Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, walk by the beach and ease into the rhythm of the city.
Rio journey
Rio + Iguaçu – 8 days / 7 nights
Four nights in Rio and three beside one of South America’s great waterfalls
8 days / 7 nights Easy to moderate Tailor-made independent journey
Rio and Iguaçu form one of Brazil’s cleanest short combinations. In just over a week you experience one of the world’s most distinctive cities and a natural spectacle that genuinely deserves to be seen from two countries.
Rio de Janeiro’s city life, beaches and viewpoints are combined with three nights in Foz do Iguaçu and the falls from both Brazil and Argentina.
Rio de Janeiro
Highlights
- Four nights in Rio de Janeiro
- Corcovado and Sugarloaf
- Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls
- Parque das Aves
- Full day on the Argentine side of the falls
8 days / 7 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s contrasts
A guided city day includes Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and selected parts of Rio. Depending on traffic and interests, the day may also take in Santa Teresa, the historic centre or other neighbourhoods that complement the mountain views.
Day 3
Sugarloaf, Urca and Guanabara Bay
Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf via Morro da Urca. When weather allows, the visit is timed for the best visibility. The rest of the day is free for the beach, Lagoa or independent exploring.
Day 4
Rio at your own pace
A free day to shape around your interests. Ipanema and Copacabana are close at hand, but the Botanical Garden, museums, the historic centre, football or a food experience can be equally rewarding.
Day 5
Fly from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu
Transfer to the airport and a domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu. On arrival you are met for the transfer to your hotel. The evening is free.
Day 6
Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls and Parque das Aves
The Brazilian national park gives the broad panorama of the falls. The walkway gradually approaches the Devil’s Throat area and combines naturally with Parque das Aves near the park entrance.
Day 7
Argentine side of Iguazú Falls
A full day across the border in Argentina. The upper and lower trails lead further among river channels and falls than on the Brazilian side. When conditions allow, the Devil’s Throat area is also included.
Day 8
Departure or onward travel
Breakfast and transfer to Foz do Iguaçu airport. The journey can end here or continue to the Amazon, the Pantanal or Bahia.
Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation and facilities
Selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro
We normally recommend a well-located hotel in Ipanema, Copacabana or Leblon, depending on budget, party profile and the atmosphere you prefer.
Selected hotel in Foz do Iguaçu
The hotel is chosen for practical access to the national parks and the restaurants of Foz. Standard and location are adapted to the overall journey.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
The programmes include walking, steps and periods in warm weather. The pace can be adjusted and most transport is by car, minibus or boat.
At Iguazú Falls and on Ilha Grande there is more walking on uneven or wet surfaces. Tell us if anyone has limited mobility and we will adapt the itinerary.
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast as described in the itinerary
- Airport transfers in Rio de Janeiro
- Guided Rio sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Local transfers explicitly stated in the itinerary
- Local assistance before and during the journey
- Three nights with breakfast in Foz do Iguaçu
- Airport transfers in Foz do Iguaçu
- Guided excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls and Parque das Aves
- Guided full-day excursion to the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls
Not included
- International and domestic flights unless explicitly 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
The programme is a suggested framework and is adapted to flight times, weather, opening hours and your preferences.
Hotels and pousadas are selected for location, standard and budget and specified in the personal quotation.
Excursions may move between days without changing the main content of the journey.
The Argentine-side excursion involves a border crossing. Passports and current entry requirements must be checked before travel.
Water levels and temporary closures can affect which trails are open at Iguazú Falls.
Rio de Janeiro
What to bring
Rio and the Costa Verde are often warm and humid. Pack light and bring comfortable shoes, sun protection and a lightweight rain layer.
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Lightweight rain layer
- Small daypack
- Swimwear
- Personal medication
Rio de Janeiro
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to combine Rio with more of Brazil?
We tailor hotels, excursions, transfers and the length of the journey to your travel dates and preferred standard.