Rio de Janeiro Iguassu Falls Amazon Rainforest Salvador Bahian beach Resort

This is a wonderful journey through Brazil’s classic highlights. From the buzzing energy and iconic backdrop of Rio, you head to the thunderous Iguassu Falls before plunging into steamy Amazon Rainforest. From there, you immerse yourself in the colonial charm and vibrant culture of Salvador before finishing the trip on the golden beaches of Bahia.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sway to the heady beats of Bossa Nova in Rio
  • Enjoy a helicopter overflight over the magnificent Iguassu Falls
  • Spot pink river dolphins as you cruise up the Amazon River
  • Delve into the traditions of Capoeira and Candomblé in Salvador
  • Wind down on a sun-kissed tropical beach, caipirinha in hand….

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

12

Nights

Price Guide

$6500 – $8500 pp

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Rio

plan line
Day 2-3

Rio de Janeiro – Iconic Copacabana & Ipanema

On arrival into Rio, you will be met and driven to your ocean-front hotel overlooking the golden sands of Copacabana or Ipanema. Rio is the beating heart of Rio, a city fizzing with energy and during your stay, you might like to take in the iconic sites such as the Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain and the Sugar Loaf by cable-car. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Tijuca National Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city-scape amidst steamy Atlantic Rainforest and cascading waterfalls while for something more relaxing, why not enjoy a leisurely cruise across Guanabara Bay set against Rio’s iconic backdrop. Or if this all seems too much, there is simply no better way to explore Rio than by enjoying a caipirinha or cold beer on Copacabana beach or browsing Ipanema to the heady beats of Bossa nova or even throwing yourself into fun-filled cooking class and learning some delicious regional dishes.

Day 4-5

The Magnificent Iguassu Falls

Fly to Foz do Iguaçu on the border with Argentina and Paraguay, home to the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls, one of South America’s true natural wonders. Shrouded in tropical rainforest, Iguassu is among the largest waterfalls in the world and a heady assault on your senses as the 275 separate cataracts roar through the gorge. Explore the falls from both sides of the border following the scenic walkways that lead through the forest to the panoramic viewpoints. For thrill-seekers, there are a host of eco-activities from helicopter overflights and mountain biking to paddling and exciting boat trips that take you up to (and under) the waterfalls. The surrounding rainforest teems with wildlife and there is every chance you will spot the resident coatis amidst a whole host of birdlife.

Day 6-9

Manaus – Into the Amazon Rainforest

Fly north to Manaus, gateways to Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest for a classic jungle experience and, time allowing, a visit to the historic Opera House. Your journey by river and road into the Amazon takes you via the “the meeting of the waters”, the famous convergence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes rivers, to reach your jungle lodge set deep in primary rainforest. Each day you will explore the forest, rivers and creeks accompanied by expert, naturalist and local guides to experience the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest. Activities range from walking, paddling and bird-watching to boat trips, community visits, night walks and even piranha-fishing. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more leisurely Amazon experience where you can sit back and watch rainforest drift by, why not join a traditional Amazon cruise aboard a time-honoured river boat following in the footsteps of the original pioneers?

Day 10-11

Salvador – Capoeira & Candomblé

Returning to the airport, you will take a flight to Salvador, capital of Bahia state and a city famous for its wonderful colonial architecture and vibrant mix of African and Hispanic influences. Explore the city on foot, wandering through the historic, cobbled streets of the Pelourinho, Salvador’s UNESCO protected colonial centre and perhaps stopping to sample the city’s delicious Bahian cuisine! Salvador is synonymous with the Brazilian marshal art capoeira as well as Candomble, a fascinating Afro-Brazilian religion and you may like to gain an insight by attending a traditional display.

Day 12-14

Bahian Beach Resort

Bahia is among Brazil’s most cherished states, a beautiful region of palm-fringed tropical coastline and what better way to round off the itinerary than by kicking back at a beautiful beach resort. Just off the coast, you may like to take a hopper flight to Morro Sao Paulo, a charming cobbled village at the northern end of Tinhare Island which offers an excellent blend of history, nightlife and R&R amidst stretches of golden sand, coral pools and mangrove forests. For idyllic isolation, head instead to Ilha Boipeba, a picturesque island retreat draped in Atlantic Rainforest while for surfing, look no further than the Marau Peninsula or hip Trancoso or the bustling backpacker vibe of Itacare.

*
dot joiner for itins
Day 15

Return to Rio for onward connections

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $6500 – $8500 per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Brazil is a year-round destination and no matter what month you visit, you can find a golden, sun-kissed beach if you are prepared to travel. The tropical north straddles the equator and is warmer – up to 40° at the height of summer – and wetter around the Amazon basin. Heading south, temperatures cool off especially towards the south dropping as low as 15° in winter with even snow falling on the mountains of the Serra Geral close to the border of Argentina. Between November and April, Rio and the south provide ideal beach conditions and are hot and steamy with tempestuous downpours particularly in January through to March. During this period, Iguassu Falls are at their most impressive – though at times the spray can obscure the views – while the Pantanal is oppressive and worth avoiding. Outside these months, head to the north-east coast for sun, hottest (and wettest) on the Bahian coast between April and July.

Add on’s

Three hours’ drive south of Rio takes you along Brazil’s picturesque Green Coast to the historic sea-port of Paraty set against the backdrop of lush Atlantic Rainforest. Here, you can spend a few days drinking in the colonial architecture, exploring the bay or taking boat trips out to idyllic islands. The table-top mountains, sparkling rivers and limestone caves of the Chapada Diaminatina lie directly west of Salvador and offer a completely different side of Brazil, ideal for walkers or those looking for a hint of adventure.

For wildlife, the Amazon is a wonderful starting point yet for observation, it pales in comparison next to the Pantanal, Brazil’s vast seasonal wetlands that plays home to close to 1000 species of birds and animals including the elusive jaguar. There are a number of good lodges close to Campo Grande or Cuiaba and you should allow three nights mininum. Further afield, Rio combines beautifully with Buenos Aires and Argentina as well as Inca Peru and Ecuador via Iguassu or Rio.

Want a quote on a trip like this?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you