On this weeklong trip to Brazil, experience city life, and then connect with nature. The trip kicks off in Rio de Janeiro, with a full-day city tour of sites like Christ the Reedemer, Sugar Loaf, and all the best beaches. Then, take a day trip to Pedra Bonita for scenic viewpoints. Next, venture to Iguazú Falls, a phenomenon that spans from Brazil to Argentina. Enjoy some free time before experiencing the falls from both countries, and tour the Iguazú River.

Highlights

  • Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf on a tour of Rio de Janeiro
  • Hike to the summit of Pedra Bonita for scenic lookouts below
  • Explore the iconic Iguazú Falls from both Brazil and Argentina
  • Go kayaking and visit more waterfalls along Iguazú River

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 Rio de Janeiro - Full Day City Tour Rio de Janeiro
Day 3 Pedra Bonita Day Trip Rio de Janeiro
Day 4 Travel to Iguazú Falls Foz do Iguaçu
Day 5 Tour Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side) and Explore Iguazú River Foz do Iguaçu
Day 6 Tour Iguazú Falls (Argentinian Side) Foz do Iguaçu
Day 7 Depart from Iguazú Falls  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to Rio!
Welcome to Rio!

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! A driver will pick you up at the airport to transport you to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro - Full Day City Tour

Sugar Loaf
Sugar Loaf

Today, spend some time getting to know Rio's main attractions. Take a full-day city tour to visit landmarks and natural monuments. The tour kicks off in Corcovado, where the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer is located.

The tour continues toward scenic Tijuca Forest. Next, visit Maracanã Stadium to learn about the history of the World Cup Finals from 1950 and 2014. The tour continues toward the Sambadrome, which is the stage of the Samba School Parades performances during Rio de Janeiro Carnival. Then, pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião, patron of the city.

Enjoy a nice lunch at a local steakhouse (with vegetarian options included). Then, venture toward the Sugar Loaf complex, to board the famed cable car. Stationed nearby, visit Morro da Urca, which is located by the side of Praia Vermelha beach and the old Casino of Urca.

The tour concludes with stops at the most famous beaches in the city: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.

NOTE: During Carnival, the tour is shortened to include only Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. To take advantage of the full tour, you must arrive in Rio a few days prior to Carnival.

Day 3: Pedra Bonita Day Trip

Pedra Bonita
Pedra Bonita

Today, a driver will take you to Pedra Bonita trail, which requires light, physical effort. The guided trek will lead you to one of the most iconic, natural sights and viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro. Pedra Bonita is more than 2,270 feet high and is located in Sector C of Tijuca National Park. Because of its privileged location, the Pedra Bonita region also has the only free-flight take-off ramp in the city of Rio de Janeiro, which makes it a popular launching point for hang gliding and paragliding.

Following the day’s adventure, return to Rio, and enjoy your last night in the city at your leisure.

Plan your trip to Brazil
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 4: Travel to Iguazú Falls

Brazilian side Falls
The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, or Foz do Iguaçu

Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Rio de Janeiro and transfer you to the airport to fly to Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguazú Falls. Upon arrival at the airport, a representative will be waiting for you to then transfer you to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 5: Tour Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side) and Explore Iguazú River

Iguazu Falls
Foz do Iguaçu

Today, explore Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian side, which provides a complete panoramic view of the falls.

Take a mile-long stroll through nature. Once you get to the main bridge, which is extremely close-up to the falls, experience the grandeur, as water sprays all around. The total tour around the falls will take approximately 2 hours.

In the afternoon, a bilingual guide will take you to Aguaray Ecosport, a protected area next to the national park. Here, hike up a 45-minute-long trail through the preserved rainforest, reaching the border of the Iguazú River, where a guided tour on a kayak or a standup paddleboard will begin. After the 1.5-hour paddling journey, hike another trail for about 20 minutes and then enjoy views of a stunning, 50-foot waterfall.

Day 6: Tour Iguazú Falls (Argentinian Side)

Argentinian Falls
Experience the Devil's Throat on the Argentinian side of the falls

Today, experience Iguazú Falls from different viewpoints in Argentina. Make sure to have your required identification on hand, as you will be crossing the border on this journey.

On a 6-hour tour, first, take a 3-mile walk around the falls, and keep an eye out for native animals among the subtropical forest all around you.

Walk along three, different trails that will give you various perspectives of the falls. One of the highlights is the view of Devil´s Throat. View this roaring portion of the falls from an elevated platform for an incredibly invigorating experience.

Following the tour, the evening is yours to enjoy on your own time.

Day 7: Depart from Iguazú Falls

Transfer out
Farewell, Brazil!

After a scenic adventure, it is time to say goodbye to Brazil. Make the transfer from your hotel to the airport, and begin your journey home. Safe Travels!

Map

Map of Rio de Janeiro and Iguazú Falls - 7 Days
Map of Rio de Janeiro and Iguazú Falls - 7 Days