Travel Itinerary ideas for Brazil

How to Use These Itineraries

The following itineraries represent some of the most popular and well-regarded routes for exploring Brazil. Consider them as well-tested starting points or as individual “modules” that you can combine and adapt to suit your interests and timeframe. Please be mindful that Brazil is a vast country; travel times, particularly for flights between regions, are significant and should be carefully factored into your planning.

Classic Itineraries by Trip Length

The Brazil Express: Rio & Iguazu Falls (7-9 Days)

Best for: First-time visitors with limited time who want to see two of South America’s biggest icons.

Pacing: Fast-paced.

Suggested Route:

• Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro

  Immerse yourself in the “Cidade Maravilhosa.” Plan visits to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue for panoramic city views and Sugarloaf Mountain for a breathtaking sunset. Spend time on the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. For a deeper cultural understanding, consider a visit to a favela with a reputable, community-focused tour operator.

• Day 5: Fly from Rio (GIG or SDU) to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU).

  Take a morning or early afternoon flight to the city that serves as the gateway to the falls.

• Day 6: Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side

  Dedicate the day to the Brazilian side of the falls, which offers magnificent panoramic vistas of the entire cascade system. The main walkway provides incredible photo opportunities. For an added thrill, the optional Macuco Safari boat trip takes you right up to the base of the thundering waterfalls.

• Day 7: Iguazu Falls – Argentinian Side

  Cross the border into Argentina to experience the falls up close. This side features a series of walking circuits, including the Upper Circuit (views from above), the Lower Circuit (views from the base), and the dramatic Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), where you can stand just meters from the most powerful section of the falls. Remember to bring your passport for the border crossing, and allow for transfer time between countries.

• Day 8: Fly from Foz do Iguaçu to your international departure city.

  Connect through a major hub like São Paulo (GRU) for your journey home.

The Coastal & Cultural Journey: Rio, Ilha Grande & Salvador (10-14 Days)

Best for: Travelers wanting a mix of iconic city sights, stunning beaches, and rich Afro-Brazilian culture.

Pacing: Moderate.

Suggested Route:

• Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro

  Explore the city’s key sights, from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain to its legendary beaches.

• Days 5-7: Ilha Grande

  Travel to this vehicle-free island paradise. The journey involves a bus ride from Rio followed by a short ferry crossing. Once there, spend your days hiking through the Atlantic rainforest to secluded beaches like Lopes Mendes, taking boat trips to explore lagoons and other shores, or simply relaxing in the charming main village of Abraão.

• Day 8: Travel back to Rio and fly to Salvador (SSA).

  This will be a full day of travel, returning to the mainland and catching a flight to the heart of Bahia.

• Days 9-12: Salvador & Bahia

  Discover the vibrant soul of Brazil. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho, Salvador’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Immerse yourself in the profound Afro-Brazilian culture through its music, displays of capoeira, and the spiritual traditions of Candomblé. Be sure to sample the distinctive local cuisine. A day trip to a nearby beach like Praia do Forte, known for its sea turtle conservation project, is highly recommended.

• Day 13: Fly from Salvador to your international departure city.

The Grand Tour: Icons, Amazon & Culture (15-21+ Days)

Best for: Those with more time who want a deep dive into Brazil’s diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Pacing: Comprehensive but requires significant travel.

Suggested Route:

• Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro
• Days 5-6: Iguazu Falls (both sides)
• Day 7: Fly from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Manaus (MAO).

  A long travel day connecting you from the southern waterfalls to the gateway of the Amazon.

• Days 8-11: Amazon Lodge

  Transfer from Manaus to a jungle lodge. Activities typically include guided jungle treks to learn about flora and fauna, canoe trips through flooded forests, piranha fishing, night excursions to spot caiman, and respectful visits to local riverside communities. It is essential to select a reputable lodge that prioritizes sustainability and authentic experiences.

• Day 12: Fly from Manaus (MAO) to Salvador (SSA).

  Another significant travel day, flying from the Amazon to the cultural heart of Bahia.

• Days 13-16: Salvador & Bahia
• Day 17+: Optional Extension

  If your schedule and the season align, consider flying from Salvador to São Luís (SLZ) to visit the otherworldly landscape of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This unique desert of sweeping white sand dunes filled with seasonal rainwater lagoons is best experienced between June and September.

• Final Day: Fly from Salvador or São Luís to your international departure city.

Themed Itinerary Modules (For Customization)

For the Ultimate Wildlife Enthusiast: The Pantanal

What it is: The world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal offers unrivaled wildlife viewing opportunities. It is arguably a better destination than the Amazon for spotting large animals, with a particularly high concentration of jaguars.

How to add it: This module can be substituted for the Amazon portion of a longer trip or added as a dedicated segment. It requires a flight to either Cuiabá (CGB) in the north or Campo Grande (CGR) in the south.

Minimum time needed: 4 days / 3 nights.

Best Season: During the dry season, approximately from May to October, when wildlife congregates around the shrinking water sources.

For the Hiker & Adventure Seeker: Chapada Diamantina National Park

What it is: A stunning national park located in the interior of Bahia state, characterized by its dramatic tabletop mountains (tepuis), vast canyons, hidden waterfalls, and crystalline underground pools.

How to add it: It is best accessed from Salvador, via a comfortable overnight bus or a short flight to the town of Lençóis (LEC), the main base for exploring the park.

Minimum time needed: 4-5 days.

Pairs well with: The “Coastal & Cultural Journey” itinerary, as a natural extension from Salvador.

Key sights include the sunset view from Morro do Pai Inácio, the impressive height of Fumaça Waterfall, and swimming in the surreal blue waters of the Poço Azul and Poço Encantado caves.

For the History Buff: The Colonial Gold Route

What it is: A journey through the historic towns of Minas Gerais state, which formed the heart of Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush. Towns like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes boast exceptionally preserved baroque colonial architecture set against a backdrop of rolling hills.

How to add it: This region is conveniently accessed from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, typically by bus or a flight into the state capital, Belo Horizonte (CNF).

Minimum time needed: 3-4 days.

Pairs well with: The beginning or end of any itinerary starting or finishing in Rio.

The crown jewel is Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its steep cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and rich history.