Brazil & Iguazu Highlights – Tour Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls
Rio de Janeiro
Foz do Iguacu
Brazil
Start this South American adventure with 3 days in Rio de Janeiro. Explore the top attractions and get a taste of the local culture. Head down to the Costa Verde and enjoy a true beach holiday in Paraty. The quiet sandy beaches, bright waters and tropical forests make picture-perfect memories. Experience one of the tour's top highlights, the spectacular Iguazu Falls. Cruise the crystal clear waters, feel the fresh spray and opt to experience Argentina and Paraguay across the border. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through vibrant South America!
Itinerary

Welcome to day one on tour in South America and the first day in Rio! If you arrive early, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to explore. This evening, meet the tour leader in the hotel lobby and take a lovely short walk to this evening's restaurant for local Brazilian cuisine! Tuck into traditional Feijoada – Brazil’s national dish! Savour this memorable way to spend the first night on tour!
Experiences
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Taste Feijoada, Brazil’s national dish
Meals Dinner
Enjoy a full-day, local guided tour of Rio de Janeiro today! First is a tram trip up to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. From above, marvel at the spectacular sea, mountain and city scenes. Explore at leisure to find a lunch spot, then visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. Its one-of-a-kind modern architecture aims to illustrate the Mayan pyramids. Next, head to the lively Lapa area, traverse the iconic bright Selarón Steps and immortalise it all with a photo. End the day visiting the Maracanã Stadium on the way back to the hotel. Spend the evening as you wish!
Experiences
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Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue
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Explore Lapa and visit the Seláron tiled staircase
Meals Breakfast,
Today, experience Rio to the fullest with a free day. Explore at leisure or choose to join the Rio+ optional excursion for unmissable city sights! The excursion includes a cable car trip to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of this stunning city and its beaches. Additionally, visit stunning sites like the Kobra graffiti wall, Ipanema beach, São Cristóvão local fair and Samba City, where the Rio Carnival takes place every year. Otherwise, venture into Rio and explore all of the cultural and colonial attractions. Look out for the Museum of Tomorrow, The Candelária Church and the Sao Bento Monastery. Tonight, indulge in an optional Carioca Dinner and enjoy a local feast and drinks at a popular bar!
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
Bid Rio farewell today and continue along the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Brazil. Marvel at the picturesque seaside views and jungles all around! Next stop is Paraty, a stunning resort town famous for cobblestoned roads and idyllic 17th-century houses. After checking in at the hotel, meet up with a local guide and embark on a tour that includes a stop at the UNESCO-listed historic centre. This evening, soak up the local atmosphere at leisure!
Experiences
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Embark on an orientation walking tour of Paraty
Meals Breakfast,
Today, enjoy all of Paraty on a free day. Choose to join the Paraty Island Tour optional excursion for an unforgettable journey on a schooner boar to some of Paraty’s most beautiful island beaches. Otherwise, head out for a solo exploration. Embark on a hike through the steep valleys or mountains around Paraty or soak up some sun at the beach. Take in the natural beauty of the Serra da Bocaina National Park where Paraty is located. Explore the beautiful town and its rich cultural and architectural history.
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
Wave farewell to Paraty this morning as the tour makes its way to the next destination. First, travel to São Paulo and head to the airport where the group will board an included flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Arrive and settle into the accommodation for the next four nights. Look forward to stunning natural scenery in the upcoming days. Tonight, experience authentic Brazilian hospitality at a local family home and enjoy a delicious BBQ paired with drinks, music and dancing!
Experiences
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Enjoy a Brazilian BBQ experience at a local family home
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Today offers a full day to soak up the beauty of Foz do Iguaçu! Meet up with a local guide this morning and visit the spectacular Iguazu Falls (also spelt Iguazú) located in Brazil's Iguaçu National Park. The Iguazu Falls comprise the world's largest waterfall system! Head to the best viewing points with your tour guide or stroll along the footpaths to the feet of the falls. After, choose to join today’s optional excursion and discover the brightly coloured birds of Brazil! Visit a bird park and sanctuary and let yourself be mesmerised by these beautiful native creatures.
Experiences
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Visit the Iguazu Falls in Iguaçu National Park
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Take part in a traditional Brazilian barbecue
Meals Breakfast,
Today, indulge in must-try optional excursions to see the top sights! Join the trip to the Argentinean side of the falls for a cruise with spectacular views of the Salto Tres Mosqueteros (The Three Musketeers) as well as Devil’s Throat. Kindly note that this excursion depends heavily on the weather and may therefore be moved to another day to account for poor conditions. You will be notified by your tour leader if any plans are subject to change. This evening, opt for the Rafain show and dinner experience! Get immersed in Latin American life with dancing, music and local cuisine.
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
Enjoy the second free day to discover the Iguazu Falls region on your own. There are many activities to enjoy today, such as a trip to the local bird park. Alternatively, choose to embark on a day trip to Paraguay! Cross the Paraná River and arrive at Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. Here, enjoy a range of fun activities like browsing the local markets, witnessing the Monday Waterfalls or visiting the Itaipú Dam, which is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world! This optional excursion may also be rescheduled due to weather but your tour leader will provide more information.
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,
This morning, enjoy breakfast in Foz do Iguaçu before this Rio to Iguazu tour concludes. Keen to extend your stay in Foz do Iguaçu? Kindly contact us and we will arrange this with the hotel. Otherwise, head home with a myriad of memories from 10 incredible days of exploring Brazil!
Experiences
Meals Breakfast,