Excursions by Exotrav

Brazil Tour

The Beauty of a Tropical Wonderland

Trip Duration:

10 days

Recommended season:

Suitable for year-round travel.
Each season has its pros and cons

Brazil - Trip Summary

A customized 10-day tour of Brazil begins at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Continue to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil’s most historically rich region, where we’ll explore the vibrant streets of Cachoeira, filled with cultural depth and Afro-Brazilian heritage. Conclude the journey in Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City,” with visits to iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban rainforest. Experience authentic favela life and soak in Rio’s unique and lively atmosphere.

This tailored tour of Brazil offers an unforgettable journey through lush jungles, powerful waterfalls, refreshing caipirinhas, historic colonial cities, golden beaches, and the one-of-a-kind energy of Brazil. Our full-service travel package includes an English-speaking private guide or shared group tour options, allowing you to enjoy an extraordinary travel experience at your own pace and style.

Urban • Culture • Waterfalls

Day 1

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

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

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

Day 4: Iguazu - Salvador de Bahia

After breakfast, you will be transferred 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

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

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

Day 7: Salvador - Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

 

Rio 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 areas of poverty that stretch up the hillsides. The residents, known as “Cariocas,” are warm, friendly, and enjoy a festive lifestyle. Despite the challenges of poverty, everything in the city culminates in samba. Brazilians are lovers of parties and dances, with the highlight being the famous Carnival.

 

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 8

Day 8: 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 9

Day 9: Rio de Janeiro - Favelas - Tijuca Forest - Old Rio

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. This is an excellent 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). During our visit, we will navigate through narrow alleys and learn about the lives of the locals and social programs aimed at improving the quality of life in the area, all while enjoying 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 beautiful local nature up close. We will make a stop at the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, where you can enjoy 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 embark on a private tour of the Old Rio area. We will visit Carioca Square, where you can see the Santo Antonio Church. We will continue to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Theatre, the Opera House, and the Municipal Library.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 10

Day 10: Rio de Janeiro - Airport

After breakfast, you will have free time to explore, shop, and take care of any last-minute arrangements in the city.

 

Later, depending on your flight schedule, we will have a private transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

 

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