A first trip to Brazil, combining nature and culture
Four major stops to discover several sides of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, with its beaches, mountains and iconic sights; Iguazu Falls, from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides; then three days at a lodge in the Amazon, with boat trips, wildlife and encounters with local people.
The trip ends in Salvador, the country’s former capital, for its historic center and Bahian culture. An itinerary especially well suited to a first trip to 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, with the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) and the Parque das Aves.
- Three days at a lodge in the Amazon: boat trips, rainforest, pink river dolphins and piranha fishing.
- Salvador: the Pelourinho, the São Francisco Church, Bonfim and the São Joaquim market.
- Three domestic flights and all transfers arranged for you.
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
Welcome by our English-speaking guide and private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or start exploring the city.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a panorama over Guanabara Bay, then up Corcovado to see Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of Rio.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, admission to 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 that suits you.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — Flight to Iguazu
Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu
Free morning, then transfer to the airport and flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Welcome by our English-speaking guide and transfer 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 in Argentina. Its walkways lead right into the heart of the falls, as far as the Garganta del Diablo when the trails are open. An optional boat ride to the foot of the falls is available.
Back on the Brazilian side, visit the Parque das Aves, a conservation center in the heart of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest).
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, admission to the Argentine park and the Parque das Aves.
Day 6 — The Brazilian side of the falls, then Manaus
Foz do Iguaçu, Manaus
The Brazilian side offers a panoramic view of the entire falls: the Trilha das Cataratas leads from lookout to lookout to the walkway facing the Garganta do Diabo.
Transfer to the airport and flight to Manaus. Welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour with English-speaking guide, park admission, Foz do Iguaçu – Manaus flight, private transfers.
Day 7 — Into the Amazon rainforest
Manaus, Amazon
Departure for your lodge. Depending on the lodge you choose, the journey may pass the Meeting of the Waters, where the Rio Negro and the Solimões flow side by side before mixing.
In the evening, an outing to spot nocturnal wildlife may be offered.
Included: transfer to the lodge, accommodation, activities depending on the lodge, dinner.
Day 8 — Rivers, rainforest and piranhas
Amazon
A boat trip on the rivers and lakes, then a guided walk in the rainforest to learn about its plants and spot animal tracks. Piranha fishing in suitable areas, and sunset over the water.
Included: full board, activities with an English-speaking guide (arrangements vary by lodge).
Day 9 — Pink river dolphins and riverside life
Amazon
By small boat in search of pink river dolphins and birds, then a meeting with local residents. Depending on the season, exploration of the igarapés (creeks) and igapós, the flooded forests.
Included: full board, activities with an English-speaking guide (arrangements vary by lodge).
Day 10 — From Manaus to Salvador
Amazon, Manaus, Salvador
Return to Manaus, transfer to the airport and flight to Salvador. Welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, transfer from the lodge, Manaus – Salvador flight, private transfer.
Day 11 — Salvador, Upper Town and Lower Town
Salvador
A walking tour of the Pelourinho, the UNESCO-listed historic center, including the São Francisco Church. The tour continues in the Lower Town: the Church of Bonfim, the São Joaquim market and the Lacerda Elevator.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 12 — 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 13 — 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
- 12 nights in hotels and a lodge, in a double room, with breakfast; full board in the Amazon.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu – Manaus and Manaus – Salvador, taxes included.
- All transfers in the itinerary by private vehicle, except in the Amazon, where they are arranged by the lodge.
- Private tours with an English-speaking guide; in the Amazon, small-group activities with an English-speaking guide (arrangements vary by lodge).
- Admission to the sites and parks mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we’re happy to advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional activities, including the boat ride to the foot of Iguazu Falls.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
Swap the Amazon for the Pantanal, add a few beach days in Bahia or one more night at Iguazu: we’ll tailor the itinerary 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 Amazônia — Manaus
- Juma Lodge — Amazon
- Hotel Villa Bahia — Salvador
Luxury / Unique
- Belmond Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro
- Belmond Hotel das Cataratas — Foz do Iguaçu
- Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge — Amazon
- Hotel Fasano — Salvador
What to pack
- Light clothing, plus long pants and long sleeves for the Amazon.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and closed-toe shoes for the rainforest.
- A light rain jacket and a swimsuit, both also handy at the falls.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Good to know
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on flight schedules, weather, water levels and local conditions.
Visiting the Argentine side of the falls involves a border crossing: a valid passport is essential, and entry requirements depend on your nationality.
In the Amazon, the exact program depends on the lodge chosen, the season and the water level. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
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