5 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Authentic Rio de Janeiro

Embark on this five-day trip to focus on Rio de Janeiro and see some of its top sights. Admire the views from Sugarloaf Mountain, learn how to dance like a Carnaval performer, and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Take a tour of Rio de Janeiro and discover more about the Cariocas, the local people of Rio. Explore the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião, the Saara neighborhood, and the Morrinho Project art installation, a miniature depiction of the city's favelas. Next, participate in Rio's famous Carnaval experience, where you can learn to dance the samba, try on authentic festival clothing, and learn about the history of the parades. Visit Mirante de Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) in the afternoon and enjoy the views along the 45-minute hike on the Claudio Coutinho track.

Begin Day 4 with a train ride through Tijuca Forest to Corcovado Peak, where you can admire the sweeping vistas from the Christ the Redeemer statue. Standing at a mighty 124-foot (38-m) tall, the figure is one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Visit Little Africa in the afternoon to learn about the turbulent history of the Cais do Valongo port area. Finally, explore Praça da Harmonia (Harmony Square), the New Blacks Cemetery, the immense Ethnicities Mural, and the Suspended Gardens of Valongo before departing Rio on your fifth and final day. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Rio de Janeiro & Foz do Iguaçu

This five-day itinerary includes highlights of Rio de Janeiro, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Rio Carnaval, and Christ the Redeemer, as well as a couple of days exploring the city of Foz do Iguaçu on the border of Argentina.

Arriving in Rio de Janeiro, your first stop will be a tour of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). Take a cable car ride to the top for panoramic city views and make your way to Copacabana for dinner and drinks afterward. Immerse yourself in the carnival culture of Rio by taking a walking tour to see sights such as São Sebastião Cathedral and the Saara Shopping District, and then head to the birthplace of samba, Pedra do Sal, to get a feel for this historic dance.

A tour to Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is next on the itinerary before visiting Tijuca National Park. Take the two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu to embark on a day trip to Iguaçu Falls and choose to hike either the lower circuit or the upper circuit, which includes a breathtaking view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Visit the Puerto Macuco forest and the Iguaçu River Canyon, and stop at Salto Tres Mosqueteros, where you can enjoy excellent views from the Brazil/Argentina border. Conclude your time in Brazil at San Martin Island. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Manaus & the Brazilian Amazon

Take a trip to the Amazon Rainforest and explore its river on this five-day itinerary in Brazil and spot pink dolphins, learn about the traditions of the Indigenous people, and trek through the mighty forest.

Arrive in the city of Manaus and take a tour around the Black River Palace and the Indian Museum, and purchase fresh produce at the Mercado Adolpho Lisboa. Sample local Amazonian seafood and then spend the night in Manaus. Transfer to the Anavilhanas Archipelago National Park the following morning and take an archery lesson from the Indigenous Waimiri-Atroari people. Explore the igapós and igarapés (swamps and waterways) at night to spot nocturnal animals such as sloths, caimans, and birds. Learn how to fish in wooden canoes and discover the culture and customs of the Caboclo community.

On Day 4, you'll take a sunrise tour on the Amazon River and trek through the forest to learn more about the native plant life and animal species that call this incredible place their home. Conclude your day by wading through the murky waters on a canoe tour of the Amazon ecosystems. Your fifth and final day consists of a pink river dolphin tour; keep your eyes peeled for these mysterious rose-colored creatures. Take a transfer back to Manaus Airport and depart Brazil after a fun, nature-filled few days. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Beaches & Culture in Bahia

Learn about Bahia's heritage and culture on this five-day itinerary in Brazil. Spend a day sampling traditional cuisine, learn how to play various percussion instruments, and take a boat tour around Tinharé Island.

Begin your trip to Brazil in Salvador and take an afternoon cultural heritage tour. You'll visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum and the Bahian Gastronomy Museum to learn about the delicious local delicacies. Head to Porto de Barra Beach and São Diogo Fort to experience the works of artists such as Carybé and Perre Verger. The following day begins at the São Joaquim Market to enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch, and then attend a musical workshop where you can have a go at playing Bahia's capoeira percussion instruments. 

On Day 3, head south and catch a catamaran to Morro de São Paulo on Tinharé Island to luxuriate on the beaches of Garapuá, Moreré, and Cueira. Tuck into lunch on Boca da Barra beach and visit the Santo Antonio Convent in Cairu before concluding your day trip with a spectacular view of the sunset. Enjoy plenty of free time on your last full day in Brazil. Visit the Fonte Grande fountain and discover the local history and culture, or venture to additional beaches such as Primeira Praia and Gamboa for a day lounging in the sunshine before departing Brazil the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Highlights of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Explore Fernando de Noronha on this quick highlights tour to Brazil. Take multiple boat tours to scuba dive and snorkel, swim in the waters of the many secluded beaches, and venture on nature hikes across the island.

Arrive in Brazil and fly to Fernando de Noronha to begin a five-day adventure to the island's many beaches and hidden lagoons, and experience beautiful marine life while enjoying vistas of the smaller islands of Rata, Rasa, and Sela Gineta. Look out for dolphins around Golfinhos Bay and enjoy a snorkeling excursion at Baía do Sancho (Sancho's Beach). Hop in a beach buggy for a full-day tour to explore and learn about the island's protected wildlife before donning your snorkel gear for a chance to swim with sharks, rays, and turtles at Porto Beach. Conclude the day with a visit to Mirador do Boldró to enjoy the sunset.

Begin the third day with a scuba diving excursion and spot sharks, turtles, exotic fish, octopuses, and occasionally dolphins as you navigate the water. Back on dry land, head off on a hiking expedition across the island's vast and varied landscape. Spot volcanic remnants, enjoy lovely beach views and watch for jagged rock formations as you traverse the Esmeralda do Atlântico (Emerald of the Atlantic) trail. If you have the time, enjoy more snorkeling and swimming opportunities at Cacimba do Padre, Americano, and Praia do Boldró beaches. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Brazil Itineraries

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