Unveil Brazil in all its glory, witness its whimsical city streets, and encounter its most majestic landscapes.

Brazil is a sprawling country, packed with life and opportunities for the enthusiastic travellers which Wayfairer is so proud to represent. Through the help of our travel experts, who know Brazil inside and out, we have crafted this Brazil itinerary which captures the best of the best of this wonderful country.

This spell-binding Brazil holiday package includes five days around the eccentric streets and striking landscapes of Rio de Janeiro, a stop at the magnificent cascades of Iguazu Falls, and a four night package in an exclusive Pantanal lodge. Blending jaw-dropping sights and experiences, cultural immersion, wildlife sightings AND luxury, sustainable Brazil hotels, you could really not ask for more.


What's Included:

  • All accommodation fees
  • All activities and tours included in the itinerary
  • Entry fees to national parks and reserves
  • Bed & Breakfast at all mentioned hotels
  • Domestic flights
  • All private transfers

 

Trip Itinerary

Christ the Redeemer watches over the immaculate city of Rio.

Days 1-5: Rio de Janeiro

Day 1 - Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Stepping off your plane, you immediately notice the warm atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro, as your English-speaking guides welcomes you to this marvellous city. Embark on a 45-minute transfer, being briefed about Brazil’s buzzing capital along the way as you pass its lively streets.

You arrive at Fasano Rio, an emblem of Rio’s modern character which perches along the promenade of Ipanema Beach. Both its exterior and interiors are sleek, with an expensive and peaceful feel which washes over you as you enter its glossy entrance hall. Notice the stunning beach view which glows through your suite window, taste the restaurant’s bursting Italian flavours before sinking into Egyptian cotton bedding.

Day 2 - Full Day Mountain Tour

Following a nourishing breakfast at Fasano Rio, it’s time to head on an adventure around Rio de Janeiro’s most legendary landmarks. Begin with a scenic train journey which ascends up Corcovado’s slopes towards the iconic Christ statue which observes the capital city from 2,300-feet above sea level! Paired with panoramic views of the city and its glistening coast, your encounter with Christ the Redeemer is truly remarkable.

Meet the perfect interval to your action-packed day as you stop for an indulgent lunch at Fogo de Chao Steak House, sampling the entire menu of fire-roasted meats and gourmet salads in a “prix-fixe” style of service.

Now, you are energised for your afternoon journey up the dramatic peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the crowning glories of Rio de Janeiro. Hop into a cable car and watch Rio’s fast movements below as you rise to 215-metres above sea level on Urca Hill, before ascending another 180-metres to the very top of Sugarloaf. Rio’s lustrous beaches, sweeping promenades and white-painted buildings gleam from this viewpoint, and you can see Christ the Redeemer gazing ahead.

A cable car heads to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain on a sunny day.

Day 3 - Half Day Old Rio & Santa Teresa

Today transports you around Rio de Janeiro’s charming old town and the hilly streets of Santa Teresa. Travel back through time as you begin this quintessential Rio tour in its historical centre, where the city’s best architectural pieces gleam with cultural tales. Marvel the Benedictine Monastery of Sao Bento, its gold-encrusted ceilings and elaborate chandeliers dazzling you with stories of the 18th century, the iconic Lapa Arches, and the imperial gems of the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center and the Fine Arts Museum.

Head towards Aprazivel Restaurant in Santa Teresa, the perfect introduction to the delicate, old-worldly character of the artistic district as it faces the area’s characteristic cobblestone streets. Its floral garden leads you towards a spell-binding view of Guanabara Bay, an idyllic accompaniment to the tasty, Brazilian delicacies you are served.

Day 4 - Carnival Experience & Rio by Night

Today’s tour tour immerses you in the artistry and creativity behind Carnival. You’ll explore the Grande Rio Samba School warehouse, observing the creation of elaborate costumes and floats. Learn about Samba’s history and the meaning which is interwoven into each move, become inspired as you try on past costumes and journey back along the timeline of Rio, and enjoy a Caipirinha drink while experiencing the music. A brief samba dance introduction, guided by a skilled “passista” from Pimpolhos, will teach you basic steps, ensuring everyone has fun – even if you do have two left feet!

In the Rio Nightlife Tour, become immersed in Lapa’s vibrant night scene, known for its joy and energy. Join locals and tourists as they indulge in the rhythms of Rio’s best music, from forró to samba and reggae, at Rio Scenarium, a unique club blending antique décor with Brazilian jazz and samba.

A lady dresses in traditional wear at the Rio Carnival.

Days 5-7: Iguazu Falls

Day 5 - Arrival at Foz Do Iguacu

This morning, be transferred smoothly to Rio Airport, ready for your domestic flight to Iguassu, where more of Brazil’s magnificence awaits you. Waving goodbye to Rio de Janeiro feels bittersweet, but rest assured there are more memories to be made!

Following your arrival, you are met by an English-speaking tour guide and brought swiftly to your Iguazu Falls hotel, Hotel das Cataratas. You feel welcomed by the hotel’s plush, green surroundings and colonial-style exterior, as it seems to blend perfectly with its natural environment. After you settle into one of its homely suites, tuck into a freshly prepared meal at either the Brazilian or international restaurant.

A toucan perches on a wooden fence in Iguazu.

Day 6 - Full Day at Foz Do Iguacu

Today’s adventure begins at Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side, where you’ll drive through lush, subtropical vegetation en route to the breathtaking falls. Wander down a scenic trail descending the canyon to capture panoramic views of over 240 magnificent waterfalls. These stunning waterfalls are recognised as a UNESCO National Heritage Site and proudly bared by local communities.

After lunch, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge to the Argentine side of Iguaçu National Park. Here, a charming train ride transports you through the park, making two scenic stops. Meander along pathways to the top of the falls, where you'll be immersed in a natural wonderland filled with vibrant orchids, colourful birds, and diverse wildlife.

The tour culminates at the awe-inspiring suspended platform at 'Garganta do Diabo' (Devil’s Throat), the park's largest and most powerful waterfall, offering an unforgettable, close-up experience of nature's grandeur. To round off such a mesmerising day, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Ipe Restaurant back at your hotel, perhaps chattering about today’s discoveries.

Iguazu Falls dazzles with cascading waters as a crowd of people watch on.

Days 7-11: The Pantanal

Day 7 - Arrival at Caiman Lodge

Your final stop on this extravagant Brazil tour is at the Pantanal, a region which embodies the pure bliss of South America’s most undisturbed wilderness. You are transferred to the airport from your luxury hotel, before a flight to Caiman Lodge, your gorgeous Brazil hotel nestled into the southern Pantanal.

With 35 years of history, having been infused with the passion of its conservationist founder, Caiman Lodge has transformed the natural oasis of the Pantanal into a cosy, charismatic stay. The sustainable and luxury lodge is located on 53,000-hectares of neatly landscapes land, in a remote haven, 234km from Campo Grande in Mato Grosso do Sul. Staying at Caiman Lodge, you couldn’t be any closer to the beating heart of the Pantanal.

The Rio Negro in the Pantanal winds around thick, green vegetation.

Days 8-11 - Exploring the Pantanal

Your time at Caiman Lodge offers four days of free-spirited activities which encompass the majesty of the Pantanal, one of the most beloved regions of South America. Choose from a range of experiences and build your dream Brazil itinerary packed with two activities day.

Embark on ecological wood walking trails, spotting small mammals and the spectrum of flora which decorates the Pantanal, or perhaps head out on the Caiman Tour which culminates at a viewpoint for the local Spectacled Caimans. If you are a keen photographer, enjoy the lodge’s specialised Photographic Safari which utilises adapted vehicles to increase visibility. To access the lesser-known parts of the Pantanal, head out after dinner on a Nocturnal Tour or hop into a Canadian Canoe on a journey around the Pantanal’s waterways, where rare aquatic birds and amphibians come to life.

During your Pantanal tour, see a chorus of wildlife, including jaguar, giant otter, capybara, caiman, a variety of snakes and a selection of 700 bird species!

Two parrots play together on a tree in the Pantanal.

Day 11 - Return Home

A swift transfer to Campo Grande Airport, a short drive from your beautiful Pantanal hotel, brings you to the close of your holiday in Brazil. This trip has been unforgettable and eye-opening, only driving your passion for travel further as you begin to plan your next journey with Wayfairer.

Rio de Janeiro dazzles during a gentle sunset over the mountains.

Interested in this trip?

Call us on +44 117 313 3300 to start planning your perfect vacations

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Why Wayfairer

As usual, we have gone to great lengths to ensure our Highlights of Brazil tour meets our expectations for eco-friendly measures. Included in this phenomenal Brazil itinerary is a selection of properties and tours which align with the highest level of sustainability in the travel industry. You will come up close and personal with local wildlife and cultures whilst remaining non-disruptive and respectful to their livelihoods.

Interact with locals as they happily share generational traditions and cook you century-old recipes, and contribute to local people through stays at charitable Brazil hotels. Visit two nature reserves, one near Iguazu Falls and one in the southern Pantanal, and aid the flourishing of local eco-systems as you explore these fascinating areas.

A jaguar sneaks through a thick area of vegetation in the Pantanal.

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