Day 1: Start of tour in Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio; it's the first day of your South America trip! Check in at the hotel and take some time to explore if you arrived with time to spare. Meet up with the group in the hotel foyer this evening before taking a walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy an authentic Brazilian welcome dinner with all-you-can-eat Feijoada! This flavourful combination of stewed meat and beans is Brazil’s national dish. Get ready for a delicious and unforgettable first night on tour!
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro City Tour
Set out on a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro with a local guide! First, travel via tram up to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue! Drink in the breathtaking sea, mountain and city views from the top. Enjoy some free time to grab lunch before visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. This modern building features a unique modern architectural style meant to symbolise the Mayan pyramids. Then, visit the vibrant Lapa neighbourhood and walk up the colourful Selarón Steps to take some memorable pictures. Finally, see the Maracanã Stadium and where the legendary Carnival takes place as you drive back to the hotel. Tonight is free to spend as you wish.
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro: Free Day
Make the most of a free day in Rio. Explore at your own pace or join the Rio optional excursion which showcases the city’s top sights! This outing includes a cable car trip up Sugarloaf mountain to enjoy 360-degree views of the city and its nearby beaches! Plus, enjoy a visit to the Kobra graffiti wall, Ipanema beach, São Cristóvão local fair and Samba City - home of the annual Rio Carnival! Alternatively, head into downtown Rio to discover impressive cultural and colonial destinations at your leisure - here you’ll find the Museum of Tomorrow, The Candelária Church and the Sao Bento Monastery.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
Wave Rio goodbye as the tour continues down Brazil's Costa Verde (Green Coast). Soak up exquisite views of the ocean and surrounding jungles! Arrive in Paraty, a beautiful resort town which is known for its cobbled streets and romantic 17th-century houses. Check in at the hotel and meet up with your local guide for a tour which includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed historic centre! Tonight is a free evening to enjoy the local vibe in Paraty.
Day 5: Paraty: Free Day
Settle into a free day in Paraty. There is an optional 4x4 Jeep tour which also includes a visit to a local cachaça distillery for a chance to taste and learn more about Brazil’s national drink! Alternatively, choose to explore solo. Head into the steep valleys or mountains that surround Paraty to do some hiking. Or, head to the beach for some time in the sun. Paraty forms part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park so natural beauty abounds! The town itself also features wonderful architecture and cultural destinations. Get ready to be mesmerised!
Day 6: Paraty - São Paulo
São Paulo is calling! Travel to this bustling city where the tour will spend one night. Brazil's mega city buzzes with energy. Set out alongside a local guide upon arrival for a city tour. Feel the vitality of the city while exploring the streets! Visit the sprawling Mercadão food market to browse the stalls, pick up local fare and enjoy free time for lunch. Why not tuck into a Mortadella sandwich or other local delicacies? Delicious! Later, settle in at the hotel after a full day of exploring São Paulo.
Day 7: São Paulo - Flight to Foz do Iguaçu - Iguazu Falls Brazilian side
Goodbye São Paulo, it’s time to travel to the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu! Board a short inland flight and head to the Iguazu Falls (sometimes spelled Iguazú) inside Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park immediately upon arrival. This massive waterfall system is the largest in the world. Follow your tour leader to the best vantage points, or follow the pathways to the foot of the falls if you wish. Head to the hotel afterwards, check in and freshen up. Next, get ready to tuck into Brazilian barbecue at a group dinner! Return to the hotel and be sure to grab some rest - tomorrow is another exciting day!
Day 8: Foz do Iguaçu: Free Day
There are a variety of excursions available in Foz do Iguaçu today! Choose to embark on a guided tour of the Argentinean side of the falls, enjoy a boat ride and views of the Salto Tres Mosqueteros (The Three Musketeers) and the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat waterfalls! Please note, this optional activity is weather-dependent and may be moved to another day if weather conditions are poor. Your tour leader will keep you informed should this be the case. Tonight, the world-famous Rafain show and dinner experience is on offer. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in Latin American dance, music and cuisine!
Day 9: Foz do Iguaçu: Free Day
Take another day to explore the Iguazu Falls region at your own pace. You could take a helicopter over the falls or visit the local bird park. Today also offers a day trip to Paraguay. Cross the bridge over Paraná River to enter Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. Browse local shops and markets, encounter the Monday Waterfalls, and visit the Itaipú Dam - the world's most expansive hydroelectric power plant. Please note that this optional excursion may also be rescheduled if weather conditions are poor. Ask your tour leader for more information. After a day filled with outdoor adventures, choose to enjoy an authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ dinner at a local home along with drinks, music and dancing!
Day 10: End of tour in Foz do Iguaçu
The Rio to Iguazu tour comes to an end after breakfast in Foz do Iguaçu this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Foz do Iguaçu after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point, you will have enjoyed 10 incredible days exploring the very best of Brazil. A true delight!