Brazil Safari: Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls & North Pantanal - 9 Days

Highlights

• Touch down in Rio and discover Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa, and Old Rio
• Explore the Brazilian Side of Iguaçu Falls and observe exotic birds species
• Visit Argentine National Park and take a speedboat tour near the falls
• Base yourself in North Pantanal and keep your eyes peeled for jaguars

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, City Tour

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), as Rio is known, is a sprawling harbor city known for its beaches, festive culture, and raucous entertainment. On the drive into the city, catch views of Mount Corcovado's iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Cable cars transport visitors up its towering peak to enjoy expansive city views.

Today's guided tour covers some of Rio's most famous landmarks. First, you'll head to the top of Mount Corcovado to visit Christ the Redeemer, a 98-foot (30 m) statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city below. Commissioned in 1920, it was built to symbolize the welcoming spirit of both Rio and Brazil. Once you arrive at the summit of the 2,310-foot (704 m) Corcovado and the base of this Art Deco statue, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Rio and beyond, from the southern beaches to Guanabara Bay and farther north to the city of Duque de Caxias.

Day 2: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu, Visit Iguaçu Falls & Bird Park

Brace yourself for a change of scenery as you're picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for a flight inland to Foz do Iguaçu. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a driver and taken directly to your hotel. Once settled, You'll meet your guide in the lobby and head to Iguaçu Falls, home to more than 270 breathtaking waterfalls. After passing through the visitor's center, continue your tour to the magnificent falls. Take a half-mile (1 km) walk and marvel at the surrounding beauty. As you move along, enjoy the panoramic view of the falls and get up close to the Devil's Throat waterfall.

Your tour ends at the top of Iguaçu Falls, which can be accessed by a panoramic elevator. Then, follow the catwalk to the Porto Canoas Space, where you'll see the Iguaçu River. Next, it's on to visit a bird park in Foz do Iguaçu, with more than 150 different species. You'll have the opportunity to experience and observe macaws, parrots, and toucans at close range. Parque das Aves (Bird Park) is an internationally recognized center for the recreation and protection of birds in the lush Atlantic rainforest. 

Day 3: Visit Iguaçu Falls (Argentine National Park), Speedboat Tour

Today you'll cross the border and visit the impressive Iguaçu Falls in Argentina's Argentine National Park. With your guide, take a small train to the best viewpoint of Devil's Mouth. At 262 feet (80 m) high, the thundering masses of water plunge to the depths directly at the edge in front of you. As the name suggests, this is the highest part of the Iguazú Falls, a gigantic water spectacle. Experience the roar, the spray, and the power of this natural phenomenon, leaving a lasting impression. Then you can take time to observe the falls from viewpoints along the footbridges.

Day 4: Fly to Cuiabá, Transfer to North Pantanal, Explore

Today, you'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in good time to board your 2.5-hour flight to Cuiabá. Upon arrival in Cuiabá, your driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the Pantanal via the Transpantaneira Highway. You'll arrive at your pousada (inn) nestled in the wetlands, where all meals will be served during your stay. After you've settled in, go out for a stroll to the lookout tower, which you can climb to observe a variety of native species, including monkeys and birds. Tonight, you'll fall asleep as you gaze at the stars above.

Days 5-6: Explore North Pantanal

Over the next two days, you'll participate in different activities to discover the Pantanal, including its wildlife and landscapes representative of the region. Some activities include a Jeep photo safari on the Transpantaneira, observing caimans, canoeing along the river, and riding horses. Later in the day, you can't miss the epic sunset of the Pantanal, and once night has fallen, you'll head with a local guide to observe nocturnal animals as they search for food.

Day 7: Jaguar Safari & Boat Tour

After an early morning coffee, head toward Porto Jofre, which is around 60 miles (100 km) from the end of Transpantaneira. On this route, you'll see alligators and capibaras, among other native species, along with many exotic birds. At some point, stop for breakfast in the form of a picnic.

In Porto Jofre, you'll board a boat for a trip along the rivers Cuiabá, São Lourenço, Três Irmãos, and Piquiri. In a section of virgin forest, you'll have a good chance of spotting jaguars here. After having lunch on the banks of the river, you'll return to Porto Jofre and head back to the inn, where dinner will be served.

Day 8: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Visit the Rio Botanical Garden

It's time to return to the big city today. This morning, a driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight to Rio de Janeiro. You'll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, a magnificent 338-acre (137 ha) garden over 200 years old featuring a wide avenue of 134 impressive royal palms and more than 7,000 types of plants.

During your visit, you can see orchids, bromeliads, cacti, colossal bamboo, and carnivorous plants, among many others. The most famous one is a giant water lily called Victoria, which is capable of sustaining the weight of a 5-year-old child. Monkeys are sometimes visible during the visit, and there are always plenty of birds flying over the trees, especially toucans, so keep your eyes peeled!

Day 9: Free Morning in Rio de Janeiro, Depart

It's your last morning in Brazil, and you can enjoy some free time to explore Rio de Janeiro as you wish. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city as you stroll along the iconic beachside promenade, snapping photos of the distinctive sidewalks and admiring the stunning beaches of Zona Sul. You can also cycle along the coast and savor refreshing coconut water while taking in a breathtaking sunrise. At the appointed time, you'll be picked up from your hotel by a private car and transferred to the airport for your final destination. Safe travels!

More Great Brazil Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other Brazil itineraries, explore different ways to spend nine days in Brazil, or discover the best time to visit Brazil.