From Salvador to Ilha Grande, by way of the rainforest and the falls
Salvador and the culture of Bahia, three nights at a lodge in the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, then several days on Ilha Grande, the car-free island of the Costa Verde.
This itinerary is based on a trip our team actually organized: every stop, every hotel and the length of each stay can be adapted to your dates and preferences.
Trip at a glance
- Salvador: the Pelourinho, Bonfim and the culture of Bahia.
- Three nights at a lodge in the Amazon, then the Meeting of the Waters.
- Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border.
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa.
- Four nights on Ilha Grande, the car-free island of the Costa Verde.
With Brazil Vip
An itinerary built with you, at your own pace and within your budget.
Bookings and logistics handled from start to finish.
Assistance 7 days a week during your trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Salvador
Salvador
Welcome by our guide and private transfer to the hotel, in the heart of the historic center.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer, accommodation.
Day 2 — Salvador, upper and lower town
Salvador
On foot through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho, with the São Francisco Church, then the Bonfim Church, the Mercado Modelo and the Lacerda Elevator.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 3 — Flight to Manaus
Salvador, Manaus
Free morning, then flight to Manaus. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Salvador – Manaus flight, transfers.
Day 4 — Into the Amazon rainforest
Manaus, Amazon
By road and boat to Manati Lodge, on the banks of the Rio Negro, then your first outings on the water in the late afternoon.
Included: full board at the lodge, transfer to the lodge, lodge activities.
Days 5 and 6 — Life to the rhythm of the forest
Amazon
Activities organized by the lodge: canoe trips along the igarapés (narrow forest waterways), forest hikes, pink river dolphin watching, piranha fishing and a visit to a riverside community.
Included: full board, lodge activities.
Day 7 — Back to Manaus and the Meeting of the Waters
Amazon, Manaus
Return to Manaus, then a boat trip to the Meeting of the Waters, where the Rio Negro and the Solimões flow side by side without mixing.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, transfer from the lodge, private excursion.
Day 8 — Flight to Iguazu
Manaus, Foz do Iguaçu
Transfer to the airport and flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Manaus – Foz do Iguaçu flight, transfers.
Day 9 — The Brazilian side of the falls
Foz do Iguaçu
The Trilha das Cataratas offers a panoramic view of the falls as a whole, all the way to the walkway facing the Garganta do Diabo. Visit to Parque das Aves, a conservation center in the heart of the Mata Atlântica.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees.
Day 10 — The Argentine side of the falls
Foz do Iguaçu
Cross the border to Iguazú National Park, whose walkways lead into the heart of the falls, as far as the Garganta del Diablo when the trails are open.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, park admission.
Day 11 — Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Foz do Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro
Transfer to the airport and flight to Rio de Janeiro. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel, in Ipanema.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro flight, transfers.
Day 12 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view over Guanabara Bay, then on to Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees.
Day 13 — Santa Teresa, Lapa and the historic center
Rio de Janeiro
A stroll through the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the Selarón Steps, Lapa and the historic center, between colonial churches and contemporary architecture.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 14 — On to Ilha Grande
Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande
Drive along the Costa Verde to Conceição de Jacareí, then boat crossing to Ilha Grande. Check in and rest of the day at leisure.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfer, boat crossing.
Days 15 to 17 — Ilha Grande at your own pace
Ilha Grande
Beaches, trails through the Atlantic Forest or optional boat trips: enjoy the car-free island.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 18 — Departure via Rio de Janeiro
Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro
Crossing to the mainland, then drive to Rio de Janeiro airport for your return flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, boat crossing, transfer to the airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 17 nights in hotels, pousadas and a lodge, in a double room, with breakfast; full board in the Amazon.
- Domestic flights Salvador – Manaus, Manaus – Foz do Iguaçu and Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro, taxes included.
- All transfers as per the itinerary and the boat crossing to Ilha Grande; in the Amazon, transfers organized by the lodge.
- Private tours and excursions as per the itinerary, with an English-speaking guide; in the Amazon, group activities organized by the lodge.
- Entrance fees for the sites and parks mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we’re happy to advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
More nights at one stop, a different hotel level or an extra destination: we’ll tailor this trip with you.
Customize this tourSuggested accommodation
Hotels are indicative. We confirm them when we prepare your quote, based on your dates and availability, and they may be replaced by properties of an equivalent category. We can also tailor the choice of hotels to your preferences and budget.
Standard / Guesthouse
- Hotel Intercity Manaus — Manaus
- Bogari Hotel — Foz do Iguaçu
Superior / Boutique
- Manati Lodge — Amazon
- Ipanema Inn Hotel — Rio de Janeiro
- Pousada Bonito Paraíso — Ilha Grande
- Hotel Villa Bahia — Salvador
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing, swimsuit and sandals.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and closed-toe shoes for the forest.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- Insect repellent, long pants and long sleeves, and binoculars if you have them.
Good to know
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on flight schedules, weather and local conditions.
Visiting the Argentine side of the falls means crossing a border: a valid passport is essential, and entry requirements depend on your nationality.
In the Amazon, lodge activities depend on the season and water levels. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
There are no cars on Ilha Grande: pack luggage that is easy to carry.
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