From Iguazu Falls to the jaguars of the Pantanal, then Rio and Paraty
A nature and culture trip that begins at Iguazu Falls, on both sides of the border, before the northern Pantanal and its boat safaris in search of the jaguar. It ends with Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, on 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
- Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border, including the Garganta del Diablo.
- The northern Pantanal and its boat safaris, one of the best places in the world to see jaguars.
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
- Paraty, its historic center and its island-dotted bay.
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 Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu
Welcome by our guide and private transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer, accommodation.
Day 2 — 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 3 — 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 4 — Flight to Cuiabá
Foz do Iguaçu, Cuiabá
Transfer to the airport and flight to Cuiabá, the gateway to the northern Pantanal. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Foz do Iguaçu – Cuiabá flight, transfers.
Day 5 — Along the Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre
Cuiabá, Northern Pantanal
Drive south along the Transpantaneira, punctuated by wooden bridges and stops to watch caimans and birds, to your riverside hotel in Porto Jofre.
Included: full board, private transfer.
Days 6 and 7 — River safari in search of the jaguar
Northern Pantanal
Days on a private boat on the Cuiabá and Piquiri rivers, with your guide, to try to spot jaguars, giant otters, caimans and a multitude of birds.
Included: full board, private boat safaris with guide.
Day 8 — From the Pantanal to Rio de Janeiro
Northern Pantanal, Cuiabá, Rio de Janeiro
Drive back to Cuiabá, then flight to Rio de Janeiro. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Cuiabá – Rio de Janeiro flight, transfers.
Day 9 — 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 10 — From Rio de Janeiro to Paraty
Rio de Janeiro, Paraty
Drive along the coast to Paraty, between the Atlantic Forest and the bay. Check in and rest of the day at leisure.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfer.
Day 11 — The bay and historic center of Paraty
Paraty
Boat trip among the islands, coves and small beaches of Paraty Bay.
A stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center, with its colonial houses and churches.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 12 — Waterfalls and Atlantic Forest
Paraty
Excursion into the hinterland: Atlantic Forest waterfalls and cachaça distilleries, or Trindade beach.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 13 — Departure via Rio de Janeiro
Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Drive to Rio de Janeiro airport for your return flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private transfer to the airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 12 nights in hotels, pousadas and a lodge, in a double room, with breakfast; full board in the Pantanal.
- Domestic flights Foz do Iguaçu – Cuiabá and Cuiabá – Rio de Janeiro, taxes included.
- All transfers as per the itinerary by private vehicle.
- Private tours and excursions as per the itinerary, with an English-speaking guide; private boat safaris in the Pantanal.
- 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 D’Luca — Cuiabá
- Santa Rosa Pantanal Hotel — Northern Pantanal
- Pousada Corsário Paraty — Paraty
Superior / Boutique
- Wish Foz do Iguaçu — Foz do Iguaçu
- Arena Leme Hotel — Rio de Janeiro
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing, swimsuit and sandals.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and closed-toe shoes for nature outings.
- 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 Pantanal, the program depends on the season and water levels. Sightings of jaguars and other wildlife can never be guaranteed.
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