Rio, Iguazu and Salvador: the essentials of Brazil in nine days
Three iconic stops for a first taste of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, with its beaches, mountains and must-see sights, then Iguazu Falls, from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
The trip ends in Salvador, the country’s former capital, where the heritage, traditions and cuisine of Bahia reveal another side of Brazil.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and a free day.
- Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border, including the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat).
- The Parque das Aves, in the heart of the Atlantic Forest.
- Salvador: the Pelourinho, the Church of São Francisco, Bonfim and the São Joaquim market.
- All tours private, with an English-speaking guide.
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 Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
You are met by our English-speaking guide and taken by private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Included: accommodation, private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car 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 for Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 3 — Free day in Rio
Rio de Janeiro
Beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants: enjoy Rio at your own pace, or add an excursion of your choice.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — Flight to Iguazu
Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu
Free morning, then flight to Foz do Iguaçu. You are met by our English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu flight, private transfers with English-speaking guide.
Day 5 — The Argentine side of the falls and the Parque das Aves
Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), Foz do Iguaçu
Cross the border to Iguazú National Park, where the walkways lead into the heart of the falls, as far as the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) when the trails are open. An optional boat ride to the foot of the falls is available.
Back on the Brazilian side for the Parque das Aves, a conservation center in the heart of the Atlantic Forest.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees for the Argentine park and the Parque das Aves.
Day 6 — The Brazilian side of the falls, then Salvador
Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador
The Trilha das Cataratas offers a panoramic view of the entire falls, ending at the walkway facing the Garganta do Diabo.
Flight to Salvador, meet-and-greet and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour with English-speaking guide, park entrance fee, Foz do Iguaçu – Salvador flight, private transfers.
Day 7 — Salvador, Upper Town and Lower Town
Salvador
On foot through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho, with the Church of São Francisco, then the Bonfim Church, the São Joaquim market and the Lacerda Elevator.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 8 — Free day in Salvador
Salvador
Food, neighborhoods, beaches: at your own pace. Optional excursion to Praia do Forte and Projeto TAMAR, dedicated to protecting sea turtles.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 9 — Departure from Salvador
Salvador
Private transfer to Salvador airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private hotel–airport transfer.
Map
Included in this price
- 8 nights in hotels or pousadas, in a double room, with breakfast.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu and Foz do Iguaçu – Salvador, taxes included.
- All transfers in the itinerary by private vehicle.
- All tours in the itinerary on a private basis, with an English-speaking guide.
- Entrance fees for Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Iguazu Falls parks and the Parque das Aves.
Not included
- International flights (we can advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Boat ride to the foot of the falls and other optional activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and medical evacuation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
A few beach days in Bahia, a stop in Paraty or in the Amazon: we tailor the tour 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.
Superior / Boutique
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Rio de Janeiro
- Wish Foz do Iguaçu — Foz do Iguaçu
- Hotel Villa Bahia — Salvador
Luxury / Unique
- Belmond Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro
- Belmond Hotel das Cataratas — Foz do Iguaçu
- Hotel Fasano — Salvador
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and walks.
- A light rain jacket, essential at the falls.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Good to know
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on flight schedules, the 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.
Trails and walkways in the Iguazu parks may occasionally be modified or closed depending on the river’s flow and safety conditions.
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