8 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Rio de Janeiro: Mountains, Beaches & Samba

Discover the mountains, beaches, and samba on this in-depth tour of Rio de Janeiro. Ideal for active travelers and first-timers, you'll explore favelas and local food scenes and thrill to hang gliding and kayaking experiences. With additional iconic highlights like the Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and a full-day excursion to Petrópolis, this tour ensures a rich cultural immersion in the lively city.

Your adventure begins in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore local neighborhoods, including the charming Santa Teresa and the quiet favela of Pereirão. Here, you'll learn about the area's history, organization, and social issues while enjoying stunning city views. Get the adrenaline going on Day 2 with a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain before exploring Old Rio and its traditional churches, squares, and mansions. Continue with a hang gliding experience over Rio and a biking tour through the city, giving you a new perspective on the Brazilian metropolis.

Further immersing yourself in the local culture, you'll experience the Carnival atmosphere at Cidade do Samba before indulging in a food tour through the city, tasting traditional Brazilian food and drink like tapioca crepes, coxinha (chicken croquettes), and cachaça (fermented sugar cane juice). As the trip continues, you'll escape the city and head to Petrópolis, a colonial gem in the mountains. Then, the next day, visit Tijuca National Park, one of the world's largest urban rainforests, and enjoy a kayaking trip on Guanabara Bay. Finally, you'll spend your last morning enjoying the city's beautiful beaches before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Brazil's Cities & Natural Wonders: Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls & Salvador

Culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will be delighted with this itinerary focusing on Brazil's cities and natural wonders, which will take you from the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro to the rushing water of Iguaçu Falls and, finally, to the rich cultural heritage of Salvador. Experience diverse activities, including visits to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, touring the UNESCO-listed Iguaçu Falls, and exploring Salvador's colonial history and musical culture, before unwinding on the sandy beaches of Morro de São Paulo.

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore the lively beaches and iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Maracanã Stadium. A visit to Sugarloaf Mountain provides a panoramic view of the city, and a stroll through Santa Teresa and Old Rio offers a glimpse into the city's affluent past. On Day 4, immerse yourself in the diverse flora of Tijuca National Park and Rio Botanical Garden before flying to Foz do Iguaçu. Here, you'll experience the impressive UNESCO-listed Iguaçu Falls, one of the world's largest waterfall systems.

Fly north to Salvador, the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Here, you'll discover the city's rich history, architecture, and musical culture, with guided tours through the Upper Town's Pelourinho district and Lower Town's traditional craft center, Mercado Modelo. Next, you'll take a day trip to the idyllic island of Ilha de Tinharé to relax on the sandy beaches of Morro de São Paulo. On your last day in Salvador, immerse yourself in a traditional Brazilian music experience before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Coastal Brazil Tour: Salvador, Morro de São Paulo & Boipeba

Uncover coastal charms on this highlights tour of Brazil's coast through Salvador, Morro de São Paulo, and Boipeba. From experiencing the electric nightlife of Salvador to relaxing on Morro de São Paulo's white sandy beaches and canoeing through peaceful waterways in Boipeba's mangroves, this itinerary offers a blend of culture and adventure. Cap your journey with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cachoeira, where you'll get a taste of Bahia's African culture.

In Salvador, you'll get a taste of the local nightlife in the bustling neighborhood of Rio Vermelho before embarking on a sightseeing tour through Salvador's Upper Town and historic Pelourinho district, famed for its stunning 17th- and 18th-century colonial architecture. Following this, you'll board a catamaran to Morro de São Paulo, an idyllic island famed for its white sandy beaches. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour to Gamboa Beach, passing through picturesque landscapes and tranquil environments.

Continue your island adventure on a speedboat to the serene Boipeba Island, famed for its spectacular beaches. Here, you'll have the chance to canoe through the island's peaceful mangrove forests, offering an insight into the rich diversity of local wildlife. Next, embark on a full-day tour of Boipeba Island, visiting the natural pools of Moreré and the picturesque beaches of Boca da Barra and Ponta dos Castelhanos. Your final day will see you return to Salvador for a culturally enriching tour of the traditional town of Cachoeira before bidding Brazil farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Introduction to Brazil: São Paulo, Foz do Iguaçu & Rio de Janeiro

First-timers will enjoy this introduction to Brazil, exploring the city life, natural wonders, and beautiful beaches of São Paulo, Foz do Iguaçu, and Rio de Janeiro. From touring São Paulo's chic shopping district, witnessing the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, and hiking the Two Brothers Peak in Rio to visiting the Vidigal favela and iconic Christ the Redeemer, this trip is a thrilling mix of adventure and culture that will leave you with a rich understanding of Brazil's dynamic character.

Your journey will commence in São Paulo, where you'll explore the city's historic sites and indulge in a half-day shopping spree in its chic district. Then, you'll fly to Foz do Iguaçu, home to the famous Iguaçu Falls and spend time at the Parque das Alves to marvel at the local wildlife. Following that, you'll get up close to the rushing waters at Iguaçu Falls from different viewpoints in the Argentine National Park (Argentina) and the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil).

The second half of your itinerary will take you to Rio de Janeiro, where you'll visit iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy the city's lively nightlife with samba music and dance. You'll also have the opportunity to tour Two Brothers Peak, the Vidigal favela, and explore Rio on a bike tour. On your final day, you can spend your free morning on the beach, participating in watersports or simply soaking up the sun before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Kayaking Adventure in Brazil's Amazon

Experience the rich biodiversity of Brazil's Amazon on this kayaking adventure. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, you'll spend days kayaking along the Rio Urubu, trekking through the jungle to remote waterfalls, camping under the stars, and exploring the vibrant city of Manaus. Get an up-close look at the region's unique flora and fauna, and learn about the Amazon's ecosystem from your experienced guides.

Begin in Manaus, where you'll embark on a city tour of sites like the Port of Manaus, Matriz Square, and the Teatro Amazonas. On Day 2, experience the "Meeting of the Waters," where the dark Rio Negro and the lighter Rio Solimões flow side by side without mixing. Next, venture into the Ecological Park of Janeiro and the Musa, an extraordinary living museum, to immerse yourself in the biodiversity of the Amazon. Day 3 marks the start of your kayaking adventure along the Rio Urubu, where you'll experience the tranquility of the Amazon rainforest firsthand, explore bat caves, and camp under the stars.

On Day 4, continue your kayaking journey, interspersed with hikes to remote waterfalls and lessons on local flora and fauna from your guide. Day 5 brings a sunrise hike, more kayaking, and a trek to one of the largest waterfalls near Rio Urubu. The following day, you'll have your last full day of kayaking, spotting wildlife, visiting more waterfalls, and enjoying the lush scenery around you. Then on your final full day, paddle to the end of your journey on the Rio Urubu, bid farewell to the jungle, and return to Manaus. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Brazil Itineraries

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