Round trip Brazil | Discover Rio, Paraty and Iguaçu

Your trip begins in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore the lively neighborhoods of Copacabana and Santa Teresa with a private guide and feel the rhythm of samba in the alley where Bossa Nova originated. Then follow the scenic Costa Verde to colonial Paraty, known for its cobblestone streets and colorful houses. In the Atlantic rainforests around Ubatuba, you'll hike to hidden waterfalls and stay at an eco-retreat in the middle of nature. You finish in style at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel within Iguaçu National Park with exclusive access to the falls outside opening hours. This round trip takes you through a surprisingly authentic Brazil.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid during the entire stay
A visa is not required if staying less than 90 days
When transferring at an airport in the United States, you need to apply for an ESTA. This can be done online via this link.
There are no special vaccinations required for this trip, but some are recommended. When making this trip, we recommend vaccinating against yellow fever. We recommend using mosquito repellents outside major cities from dusk to dawn. You can seek advice from your family doctor or from the Tropical Institute.

DAY 1 : Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Upon arrival at the airport in Rio de Janeiro, you will be welcomed by your private local guide. He will give you helpful tips and insider information to make your stay in the "Cidade Maravilhosa" special. You will stay four nights at the beautiful boutique Hotel Janeiro, located in Leblon, one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods, with beautiful stores, bars and restaurants. After freshening up, it's time to explore Copacabana, as along its famous mosaic boulevard you'll be immediately immersed in the city's bustling rhythm. The guide will take you to the Copacabana Fortress and accompany you to the alley "Beco das Garrafas," where the music style Bossa Nova originated in the late 1950s. This fusion of samba and jazz, with subtle rhythms and subdued vocals, puts you fully in the mood. The name means "new trend" and refers to the renewal of traditional samba.

DAY 2 : Corcovado, Santa Teresa and Sugarloaf Mountain

Today, together with your guide, you will discover the icons of Rio de Janeiro. After a delicious breakfast with a view of the sea, you will depart for the charming Cosme Velho neighborhood. From here, the historic cog railway will take you to the top of Mount Corcovado with its legendary statue of Christ the Redeemer. There you will be treated to breathtaking views of the city and the coastline. After this special experience you will visit the artistic Santa Teresa neighborhood, known for its colonial mansions, its cobblestone streets, its old streetcars and its bohemian atmosphere. Here you can visit a local workshop or a cozy café before you join us for your lunch in a typical restaurant. After noon, take two panoramic cable cars to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, located in the south of the city. The ride offers stunning views of Rio's coastline, the Bay of Guanabara and the surrounding nature. After this exciting day, relax at the hotel or enjoy the evening in the city.

DAY 3: The Botanical Gardens, the Parque Lage and the Carnival

Today you'll discover Rio's natural beauty and vibrant culture on a guided visit to two of the city's most iconic green spaces. You'll start with a walk in the lush Botanical Garden with shady paths surrounded by towering king palms, orchids and exotic plants. Meanwhile, your guide will teach you all about Brazil's rich biodiversity. Next comes the sprawling Parque Lage, a lush urban park at the foot of Corcovado. Wooded walkways take you to a 19th century mansion from where you'll see the statue of Christ appear among the trees. The ideal photo opportunity. After the soothing experience in the greenery, it's time to immerse yourself in one of Brazil's most scintillating cultural traditions, Carnival! You'll learn about the history, the colorful costumes, the music and, above all, the rhythm that brings Rio's world-famous celebration to life. Before you know it, you'll be rocking along to the rhythm of the samba yourself.

DAY 4: Free day in Rio

Today is all yours to explore Rio de Janeiro at your own pace. You can relax on the beaches of Ipanema or Copacabana, with or without a fresh coconut in hand. You can stroll through lively neighborhoods, past local markets and boutiques or delve further into the city's rich culture. Those who wish can opt for an activity such as a cooking workshop, a bike ride along the coast or even a paragliding flight over the city.

DAY 5: From bustling Rio to atmospheric Paraty

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up at the hotel for a private transfer to the charming coastal town of Paraty. The drive takes you along the scenic Costa Verde, a lush stretch of Atlantic rainforest where mountains meet the sea. You'll pass tropical beaches, small fishing villages and idyllic islands. Lean back, relax and enjoy the view. In Paraty you will stay 3 nights at the charming Pousada Literária, a cozy oasis in a colonial house in the city's historic center. Here you will have some time to unwind. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a private walking tour of the beautifully preserved colonial center. Here you walk through cobblestone streets, past whitewashed houses with colorful doors and hear all about Paraty's rich history as a port city during the Brazilian gold rush.

DAY 6: Hike the Gold Route

Today you will trek to the lush Atlantic rainforests, just outside Paraty, to explore a scenic section of the historic Gold Route (Caminho do Ouro). This route was used to transport gold from inland mines to the coast. Your private guide, who specializes in ecology and history, will walk with you along the original cobblestone path built by slaves. You'll learn about the region's rich cultural heritage, native plants, local animals and discover hidden waterfalls. In good weather, you can take a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools along the trail. After the hike, a well-deserved lunch awaits you at the charming "Bananal Farm. Here sustainability and tradition come together, not only in the environment, but also in the dishes. The rest of the afternoon you are free to relax or further explore Paraty.

DAY 7: By boat to Saco do Mamanguá

This morning you will take a private boat ride to Saco do Mamanguá, one of Brazil's most beautiful and remote tropical fjords. From Paraty, you will sail on emerald waters surrounded by lush green hills. You will pass hidden beaches, mangroves and small fishing communities. The guide shares interesting information about the ecology and culture of the region while you enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Those who wish can swim, snorkel or just relax on the boat. Depending on the route and your preference, you can visit a traditional caiçara hut or hike to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the fjord. In the afternoon, you will return to Paraty.

DAY 8: From Paraty to Ubatuba

After breakfast, you will be picked up in Paraty for a private transfer to Ubatuba, a coastal town known for its lush rainforest, its waterfalls and its pristine beaches. The drive takes 50 minutes and takes you along a beautiful road on the edge of the Atlantic rainforest. The destination is the small-scale Hotel Banana Bamboo, an eco-retreat tucked away in nature, where sustainability and tranquility go hand in hand. You'll stay here for 2 nights and have plenty of time to enjoy a forest walk, a dip in the natural pool or a yoga session.

DAY 9: Hike to the Tombador Waterfall

Today a private guide will take you for a hike to Tombador Waterfall, a hidden gem hidden in the lush Atlantic rainforest. During this excursion you will pass forest trails with native plants, colorful birds and monkeys. The guide will tell you all about the biodiversity of the forest as you hike gradually to the beautiful Tombador Waterfall. Here crystal clear water flows down over rock formations into a refreshing natural pool. Here you can take time to rest, take beautiful photos and take a refreshing dip, surrounded only by the sounds of nature. After experiencing the wild beauty of the area, return to the lodge rested.

DAY 10: Flight to Foz do Iguaçu

After breakfast, a private driver will pick you up at Hotel Banana Bamboo for a transfer to São Paulo airport. During this drive you will pass beautiful coastlines and forested mountains. In São Paulo, you will take the flight to Foz do Iguaçu. The Iguaçu Falls are one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. They are located in the Iguaçu National Park. The 275 waterfalls cover an area of nearly 3 kilometers and are located partly in Brazil and partly in Argentina. Nowhere can they be better admired than from the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, located in the park itself. You will stay 3 nights at this exclusive resort with elegant rooms, a beautiful garden and a large outdoor swimming pool. As a hotel guest, you have exclusive access to the hiking trails before and after public opening hours. You can take a leisurely walk early in the morning or in the evening to enjoy the panoramic views of the falls. Or you can go to the viewpoint over the Devil's Throat, the most spectacular waterfall that looks like a giant mouth gulping down water. It is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

DAY 11: The Argentine Side of the Iguaçu Falls

Today you will cross the border to explore the Argentine side of the Iguaçu Falls. Together with your guide, you'll hike through the lush subtropical forest via a network of trails and metal walkways to get close to the falls. You will have the chance to explore the three main routes: the upper circuit with panoramic views from above, the lower circuit with frontal views and the Devil's Throat, where you will get closer via a long bridge over the river. You will spend most of the day in the national park with plenty of time to take in the scenery, rest at the viewpoints and spot wildlife such as coatis, toucans and colorful butterflies. The guide will share ecological and geological info with you while you admire everything. After the visit, you will return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

DAY 12: The Brazilian Side of the Iguaçu Falls

Today you will immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the falls on the Brazilian side. Your private guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on an unforgettable journey through Iguaçu National Park. As you explore the well-maintained hiking trails, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the massive waterfall system. The highlight of the tour is the famous Devil's Throat, where the water plunges into a huge gorge, creating a unique spectacle. You will also have the chance to explore various viewpoints that offer spectacular vistas. During the tour, the guide will teach you all about the local fauna and flora as well as the history of the falls. After the tour, you have the rest of the day to continue exploring at your own pace or relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature in which you are immersed.

DAY 13: Departure

After an unforgettable journey, it's time to say goodbye to Brazil. Your private driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your return flight.