11 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Brazil's Vibrant Coastline: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty & Ilha Grande

Discover Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings, including Paraty and Ilha Grande, on this classic itinerary of Brazil's coastline. Highlights include riding a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, sailing around the island of Itacuruçá, snorkeling off the tropical island of Ilha Grande, and trekking through lush Atlantic forests to Pico do Papagaio while soaking up local culture and history in Rio and colonial Paraty.

Beginning in Rio de Janeiro, you'll explore the city, ride a cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), and visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. You'll also tour the Two Brothers Peak and the Vidigal favela and sail to the picturesque island of Itacuruçá to check out hidden coves and secluded beaches. Then, take a trip to Rio Botanical Garden before heading west to the charming colonial town of Paraty. You'll walk its historic streets and sail around the bay. Continue with a nature and culture tour, visiting the scenic Serra da Bocaina National Park to slide down waterfalls and sip locally-produced cachaça.

Next, you'll transfer to the UNESCO-protected island of Ilha Grande. You'll explore the island and its diverse range of beaches on a boat tour and partake in eco-trekking, kayaking, and surfing. After hiking up Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak) for breathtaking views of the beaches and the ocean, you're free to spend your final morning on Ilha Grande as you like, perhaps visiting one of its 100 beaches or snorkeling off the crescent-shaped, Atlantic rainforest-backed Lopes Mendes. Savor one last morning on Ilha Grande before readying for your return to Rio de Janeiro. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover the Power of Nature in Brazil: Rio, Foz do Iguaçu & North Pantanal

Covering more ground, this highlights itinerary divides your time between the famous landmarks of Rio de Janeiro, the sprawling series of waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu, and the endemic wildlife of the Northern Pantanal. Experience memorable moments like a private city tour of Rio, visiting the Argentine and Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls, and a horseback ride and nocturnal wildlife walk in the Pantanal. With beach visits, hikes in Tijuca National Park, and a fascinating tour of a local favela, you'll get a comprehensive taste of Brazil's diverse landscapes and culture.

In Rio de Janeiro, you'll explore popular highlights like Christ the Redeemer and board a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain. A trip to Angra dos Reis on Day 3 offers a chance to dive, snorkel, or swim in the turquoise waters of the Costa Verde (Green Coast). Your adventure continues with a flight inland to Foz do Iguaçu to marvel at the imposing waterfalls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides. You'll have two days to explore and have an afternoon discovering native bird species at Parque das Aves, a renowned center for the recovery and conservation of birds.

On Day 6, board your second flight, this time to North Pantanal, where you'll engage in various activities put on by your accommodation for the next three days, the Ueso Pantanal Lodge. You'll join a nocturnal wildlife walk, sunrise walk, horseback riding, and a boat tour, providing plenty of opportunities to observe diverse species of the region's wildlife, like the famed capybara. Returning to Rio de Janeiro, you'll visit pristine Grumari Beach, Tijuca Forest, and Rio's popular Botanical Garden. Conclude your adventure with a morning tour of a local favela to gain insight into the residents' day-to-day lives before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Brazil East Coast Adventure: Jericoacoara, Salvador & Rio de Janeiro

Explore Brazil's east coast, from Jericoacoara to Salvador to Rio de Janeiro, on this adventure as you dive into the region's culture, cuisine, music, and architecture. Experience the thrill of exploring Jericoacoara's lagoons via dune buggy, delve into Salvador's Afro-Caribbean heritage, and discover Rio's vibrant nightlife. This trip also offers a peek into the world of Carnival, a walking tour of historical sites, and a sailing trip to Ilha de Itacuruçá.

Begin in Fortaleza and transfer to Jericoacoara National Park, where you'll ride over wind-swept sand dunes to reach pristine freshwater lagoons by dune buggy, including Lagoa do Paraiso, Lagoa Azul, and Buraco Azul. On your free day, relax at the beach, try offshore kite surfing, or enjoy a yoga session. Then, fly to Salvador, a center for Afro-Caribbean culture, and discover this colorful city through walking tours of the Pelourinho district, a Bahian percussion workshop, and a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Bahian dishes. Conclude with a night of live music and dancing in the vibrant Rio Vermelho neighborhood.

On Day 7, you'll fly to Rio de Janeiro to tour local botecos (neighborhood bars). The following day, witness the panoramic views from Sugarloaf Mountain and learn about samba music in a Carnival experience at Samba City before touring Corcovado, Rio Botanical Gardens, Tijuca Forest, and visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue. Continue with a sailing day trip to the idyllic Ilha de Itacuruçá, where you can swim, spot dolphins, or relax on the unspoiled beaches. On your final day in Rio, embrace the Carioca lifestyle with a walking tour through the city's historic center and Saara Shopping District. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Eco Travel in Brazil: Amazon, Iguaçu Falls & Rio de Janeiro

Opt for this eco-conscious itinerary designed for intrepid travelers interested in exploring the Amazon. Learn about the daily practices, culture, and history of the Amazon as well as discover its rich biodiversity on guided night walks and canoe trips. Check out stunning natural wonders like Iguaçu Falls and indulge in a Brazilian cooking class in Rio de Janeiro, and tour the city's sites, including Christ the Redeemer and Guanabara Bay. 

Your eco-trip to Brazil starts in Foz do Iguaçu, where you'll tour the world's largest functioning hydroelectric power plant, the Itaipu Dam. You'll then explore Iguaçu Falls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides and spend time interacting with the various endangered birdlife at Bird Park. In Manaus, you'll take a city tour, visiting landmarks like the renowned opera house, Black River Palace, and the Museu do Índio before setting off for your eco-lodge in the Amazon rainforest. You'll embark on a canoe trip of Amazonian creeks and flooded forest, hike through the jungle, and engage in wildlife activities, including fishing and bird-watching.

After exploring the rainforest, you'll catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro to visit landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, the National Historical Museum, and Sugarloaf Mountain lookout or relax on one of the city's popular beaches, like famous Copacabana and Ipanema. During a Brazilian cooking class on Day 9, you'll also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare local favorites moqueca (fish stew) or feijoada (bean stew) and on your last full day, enjoy a yachting venture around Guanabara Bay for a different perspective of Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Brazil: Trekking in Chapada Diamantina National Park

Active travelers will enjoy this trekking itinerary in Chapada Diamantina National Park, a nature reserve in eastern Brazil. Experience the best of Brazil's Bahia region by exploring the rich Afro-Brazilian history of Salvador, trekking through the stunning landscapes of Chapada Diamantina, and unwinding on the serene white-sand beaches of Boipeba Island after a canoe trip through its winding mangrove channels.

Your adventure begins in Salvador, the capital and cultural hub of Brazil's Bahia region. Discover Bahian music, culture, and history and explore Salvador's historic Centro Histórico, where you'll embark on a walking tour of the vibrant Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, fly to Lençóis, a historic town that serves as the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park. You'll hike through the Vale do Pati here, marveling at the breathtaking landscapes, tropical forests, and hidden waterfalls. The adventure continues with a hike to Cachoeira dos Funis, another romantic waterfall nestled in the forest.

Enjoy the panoramas from the peak of Gerais do Vieira on Day 6 and reach Vale do Capão before arriving at your hotel in the village of Palmeiras. The next day, you'll set off on a full-day hike deep into Chapada Diamantina National Park, heading toward Morro do Pai Inácio, a table mountain that offers sweeping views of Chapada's landscapes. On Day 8, you'll transfer to Ilha de Boipeba, a secluded and unspoiled Brazilian isle known for its peaceful atmosphere, white-sand beaches, and crystalline turquoise waters. Enjoy canoeing down the Rio Piã through its narrow mangrove channels teeming with exotic animals. Learn more

More Great Brazil Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.