Tailor-made Brazil trip: Rio, beaches and falls

Your tailor-made Brazil trip begins in Rio de Janeiro, where a friendly representative welcomes you at Rio de Janeiro Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport and arranges a smooth transfer to your hotel.

After settling in, ease into the rhythm of Brazil travel with a relaxed evening by the ocean. At Gabbiano Al Mare, the beachfront restaurant at Sol Ipanema Hotel, enjoy fresh local flavors and beautiful sea views as you experience your first taste of Rio’s laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Start the day with a visit to iconic Pão de Açúcar, also known as Sugarloaf Mountain. Ride the two-stage cable car to Morro da Urca and then continue to the summit for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain, and Cristo Redentor.

Continue to downtown Rio de Janeiro to explore landmarks such as Avenida Rio Branco, Cinelândia, Praça XV, the Sambódromo, Maracanã Stadium, and the striking Catedral de São Sebastião.

Later, enjoy a traditional churrasco lunch at Carretão in Lido before heading to Botafogo for an authentic samba class at Casa de Dança Carlinhos de Jesus.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Corcovado Station in Cosme Velho, about 30 minutes away. From there, board the cog train for a scenic journey through the lush Tijuca National Park as it climbs to the summit of Corcovado Mountain.

At the top, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views over Rio de Janeiro. The highlight is the impressive Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the most iconic landmarks in Brazil.

After visiting Corcovado, continue your exploration of Rio’s famous coastline, passing the beautiful beaches of São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana before heading on to nearby Gávea.

Leave your Rio de Janeiro hotel and fly to Foz do Iguaçu, one of the best places to visit in Brazil, arriving in the early afternoon to continue your tailor-made Brazil trip at a relaxed pace.

On arrival at Foz do Iguaçu International Airport, you are met and privately transferred to Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel. Set within the lush Misiones jungle, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat after your journey. In the evening, enjoy contemporary regional flavors at Naipi, the hotel’s restaurant, as you prepare to explore the spectacular Iguazu Falls.

The hotel is located in Puerto Iguazú on the Argentine side, so passport and entry requirements apply. A comparable hotel on the Brazilian side can be arranged on request.

Today, your journey takes you to the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls in Foz do Iguaçu National Park, where the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. Walk along scenic trails with your guide and admire nearly 280 waterfalls cascading across the landscapes of Brazil and Argentina.

The Brazilian side offers the most spectacular panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing the immense scale and power of the falls. Enjoy time to pause at the viewpoints, capture unforgettable photos, and experience the raw beauty of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Experience the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls, where a network of jungle trails leads to the Upper and Lower Circuits and the dramatic Devil’s Throat. Here, 16 of the 19 main cascades crash into the gorge, surrounding you with mist, thunder, and breathtaking views.

Pause for a relaxed continental lunch at El Fortin Restaurant inside the park before continuing your exploration.

Optional experiences are available for those seeking something extra. Choose the Gran Aventura for an exhilarating speedboat ride into the spray of the falls, combined with a guided jungle transfer. Alternatively, visit Fortín M'bororé, a Guarani community, where you can discover traditional music, crafts, and ancestral knowledge.

Continue your tailor-made Brazil trip as you depart your hotel and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Salvador da Bahia. A late morning departure is recommended, as direct flights to Salvador are often limited.

Upon arrival at Salvador da Bahia Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This vibrant coastal city marks the next highlight of your Brazil itinerary, known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, colorful colonial architecture, and lively atmosphere.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Fogo de Chão Salvador, located within walking distance of your hotel. Savor traditional Brazilian flavors as you relax and reflect on the experiences of the day.

Discover Salvador da Bahia, the fascinating former capital of Portugal’s New World colonies. Your exploration of colonial Salvador begins at Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra, built in 1534 and considered the oldest military structure in Brazil. The fort is also known as Farol da Barra, named after the lighthouse added in the late seventeenth century.

Continue to Salvador’s Upper City, known as Cidade Alta, the historic heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find charming plazas and a remarkable collection of military, religious, and residential buildings dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries.

Your visit includes Pelourinho, one of the most vibrant districts in the historic center, where more than 1,000 buildings were carefully restored in the 1990s.

On the final evening of your tailor-made Brazil trip, enjoy a memorable celebration of Bahian culture at Teatro Miguel Santana in Pelourinho.

Here you will experience an intimate performance by the renowned folk dance company Balé Folclórico da Bahia. Their vibrant repertoire blends capoeira, a dynamic mix of martial art and dance, with the rhythms of samba and the spiritual traditions of candomblé.

After the performance, complete your journey with dinner at Restaurante Maria Mata Mouro, a charming restaurant in the historic center known for its refined Bahian cuisine, a perfect finale to your time in Brazil.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Salvador da Bahia, savoring the last views, sounds, and flavors of the city. When it is time to depart, your private transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport for your onward journey.

If time allows, we can arrange a few final experiences before departure, such as last-minute shopping, a short cultural visit, or a leisurely seaside lunch, allowing you to make the most of your final hours in Brazil.