Brazil's Diverse Highlights: Cities, Waterfalls, Rainforest, Wetlands & Coast - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Sample Brazilian Appetizers & Drinks

Welcome to Brazil and the seaside city of Rio de Janeiro! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your beachfront hotel, where you can stay in to relax or venture out to the nearby Copacabana Beach. Rent a sunbed or lay on the golden sands to take in the lively atmosphere. When you get too hot, jump into the glittering Atlantic Ocean to refresh, then visit one of the beachside vendors for a cool drink. Stay until sunset to watch the beach transform into hues of orange, pink, and purple.

When darkness falls, return to the hotel to refresh, then follow your guide to the Santa Teresa neighborhood, renowned for its bohemian charm, to sample traditional Brazilian appetizers and drinks, like the iconic caipirinha made of a hard sugar cane liquor called cachaça, lime, and sugar. If you're up for it, continue to one of the neighborhood's lively samba-infused clubs to dance to the rhythmic beats or return to your hotel to rest for the night.

Day 2: Visit Christ the Redeemer, Take a Cable Car Up Sugarloaf Mountain

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, starting atop Mount Corcovado to see the 98-foot (30 m) Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy a short, scenic train ride to the summit, passing through the lush Tijuaca Forest. When you reach the top, admire the massive statue of Jesus Christ extending his arms in a welcoming embrace, and take in the panoramic views of the sprawling city below. Head down the mountain to the Urca neighborhood next, where you can catch a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain.

The two-stage cable car ride takes you from the base to the summit, suspended over the picturesque Guanabar Bay. As you ascend, look out for landmarks like the towering statue you just left. From the peak, which reaches an elevation of 1,299 feet (396 m), enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, rainforest, beaches, and monuments that define Rio. Take the cable car back down the mountain to return to your hotel, where you can refresh before venturing out for dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants along Copacabana Beach.

Day 3: Hang Glide Over Rio, Hike the Two Brothers Trail & Tijuca National Park

Start your day off right with a thrilling hang-gliding adventure over São Conrado Beach. Jump in a Jeep and venture into Tijuca National Park to get to the launch site on Pedra Bonita Hill. After a safety briefing, strap into your harness, and listen to your pilot's instructions as you stand on the precipice of the hill overlooking the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. When it's time, run down the ramp and let the wind take over as the hang glider gracefully takes flight. Watch as the sprawling beaches, verdant mountains, and urban marvels unfold beneath you as you catch the currents.

Day 4: Tour Santa Teresa & Rio's Municipal Theater, Fly to Foz do Iguaçu

Day 5: Visit the Argentine Side of Iguaçu Falls 

Say goodbye to Brazil for the day as you head to the Argentine side of the falls, known as Iguazú. When you arrive, board a train to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), one of the largest and most powerful falls in the national park. As you approach the observation platform, the thunderous roar of the cascading water will surround you. Look out over the massive horseshoe-shaped cascade, then continue down the network of walkways that extend over the river to admire the waterfall from each angle. 

Jump back on the train to the next station, where you can take a 2-mile (3 km) walk along the smaller falls. Leave the water behind as you follow the Sendero Yacaratiá Trail into the forest in an off-roading vehicle. Pass through the lush greenery, looking out for colorful butterflies or birds, until you reach Porto Macuco, where you can board a boat to cruise down the Río Iguazú to reach the base of the falls. If you weren't wet before, you will be now, as the refreshing mist covers the boat while you approach the cascades. After the exhilarating cruise, cross back into Brazil and return to your hotel to dry off.

Day 6: Explore the Brazilian Side of Iguaçu Falls, Fly to Campo Grande

Spend another morning exploring Iguaçu Falls, this time from the Brazilian side. Immerse yourself in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a stroll along the walkways, starting in the lush tropical rainforest. As you approach the falls, the roar of the water intensifies as you're closer to the water's edge on the Brazilian side. Meander down the path, surrounded by more than 275 waterfalls, until you get to the highest observation deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the cascades and the rushing Rio Iguaçu.

Visit the nearby Parque das Aves next, an aviary sanctuary housing over 140 species of colorful birds. Learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and meet the array of avians, from parrots to toucans to macaws. Then, your exploration of the falls continues with a memorable 10-minute helicopter ride above the natural wonder. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the entire cascade complex, revealing the sheer magnitude of the falls. After having explored every angle of the national park, you'll head to the airport for a 3.5-hour flight to Campo Grande, the gateway to the wetland ecosystems of South Pantanal.

Day 7: Transfer to South Pantanal, Nocturnal Wildlife Tour

After breakfast, set off on a three-hour drive south to Pousada Aguapé, an inn located in the heart of the massive South Pantanal region, which spans 57,915 square miles (150,000 sq km). This is one of the largest perennial flood plains on Earth and one of the most diverse ecosystems in Brazil—it's home to both the largest population of crocodiles and the greatest population density of jaguars in the world.

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the amenities before tonight's two-hour tour to spot the region's nocturnal animals when they're most active. Hop into the safari vehicle and listen as your guide teaches you about the elusive creatures you may see, like owls, capybaras, and nightjars. If you're lucky, you may even spot an ocelot, a medium-sized spotted wild cat, before returning to the inn.

Day 8: Hike in South Pantanal, Kayak Down the Rio Aquidauana

Lace up your hiking shoes and set off on a trek along one of the many trails surrounding the inn. Follow your guide through the grasslands, across rivers, and into dense foliage, keeping an eye out for the region's inhabitants. Look to the skies to spot colorful macaws and toucans or along the river's edge to see capybaras grazing peacefully. You may even spot jaguar tracks, which your guide can follow to find the elusive big cat. 

In the afternoon, jump in a kayak to paddle along the Rio Aquidauana, surrounded by rich vegetation and tropical birds on overhanging branches. As you paddle, listen to the soothing sounds of nature, interrupted only by the sounds of monkeys hollering in the trees. Throughout the journey, you may also come across caimans sunning on the shores or storks taking flight. 

Day 9: South Pantanal Photo Safari, Piranha Fishing Excursion

Spend your final day in South Pantanal on a 2.5-hour photo safari in a 4WD vehicle, allowing you to navigate the rough terrain to reach some of the region's most remote spots. Traverse open grasslands, floodplains, and swampland while your guide teaches you about the region's rich biodiversity. Get your cameras ready, as you may see howler monkeys, tapirs, giant anteaters, and perhaps a jaguar stalking its prey.

In the afternoon, set off on a fishing trip along one of the Pantanal's intricate waterways to catch the notorious freshwater predator, the carnivorous piranha. Cast your line into the tranquil waters and reel in a piranha when you feel a tug. They bite but don't worry; your expert guide will handle any fish you bring in. While you wait, look out for caimans on the shore. Take your catch back to the inn so the chef can prepare a delicious soup called caldo de piranha for dinner.

Day 10: Fly to Manaus, Guided Tour of the City

Trade the wetlands for the city this morning as you head to the airport for a six-hour flight to Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can refresh before venturing out on a guided tour of the city, starting at the Port of Manaus. Meander to Matriz Square to see the iconic Manaus Cathedral, built in the late 19th century. Admire the cathedral's facade, adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and decorative elements, then enter to appreciate the religious art and elegant stained glass windows.

Continue to two bustling markets, Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa and Feira Moderna da Banana de Manaus, to browse the stalls full of exotic fruits, aromatic spices, and handmade crafts. Visit the Teatro Amazonas next to step back into a bygone era of grandeur and sophistication. Step inside to discover the ornate chandeliers and frescoes before visiting Ponta Negra Beach to see the Meeting of the Waters, the place where the Negro and Solimões rivers converge but flow side by side without mixing. End the tour at the Rio Negro Bridge for a closer look at this natural phenomenon. 

Day 11: Transfer to Your Amazon Lodge, Nocturnal Safari

Get ready for an early wake-up call as you leave the city behind to venture into the Amazon Rainforest. Jump into a speedboat at the Port of Ceasa and cruise to the village of Careiro. On the way, stop at the Meeting of the Waters to get a closer look at the natural phenomenon, keeping an eye out for the pink river dolphins that frequent the area. From Careiro, continue the journey with a 2.5-hour land transfer to the Rio Tupana, where you can board a motorized canoe for a 20-minute ride to the Amazon Tupana Lodge.

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy its amenities before setting off on a motorized canoe trip in the evening to look for the Amazon's nocturnal creatures. As you cruise down one of the many waterways, guided only by the light of your flashlight, look out for the glowing eyes of caiman or alligators on the shores. Watch as your guide tries to catch a caiman to bring it aboard and give you a closer look before carefully returning it to the river. You may also see frogs, armadillos, or even sloths in the trees.

Day 12: Hike in the Amazon Rainforest, Fish for Piranha in the River

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle this morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge to prepare for a full day of exploring the Amazon. Follow your guide into the jungle for an up-close encounter with the distinct flora and fauna that thrive in this ecosystem. Listen to the rhythmic chorus of exotic birds, the rustle of leaves, and the distant calls of hidden creatures as you walk. The trail may lead to hidden waterfalls, ancient trees, or vibrant lakes, depending on the route your guide chooses.

Day 13: Amazon Canoe Tour, Optional Overnight Jungle Camp

Start your last day in the Amazon with a canoe ride down the river. Paddle through past towering trees and dense vegetation to find hidden lagoons, colorful birds, and playful dolphins. Jump into a motorized canoe next to visit an Indigenous community, where you can learn about the culture and customs of its inhabitants. Tour the village, listen to the locals' stories, and observe their day-to-day life in the middle of the jungle.

If you're craving adventure, you have the option to set off on a trek deeper into the jungle to stay at a remote lodge overnight. When you arrive, help your guide start a fire and sit down to enjoy a nourishing meal together. Learn about survival techniques, like finding water and food, identifying medicinal plants, and administering first aid. When it's time to turn in, a hammock and mosquito net await, so you can fall asleep to the ever-present soundtrack of the rainforest.

Day 14: Fly to Salvador, Evening Boteco Tour

Bid farewell to the Amazon this morning as you return to Manaus to catch a 5.5-hour flight to Salvador, capital of the central coastal state of Bahia. This region is known for its distinctive Afro-Brazilian culture, colorful colonial towns, and world-class beaches (unsurprising as it boasts the longest stretch of coastline in the country).

Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind after the long journey. In the evening, head to Rio Vermelho, also known as the Bohemian Quarter, to party like the locals. Follow your guide through the lively neighborhood, hopping from boteco (a laid-back bar or pub) to boteco, and sampling Brazilian snacks and drinks. Dance along to the rhythmic beats of axé, samba, and reggae music before returning to the hotel for the night.

Day 15: Full-Day Guided Tour of Salvador

Spend a full day exploring the streets of Salvador, starting in the UNESCO-listed historic district of Pelourinho. Wander along the cobblestone streets to discover one of the largest existing collections of 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture in Latin America. Pass lively squares, pastel-colored buildings, and the iconic São Francisco Church and Convent, dating back to the 18th century. Admire the intricately carved facade adorned with Baroque details before stepping inside to view the detailed woodwork and vibrant frescoes.

Continue to the Lacerda Elevator to get to Cidade Baixa, also known as the Lower City. As you descend, enjoy panoramic views of the bustling harbor and All Saints Bay. Visit the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim next, perched atop a hill overlooking the city. Tie a colorful ribbon to the church's gate to ask for blessings and protection before entering to see the colorful stained glass and religious artifacts. End the tour at Mercado Modelo, a bustling market full of traditional handmade goods, such as vibrant textiles, intricate wood carvings, and Afro-Brazilian religious artifacts.

Day 16: Guided Tour of Praia do Forte, Depart Salvador

Enjoy your last day in Brazil basking in the sun in Praia do Forte, a small beach town renowned for its clear waters, white sand, and natural pools. Meet your driver outside the hotel for a 1.5-hour transfer down the Coconut Highway. When you arrive, stroll through the charming streets, popping in and out of local boutiques for some last-minute souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront establishments overlooking the water, then continue to the TAMAR Project headquarters.

Learn about the project's initiative and rehabilitation efforts to save sea turtles from extinction and visit the tiny hatchlings in their specially designed tanks. If you're lucky, you may get to witness the release of the turtles ready for the sea. Spend some day relaxing on the beach before returning to Salvador to grab your bags and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!