Rio, Iguazu, Paraty and Ilha Grande in eleven days
Some of Brazil’s most iconic stops: Rio de Janeiro, set between ocean, mountains and must-see sights, followed by Iguazu Falls, seen from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
The trip continues to Paraty, a colonial town between the Atlantic Forest and an island-dotted bay, and ends on Ilha Grande, with its beaches, coves and tropical greenery. An ideal first trip to Brazil, with a few days to relax by the sea.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and a free day.
- Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border, plus the Parque das Aves.
- Paraty: a boat trip on the bay and a stroll through the historic center.
- Three nights on Ilha Grande, with beaches, trails and optional boat trips.
- Paraty and Ilha Grande share a joint listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panorama over Guanabara Bay, then up Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
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 a 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, where walkways lead right 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, 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 Paraty
Foz do Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Paraty
The Trilha das Cataratas offers a panoramic view of the entire falls, ending at the walkway facing the Garganta do Diabo.
Flight to Rio de Janeiro, then private transfer to Paraty.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour with English-speaking guide, park admission, Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro flight, private transfers.
Day 7 — Paraty’s bay and historic center
Paraty
Boat trip on Paraty Bay, dotted with islands, coves and small beaches fringed by the Atlantic Forest.
Stroll through the cobbled lanes of the historic center, with its colonial houses, churches and colorful 18th- and 19th-century facades.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, boat trip.
Day 8 — On to Ilha Grande
Paraty, Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande
Drive by private vehicle to Angra dos Reis, then cross by boat to Ilha Grande. Welcome, check-in and the rest of the day free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfer to Angra dos Reis, boat crossing, transfer to your accommodation.
Day 9 — Ilha Grande at your own pace
Ilha Grande
An island largely covered by Atlantic Forest, with beaches, coves and trails. Optional extras: boat trips to the Lagoa Azul and nearby beaches, hikes or diving.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 10 — Ilha Grande’s beaches and trails
Ilha Grande
Another free day: beach time, a hike, or another boat trip to explore the coves. Optional snorkeling or diving, depending on conditions.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 11 — Departure via Rio de Janeiro
Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro
Crossing back to the mainland, then private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, boat crossing, private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 10 nights in hotels or pousadas, in a double room, with breakfast.
- Round-trip domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu, taxes included.
- All transfers in the itinerary by private vehicle, plus the boat crossings to Ilha Grande.
- Private tours and excursions as listed in the itinerary, with an English-speaking guide where indicated.
- Boat trip on Paraty Bay.
- Admission to the sites and parks mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we’re happy to advise you).
- Optional boat ride to the foot of Iguazu Falls.
- Optional excursions and activities on Ilha Grande.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned, tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
One more night in Paraty, a few days in Búzios or a stop in the Amazon: 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
- Pousada do Ouro — Paraty
- Pousada Bonito Paraíso — Ilha Grande
Luxury / Unique
- Belmond Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro
- Belmond Hotel das Cataratas — Foz do Iguaçu
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and trails, sandals and a swimsuit.
- A light rain jacket, 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, sailing conditions 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.
Crossings between the mainland and Ilha Grande depend on sea conditions and may be adjusted if necessary.
Excursions on Ilha Grande are optional and vary with the weather and sea conditions.
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