Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, walk along the beach and ease into Rio’s rhythm.
Carnival
Rio Carnival + Iguaçu Falls – 10 days / 9 nights
The Sambadrome and classic Rio are followed by three nights at Iguaçu Falls
10 days / 9 nights Easy to moderate English-speaking local guide on included excursions
This is one of Brazil’s strongest short combinations. Carnival, beaches and viewpoints in Rio are followed by one of South America’s great natural landscapes, experienced from two countries.
Six nights in Rio during Carnival are followed by three nights in Foz do Iguaçu, including both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls and Parque das Aves.
Rio de Janeiro
Highlights
- One of Carnival’s major parade nights at the Sambadrome
- Six nights in Rio de Janeiro
- Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf
- Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls and Parque das Aves
- Full day on the Argentine side with trails around Garganta del Diablo
10 days / 9 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Corcovado and classic Rio views
A guided city day including Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and selected parts of Rio. The exact sequence is adapted to traffic, weather and hotel location.
Day 3
Carnival atmosphere and free time
The day is kept relatively open. Depending on the year’s programme, you can visit a bloco or spend a few hours around Ipanema or Copacabana.
Day 4
Carnival night at the Sambadrome
In the evening, transfer to the Sambadrome for one of Carnival’s major parade nights. Ticket category and exact evening are confirmed in the quotation. Return transfer after the parade.
Day 5
A slower day after the parade
After a late night there is time for a slow morning. Spend the afternoon at the beach, around Lagoa or Urca, or exploring independently.
Day 6
Sugarloaf and Urca
Ride the cable car via Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain. When possible the visit is timed for favourable light and visibility. The rest of the day is free.
Day 7
Fly from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu
Transfer to the airport and take a domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu. On arrival, meet your driver for the transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 8
Brazilian falls and Parque das Aves
Visit the Brazilian national park, where the trail gradually opens panoramic views across the falls before approaching Garganta do Diabo. Continue to nearby Parque das Aves.
Day 9
Argentine side of Iguaçu Falls
A full day across the border in Argentina. Upper and lower trails offer different perspectives, and when conditions allow the programme includes the Garganta del Diablo area. Passport required.
Day 10
Departure or onward travel
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Foz do Iguaçu airport for your onward flight or the next part of your Brazil journey.
Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation and facilities
Selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro
For a first Carnival stay we normally recommend the southern beach districts. Hotel category and exact location are selected according to budget and availability.
Selected hotel in Foz do Iguaçu
The hotel is selected for practical access to the national parks and Foz restaurants. Standard and location are tailored to budget and the wider journey.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
Rio sightseeing and the trails at Iguaçu involve walking, steps and periods in hot, humid weather. The pace can be adapted.
The Sambadrome is a long evening with a late return. The Argentine side of the falls normally involves more walking than the Brazilian side.
Included
- Six nights with breakfast in Rio de Janeiro
- Airport transfers in Rio
- Guided Rio sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- One Sambadrome parade night with ticket category and transfers as specified in the quotation
- Three nights with breakfast in Foz do Iguaçu
- Airport transfers in Foz do Iguaçu
- Guided excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls and Parque das Aves
- Guided full-day excursion to the Argentine side of Iguaçu Falls
- Local assistance before and during the journey
Not included
- International flights and the domestic Rio–Foz do Iguaçu flight unless expressly included in the quotation
- Meals other than those stated in the itinerary
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and upgrades
Good to know
Carnival dates and parade nights change from year to year. The day-by-day order is adapted to the official programme for the booked year.
The Sambadrome ticket category is specified in the personal quotation.
Rio is extremely busy during Carnival, so hotels and the best ticket categories should be booked well in advance.
The Argentina excursion involves an international border crossing. Passports and current entry requirements must be checked before travel.
Water levels, weather and temporary closures can affect which trails are open at the falls.
Rio de Janeiro
What to bring
February and March are hot and humid in both Rio and Foz. Pack light, but bring rain protection and footwear suitable for wet walkways.
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Light rain protection
- Small bag for the Sambadrome and excursions
- Passport for the Argentina excursion
- Personal medication
Rio de Janeiro
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to combine Rio Carnival with Iguaçu Falls?
We tailor the hotels, parade ticket, excursions and Rio–Foz flight to your dates and preferred standard.