Brazil & Iguazu Highlights - Tour Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls

Brazil

Kick off this South American adventure with a 3-day exploration of Rio de Janeiro. See all the big-ticket sights and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then, skip down the Costa Verde for a real beach holiday experience in Paraty. It's pure paradise with deserted sandy beaches, crystal clear water and dense tropical forest. For the grand finale, tick off the majestic Iguazu Falls from your travel bucket list. Cruise the water, feel the salty spray and choose to cross borders to Argentina and Paraguay. Ready for a journey that takes you to experience the true heartbeat of South America? Let's go! 

  • Spend three days in Rio de Janeiro
  • Visit the gorgeous colonial town of Paraty
  • Set foot in Sao Paulo, the largest city in the Southern hemisphere
  • Explore the famous Iguazu Falls, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site 
Brazil & Iguazu Highlights - Tour Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls (LATAM1L)

Accommodation

  • 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Experiences

  • Taste Feijoada, Brazil’s national dish
  • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue
  • See the colourful Seláron staircase in the Lapa neighbourhood
  • Embark on an orientation walking tour of Paraty
  • Enjoy a city tour of São Paulo and visit the Mercadão market
  • Visit the Iguazu Falls in Iguaçu National Park
  • Take part in a traditional Brazilian barbecue

Extras

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Transport

  • Modern air conditioned coach
  • 1 internal flight

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 then set off on an orientation walking tour with your tour leader 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!

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Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

Rio de Janeiro - US$150

See Sugarloaf Mountain, the Kobra graffiti wall, São Cristóvão local fair, Samba City and more on this exciting Rio de Janeiro tour!

Paraty - US$60

Head off on a 4x4 Jeep adventure tour of Paraty! Marvel at the lush rainforest and bathe in its waterfalls before visiting a cachaça distillery!

Foz de Iguazu - US$200

See the impressive Iguazú National Park across the border in Argentina and experience the magnificent waterfalls of this region!

Foz de Iguazu - US$90

Experience traditional Latin American dance, music and food! Enjoy a two-course churrascaria meal along with an exciting performance.

Foz de Iguazu - US$120

Tick another country off your list and travel to Paraguay from Foz de Iguaçu. Visit Ciudad del Este, Itaipu Dam, Monday Waterfalls and more!

Foz de Iguazu - US$75

Experience authentic Brazilian hospitality with an all-you-can-eat BBQ along with drinks, music and samba dancing at a local home.

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