9 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Brazil City, Waterfall & Island Escape: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraty & Ilha Grande

First-time visitors to Brazil interested in a blend of culture, nature, and history will enjoy this highlights itinerary. You'll take a guided tour of Rio de Janeiro's iconic sites and prepare typical dishes in a cooking class, visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguaçu Falls, hike along the historic Gold Trail in Paraty, and end with a relaxing stay on the beaches of Ilha Grande.

On arrival in Rio de Janeiro, stroll the Copacabana boardwalk and watch the sunset at Arpoador Beach (or, if you're a surfer, catch some waves). Next, head to Tijuca National Park and take a train up Corcovado, where you'll find the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. In the evening, ride the cable car to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for a walk along the Pista Claudio Coutinho Trail. When you reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, enjoy the sunset with Champagne. Back in the city, learn how to prepare Brazilian dishes in a cooking class before exploring the music scene in the Lapa neighborhood. 

Fly to Foz do Iguaçu for a hike of Iguaçu Falls and a boat excursion on the Argentine side of the epic waterfall system, followed by a visit to the Brazilian side of the falls and Parque das Aves (Bird Park), home to more than 1,320 exotic and tropical birds. Learn some of Brazil's colonial history on a guided hike along the Gold Trail, then sample local spirits at a cachaça distillery. Transfer to Ilha Grande, where you'll cap off your trip with a hike to Lopes Mendes Beach, a boat tour to Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), and a hike to Feiticeira Waterfall. Finally, return to Rio de Janeiro for a farewell dinner before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Brazil's Great Outdoors: Amazon, Iguaçu Falls & Rio de Janeiro

See a little more of Brazil on this alternate highlights itinerary, ideal for travelers interested in the outdoors, particularly wildlife and plant enthusiasts. At Manati Jungle Lodge on the Amazon border in Manaus, you'll observe nocturnal wildlife on an evening canoe adventure, learn about the medicinal and cosmetic uses of Amazonian plants on a guided walk, and see pink dolphins in the wild. You'll also have a chance to hike in Iguaçu National Park and visit Bird Park, then end your journey with a tour of the Rio Botanical Gardens in Rio de Janeiro.

Begin with a guided tour of Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon that includes a visit to Museu do Índio to learn about Brazil's Indigenous cultural heritage. Next, head to Manati Jungle Lodge for two days of Amazon activities that include a nighttime canoe ride to spot nocturnal wildlife, a guided walk where you'll learn about the medicinal and cosmetic purposes of local plants, a visit to a fishery to see the famous piranhas, and a chance to observe pink dolphins in their natural habitat. Catch a flight to Foz do Iguaçu, where you'll start with the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls in Iguaçu National Park.

Then, hop over to the Argentine side for a hike in Argentine National Park and a boat tour through the lower Iguaçu River canyon before departing for Rio de Janeiro. Check out the museum, views, and cafés at Forte de Copacabana, a Portuguese-colonial fort that's still a working naval base. Round out your trip with a tour that includes a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a Brazilian lunch at Zaza Bistro, a tour of Maracana soccer stadium, and a guided excursion to Rio Botanical Garden, where you can see some of the 7,000 types of plants, as well as toucans and the occasional monkey. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Uncover Brazil's Coastal Cities & Towns: São Paulo, Natal, Praia de Pipa & Salvador

Check out this active itinerary if you're looking to combine urban exploration with outdoor excursions along Brazil's eastern coastline. You'll tour the sites of São Paulo, enjoy beach time and dune buggy excursions in Natal and Praia de Pipa, visit the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district in Salvador and a sea turtle project in Praia do Forte, sample local flavors, and shop for souvenirs at the lively São Joaquim Fair, and more. 

Start in São Paulo, Brazil's most populous city, with a guided city tour that includes the historic downtown and the lively Avenida Paulista. Next, you'll fly to Natal to experience the famous sand dunes and beaches on a dune buggy excursion. Then it's off to Praia de Pipa for a dune buggy and bicycle adventure that bring you to cliffs, viewpoints, and natural pools—where you'll have time to take a refreshing dip—and the fishing village of Sibaúma, home to descendants of escaped enslaved Africans, where you'll learn some local history and have a chance to observe giant sea turtles.

Embark on a kayaking and swimming adventure through the mangroves and along the cliffs of Lagoa Guaraíras before flying south to Salvador. Here, you'll visit the city's historic downtown and the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district, then attend a performance by the Bahia Folklore Company. Take a day trip to the village of Praia do Forte, where you'll visit the Garcia D'Ávila Plantation home and TAMAR Project Headquarters, a national sea turtle preservation project. Lastly, shop for souvenirs at the São Joaquim Fair and enjoy a moqueca (seafood stew) cooking demonstration and tasting. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Brazil Safari: Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls & North Pantanal

This safari adventure is well-suited for wildlife lovers and bird-watchers. Experiences include enjoying the rush of Iguaçu Falls on a speedboat tour, observing the tropical birds at Foz do Iguaçu's Bird Park, spotting nocturnal animals on a night hike in northern Pantanal, searching for jaguars on safari in Porto Jofre, and visiting the birds of Rio Botanical Garden.

Get a bird's-eye view of Rio de Janeiro from atop Corcovado, then head back down for a street-level view on a guided tour of the sites, including the Metropolitan Cathedral. Catch a flight to Foz do Iguaçu the next day, where you'll marvel at the powerful waters of Iguaçu Falls and the variety of birds at Bird Park. Then, head to the Argentine side for a train ride to the best viewpoint of Devil's Mouth and a speedboat tour in Iguaçu National Park. Next, you'll fly to Cuiabá and transfer to North Pantanal, where you'll observe native animals and birds from the lookout tower and overnight in a pousada (inn) in the sprawling wetlands.

Your exploration of North Pantanal continues with activities that include a Jeep safari on the Transpantaneira road, canoeing, horseback riding, and a night walk searching for nocturnal animals. On Day 7, embark on a jaguar safari and boat tour in Porto Jofre, where you may see jaguars in the virgin forest. Finally, you'll return to Rio de Janeiro and visit the Rio Botanical Garden, home to thousands of plant types and various bird species, and enjoy some free time to explore on your own, do some souvenir shopping, or bike the coast, then savor one last Brazilian feast before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Brazil's Ultimate 4WD & Sand Dune Adventure

Go off the beaten track with this itinerary as you follow Brazil's northern coastline, an excellent option for photographers and those eager to immerse themselves in (sandy) nature. You'll tour the sites of São Luis, traverse the surreal lagoons, dunes, and landscapes of Lençois Maranhenses National Park by 4WD, cruise the Rio Preguiças, witness wildlife in Delta do Parnaíba, watch the kitesurfers (or join them!) in Barra Grande, and tour the small fishing village of Jericoacoara by buggy.

Get acquainted with São Luis, known for its well-preserved Portuguese architecture, on a historical walking tour. Then, head to Santo Amaro on a 4WD excursion to the striking aquamarine colors of the lagoons and lakes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where you'll stop for a swim and walk along the dunes. Continue to Barreirinhas, stopping in Betânia for a canoe ride. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Great Lençóis and the Lagoa Bonita circuit on a 4WD expedition on Day 4, and consider the 30-minute optional flight over the vast park.

Cruise up the Rio Preguiças to Caburé Beach the following day, spotting monkeys and other endemic species along the way and stopping at Mandacaru Lighthouse for a 360-degree view from the top. Savor a seafood lunch in Caburé before overnighting in Atins. Continue to Barra Grande via the Delta do Parnaíba, marveling at the labyrinth of islands and diverse fauna. Sink into the relaxed pace of Barra Grande, try kitesurfing, and sip caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail) in a local bar before transferring to Jericoacoara. Spend your final days sunbathing, sandboarding, and taking a buggy tour. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Brazil Itineraries

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