Highlights
- Explore Rio de Janeiro's historical center, where samba, Carnaval, and culture meet
- Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for 360-degree views over the capital
- Reach the top of Corcovado Hill to meet Cristo Redentor
- Take a boat tour of Iguaçu Falls, the world's largest waterfall system
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain Walk | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 2 | Discover the Carioca Lifestyle & Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 3 | Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 4 | Iguaçu Falls & Gran Aventura Boat Tour | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Day 5 | Fly to Rio de Janeiro & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain Walk
Welcome to Brazil! Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro. The city's magnetic beauty, rich cultural scene, and geographical diversity—a combination of mountains, tropical forests, and stunning beaches—make it the perfect place for adventurous travelers. Experience the friendliness and hospitality of Cariocas, as locals are known, as you get to know the "Marvelous City." Check out the world's largest urban forest, visit the birthplace of samba, or find one-of-a-kind gifts at the city's Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Hippie Market).
Get your bearings this afternoon with a tour of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). A 45-minute hike takes you along the Claudio Coutinho track, where you'll hop on a cable car to reach the summit. Rising 1,299 ft (396 m) above the harbor, Pão de Açúcar is named after the mountain's resemblance to traditional sugar loaf. After taking in incredible panoramic views across the city, return to your hotel by cable car and enjoy the rest of the evening. Check out Ipanema and Copacabana for local bars, or opt for a laid-back dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 2: Discover the Carioca Lifestyle & Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval
Today you'll experience authentic Carioca and Carnaval culture on a walking tour with a local expert. Highlights include the conical-shaped São Sebastião Cathedral and the Saara Shopping District, a lively hub for bargain hunters. Then, marvel at the spaceship-like architectural design of the Contemporary Art Museum (MAC), and see a wide array of traditional Brazilian handicrafts at the CRAB Museum. Have a buffet lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, one of the oldest restaurants in Brazil, before heading to the historical enclave of Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba music.
Here you'll go behind the scenes of Brazil's Carnaval celebrations with a visit to a samba school. Even if you aren't here during the actual Carnaval, you'll see people working diligently during this year-long process of building floats, sewing costumes, and preparing dance routines. You can try on some outfits and learn a bit of percussion to get the feel of Brazilian samba. Enjoy a delicious caipirinha—Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça (sugar cane liquor) and lime before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu
No trip to Rio is complete without a visit to its most iconic landmark and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer. Perched atop the 2,300-foot-high (700 m) Corcovado Mountain, this giant representation of Christ looks down benevolently over the incredible city below with open arms. Your tour of this century-old landmark begins with a morning transfer from your hotel into Tijuca National Park, which at 8,300 acres (3,359 ha) is the largest urban park in the world.
Once you reach the base of Corcovado, a train will take you up through the lush forest to the peak. There, you'll find Cristo Redentor, the largest Art Deco statue ever built at 98 feet (30 m) high. Every year, around two million tourists make the trip to marvel at this sculptural accomplishment—plus, this is the best view of Rio. From here, you can see all of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, the south beaches, and far north to the adjacent city of Duque de Caxias. You can even look out across the bay to the eastern cities of Niterói and São Gonçalo.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Iguaçu Falls & Gran Aventura Boat Tour
Today you'll witness one of the world's great natural wonders at nearby Iguaçu Falls. It's an unmissable destination: born out of a volcanic explosion, an impressive 257 separate cascades pour from a cliff in a huge free-fall the height of a 24-story building. This powerful phenomenon is so large that it borders both Argentina and Brazil, spanning a total of 1.7 miles (2.7 km). To get stunning views of the falls, choose one of two paths to hike. The lower circuit keeps you close to nature, while the upper circuit displays all the drops and delta islands with a view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat).
Keep exploring the jungle in the afternoon with a scenic group safari and boat tour. Begin with a car ride along the Yacaratiá narrow track to the Puerto Macuco forest base. There, boats will take you through the lower Iguaçu River Canyon, spanning 3.7 miles (6 km) toward the waterfalls. Continue to the Salto Tres Mosqueteros to enjoy a view from both the Argentinian and Brazilian borders. The tour ends at San Martin Island, and from there, you'll return to the park entrance and head back to your hotel.
Day 5: Fly to Rio de Janeiro & Depart
Enjoy one final glimpse of Iguaçu this morning before your driver transfers you to the airport to catch your flight back to Rio and your onward connection. Safe travels!
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