group tour and witness the beauty and flourishing wildlife of the riparian forest flanking the river. Its centennial trees are home to exotic birds, while mammals like tapirs and capybaras frolic around the shore. You might also see playful river otters or even a mighty anaconda slicing through the water. Your guide will share interesting facts about the forest and wildlife, eventually returning you to shore and lunch at the pousada. 

Later, discover more of Brazil's natural beauty on your own. There are several hiking trails around the area, varying in length and duration from 1.5-4 hours. The trails take you through rich grasslands, wooded savannas, and the Pantanal's lush flora, including palm trees and orchids. Of course, there are also plenty of animals to see—besides birds like parrots or toucans, you may catch glimpses of monkeys, caimans, or the elusive jaguar. 

Day 9: Morning Photo Safari, Piranha Fishing Excursion

Wake to the sound of exotic birds and have breakfast, then make sure your cameras are ready as you embark on a photo safari. Hop in an open-topped 4WD vehicle and navigate rough terrain to reach some of the region's most remote spots. Travel through open grasslands to flood plains and swampland, snapping Instagrammable shots of howler monkeys, giant anteaters, tapirs, and jaguars. 

Afterward, take a fishing excursion to a bay on a nearby river, where instead of bass or catfish, you'll be angling for the carnivorous piranha. Meet your guide, and after a safety briefing, head out on the water, dropping your lines in the areas where the piranhas like to hide. While it's true that these fish do like to bite, there's no risk, as your guide will be handling any piranha you reel in. Visitors might also be surprised to know that this isn't mere sport fishing—piranha is considered a delicacy and has starbilling in a delicious regional soup, caldo de piranha.

Day 10: Fly to Manaus, Guided City Tour 

Travel back to the airport this morning for your flight to Manaus. Located in northwestern Brazil, on the banks of the Río Negro, Manaus is considered the primary departure point for expeditions into the Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a driver and transported to your accommodations. Once you've had a chance to get settled, discover the ins and outs of the city with a guided tour. 

Start at the Port of Manaus and Matriz Square, home to a wealth of colonial architecture. See the Metropolitan Cathedral, Black River Palace, and the 19th-century Customs House. This neoclassical building once played a crucial role in controlling the flow of goods in and out of the Amazonas. Stroll by Adolpho Lisboa Market and Banana Fair, where many boats depart for the interior regions. 

Continue to the Amazon Theater, a large opera house with a colorful dome and pink facade, built during the rubber boom. Make a stop at Ponta Negra Beach, a lovely stretch of white sands frequented by visitors and locals alike, and finish at the Río Negro Bridge, the fourth longest bridge in Brazil and a link between Manaus and the town of Iranduba. Rest up tonight, as your Amazon adventure starts tomorrow!

Day 11: Enter The Amazon, Arrive at Amazon Tupana Lodge, Nocturnal Wildlife Tour 

This morning, check out of your hotel and meet your driver, who will transport you to the river port of Ceasa. From here, board a speedboat and travel to the village of Careiro da Varzea. Along the way, you'll stop at the Meeting of the Waters, where the Río Solimões and Río Negro meet, creating a junction point between the rivers that run side by side for quite a distance without actually mixing until they join to form the great Amazon. Keep your eyes on the water because you're also likely to see a few curious river dolphins. 

Travel by vehicle to the Río Tupana, where you'll board a motorized canoe and make your way to the Amazon Tupana Lodge, your rainforest home for the next few days. Nestled amid rich vegetation, the lodge offers eco-friendly accommodations with natural, rustic architecture that creates a sense of full integration into the remote forest. Arrive and, after check-in, enjoy a warm greeting from your hosts and a welcome drink, then have your first lunch at the lodge, comprised of both regional and international cuisine.

Right after sunset, take an evening wildlife expedition. This two-hour canoe tour takes you into the forest at night—the best time to see the region's nocturnal animals. Your guide will stop at various points along the way, using a flashlight to aid in the search as you spot frogs, owls, anteaters, and more. You may also have the excitement of seeing an alligator, which your guide can catch with their bare hands for a closer view—best not tried at home!

Day 12: Amazon Tupana Lodge: Jungle Hike, Fishing the Rivers

Learn more about the Amazon today with an educational jungle walk. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll see the area's flora and fauna and learn about the uses of the plants that grow here and which ones are edible or medicinal. Spot monkeys and birds in the trees as your guide shares information about their daily habits and see how this essential ecosystem functions. You'll find the guides carefully use different paths during the walks to avoid damaging the forest with overuse.

Return to the lodge for lunch, then take an exciting fishing excursion to a nearby river, where, in addition to other Amazonian fish, you'll get another chance to angle for the carnivorous piranha! Tonight, feast on the day's catch while you end the day gazing at the glorious colors of an Amazon sunset.

Day 13: Amazon Tupana Lodge: Canoe Tour & Local Craft-Making

Head out on a canoe trip today to explore the region's igarapés (Amazonian creeks) and the igapós (flooded forest), accessible only by paddle canoes. You'll be traveling on the same style of canoes used by the Ribeirinhos (native people) as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest and wildlife. 

This afternoon, spend time with a local guide at the lodge, where you'll have the opportunity to partake in classes focused on Amazonian craft-making. Learn to make objects from naturally sourced items such as babaçu leaves, açaí seeds, fish scales, and more. Enjoy a sundowner on the veranda and dinner at the lodge before calling it a night in anticipation of tomorrow's activities.

Day 14: Amazon Tupana Lodge: Overnight Jungle Adventure

Make the most of your last day in the Amazon with excursions that get you even closer to the region's nature and wildlife. Start with your guide in the morning, paddling down the Amazon via canoe while watching for birds, fish, or eye-catching pink river dolphins. Then, visit the home of a resident to learn about the culture, customs, and traditions of life in the Amazon. 

In the afternoon, you'll adventure into the jungle on an overnight expedition. You'll walk with your guides into the jungle, watching the sun drop below the trees as you make your way to the chosen campsite. During the walk, you'll learn about jungle survival techniques, including tips on how to find water and edible plants and use tree vines as ropes. Enjoy dinner over an open fire and sleep in hammocks tonight (mosquito nets provided) like the locals do. 

Day 15: Transfer to Manaus, Fly to Salvador, Evening in Bairro Bohemia

It's time to swap the jungle for the city this morning as you're off to Salvador, the capital of the northernmost state of Bahia. The city is one of the oldest in Brazil and is known for its tropical beaches, historic Portuguese architecture, and Baroque colonial churches. In the morning, transfer back to Manaus for the 5.5-hour flight, then meet your driver, who'll transfer you to your hotel in Salvador. You'll have some time to relax, and then this evening, see what Salvador's all about with a night out in the town.

Visit Rio Vermelho, a buzzy district affectionately referred to by locals as Bairro Bohemia or the bohemian quarter. The district recently underwent a major urban refurbishment, bringing renewed energy to this traditional and much-loved neighborhood. The area is home to many bars, restaurants, and botecos (similar to a bodega), a key part of the district's charm.

Discover the boteco tradition for yourself and soak up the informal ambience where friends meet and drink cold beer or their favorite cachaça, accompanied by the all-important petiscos (snacks) and complemented by lively banter and conversation. The neighborhood is also home to three of the city's most famous and treasured baianas de acarajé, selling the best Bahian street food. Music completes the bairro's attractions, with many bars providing local live music, ranging from traditional to contemporary. 

Day 16: Guided Sightseeing Tour of Salvador

Today, you'll discover more of Salvador on a guided city tour. Meet your guide and start in the city's Upper Town, wandering the streets and alleys of the famed Pelourinho historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to one of the largest collections of 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture in Latin America.

Stop by the Church of São Francisco, where you can take in its rich Baroque architecture, then continue to Lower Town, the city's coastal area. Both towns are linked by the Lacerda, a 236-foot (72 m) elevator that offers a thrilling ride up or down. Stroll through Lower Town, visiting sites such as the Mercado Modelo, a traditional craft center, and the Church of Senhor do Bonfim, the city's most well-known Catholic church. After the tour, return to your hotel or explore more on your own.

Day 17: Explore the Beaches of Praia do Forte

Take a day trip to Praia do Forte, a Brazilian beach located in the district of the same name. You'll meet your guide early for the quick 30-mile (50 km) drive, then take the day to swim, surf, and sunbathe. Praia do Forte is considered one of northern Bahia's most popular destinations, with more than 7 miles (12 km) of beaches, natural reef pools, and shady palm trees. You can also stroll through the village, shop for handicrafts, and, if you like, visit the TAMAR Project, an organization dedicated to the preservation and study of sea turtles. Return to Salvador and enjoy your final night with dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 18: Fly to Ilha Grande, Free Afternoon to Explore

This morning, it's time to depart Savaldor for Ilha Grande, an island in the state of Rio de Janeiro and one of the most beautiful slices of the Atlantic rainforest. After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport, where you'll fly back to Rio and meet your driver to transfer to Conceição de Jacareí. From there, you'll hop on a boat for a quick ride over to the island. 

Meet your driver upon arrival, check in at your hotel, and spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the island. There are numerous beaches here worth visiting, such as Lopes Mendes Beach, where you'll find strong surf and crashing waves, or the quieter Lagoa Azul, with shady trees and gentle waters.

Head north to the village of Abraão and visit its 19th-century São Sebastião Church, or take a leisurely walk around town and grab a bite at a local restaurant. End the day with your toes in the sand, watching the sun dip below the sea.

Day 19: Boating Around Ilha Grande: Coves, Lagoons & Beach Time

Day 20: Trek to Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak)

While the postcard beaches are a major draw for visitors to Ilha Grande, the island's interior is also known for its lush Atlantic forests and mountains, and today, you'll get to see why. Start with your guide at the town of Vila do Abraão, where you'll embark on a 4-mile (6 km) hike up Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak).

At 3,221 feet (982 m), the summit of this mountain (whose rock formations do indeed resemble a parrot's beak) is the second-highest point on Ilha Grande. The hike is moderately strenuous and takes about three hours to complete, but the effort is well worth it. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to incredible panoramic views of the island's beaches and the ocean beyond. 

Day 21: Return to Rio de Janeiro, Depart 

It's time to bid farewell to beautiful Brazil. At the scheduled time, head to the harbor in Ilha Grande and transfer by boat to the port of Conceição de Jacareí. From there, a car will pick you up for the two-hour drive back to Rio de Janeiro and the airport. Safe travels home or to your next destination!

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