Day 1 – Arrival in Foz do Iguazu
Your holiday starts in Foz do Iguazu: home to the most spectacular collection of waterfalls in all of South America. A trip to Brazil isn’t complete without experiencing the thundering, roaring sounds of these falls, preferably up close. What a way to start the trip!
On arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you on the short 10-minute transfer to your comfortable hotel. Spend the rest of the day unwinding by the pool, enjoying dinner at the restaurant or simply relaxing before exploring the mighty Iguazu Falls tomorrow.
Day 2 – Excursion to Argentinian & Brazilian side of the falls
Today you will experience the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, as each offers a different perspective of the landscape and the waterfalls. In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Argentine side, crossing the border on the way. Once inside the park, you’ll walk around the many tracks, through the trees, spotting capuchin monkeys and coatis. The sound of rushing water is ever present and there are several viewing platforms along the way.
Then, head back over the border to the park on the Brazilian side. The Brazilians are known for saying: ‘Argentina may have the falls, but we have the view!’ The walking trail runs beside the river so you have a constant view of the falls, and there are plenty of places to stop for photo opportunities. The final section of the walk takes you across a platform over the water for a full view of the Devil’s Throat. Prepare to get a little wet as the raging waterfalls gush down in front of you. But it’s an unforgettable sight. Afterwards you will return to your hotel.
Days 3 & 4 – Fly to Curitiba & scenic train to Morretes
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport in time to catch the short flight to Curitiba. Curitiba is one of the greenest and cleanest cities in Brazil. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your downtown hotel. It’s within walking distance of the train station and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby. If you have time you may wish to take a stroll through the historic centre.
The next day you will take the train from Curitiba to Morretes. You don’t need to be a rail enthusiast to appreciate a train journey aboard the Serra Verde Express. The journey is considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Opened in 1885, the single-track 70km line was a great challenge for engineers at the time. The railway winds along green mountain slopes and through tropical forest, passing through tunnels and over countless bridges. From the train you have a view over the jungle of the Serra do Mar and the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Your destination is the well preserved colonial town of Morretes, where you will have time to explore before returning to Curitiba by car.
Days 5 & 6 – Take the bus to Sao Paulo & city tour
The next stop on journey is Sao Paulo – Brazil’s largest city. It’s a comfortable 6 hour bus journey, with plenty of legroom, luggage space, and air conditioning. As well as being a convenient transport hub, Sao Paulo offers a vibrant cultural scene, great restaurants and interesting museums. We haven’t planned any activities for today, giving you the chance to take in your first impressions of this vast city. You’ll be staying in a centrally located hotel. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dinner this evening!
Sao Paulo can feel overwhelming at first, so the following morning you’ll be met by your English-speaking guide for a city tour. As you explore the heart of the city, you’ll get a real sense of just how vast and diverse this metropolis truly is. Wander through the historic centre, soak up the atmosphere in vibrant Liberdade, the city’s Japanese district, and pass through elegant Bela Vista with its Italian roots before heading to the modern financial district. Along the way, you’ll stop at highlights including the striking MASP Art Museum, the green oasis of Ibirapuera Park, Praça da República, the Butantan Institute and the Governor’s Palace.
Day 7 – The colonial town of Paraty
Now for something completely different! Today, you’ll join other travellers for the transfer to the colonial town of Paraty. It’s a comfortable scenic drive of around five hours along the lush green coast. This former gold town, surrounded by hills and forests, has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of places to eat and drink around its cobbled and car-free streets. The Portuguese colonial buildings have been beautifully preserved, and there is evidence of the town’s former glories all around as you stroll through.
You’ll be staying in a charming pousada on the outskirts of the historic centre. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the town. We can arrange a walking tour of the historic centre with a local if you’d like to get your bearings and learn more about the history of Paraty. It’s only two hours and can easily be included on your arrival day.
Days 8 & 9 – Explore Paraty Bay by boat
Today we’ll arrange a leisurely sailing trip from Paraty aboard a schooner. Relax onboard as you sail past densely forested islands and secluded white, sandy beaches. You’ll stop off at several different locations so that you can explore, laze on the beach or snorkel in the crystal-clear sea. Lunch is included in the cost. At around 3pm you will sail back into Paraty harbour.
The following day is free for you to do whatever you choose. The town is full of great restaurants and bars, as well as artisan shops to explore. The historic centre is car-free, so is a wonderfully peaceful place to stroll around. If you’re looking for a more active experience we can arrange a kayak excursion in the bay or a full day hike along the green coastal strip of Paraty through the forest along several sandy beaches. Speak to your travel specialist for more details.
Day 10 – Escape to Ilha Grande
Time for some R&R as you head to Ilha Grande, which is a picturesque one hour ferry crossing from Angra dos Reis. The island has a chequered history full of pirates and prisoners, but is now an oasis of tropical calm. Arriving in the main town, you’ll make your own way to your comfortable pousada a short walk away, and soon find yourself settling into the pace of island life.
Days 11 & 12 – Explore and relax
On your second day we’ve arranged tickets for a boat which will take you to another side of the island, dropping you off just a short walk away from one of Brazil’s best beaches – Lopes Mendes. You’ll have the day here to relax on the picture-postcard powdery white sand beach and swim in the crystal-clear water, before heading back to town in the afternoon.
The rest of your time on the island is left for you to do as much or as little as you choose. You could be exploring one of the many forest trails running through the island, eating delicious seafood dinners on the beach, snorkelling in the clear waters, or doing precisely nothing with a caipirinha in hand!
Day 13 – Iconic Rio de Janeiro
This morning, you’ll reluctantly return to the mainland, where a driver will be waiting to take you on the two hour journey to Rio de Janeiro. Rio needs no introduction! This world famous city boasts sandy beaches, fantastic food, and a vibrant atmosphere. You’ll be staying in a comfortable hotel right by Copacabana Beach.
We’ve left your afternoon free, but can also book a number of different day trips to help you see everything Rio has to offer. If you’re keen to be active we can arrange a three hour cycling tour in Rio, focusing on the southern part of the city. You’ll visit several of Rio’s famous sights, but also some of its traditional neighbourhoods. If you’re a foodie we can introduce you to Brazilian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class under the watchful eyes of a local chef. Just ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Spend your first evening like a Carioca: stroll the famous promenade, sip a caipirinha and watch the sun dip behind Rio’s iconic skyline.
Day 14 – Rio sightseeing
This morning, you’ll head out with your private guide and driver to discover Rio at your own pace. There’s no fixed itinerary, so whether you want to visit iconic landmarks like Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain or explore the colourful neighbourhoods such as Santa Teresa, the day is tailored to you. Entrance fees aren’t included, as it’s usually cheaper to buy tickets locally and your guide can often help you avoid the longest queues. Along the way, you’ll gain a real feel for the city and pick up plenty of local tips for the rest of your stay. When the tour ends, the choice is yours: return to your hotel or be dropped at the beach. The rest of the day is free to relax on the sand, enjoy Rio’s buzzing bars and restaurants, or tick off anything you haven’t yet seen.
Day 15 – Depart Brazil
It’s time to head home. We’ll arrange for a transfer to the airport in time for your homebound flight. If two nights in Rio feels too short, and you have more time to spare, then just let us know and we can extend your time here. It’s a city where you’re never short of options.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Colours of the Tropical South - In Style accommodation
If you’d like to add a little extra comfort to your trip, we also offer alternative accommodation options in each destination. Our In Style stays have been carefully selected for their special touches – whether that’s a unique setting, extra comfort or a memorable experience – while still keeping that local feel we love. Choose our In Style option below if you’d like to upgrade your accommodation throughout your itinerary.