An eight-day journey combining three Brazilian destinations linked by domestic flight.
The circuit opens with three nights in Rio de Janeiro, with half-day tours to Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) and central Rio, and to Corcovado, where the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks Guanabara Bay. It continues with two nights at the Iguaçu Falls, visited from the Brazilian and the Argentine sides, with the Garganta del Diablo. It closes with two nights in Búzios, on the tropical coast, with a free day to enjoy its beaches. Accommodation is offered in 3-, 4- and 5-star categories, and the excursions run with an English-speaking guide.
Highlights
Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) and central Rio de Janeiro
Corcovado and the Christ the Redeemer statue
Iguaçu Falls from the Brazilian side
Iguaçu Falls from the Argentine side, with the Garganta del Diablo
Búzios beaches on the tropical coast
Domestic flights between Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguaçu
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Arrival at Rio de Janeiro airport, where a driver meets you and transfers you to the hotel. Rio de Janeiro spreads across green hills, bays and islands, with beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon and their famous black-and-white mosaic promenade. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day2
Day 2: Sugarloaf and central Rio
After breakfast, half-day tour (about 4 hours) to Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar). The first stop is on Morro da Urca, with a wide viewing area and restaurants. From the summit of Pão de Açúcar there are views over Rio, Copacabana beach, the bay, the surrounding mountains, the ocean islands, the bridge to Niterói and the Christ statue on Corcovado. The tour then continues by car through central old Rio, past old churches and monasteries, the city cathedral and colonial-style buildings.
Day3
Day 3: Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer
After breakfast, half-day tour (about 4 hours) to Corcovado. A train climbs through the Tijuca forest, home to monkeys, birds and other animals, to the summit at 700 m, where the 38 m statue of Christ the Redeemer (inaugurated in 1931) stands. From the top there is a broad panorama: the bridge to Niterói, Guanabara Bay, the Botanical Garden, the Maracanã stadium and Sugarloaf.
Day4
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Foz do Iguaçu, where you are met and transferred to the hotel. Then, an excursion to the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls, on the border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. With 275 waterfalls, they lie within a national park of unique flora and fauna; the name, in the Tupi-Guaraní language, means "big water". Walkways lead to the canyon of the Garganta del Diablo, where the water plunges from 72 metres.
Day5
Day 5: Iguaçu Falls — Argentine side
After breakfast, visit to the Argentine side of the falls, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguaçu River. On this side you stand both above and below the falls at once, close to the power of the water, with the natural park around you and the birth of the Garganta del Diablo.
Day6
Day 6: Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro – Búzios
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, a driver awaits you and transfers you to Búzios, on the tropical coast, where your accommodation is located.
Day7
Day 7: Free day in Búzios
Free day to enjoy the tropical coast of Búzios and relax on its many beaches.
Day8
Day 8: Búzios – Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast, transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for your international flight home.
Suggested hotels
B&B Copacabana
Standard
Rio de Janeiro
3-star option in Rio de Janeiro (3 nights).
Vivaz Cataratas
Standard
Foz do Iguaçu
3-star option in Foz do Iguaçu (2 nights).
Pousada João Fernandes
Standard
Búzios
3-star option in Búzios (2 nights).
Arena Leme
Superior
Rio de Janeiro
4-star option in Rio de Janeiro (3 nights).
Vivaz Cataratas Luxe
Superior
Foz do Iguaçu
4-star option in Foz do Iguaçu (2 nights).
PortoBay Búzios
Superior
Búzios
4-star option in Búzios (2 nights).
Miramar Copacabana
Luxury
Rio de Janeiro
5-star option in Rio de Janeiro (3 nights).
DoubleTree by Hilton Foz do Iguaçu
Luxury
Foz do Iguaçu
5-star option in Foz do Iguaçu (2 nights).
Vila da Santa Boutique Spa
Luxury
Búzios
5-star option in Búzios (2 nights).
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Accommodation in the listed hotels or similar (7 nights: 3 in Rio de Janeiro, 2 in Foz do Iguaçu, 2 in Búzios)
Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Included: Transfers with driver
Included: Excursions listed in the programme with an English-speaking guide
Included: Entrance fees
What's not included
Not included: International airfare
Not included: Domestic flights (Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro)
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme, and food and drinks during transfers
Not included: Drinks unless explicitly stated
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included
Optional services
Optional, at extra cost:
Macuco Safari — Ride in an open jeep for about 3 km through the jungle, accompanied by a guide who explains the ecology of the region, followed by a motorboat ride along the Iguaçu River close to the falls. Add-on to the Brazilian-side excursion.
Optional, at extra cost:
Bird Park — Visit to a park where brightly coloured birds fly or walk freely inside large open-air enclosures in the rainforest. Add-on to the Brazilian-side excursion.