A journey through magnificent Rio de Janeiro combined with the Iguaçu Falls. You will see green hills, blue sky, rocky mountains and beautiful beaches, and the next day one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.
The programme opens with three nights in Rio de Janeiro, with tours to Sugarloaf by cable car, to the historic centre, and to Corcovado, where the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks Guanabara Bay. It continues with two nights in Foz do Iguaçu, visiting the falls from the Brazilian side — including the Devil's Throat — and from the Argentine side. Accommodation is offered in 4- and 5-star categories.
Highlights
Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car via Urca
Corcovado and the Christ the Redeemer statue by cog train through the Tijuca rainforest
Rio's historic centre with the Candelária church
Iguaçu Falls from the Brazilian side, with the Devil's Throat
Iguaçu Falls from the Argentine side, within its national park
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro, the 'Marvellous City'. Your driver transfers you from the airport to the hotel, passing the colonial-style buildings and the world-famous beachfront. The rest of the day is at leisure to walk the mosaic tiles of Copacabana and enjoy the beach.
Day2
Day 2: Sugarloaf and the historic centre
After breakfast, group tour to Sugarloaf Mountain. A cable car rises to Urca Mountain and then to the summit of Sugarloaf, with views over Copacabana, Red Beach, Guanabara Bay, Niterói, the Botafogo and central districts, and the silhouette of Christ the Redeemer. After descending, the tour continues into the Old Town and Centre, with its colonial architecture and churches such as the Candelária.
Day3
Day 3: Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer
After breakfast, group tour to Corcovado and the Christ the Redeemer statue. A specially designed train climbs through the Tijuca rainforest, where tropical wildlife such as toucans, monkeys and armadillos can be seen, to the summit at 700 m, where the 38 m statue stands above a panoramic view over Guanabara Bay, the Maracanã stadium, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Ipanema and Gávea.
Day4
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu
Transfer to the airport with driver and flight to Foz do Iguaçu. On arrival, excursion to the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls: a walk along the walkways at the edge of the falls offers spectacular views and leads to the Devil's Throat, the largest fall in the park, with a walkway reaching into the heart of the waterfall (entrance ticket included). At the end of the tour, the guide drops you at your hotel.
Day5
Day 5: Foz do Iguaçu — Argentine side
After breakfast, group tour to the Argentine side of the falls. Trails let you look at the falls from below and feel the strength of the water up close, within a 55,500-hectare natural park. Inside the park, a train takes you to the Devil's Throat, the strongest of all the waterfalls (tickets included).
Day6
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Suggested hotels
Arena Leme
Superior
Rio de Janeiro
4-star option in Rio de Janeiro (3 nights).
Vivaz Cataratas
Superior
Foz do Iguaçu
4-star option in Foz do Iguaçu (2 nights).
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Luxury
Copacabana
5-star option in Rio de Janeiro (3 nights).
Rooftop infinity pool (heated in winter)
Panoramic terrace
Rooftop bar
Alloro al Miramar restaurant (Italian cuisine)
Spa
Sauna and steam room
Praia de Copacabana (in front of the hotel)
Forte de Copacabana (~800 m)
Praia de Ipanema (~1.8 km)
Cantagalo Metro Station (a few minutes' walk)
DoubleTree by Hilton Foz do Iguaçu
Luxury
Foz do Iguaçu
5-star option in Foz do Iguaçu (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 (5 nights: 3 in Rio de Janeiro, 2 in Foz do Iguaçu)
Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Included: Excursions described in the programme on a regular (group) basis with an English-speaking guide
Included: Entrance fees for the excursions
Included: All airport–hotel–airport transfers with driver
What's not included
Not included: International and domestic airfare
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Meals and drinks not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included