Excursions by Exotrav
Brazil Tour
Urban Adventures, Nature Reserves, and Luxurious Relaxation
Trip Duration:
17 days
Recommended season:
Suitable for year-round travel.
Each season has its pros and cons
Brazil - Trip Summary
A customized 17-day tour of Brazil takes you through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes and culturally rich cities. Begin at Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest and most breathtaking waterfalls. Continue to Salvador de Bahia, a region with Brazil’s richest historical heritage, and visit Cachoeira before exploring the charming town of Lençóis. Here, you’ll embark on hikes through Chapada Diamantina National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and natural pools.
Next, fly to Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City,” where you’ll ascend to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, visit Sugarloaf Mountain, explore Tijuca Forest, the largest urban rainforest, and take an authentic favela tour. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Rio’s world-famous Carnival, including the dazzling “Parade of Champions.” Finally, relax and unwind in the quaint seaside town of Búzios, known for its serene beaches and coastal charm.
This tailor-made tour of Brazil invites you to experience lush jungles, thundering waterfalls, refreshing caipirinhas, captivating colonial cities, golden beaches, and Brazil’s unique and lively spirit. We offer a full-service experience with an English-speaking private guide or shared group tours, ensuring a memorable journey at your own pace and style.
Carnaval • Vibrant Cities • Nature & Landscape
Day 1: Arrival in Iguazu
Upon landing in Iguazu, you will be greeted by the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world by area. Massive torrents of water cascade from all directions, emerging from a pristine jungle. The width of the water’s edge reaches 4 kilometers, and the height of the largest fall is 82 meters. Approximately 275 waterfalls and rapids plunge over the geological fault of the Iguazu River, just a few kilometers before it merges with the Paraná River.
After your arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Iguazu.
Day 2: Iguazu - Brazilian Side
After breakfast, we will head out for a visit to the waterfalls located on the Brazilian side. This visit offers a panoramic view of the falls that extends for hundreds of meters. We will approach the waterfalls via a bridge built over the water, and there is an elevator that provides a spectacular vantage point from above the falls.
Next, we will visit the nearby Bird Park, which is home to over 500 different species of birds, allowing you to experience the incredible diversity of avian life up close.
We will also make a stop at the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.
Overnight in Iguazu.
Day 3: Iguazu – The Argentine Side
After breakfast, we will drive to the Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side. Upon arrival, we will board an open train from the visitor center for a 15-minute ride to the “Falls Station.” Here, we will take a walk along the trails that offer stunning and close-up views of the waterfalls.
Next, we will continue along another path built on a wooden bridge that leads to the viewing platform overlooking the famous “Devil’s Throat” (Garganta del Diablo), the main waterfall plunging 1,200 meters into the river.
Afterward, we will enjoy a short drive in a jeep through the rainforest leading to the dock, where we will embark on a shared Zodiac boat tour to experience the falls up close.
Following our exciting adventure, we will transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Iguazu.
Day 4: Iguazu - Salvador de Bahia
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for your flight to Salvador de Bahia.
Bahia is known for its rich history, being the most African-influenced state in Brazil and one of the country’s most beautiful regions, renowned for Candomblé and capoeira. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religious ceremony that was outlawed until the early 1970s, characterized by trance dances and a sense of mystery. The men drum while women in lace skirts dance and sing continuously in African languages. Capoeira is an African martial dance developed by enslaved people on plantations, disguised as an innocent acrobatic dance.
Salvador was founded in the 16th century by explorer Amerigo Vespucci. By the mid-18th century, the city thrived on the sugar trade and became the second largest city in the Portuguese Empire after Lisbon. For a long time, it served as the capital of Brazil. However, it stagnated for many years due to the shift of economic focus to Rio and the decline of Brazil’s agricultural economy. Only in recent years, with the growth of tourism and the discovery of oil fields nearby, has Salvador started to experience economic development.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Salvador.
Day 5: Salvador de Bahia - City Tour
After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of Salvador.
We will visit the historic old town known as Pelourinho, where we will explore the Baroque Church of São Francisco and continue to Praça do Pelourinho, which was once a center for the slave trade and is now the heart of the picturesque old city.
Next, we will venture into the new part of the city to appreciate its colonial (Portuguese) heritage. We will stroll through the vibrant and famous Mercado Modelo, where we can experience the scents and tastes of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Overnight in Salvador.
Day 6: Salvador - Cachoeira
After breakfast, we will set out for a tour of the town of Cachoeira, known for its sugar, cotton, and tobacco production. On the way, we will stop at the colorful local market in Santo Amaro, an authentic market that offers a glimpse into the beauty of Brazil—its people, local foods, and vibrant colors.
Continuing on, we will arrive in Cachoeira, where we will embark on an intriguing tour of the town. We will see the city hall, which once served as a prison, and visit the Tobacco Museum to learn more about the region’s historical significance.
After our explorations, we will drive back to Salvador and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Salvador.
Day 7: Salvador - Lencois
After breakfast, we will embark on a drive of approximately 5-6 hours to Lencois, a charming small town located in the interior of Brazil, in an area known as the “Diamond Valley.” Lencois features natural pools with red and black waters rich in iron, towering mountains, magnificent waterfalls, lush tropical forests, colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and friendly residents. The town is quite small, consisting of two main streets, a few secondary streets, and a central plaza.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore the town at your leisure.
Overnight in Lencois.
Day 8: Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina
After breakfast, you will enjoy a day of hiking in Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, the most famous national park in Brazil, covering an area of approximately 1,520 square kilometers.
Explore the diverse wildlife residing in the park and enjoy the scenic walking trails that wind through dense vegetation, vibrant greenery, the Blue Cave, the Smoke Falls, and more.
Overnight in Lencois.
Day 9: Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina
After breakfast, you will enjoy another day of exploration and hiking in the stunning national park and its surroundings.
Discover more of the park’s natural beauty, including its unique landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna, as you embark on new trails and adventures.
Overnight in Lencois.
Day 10: Lencois - Salvador - Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast, we will drive back to Salvador. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world, often referred to as “The Marvelous City.” It is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between granite cliffs, tropical forests, and stunning beaches. The city features beautiful neighborhoods alongside favelas that stretch across the hillsides. The residents, known as “Cariocas,” are warm, friendly, and love to enjoy life. Despite the challenges of poverty, everything in the city ends with samba. Brazilians are party-loving and dance enthusiasts, with the highlight being the famous Carnival.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 11: Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
After breakfast, we will drive through the streets of Rio towards Christ the Redeemer, known locally as “Corcovado.” We will take a funicular ride up to the statue, which stands 38 meters tall at an elevation of 710 meters above the city, providing a stunning panoramic view of Rio below.
Next, we will continue to another viewpoint at Sugarloaf Mountain, where we will ascend via cable car to one of Rio’s iconic peaks.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 12: Rio de Janeiro - Favelas - Tijuca Forest - Niterói
After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day shared tour of the favelas of Rio and Tijuca Forest.
The favelas are the famous impoverished neighborhoods situated on the surrounding hills, providing a unique opportunity to observe the daily lives and culture of the Brazilian people. We will explore Rocinha, one of the largest favelas in South America, home to over 150,000 residents (the depth of our entry into the favela will depend on personal safety conditions). We will navigate through narrow alleys, learn about local life and social programs aimed at improving quality of life, and enjoy breathtaking views of the rainforest and the sea from our open-roof jeep.
Next, we will continue with our jeeps to Tijuca Forest, the largest urban rainforest in the world, located in the heart of the Rio metropolitan area. During the tour, we will disembark for a leisurely walk to experience the stunning local nature up close. We will make a stop at the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip if you wish.
For this day, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, swimwear, and bring a towel.
A modest donation is required for the favela tour, which goes directly to community members.
This tour will be conducted in a group, and there may be slight changes to the itinerary or order of visits without prior notice.
In the afternoon, we will cross Guanabara Bay and take the ferry to Niterói.
Upon arrival, we will visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, who is also known for designing Brasília, the capital of Brazil. This round building resembles a spaceship and stands on a narrow, round base like a mushroom. The UFO-like structure houses over 1,000 works of art and offers a stunning panoramic view of Niterói and its surroundings.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 13: Old Rio - Champions Parade
After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the old city of Rio. We will visit Carioca Square, where we can see the Santo Antonio Church. Next, we will continue to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Theatre, the Opera House, and the Municipal Library.
Following the tour, you will have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure.
In the evening, you will attend the Champions Parade, featuring the six samba schools that won the Carnival. This is the grand finale celebration of Carnival in Rio, and shared transfers will be provided.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 14: Rio de Janeiro - Búzios
After breakfast, we will embark on a drive of approximately two and a half hours to the charming resort town of Búzios, a favored getaway for Brazil’s elite. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Búzios is situated on a peninsula and boasts 26 official beaches, renowned for their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. The northern beaches are sheltered from ocean currents, offering warm and calm waters, such as Tartaruga Beach, Azeda Beach, and João Fernandes Beach. In contrast, the southern side of the peninsula features beaches that are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean currents coming from Antarctica, resulting in cooler and more turbulent waters.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore and enjoy this beautiful coastal town.
Overnight in Búzios.
Day 15: Búzios - Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Búzios with breakfast included.
Take this opportunity to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the charming town, shop for local handicrafts, or indulge in water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or sailing. The picturesque scenery and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Overnight in Búzios.
Day 16: Búzios - Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Búzios with breakfast included.
Overnight in Búzios.
Day 17: Búzios - Rio de Janeiro - Airport
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will drive back to Rio de Janeiro Airport for your flight back home.
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Seeing all of Brazil in three weeks was a challenge - but you met it beautifully, balancing logistics and budget. The guides were professional, most hotels excellent, and we felt in good hands throughout. Thanks for the seamless handling of mid-trip changes.Recommended by Farley Family
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"The organization was perfect, every plan and change was handled professionally. The lodge in Manaus was great, the dunes in Lencois were breathtaking, and Rio was fascinating with an engaging favela tour. "Robin